Like a Torture Sandwich

So someone asked me how physical therapy was going recently. I've decided that PT has a very Dickens-ian aspect to it. You know - the whole "best of times, worst of times" thing. The beginning is wonderful - a nice hot paraffin wax dip that feels so amazing on my constantly-aching hands. The ending, too, is fabulous - a relaxing hand massage by a super-trained pro.

Now, if it weren't for the middle portion, I would advise anyone and everyone to contract whatever disease/ailment is necessary to have a PT referral. Don't get me wrong - Sarah, my physical therapist/part time dominatrix (I'm guessing) is very nice. I suppose that's important when your occupation involves bending people in directions they really don't want to go: "Ok, I'm just going to dislocate your fingers now - how is your husband doing?"

Her office truly resembles a medieval torture chamber. Or maybe a Pilates studio - not much difference, if you ask me. There are pulleys and levers and various contraptions that are actually motivating me to diligently do my exercises at home - "No way is she hooking me up to that thing!"

The whole campaign of keeping my hands from contracting under has turned out to be fairly consuming. I visit Sarah twice a week for an hour, then I do exercises (that's right - hand exercises) 3 times a day. Every time I complete a set of exercises, I wear my splint for about an hour. Is there light at the end of this? It appears so - last week we did a progress assessment and I am showing improvement!

Ah, improvement. I am getting a bit edgy with taking the Gleevec. I'm almost to the max dosage and I'd like to find out if it's, you know, working. I'm just getting over yet another respiratory infection and am looking forward to perhaps a few days of feeling good. My next appointment is Thursday and I believe they will be doing skin scores and such to check my progress. I can say that the skin thickening has definitely worsened on my face. And, of all the places to have something like 'skin thickening,' the face isn't really ideal is it? Hopefully there will be some answers after Thursday!