I WANT TO FORGET

So there is no surprise that I want to forget that I am sick/ill/diseased, whatever you want to call it, but sometimes my health condition will not allow me to. I take my pills every morning and hope for the best. I hope that I will remain feeling good and that I can and therefore, will continue on my travels.

When I was in Antigua Guatemala, I had stomach cramps that felt like I was having a baby. It kept me up all night and I was ready to go to the hospital it hurt so bad. In the morning my primary doctor at home prescribed me an anti cramping medication and in 2-3 days it went away. I got it again in Mexico and after 5 days the pain has barely gotten better. At the same time my right arm swelled. The same arm that the cancer that was supposed to have been removed had spread from my breast (phantom breast, it was removed 18 years ago) to my lungs. Also, the swelling is in the same arm that two years ago swelled for a almost a month. Thereafter, I found a lump under my arm.

Of course I call my oncologist right away and explained the situation. He told me to take the antibiotics that I brought with me on my travels in order to take down the swelling and to kill any infection that may exist. I travel with all sorts of medications in order to have the drugs that I would need in such occasions. I have a suitcase full of drugs.

HEALTH NOTE. I would firmly suggest that if you go on such an adventure as mine or any long trip, one must be ready for any medical emergency. Go to your doctor and get all the prescriptions the doctor thinks you will need. I went to my primary doctor, my oncologist and a travel doctor. The travel doctor gave me all the shots needed for the various countries I am going to and pills for malaria pills, altitude sickness pills and so many others. If nothing else, I am ready. Hopefully not needed.

But now my stomach which has already been cramping and hurting, is hurting even more due to the antibiotics. A no win situation, but one I will pull through.

As I have said, Mexico City is a great place to experience, even to consider to make it one’s residence. But it is a place with issues. I think the following factors: the food and spices, (which are delicious by the way), the water, the extreme amount of air pollution plus the City’s high altitude are contributing to my health issues. Because of this, I am glad that I am leaving at the end of this week.

Life is not only surviving!