What a Difference a Year Makes

Looking back to early October last year, I was blissfully unaware of what was causing the pain and swelling that migrated around my body. It began the day we left on a 7 week overseas trip (anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere being a long, long way from home). The only thing we could put it down to was that I'd had one of the very first Swine Flu Inoculations five days before and maybe, it was a reaction to that. No way was I going to consider flying back home before our holiday had even started. It slowed me down a bit and there were some days I had to reneg, particularly on our Turkey tour but, all in all, I managed most things, including escaping from a hospital in Italy when I was put into an Isolation room (all the nurse heard was "Swine Flu") and not allowed out and no doctor had come after two hours. Another day, again in Italy, we walked 6km along a hairy mountain road in the rain as night was falling because a rock fall had completely blocked the road. 
Just a month after arriving home, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and, as many of you know, a CT scan for this picked up a tumour on my right kidney which is still being checked every few months. So, 2010 hasn't been the year we were expecting it to be at all. We've spent more time in doctors' rooms than in the last ten years together. It's difficult to plan ahead because my RA is not under control yet, despite the toxic drugs I take. 
However, I am blessed to have doctors who really care, the support of my family and friends and last, but certainly, not least my "DS Family." Finding people who are walking the same path with so much courage and strength has helped so much. I thank every one of you so much.
Let's all hope that 2011 will be a better year for everyone here.