June Update on Health, Wealth, and Everything Else

Hello again! It’s been a minute, but I thought I’d update you all on what’s been happening with my health, wealth, and everything else, as it’s been a while since my last update…

Health Update

I have managed to transfer to a closer care provider so that I no longer need to take a 4-5 hour drive, pay toll, and pay for an overnight stay at a guesthouse every time I have to be at the hospital early in the morning. Rather than going to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Gauteng, I am now receiving care at the Polokwane Provincial Hospital. Steve Biko gave me a referral letter along with various health records from my patient file to take to Polokwane Provincial, and I am now registered at Polokwane Provincial and have started the process of receiving care nearby.

This, however, came with a further delay in getting answers and treatment as the appointments that had originally been booked at Steve Biko had to now be booked at Polokwane Provincial.

Here’s an updated timeline:

June 18-20: Blood tests

June 24: Surgery (Removal of tumor under right arm, removal of swollen lymph nodes, and biopsy on removed lymph nodes.)

June 26: Psychiatric evaluation for ADHD medication and SASSA disability grant.

July 1: 38th Birthday.

July 21: Follow-up appointment with Oncology for biopsy results and treatment plan.

The irony of this entire situation is that, after securing the dates for the biopsy and the follow-up thereof at the nearby hospital, I was told that if it’s the same type of cancer that I had before (Hodgkin Lymphoma), that I would have to go back to Steve Biko anyway, as they are unable to treat it here. They can however provide me with free transport to and from Steve Biko on the day(s) of treatment, so that I don’t have to go in my own car at my own expense, and they can monitor and assist from this side in case of emergency. So if something bad were to happen like the last time I received treatment, where I felt like I was about to die, rushed back to the hospital, and found out that the chemo had killed nearly my entire immune system—if that happens again, at least I’ll be able to get urgent care at the nearby hospital. But here’s hoping that won’t happen again.

Honestly, I’m still hoping that chemo won’t even be necessary again but that’s perhaps wishful thinking. Something is obviously very wrong, and something that shouldn’t be growing inside me is growing inside me. Only the biopsy results will determine what exactly that is, and what the next steps and treatment will be.

In the meantime, I’ve just been given painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication that I take three times a day in order to be able to cope with the pain and discomfort that I’m experiencing pretty much 24/7. I’m just glad that things are finally progressing towards knowing what the fuck is wrong with me, and being able to do something about it, and hopefully resolve it entirely so that I can get on with life.

Wealth Update

As you know, I’ve attempted to become financially independent through various means over the years, from web design services, to graphic print apparel, online trading, music production, and performance at virtual venues, but I have been unable to make a success of any of those things; mostly due to ADHD and Autism.

I am still very much financially dependent on my family and my sponsors. For the sake of full transparency: at the time of writing, I have received a total of $860 USD over the last 90 days from supporters via my Buy me a Coffee page for which I am extremely grateful as that has been my only source of income as of late.

My new doctor at Polokwane Provincial Hospital has also convinced me to give ADHD medication a try again, and to apply for a SASSA disability grant—something I didn’t ever want to do because ADHD medication is basically Meth, and applying for a disability grant feels like giving up. But my creative ideas and business projects haven’t turned a profit, my parents are getting older, and there will come a time when I can no longer live with them, my disability prevents me from maintaining a normal job, and it’s time to face reality and apply for all the help that I can get.

Unfortunately though, the SASSA disability grant, while helpful, would still be insufficient in meeting my needs and covering my expenses. They can, at most, provide me with around R2000 ($110 USD) per month—that’s if they approve my application. We shall see. But even with that, I would still need additional support and sponsorship through other means (such as through my Buy Me a Coffee page) in order to meet my needs, until if/when I finally manage to build something that results in producing a steady income for myself.

I’m just eager to get my current medical issues resolved as quickly as possible so that I can get back to trying to build a life and hopefully, eventually generate a sustainable income for myself somehow.

Everything Else

Even though I’ve just recently resumed my virtual DJ career in Second Life, I’m now already on hiatus again while dealing with the medical situation. I’ve just been too uncomfortable and overwhelmed to even do anything creative lately. That said, I hope to get back into it soon as I really enjoy doing it. I have also purchased the Nomad Sculpt app for my IPad with the goal of learning to create 3D Mesh content for virtual worlds and video games that I can sell on the marketplace.

Van Life (Traveling, exploring nature, living out of a Camper Van, and creating photo and video content of my travels and lifestyle) is also still very much a goal (and a future housing plan for when I can no longer live with my parents), and I’ve been transferring as much money as possible into my savings account every month in order to make progress towards the goal of being able to purchase a van. I’m still a long way away from reaching my goal but I am making progress and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to reach the goal, eventually.

Well, that about as much news as I have to share for now. Thank you for reading, for following along on my journey, and for your support! Until next time—xoxo

#Personal