Christmas and The Winter Flus

Our Family really loves Christmas, so it is always wonderful to gather in Virginia and see the sibs and nibs, Dad and Ann, and family who isn't related by blood or law. This year, we kicked off the holiday break with a little fête for the colleagues. Chris made a blueberry syrup which was featured in The Elsa-- a gimlet hit. There was also a Nakatomi Plaza and McCallister's House featured. I can't tell you what was in them, but I am super proud of their names. 

The next day, I thought(hoped?) Chris had a hangover, but it turns our he was actually sick... pretty sure it was the flu, but he thought it was just a cold. I was worried when he said he thought he had a fever that broke in the night and was good to go to VA. I asked that we both wear masks in the car and he spend the night in a hotel for the first night to make sure he has 24hr fever free before spending time with the fam. 

At Kelly's we let the kiddos open one present a day, which worked out really well so that they could enjoy some gifts without Christmas morning chaos and overwhelm. We think we may continue this plan in the future-- it makes them happy, and they still have plenty from Santa. 

Christmas Day was a bit challenging because Robin had been up all night with a fever and the BeLanie fam decided to head out right after Santa presents. Robin ended up with a high fever that was not changed with tylenol or motrin. Over the next week she was in urgent care, ERs, and had so much blood drawn LabCorps refused to take more. Poor Robbi!

I ended up feeling really yuck the evening of the 26th, and really terrible on the 27th on the drive home. I also ended up at Urgent care and the ER. Urgent Care flu swab was negative, but they gave me tamiflu just in case. One of Robin's providers decided she had Legionnaire's disease-- which is a WILD diagnosis--this sent me to the ER to test for it. Note: they did NOT test Robin, they just made a ridiculous guess. Fun fact, Legionnaire's is contracted from a watersource like a hottub; it is not contagious. 

I was sick with the flu for a very long time. I did not step outside unless it was to go to the doctor for over 10 days. I continued to wear a mask for a full three weeks. On the fourth week, I began to feel a bit better-- but was still not great. 

I finally was feeling better in time for my adventures with Kelly in NY! First I joined her for the annual NYC girls trip with Alison. We went to a boutique spa, got very fancy drinks, ate a lovely dinner, and had a great time! Then, a mere three days later, Kelly braved the snow and drove up to join me at my conference at Mohonk Mountain House. She went to yoga while I went to talks, and we both enjoyed some time at the spa, delicious food, and the chill mountain house vibes. 

Today, I am back in the city again, but for my monthly jaunt to NYP-Columbia. I just met with Dr. Stein and there is not much to mention. I am getting a stronger med for my upset tummy days, which can also be taken prophylactically for days when I really don't want to be chained to the toilet. We also had a lovely chat about medical avice via social media-- which, as it turns out, is not always garbage (assuming you are following actual doctors). My scans are ok, which is good because I've been getting MANY of them lately due to ambiguous findings on other scans. We are very cautious-- which is good :)

The 14th floor Chemo waiting room is particularly crazy-making today. Everyone seems to be listening to their phones on full volume while the nursing team shout names I can barely hear over the ringtones and reels. Folks are frustrated and grumpy-- the lady next to me is fighting with her doctor's office on the phone because she is mad at they system. I do wish that there was a way to add some level of zen here. 

I am looking forward to Robin's second birthday and spring break in March. Spring break will involve spending a few days in Cali with Elizabeth and Steph to celebrate our 40ths. I will certainly celebrate in May as well with a special visit from AJ and UT. Kelly is already working on the theme and branding for my VA party. There is a lot to look forward to!

XO 

A