I will continue to write in this web journal because although my official treatment is complete, there is still so much to write about — like the pile of medication that sits in my kitchen cabinet and stares back at me each time I open the cabinet door to get a sippy cup or a drinking glass. It all sits in a green plastic bin, with the exception of two medications I am currently taking. They sit on the counter as a reminder that I must take them each day. Sometimes I still forget to take them on time. Sometimes I wake in the night and realize I have forgotten to take something. So I jump up and swallow what is necessary to keep me healthy.
I have been to the Walgreen’s pharmacy drive-thru countless times in the past six months. I always wonder if the pharmacists and technicians have put together the pieces of my puzzle and have determined what my condition is. Zofran and Emend and Phenergan for nausea. Neulasta for blood counts. Antibiotics for infection. Ativan and Xanax for anxiety. Steroids for allergic reactions. Mouthwash for mouth sores. Zoloft for depression. It’s startling for me to look at my collection of medication. Fortunately, much of the medication has never been touched. Some bottles are missing just a few pills. And although some prescriptions have been used and refilled, these are in the minority. There have been times when I have felt heavily medicated and have struggled to function normally. But mostly, I have survived without drugs. And I know there are other people struggling with illness and disease who open their kitchen cabinets and see a whole lot more staring back at them. I am lucky.
Jacki Donaldson
Jacki showed me that picture of all her medications before she posted it. It’s startling ! Still, in her own special way, she also has an amusing photo of Joey sprawled out among the bottles. It looks as if he’s either overdosed, or is expressing his exhaustion with the whole ordeal … when it’s his Mommy who endured it. Jacki looks wonderful. I was so glad to see her. Her poor skin is raw, but she soldiers on. She always will. Bravo, Jacki .. you made it through !
Love, Jane
You might need to moniter your garbage collectors on the day you finally throw all those pill bottles away!!!!
Jacki, I want to see the other picture! That would be so funny
Yet, at the end you think of others in your enduring selfless way. What a beautiful spirit you are.