Tradition is important. At this time of year, it’s more about Holiday traditions but I wanted to share some of ours.

First- anxiety puking. It’s my FAVORITE! Truth is, I used to do it all the time when I had something big in front of me that was intimidating or unknown. A few weeks before I went into the hospital for hypoxia, my therapist prescribed me an anxiety pill and the results were noticeable! I credited this with part of my positive outlook during my hospital stay- my meds were right so I was in a good head space and able to tackle everything as it came without getting overwhelmed.

In wonderful news, my resilience has continued with one new snafu. On days of important tests or doctor appointments, I definitely have anxiety in the mornings and I need my ceremonial barf so I can start fresh and go about my day. In good news, it’s only happened 3 times in 3 months, so I am happy with this progress.

Lunch! It is admittedly in my genes, but I am actually quite food motivated. In a normal week I eat 98% of my meals at home. The lengthy drive and morning discomfort is rewarded with lunch! Because we now live in Jersey, there is no shortage of diners near the health campuses so we’ve been lucky to try a delicious array so far. Open faced turkey? Mashed potatoes? Sausage gravy? Hello diner delicacies.

Milkshake! What is a diner lunch without a milkshake?! So far, I’ve gotten strawberry every time, which isn’t something I’d usually seek out, so now I’m coming to associate strawberry milkshakes with surviving another probing or scanning. It is definitely a celebratory beverage. I’m not sure this tradition can continue in the new year as we focus on reducing inflammation and improved food choices, but I choose to enjoy it while I can.

Crashing. Since all of my dynamite doctors are part of the Cooper University health system headquartered in Camden, and I live “down the shore” in South Jersey, it’s a lengthy commute and a long day for all of these appointments. Sometimes it’s a quick 20 minute test other times, it’s a 2 hour consult. One thing for sure is that til we get back home, I collapse in my pj’s and focus on rest and recuperation. Rest is my friend.

Thank you for being my friend. Have a magical holiday season. I hope your traditions bring you joy ⭐