Q1 2007 at a glance

What a happy existance:

The pain no longer exists in my right foot from the Around the Bay race. I have not run since I promised myself I would treat this as a recovery week to allow my foot to heal.

My career is skyrocketing. I have recently been delegated the lead on two major strategic programs (paediatric and cardiac surgery), and the sole expert on cardiology within my organization. Surgical quality and hospital /LHIN allocations are also part of my portfolio. As a former paediatric cardiac nurse practicing in one of Ontario's five busy academic hospitals specializing in this population, I have the clinical expertise and front-line experience to ensure patients are kept at the forefront of policy decisions. Given all the work to be done, I am spending this long Easter weekend working at home--so much data analysis needs to get done before I head to the spa overnight on Sunday for a little "me" time.

I am getting used to my Enbrel routine. I am not sure if it's having a therapeutic effect as of yet (it took 3 months of injections before taking effect the last time I was prescribed the drug). I have not had any night sweats since starting the medication; however, I still have stiffness and pain in my lower back. My fatigue has subsided which is fabulous. I did experience one new side effect during the early stages of resuming Enbrel: a bilateral rash on the top of my hands that did not disappear for two weeks. That side effect--which I read was experienced by some clinical trial patients--has resolved. I try to inject my stomach the most as it is the least painful location, and my thighs the least as this is the most painful location. Last Wednesday, I had to inject my left thigh (must rotate sites): it was incredibly painful inserting and withdrawing the needle. The lump on my thigh was the size of a plum, and it was red, itchy, and hot to touch. Mind you, compared to the side effects of other medications taken by people with more critical diseases or illnesses, this is bearable.

On a sad note, my grandmother has been admitted to the same hospital in which my grandfather recently died. She has bacterial pneumonia. She also required several pints of blood over several days. I spoke to her in the nursing home and she sounded very tired. Her private nurses are by her side 24 hours a day, along with support from the hospital staff. I hope she is able to return to health soon.

Tomorrow is another race. I can't say I am feeling very prepared for it, given my week off from running. My nutrition has been out of whack for one month now: too many damn JellyBelly jellybeans and nightly outings to restaurants. I've been too indulgent, and it's been sooooo tasty.

Ah well. I am trying not to be too rigid this year with my training, while still being disciplined to follow my training plan. It's all about balance for me this year. I would like to have more fun with friends this year, something I have put aside for years while I focus on training. My friends have been incredibly patient with me...most are convinced I have fallen off the planet (Carlos...Denise...Sam...Jason B...Deanah...Rene...Ainka...Rox...Jason E...Adedoyin: you guys have been tolerant and understanding).

I now have a new training parter who will be following the same training plan as myself with regards to running, nutrition, and weight training. Given that we also both mountain bike and scuba dive, I suspect that my life will be more balanced with social activities than previously. Camping excursions with my dog and a scuba trip to Mexico have already been booked for this year. I am eagerly anticipating the fun.