Tuesday, October 13, 2026

I finally heard from the doctor

Yep, heard from him this morning, and it's scary.  The MRI showed lesions on my spinal cord, so now I have to have a lumbar puncture done.  The doctor suspects multiple sclerosis, which Mama and I were both kinda suspecting as well.  It goes without saying that I am terrified, both of the puncture and of a future being disabled.  My gynecologist wanted me to go on disability, and that might mean quitting work.  I DO NOT WANT TO QUIT!!!  And if it's MS then that means my mobility isn't going to get better.  Remember that my gynecologist won't do my hysterectomy until my mobility gets better.  So right now I'm screwed in that respect.  Sigh...it's a lot to take in right now.

Life COULD be worse, though.  My Mama's ex-student is still paralyzed from the neck down, and he's having horrendous spasms.  My friend from the library still has bone cancer.  It's stable and she's doing well right now, but I don't think it's curable.  So I could be them and I'm not, and I'm grateful for that.  Oh, and meet Jethro.  Cat #7, named after Jethro Tull.
Jethro came traipsing up to us in the library parking lot on October 5th.  The little snot jumped into the car with us, and he's been terrorizing our house ever since.  Seriously, he's a little hellion.  He thinks EVERYTHING is a toy, even the flyswatter.  He gets along relatively well with Tommy, Chessie, and Adric, while Callie, Lily, and Bobbie hate his guts.  Bobbie REALLY hates Jethro, which is out of character for her.

Then the next day was Mama's and my birthday.  We had a chocolate cake and I got some books and a Frogg Toggs poncho (I'd been wanting one).  I also received this doll, representing Thailand's Akha people.  She's a beauty!
Since I'm here now, I may as well update dolly news.  Treesa sent me a couple'a boxes for birthday/Halloween.  The smaller box contained this little cutie, a mini Kooky Spooky Kitty, from Build-a-Bear's Li'l Furry Friends line.
There were Cabbage Patch Kids bloomers, always welcome. 
There was a tiny baby, and I mean TINY!  He will likely live in my dollhouse, when and if I get that done.
The last item in that box was a Real Littles box...
...and what was in it?  Oh sweet Lord, a frozen strawberry rhubarb streusel pie!  I haven't had strawberry rhubarb pie since I was a little kid!
Here's the Shopkin that was hiding inside.  I'm so glad Shopkins aren't 100% gone, 'cause I thought the little goomers were cute!  This is Stella Streusel Pie, by the way, from the frozen pies category. 
Very nice!  I've learned from a very reputable source that these little minis can also fill out a dollhouse nicely, so Stella is appreciated.  

The other box contained another friend for the dollhouse, a little clothespin doll.  Again, I haven't seen one of these since heck was a pup.
This large rag doll is about the size of a Cabbage Patch Kid and will need a dress.  Her tag says "Friends 2B Made," and Treesa says that Build-a-Bear once offered these.  She's cute!  And freckles, baby!  Treesa named her "Cassie/Cass," and I'll stick with that.  I'll pretend that she's a singer, like Cass Elliot.
Cass would've been the star of the show, were it not for this young lady, an example of whom I was considering buying and now don't need to.
Bead Blast Barbie!  The brunette, no less!  Treesa even sent her tools and instructions!  LOL, somehow I knew this box would have a Barbie in it, and Treesa jovially warned me that receiving this particular doll was my own fault.  Oh well, these are consequences that I'll happily live with.  Seriously, I was browsing eBay for this doll, waiting for pay day.  Anywho, Bead Blast will love being reunited with that blonde ponytail Barbie.  Ponytail Barbie sends her love, Treesa, as do I.  Thank you for another lovely gift!

Last but not least, here's a few owner pics of Illusion Barbie, like I promised.  Mama loves the snot out of her...and admittedly, so do I.
Here's a closeup of her pretty face.  She's got the Mackie sculpt, as I've pointed out multiple times. 
Here's the shoes.  They're plain black pumps in the mold that all Barbie shoes once came in, just like Barb said they'd be.
Oh well, her skirt will hide 'em.  LOL, if I were the one in that ballgown, I'd be hiding combat boots and fishnet stockings!  I grew out of a desire for high heels around the age of 22, when I had to walk everywhere at college.  Okay, I didn't have to.  I chose to.  I loved to walk.

Sigh...will I ever walk unassisted again?  Deep breath, Moon...focus on the positives.  Focus on Jesus, on Mama, on the phone call my sister says she's gonna give, on Jethro, on the new dolls.  It's gonna be okay.  It's gonna be okay.

All of my love,
RagingMoon1987 

10 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry that you've had bad medical news. My sister-in-law was the same way about not wanting to quit her job, but she is just about retirement age, so the family I think has finally managed to convince her to stay home. In addition to your family, remember that you've got a lot of friends here on the other side of the screen. Obviously Treesa and Tam, Xanadu, and me, and I'm sure others that I can't think of and don't know.

    Looks like the cat distribution system decided that Jethro was meant for you, and he's cute. I hope peace will reign among your feline residents soon. I also hope that you and your mother had a lovely birthday. Chocolate cake is definitely one way to make a day great.

    Illusion Barbie is indeed a great doll. I'm glad to see that she looks as good in "the vinyl."

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    1. Oh yes, I have a large number of online friends who are offering support. Only one doctor is pushing me to go on disability, so I reckon I can hold it out a bit longer. Really, it's the lumbar puncture that I'm terrified of. Mama said when she had hers she saw colors she couldn't name.

      I figure that the only thing that'll chill Jethro out is a neutering, but at least he's here, off the street and away from people who do bad things to cats during Halloween.

      Yes, Illusion Barbie did not disappoint! Now to find a nice place to display her.

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  2. Not the best news to get before your birthday, I'm so sorry things turned out not so good RM, but most people with multiple sclerosis can expect to live a normal or near-normal lifespan. So it's not the worst outcome, just stay positive and face it head on, were all behind you kiddo.

    Jethro makes a nice birthday present (he's a very handsome chappie) and so do all the other items you received from your pal Treesa. I expect that chocolate cake is all gone now, I know it wouldn't have lasted long in our house. All in all, I hope you and Mama had a wonderful birthday and wish you many more.
    Big hugs,
    X

    P.S. Thanks also for the close up of the Mackie sculpt, I hadn't seen one that clear before, so now I know what all the fuss is about.

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    1. Treesa sent me another Mackie head doll. I can do closeups of her if you like. She's a play doll but she's very pretty just the same.

      I read last night that MS damage can heal some, so all is not lost. As I said above, the lumbar puncture is what I'm dreading. I'm TERRIFIED!!! I don't like pain!

      Thank you for the birthday wishes! The cake definitely did not last long, but it was worth it. Jethro keeps us all on our toes, but it's impossible not to love him.

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  3. Multiple sclerosis, lumbar puncture, a postponed hysterectomy, at least I unknowingly had the psychic foresight to send you someone soft and cuddly for your birthday. It sounds like you could really use some dolly or plushie or kitty cat cuddle time, so don't be embarrassed to take it. I'll have to send you a get-well card now, or a 'thinking of you' card. I've had people tell me that getting a card from me lifts their spirits.
    Signed, Treesa

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    1. Oh, I have no shame! I'm considering taking Cass or someone with me when I get the puncture done. I'm that big of a woman-child, LOL.

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  4. I'm so sorry the diagnosis wasn't better, but Xanadu is right. Follow you doctor's instructions and do the best you can, and keep us updated if you are able.
    Illusion barbie is stunning, I really like her face. Do you keep your dolls with their default clothes or do you like to change it up? Because you can always change the shoes for something you like better.
    How fun to receive a package full of goodies!
    Jehtro is my favorite part of the whole post and I hope Bobbie warms up to him.

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    1. Oh yes, I'll update! This medical crap is scary and frustrating, but it's also interesting.

      I like to redress my dolls, but in Illusion's case I think I'll leave her in her default garb. A dress that elaborate rarely looks as good once it's been removed and put back on.

      Yeah, I've received lots of nice things from my friends. I need to get off my posterior and send them some stuff.

      I hope Bobbie will warm up to Jethro too. Maybe if he pipes down a little she will. Being a kitten, Jethro is pretty hyper, and he doesn't get that not everyone wants to play with him.

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  5. See, the Distribution System knew you needed a new friend. It always knows. And Jethro is one of my favorite names!

    I don't permanently need it yet, but I have a lovely cane with a brass octopus on the head that I got back when Walmart busted my left knee. It's come out a couple of times to prop me up since when I've had migraines and such. Mom always said she wanted a sword cane - spoken in tones like the ones that sent Dad on a multi-year quest to hunt down an antique sewing machine for her. We all knew better; she'd have used it to make threats in a heartbeat.

    I suppose "if I have to have it, I'll get a memorable one, damn it" runs in the family =p

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  6. Well I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best. Are you sure retirement would be that bad? You would have an easier time, and plenty of time for your hobbies. You could always volunteer at the library, or somewhere else you find interesting. Maybe a shelter or animal rescue, where you could spend time cuddling cute and lonely cats and dogs. There's a lot to be said for taking it easy when you need to, something I need to learn myself. Good luck, and belated happy birthday.

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