My mouth is starting to hurt quite a bit now, but it’s not stopping me from eating. In terms of treatment for it, I’m up to the “magic mouthwash,” which is basically a numbing rinse. It helps to relieve the pain. They also started me on a non-narcotic pain killer so that I hopefully can avoid getting completely loopy over the next few days. As for my heart, my echo-cardiogram results came back showing my heart functioning the same as it had been a month ago, which is good. They suspect that my higher heart rate may be due to some dehydration, the physical changes my body is going through, adrenalin and anxiety. So they started me on IV fluids and at last check, my heart rate has already started to come down.

I’m definitely having issues with adrenalin and anxiety. I feel like I have a ton of energy to burn off and no way to do it. And there are times when every little ache, pain and itch makes me anxious. That said, throughout this whole experience, I have learned that there are ways for me to manage the anxiety and that it’s also okay to admit I can’t always control it and I need a pill once in a while.

Before I go, I want to thank Michael for stopping by today. He’s another huge inspiration of mine as he is a 3-year AML survivor and is doing amazingly well. Oh, and I couldn’t be happier to hear about all of you who are checking out the Happiness Project. How great would it be if we were all a little happier next year?!?!