Ok, I admit I don't have a lot of patience when it comes to being sick, so its been a little frustrating recovering from my mastectomy. The first 4 weeks were oh so painful, but over the last week it is finally getting better. And even though it has seemed very slow to me, the recovery has gone remarkably well, so I have been very fortunate. My range of motion is much better, and although I am still sore, it gets easier to do things everyday. And most importantly, I can now make my own coffee!
Dr. Sclar has said I'm ready for chemo and so I'm meeting with Dr. Neubauer (my oncologist) Thursday morning to see what he says. I'm really ready to get moving again on this treatment regime. I'm optimistic that this time around it won't be so bad. I figure my euphoric outlook will keep me going through at least 2 rounds and by the time I might start feeling bad I'll be almost through. I guess some might say I have my head in the sand (who in their right might would look forward to starting chemo!), but I've found this approach has worked pretty well for me. I try to keep my eye on getting back to a somewhat normal life this summer. I keep thinking about all of the things I love about summer - playing tennis, summer swim team, the LF 4th of July and our family vacation. Plus Jim and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in July. So I've just got to get through the next couple months!
Since I haven't been able to do much else, I've been reading about a book a day. Mostly I've been reading several crime series. Maybe not the best writing, but easy to get through! I did read A Friend of the Family which was very good. I started Lorrie Moore's A Gate at the Stairs last night and was immediately taken in by her prose. Kind of like living on junk food for several weeks and then getting a carefully crafted gourmet meal. You realize what you've been missing when you finally get back to the good stuff!
And best of all, I made it to the boys' swim meet last weekend. I hadn't seen them swim since October when I last went to one of their practices. I think the hot temps and chlorine smell at the pool just didn't mix well with chemo. Anyway, my friend and tennis partner took me down so I could watch a couple of their events. Both did very well and improved their times in each of their events, and it was so fun to watch them.
So all in all, I'm getting better and life is going well - and maybe slow isn't so bad after all!
Take care!
Monique
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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I have become a bit impatient about winter. I keep busy and try to take it easy. It is what it is but sheesh. I too am looking forward to getting back on my bicycle and other outdoor activities.
ReplyDeleteI guess if you gotta get sick the winter is a good companion for reading and otherwise going about things slowly.
Do you want me to let you know when Kelly will visit us?
Jill
So, what type of coffee are you making for yourself...espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the doctor in the morning.
Nancy
When I read your update, I kept thinking "slow and steady wins the race". Getting well by summer is a great goal to work towards. Good luck with the oncologist today - hopefully it'll be good news. Please keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
WOOHOO!! That is awesome news!! You are in the home stretch now. Winter would be the best time to be homebound as you don't have to deal with the nasty driving conditions and can stay curled up with your books and coffee.
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