Wow! Can you believe one year since first surgery is on the horizon? We remember Dr. Meyers informing us that the recovery from my surgeries and pending treatments would be 8 months to a year. Both Bob and I thought 8 months sounded reasonable....why wouldn't we? I had no prior medical problems, was fairly healthy....things looked like they were stacked in my favor for a great recovery! Hahahaha!! How naive we were!
These past few weeks have been sort of a turning point for me. I finally feel like doing things versus "making myself do" things. And it truly feels great! With this renewed level of energy of course comes the "return to work" plan. So it's official, I will resume work with the Ministry of Education on March 4th. It will be a gradual return to work plan with the hopes of full time status by May. This is to give my body (and mind) the opportunity to adjust to work life and find the new normal required to adjust. I am to expected fatigue, swelling, yaddayadda throughout this adjustment period. It will be important to recognize limitations and pull back when necessary. Hmmm, this is easier said than done I think! Part of my work plan is to start strength training so that I can "buff" the ol' arms up.....right now they are wet noodles.....hoping to get to "al dente" then the "gun show" ....hahahaha!
I will be posting one final blog after my February 21st oncology follow up..... Happy Family Day!
Love, Shelley xoxo
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wet Noodles & Fuzz Cuts
It's been a while since my last blog.....
Physio is still going strong at two sessions per week. We are now in a position to start strength training to try to regain some of the muscle and strength I had.....I am currently operating with two arms that at times feel like wet noodles. Cutting semi-thawed meats is a challenge at best....one pound weights are as much as I can lift over head...it just takes a little more time and effort. I can do it though....with love and a lot of patience! My scar tissue is beginning to move which is also good news. This will get me in shape for reconstruction ...in about a year's time.
I had my second "fuzz" cut since chemo ended in October. Jenn actually used a comb on my hair this time! Lol! It's still very short and rather grey but is becoming more "salt & pepper" as the days go on. Six months is the recommended wait time for colour....should be interesting!
My energy level is slowly rising....I can now "make" it through a movie without sleeping! The kids are impressed! Walking feels like it should....a great work out without a nap.
I will have my first oncology follow up appointment on the 21st and really don't anticipate a whole lot. The pathology report from the hysterectomy was normal. Tamoxifen and Crestor are keeping me warm at night. (Had a near naked run through the snowy streets the other night....good thing the high winds kept me inside!) So really at the end of the day I must focus on healthy living - eating and exercise, mindfulness and on matters near to my heart....my family and friends like each of you.
With love, Shelley
Physio is still going strong at two sessions per week. We are now in a position to start strength training to try to regain some of the muscle and strength I had.....I am currently operating with two arms that at times feel like wet noodles. Cutting semi-thawed meats is a challenge at best....one pound weights are as much as I can lift over head...it just takes a little more time and effort. I can do it though....with love and a lot of patience! My scar tissue is beginning to move which is also good news. This will get me in shape for reconstruction ...in about a year's time.
I had my second "fuzz" cut since chemo ended in October. Jenn actually used a comb on my hair this time! Lol! It's still very short and rather grey but is becoming more "salt & pepper" as the days go on. Six months is the recommended wait time for colour....should be interesting!
 |
| JAN 2013 |
As for return to work, I am really hoping that these next 3 weeks give me enough strength to return in March on a gradual basis. If all goes well I will be back to full time in no time! It's exciting to think that I can reclaim some of my former life!
My energy level is slowly rising....I can now "make" it through a movie without sleeping! The kids are impressed! Walking feels like it should....a great work out without a nap.
I will have my first oncology follow up appointment on the 21st and really don't anticipate a whole lot. The pathology report from the hysterectomy was normal. Tamoxifen and Crestor are keeping me warm at night. (Had a near naked run through the snowy streets the other night....good thing the high winds kept me inside!) So really at the end of the day I must focus on healthy living - eating and exercise, mindfulness and on matters near to my heart....my family and friends like each of you.
With love, Shelley
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