Looking Up

Today I exercised. That is not new; however, I haven’t gone to a class or exercised by myself since early December, prior to getting covid, and then pneumonia. I had been feeling fatigued and not up to par since then. It felt good today to move muscles that I hadn’t used in a while.

I went to a class for senior ladies at the clubhouse in our subdivision. I’ve gotten to know most of these ladies in the two years that I’ve been here. Last summer many of us took water aerobics at our subdivision pool. I’ve also joined many of them at the monthly condo ladies luncheons at various restaurants in the area.

The reason I was finally able to exercise and be with these ladies again is because last week I received injections of antibodies, especially against covid. Since the Omicron variant has been active, I have had to stay away from groups of people because my immune system is not working well. The medicine I take for my leukemia kills not only the bad white cells in my blood, but also good ones. I was thrilled when the FDA in December issued an Emergency Usage Authorization (EUA) for monoclonal antibodies to be given to people with immune deficiencies. It lasts for six months and I’ve already got my appointment for my next series of shots!

Things are looking up. I am feeling better and we’re even starting to talk about traveling again! Maybe even to Paris! It’s the one place that I really want to visit while I still can. I am glad that covid seems to be slowing down. I hope it continues in that downward direction. My goals now include not only staying safe, but stretching my abilities while I still can, getting my body back in shape and being the best person I can for the years I have left.

Sharon Cardwell

2-15-2022

Photo by cyril mazarin on Unsplash