That isn’t a quiz score, thank goodness. But it is the result of my latest vision test, thanks to a recurrence of the ocular side effects of my targeted therapy treatment (which lasted from 2015-2020 but which has apparently fucked up my retinas for, like, ever). Curious what 20/80 looks like? Here’s a simulation:

I saw my retina specialist last on January 5. My vision was 20/25 then, and everything was quiet and he told me I could come back next year.

My vision has been blurry for a while. I’m an unreliable narrator because I went and complicated matters by resuming contact lens wearing. That was fun while it lasted, but I definitely won’t be wearing contacts again while I’m using steroid eye drops, which I will have to do about four times a day for a while. Also, next Monday, I get to return to the retina doctor for a steroid injection in each eye. (If you have seen the landmark film of Surrealism, Un chien andalou, you’ll know what I will be thinking about until that’s over.)

At least it’s not surgery? As I told a colleague yesterday, you really can get used to anything. When you get an eye injection, they numb your eye first, and they insert something so you can’t blink. I guess it helps. I’m grateful that a neighbor can drive me to the procedure that day, because J. will be recovering from a routine colonoscopy he’s having. What a pair we’ll be!

However, with the amount of steroids destined for my eyes, I’m risking developing a cataract in my left eye. I am a “steroid responder,” which sounds like something positive, but it isn’t (unless you’re a cataract surgeon). Prolonged use of steroid eye drops caused a cataract to form in my right eye, which I’ve already dealt with via surgery. (After that surgery, a new medical condition appeared in my chart: pseudophakia, which means “false lens.” 🙄)

Still and all? This isn’t a recurrence of cancer. So I guess I count that as a blessing.

If you haven’t yet had a chance, here’s part 2 of my interview for the Changed by Cancer podcast:

Additionally, I introduced the host, Dr. Randi Paynter, to my college roommate and friend of 36 years, Marissa. Her interview is now available, and it will truly blow your mind. Part 1 Part 2. I’m proud of Marissa for sharing her journey with MS and cancer.

Randi has been doing a wonderful job with the podcast. I hope you will all subscribe to the YouTube channel for updates!

I better go. The crazy floaters in my visual field seem to exacerbate my ADHD, and my 2nd year med students all did presentations last week which I have yet to grade.

I was in Sun Valley, Idaho, last week with my mom for some mountain air and classical music, so I’ll leave you with some photos from that welcome escape. I look forward to enjoying the views in my photos without spidery floaters in the way, soon…