Life's Challenges

Cancer has  brought many changes to my life. I get tired out real easy and require more naps throughout the day. This week I found out, the hard way, why a face mask and gloves have to be worn when I am outside working.
Monday I cut off some low lying branches from the Blue Spruce tree. They were in the way when I tried to mow lawn and so they needed to come off. I started cutting off the dead limbs from the bottom and worked up the tree until I had the clearance that I needed to get the mower and myself under the tree. It turns out that those dead limbs develop mold spores, as part of the decomposing process, and that the tree gets dusty from not having the wind and rain to clean it off. In the process of removing the limbs I inhaled dust and mold spores, which caused my sinuses and face to swell up in a grotesque  manner. Not knowing what was going on, I made and appointment with my regular doctor. She thought I might have a plugged saliva gland and perhaps an infection so she started me on some strong antibiotics. Twenty- four hours later and the swelling had increased. I went to see my oncologist and found out that what was happening was an allergic reaction to the mold and the dust from the tree pruning on Monday. Normally I can be out by that tree, my garden swing sits under it, and it doesn't bother me but having the dust and the mold spores shake off of it and into my face and sinuses is a whole different matter. So no more pruning or cutting on trees for me, unless I take precautions.