From a mental standpoint, I am doing all right. In fact, I'd say, I'm doing great. I anticipate the nausea and physcial symptoms, so when they come, I just modify what I do, what I eat, what and when I take my medications. While this is a definite change from my pre-cancer routine, it is certainly not distressing. To have the freedom to modify my schedule daily, is truly a blessing. Chris has been a wonder, just rolling with the punches--not having any expectations for me and yet not discouraging me from doing the things that I feel like doing. Having a fantastic neighborhood, family and friendship circle who have rallied to bring us food, prayers, and helping support Peter (who is often left alone as Chris and I attend appointments) has been a Godsend.
From a physical standpoint, I am strong. I was blessed to be in good shape prior to starting treatment and I intend to do my best to keep my weight stable (by eating right) and do my best to maintain some amount of muscle tone during this process. I'm not sure if it was premonition, but my Christmas present this year was a treadmill. This has allowed me to walk, even if it's just in 10-15 minute periods, without having to be too far from a bathroom and home. As I love to be outdoors, this is quite a change for me (I've always been adamantly opposed to treadmills), but it has allowed me a little more freedom when I'm not feeling so well or if the weather is too rainy, cold or icy.
Don't get me wrong from this post, I truly appreciate people's inquiries on how I am doing. It lets me know that you are thinking about me and my family and for this I am truly grateful. But, unless something drastically changes, I will always remain positive. I am doing all right...I have a God that is guiding me along this path; I have a wonderful support system, including all my friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and church; I have an excellent care team; and I have a loyal, caring, loving husband who remains by my side throughout it all.
God Bless!
Keep your head up. God gives his hardest battles to His
strongest soldiers.
Theresa, I thank you for taking the time to write this blog through your physical healing journey. But I also thank you for sharing your emotional and spiritual journeys. As a psychotherapist, I see clients who are unprepared to discuss how their mental health is affected by theIr treatment routine. I myself witnessed this merging of mental, spiritual, and physical states when my husband was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma, and neither of us was aware that the emotional, mental, and spiritual arenas would each be affected. It is very evident to me that you are aware of your journey in each of these realms. Thank you for being honest and for being willing to share. Not every day may be a good day for you, and we as your supporters and cheerleaders need to understand this. However, you are an amazingly perceptive, insightful, and intelligent woman who will give this illness a run for the money. I will place my money on you to win this battle....
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cherie. Chris tells me about how you were always dedicated to helping students in your role at UW. I'm happy to hear you are continuing to help others through your work!
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