60. Progress report

 

So, I've been in Germany over a month now - it's been filled with ups and downs like anything else in life.  I've caught everything the girls have brought home from school and been quarantined by the Garrison twice.  But I haven't caught COVID and I'm continuing to grow my hair back and feel more "normal" every day.

Today I got a call from the doctor in Stuttgart letting me know that the results of my bloodwork were not good.  Although a year without fried food did GREAT THINGS for my cholesterol, and I wasn't at risk for Diabetes at present - I have developed Neutropenia.  This is not uncommon after chemotherapy - basically your body doesn't regenerate white blood cells the way it should - so you're susceptible to anything and everything, which then becomes a potentially life threatening issue.  "Any fever should take you straight to the emergency room, and you need to tell them you have neutropenia - although their blood work will show that."  She also warned me that COVID would almost certainly NOT turn out well for me.

Take this news on the day that thousands of Germans are standing before the Brandenburg Gate without masks protesting that their rights are being violated by trying to force mask requirements and social distancing.  It's a TERRIFYING place to be.  Although I'm extremely good about wearing my mask and avoiding others, it's alarming to see how many people simply refuse as a matter of "right" without thinking about how it potentially affects others.

Now I say this with caution - because I DO believe that my safety is firstly MY responsibility, and I don't go places where there are hoards of people - especially people without masks.  But still - when did being a decent human being become a violation of someone's rights?  I'm really struggling with that.  

I'm being asked to share an office with another person - someone who doesn't believe that he should be required to wear a mask - EVER.  And it scares me more than a little.  I want to respect his beliefs, and support him - but I DON'T want to share an office with him if it puts my life at risk.  

So many thoughts - so much emotion right now.  It's going to be a battle to stay healthy for the next year - and to make sure I'm eating cleanly and staying as healthy as I can.  I'm doing that.  Because there's SO, SO much to look forward to in this life.  So many friends I want to hug - so many babies I want to kiss - so many places I want to see.......