Saturday, February 19, 2022

   Hello. Well, here I am, wondering what to talk about today. Gone are the days where something major was happening a few times every week, or even every day. But, if I remember what I said before, about what and how I would 'blog', that's what I'm doing today. Whatever I've posted: video, blog or pictures, I have shared whatever I would have shared If you had asked me on any day - how I'm feeling. I've shared the side effects, struggles, abilities, inabilities, good stuff, rough stuff, kindness of others, what I'm grateful for… basically whatever I've been going through and my hope to overcome the challenges.

  So, today I can tell you that I'm doing so much better than even a month ago. Not sure if there are still a few side effects from chemo & radiation hanging on, or if all my aches & pains are due to the number of birthday's that have added up. I couldn't stand the weight gain and how it distributed itself around my body, so I've buckled down on the Keto diet. Mmmmm chia pudding for a treat! 

 I've also been disciplined in getting exercise. It was forever, before I could consider going for a decent walk , with the neck & back spasms, followed by shingles. Before Christmas I could barely manage 500 steps for a walk. Feb. 1st, I began by challenging myself to 1,250 steps, which increased to 2,250 a week ago, and now I aim for 3,500. I accidentally did 4,250 when Shane came along for a walk one day this week. I had to really push it, with a couple of stops, but of course my 'walking companions' were very patient & supportive. If my steps aren't up there, I have an exercise ball that is quite accommodating in adding up the extra steps, with seemingly not too much effort. So why not grab a couple of cans of cranberry sauce, and do some fancy arm stretches & lifts. Well, 'ding-aling'! I'm my own worst enemy. I gave myself something similar to whiplash.  I still get severe groin & hip pain shortly after I begin to walk. I'm thinking that getting a proper assessment & exercise routine from my lovely physio needs to be on the agenda next week.

  I am waiting for a call from my ophthalmologist, as my vision is still quite compromised. So, if chemo is finished raising havoc with my eyes, there are potential issues that need to be looked into. Glaucoma & cataracts are common in my Mom's family, and it's been 3 years since my last check-up.

  My hair keeps getting thicker, but slower growing than I expected/hoped. For a few weeks, I haven't worn anything on my head when I'm out, unless my head is cold.

  I'm so grateful for the tremendous loving support & prayers of so many. Looking back over the past year, I realize how much grace carried me through all that was demanded of me, by my illness. Sharing it with you, (often I know, like an inventory list) helped me so much. Many of you have your own 'inventory list', which remains quiet for the most part. I want you to know that I am praying for you, that the abundance of grace which was more than I needed, flows out to you to carry you through your own challenges, giving you peace.      God bless you! xoxo