Have you ever done a plus/delta?
It’s basically a nice way of saying plus/minus, without using a negative word like minus. Delta is what you’d like to change. When I was in AmeriCorps, we did these.all.the.time after a training or workshop or at the end of the day. It became a running joke.
“Did you like that movie? Plus/Deltas?” “How was your first date with that guy – plus/deltas?”
I started thinking about it this morning while waiting in the Radiology lab.
Delta:
I’m radioactive. I swallowed a very weird looking blue and yellow speckled pill about an hour ago.
Plus:
I can eat all of the Sour Patch kids I want! (You can eat sour candy to stimulate your salivary glands).
Delta:
I am stuck in the house for five days, specifically in the spare room for two. And the cat is NOT happy about that.
Plus:
I am excused from unpacking boxes, cleaning anything, and being productive.
Delta:
It’s really not fun feeling like a leper.
Plus:
So far so good. The only thing I’ve noticed is that my mouth tastes kind of weird and I have a slight headache. (My stomach also hurts, but I think that might be the 950 Sour Patch Kids I ate before 9am) Hopefully this is the worst!
Plus:
I will now be watching the entire series of The Cosby Show on Netflix.
Plus:
My friends are bringing me food! They are seriously the best.
Delta:
I have to flush the toilet no less than 3 times each time I use it. My environmental guilt is quite big. Oh well.
Plus:
I can now claim to have taken drugs that not even Keith Richards would touch.
I was given the highest dosage possible without having to stay in the hospital, so I’m trying to keep a positive mindset that the day goes by quickly and painlessly. I know that thousands of people go through this each day and I’m sending good vibes out to them too. I joke about it to help me get through, but it really is a nerve-wracking and scary process. I’m thankful to be almost “finished” with treatment.
Thanks for all of your awesome comments and your good vibes. I really, truly appreciate them! Enjoy the outside and the sun for me! 
Way to find a few positives things about this! I hope the next days are good. If you havent seen the Tudors, check that out on Netflix. Season 1 and 2 are awesome!
Thanks Mellissa. I LOVE The Tudors! I’m so upset they don’t stream the other seasons. I need to find out what happens
I think the sour patch thing makes up for all the bad, but that’s just me.
Hah! I’ve told all my friends that if they want to help me this week, they’ll find me all the sour candies in Providence.
This post was too awesome for a real comment. So I’ll just insert some emotions:
:/ 
<3 LOL :/ 
<3 etc. *hug*
Delta: You’re stuck at home.
Plus: Let’s get together when you’re feeling better!!
Keeping you in my prayers
YES! We need a date. And thank you, I really appreciate that I’m in your prayers since I know they’re so thoughtful and important to you
Mmmm, sour patch! If you get sick of the kids, try the watermelons!
If you get bored & need someone to “talk” to, I’m only an email away
Hope you are still feeling pretty good! xoxo
Thanks Errign! They didn’t have the watermelons in CVS..I might have to send the Dude out for another mission
Wow, I really like the semantics of “delta”! Thanks for sharing.
I wish I could take credit for the plus/deltas! It really is a very good tool for feedback.
Oh my goodness, hang in there! I love your positive attitude & sense of humor despite an obviously tough time.
As I was reading this post it was reminding of something my mom went through when I was younger…and then I got to the bottom of the post and saw the thyroid cancer tag- that’s what she was radioactive for too.
Thanks Heather! And thanks for visiting my blog. I hope your mom is doing well
I am constantly amazed by your positive attitude – I love that you even made the negative aspects of treatment into something that sounds more positive. I really hope these 5 days go by quickly for you and you don’t feel many negative effects of the treatment. Thoughts are with you this week!!
Thanks Lauren! It’s not been as bad as I was expecting so I’m hoping that continues. I really appreciate it!
Erin, your attitude is totally rock star! Thinking positive in a less than stellar situation is the only way to go; and it sounds like you got it down. Hang in there! Enjoy your down time the best you can
Lots of positive thoughts your way….
Thanks Jodi! I really need to email you back
You are such a star Erin. I’m going to email you back about bikes right now!
Thanks Mad – takes one to know one.
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Work has had me swampedso I havent been reading my favorite blogs lately, but I made a point to come check yours to see how you are doing! This is so awesome you are managing as well as you are. Continue to positive journey to good health!! ((Erin))
During my treatment, my friends called me SpiderWoman on account of me being “bitten” by a radioactive drink from the hospital…yeah I know, kinda weak but somehow my friends managed to correlate me with Peter Parker and his spider bite. LOL Not the best analogy they could come up with but definitely a fun one that we could laugh about too!