The bridges of new york

Published in 1977, Sharon Reier's The Bridges of New York is a very rich and informative resource about the history of city's many spans, but its dated. In her study of the Harlem River bridges, she wrote:

Today, much of The Bronx is considered a disaster area. Few travel there for nostalgic sightseeing. . . . Although the Harlem is spanned by 14 bridges within its five miles, and a walking tour is physically possible, it is not a recommended journey. The bridges, especially at the eastern [Bronx] side of the river, are surrounded by impersonal housing projects, industrial sections, and expressways which are best unpleasant and at worst quite dangerous. The same is sometimes true for the parks which adjoin High Bridge and the Washington Bridge. Two safer ways of examining these structures are from a train on the Hudson division of the Penn Central, as previously mentioned, or from a boat below. The Circle Line excursion boats are more reliable for bridge watching than most private craft, as the currents of the Harlem are notoriously tricky and may require full attention. Another alternative for courageous bridge explorers is the bicycle.

While industry's grip on the Bronx side of the Harlem River remains, the area is much improved from Reier's description in the 1970s.

day +1544

Before work on Thursday, I went to Sloan-Kettering because I needed to have my Tacrolimus levels tested before my appointment at 3:30 that afternoon. With Tacrolimus, labs must be drawn before breakfast which is why I had to go before work.

I left work early to make the appointment but I was still late. Everything looks good and remains steady, my doctor told me. My counts were normal. While my skin continues to improve though very slowly. My chest and belly are clearing up faster than my back, however. My knees, especially the right one, which have been sources of pain have felt much better during the past two weeks. My nails remain brittle. My nurse instructed me to keep them well-filed and short. The regeneration process is still visible especially with my toenails. Part of the new nails is visible at the same time that the old nails are eroding. Amazing and freaky.

No changes were made to my med list.

I return on December 8th for my next follow-up.

In other news, I found out late this week that I was awarded a 2011 SAMFund scholarship. I will put it towards my student loans. I am so grateful for the generosity of the SAMFund organization and its supporters. Thank you, SAMfund! If you're a young adult survivor, I encourage you to apply next year. It's a wonderful opportunity.

day +1538

This morning was spent photographing the runners in the ING New York City Marathon cross the Madison Avenue Bridge into Manhattan. It was a gorgeous fall Sunday. Simply perfect. I look forward to seeing how the photographs came out.

Since returning to work in early September, I've been incredibly busy. I've also started a MA program (part-time) at Teachers College, Columbia University during that same time. Hence, the absence of posts since September. At TC, I'm taking two courses - US History and Diversity in the Social Studies curriculum - this semester but will drop to one in the spring, because it has become increasingly challenging to do all the assigned work well. Nevertheless, I'm enjoying my courses learning a lot. I estimate that it will take me 2 - 2 1/2 years to finish.

Healthwise, I continue to take a lot of meds. My right knee still causes pain although it has been better recently. I've made an appointment to see a rehabilitation specialist/physiatrist in December. I haven't lost the weight that I gained from the steroids over the summer. It has been difficult to find time to exercise besides the fact that mentally, I just haven't been able to focus my mind on it. On Thursday, I see Dr. C-M for a checkup.