Update and Looking ahead for 2021!

Health Update

While I hate looking backward, I know part of this is about updating on what's going on with my health. I am feeling well today and feeling positive about being down to one week of chemo per month - which ends up being the last week of the month - so, just finished it and and feeling pretty good overall, besides some additional fatigue. I handled my first round well, so they upped my dosage this time. Let's kill this thing!

I also recently started seeing a new neurologist who added a new anti seizure medication - the first one didn't work well (in fact, had a couple of minor seizures on Christmas Day, which was not ideal), but the new one seems to be working, though I don't want to jinx it! I keep telling Brad that these seizure meds are going to seriously affect my ability to survive if I'm stranded on a deserted island.

Next brain scan: Jan 18th

Next chemo week: Jan 24-29

Managing my cognitive energy and morning routine

- thanks to Holly Whitaker of "Quit Like a Woman"

Trying to dial in my morning routine to stay off of my phone and keep my mind free and get focused for the day, which includes:

Get up at the same time each day - 6am

Warm Lemon water

Peloton ride or other workout

Meditate

Read

My plan to manage my cognitive energy throughout the day:

Work in blocks of time

Rest, when needed

Drink plenty of water

Hold boundaries - mostly, be careful what I say yes to

Not too much caffeine

Phone on do not disturb so I'm not constantly distracted.

Stop and breathe or meditate every hour

Our Birthdays

So, Brad and my birthday's are 5 days (and 5 years) apart. His is January 25th and mine on the 29th. Typically, we throw a joint party for our friends - one year at a favorite wing place, one year a bowling party. Last year, we had just moved here and went down to Kiawah Island instead. Don't worry - we aren't going to invite you to one more zoom birthday party. We know that everyone is over them.

Hopefully, we'll resume our tradition next year!

My (Evolving) Personal Mission Statement - rather than a resolution

I'm Katie McMurray and I will strive to stay rooted in my strengths while investing in the talent and growth of those around me. I appreciate this one body that I have been given, and will make time to workout and fuel it with foods that reduce inflammation and promote health and longevity. I will do my best to promote kindness and joy. I plan to strive to stay as present/mindful as possible.

Talking to yourself like a friend

Something I'm trying to work on this year is speaking to myself like I would a friend. Especially, as Im easing back into working - trying to give myself some grace and understanding with my healing brain.

Other News

Brad's dissertation defense is set for April 29th at 10am!

I paid off my student loans this week!

I finished undergrad in 2004, as a first generation college student. Thanks to saved tips from Bob Evans, Damons, Texas Roadhouse, and Cranberry's; scholarships from ONU and the Miss Ohio America Program and my parents filling in some gaps, I was able to complete my degree at a private institution with only federal loans.

I was really lucky to work for Michigan State during my master's program. At that time, they covered 100% of continuing education for employees. So, no debt for the MA :) Huge win!

2 new products that I hope to soon put away for a few decades

Recently, we bought a large pill minder and shower stool - in case I had a seizure in the shower, less distance to fall.

What is different about us since June/July?

This morning,Brad asked me what I thought was different about me since June. We chatted about it and I think a little more about what will be important to me on my deathbed (not that I think that is near) but to put priorities in order. I want to be conscious of what I focus my energy toward. We each have a finite amount of time and energy in this life. While it's impactful to say that we want to live each day to the fullest but the execution of that is a bit more challenging.