Time for Change

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It is 10 days post Chemo #2. After a rougher than expected post-chemo experience, I am now seeing a pretty quick shift back to feeling normal.

Thankfully, I had a scheduled check-up at the Cancer Center yesterday and my bloodwork confirmed my prolonged weakness and ickiness was due to dehydration.

After having a bag of I.V. of fluids infused with some additional meds for inflammation and a dose of Potassium for good measure, I made a shift. I walked out of the Cancer Center at my full height, rather than the bent-over-sick–gait which carried me through the doors earlier in the day.

On returning home, a good nap topped off my energy tank, followed by my eating my first real meal in 10 days, which I thoroughly enjoyed, while actually sitting at the table rather than being served on my love seat throne.

As I feel complete gratitude for this physical shift my mind goes to creating a list of changes I intend to implement so I will continue to regain my strength allowing me to return for Chemo #3 in eleven days and begin this process again.

#1 It is time for me to move more than I am still. I’m not planning on over-doing it and risking a backslide, but to intentionally follow this new influx of energy to allow me to move in the direction of what feels right for me. I will get outdoors today…to walk…and maybe even get on my yoga mat for a while. Downward Dogs and Pigeon Pose always heal whatever ails me.

#2 It is time Cinderfella (nickname for my caregiving husband) to have some time off. I’m concerned about his devotion to caring for me will cause a deficit for him. It is always about balance, right?

#3 Spend most of my free time drinking. I mean water, juice, broth, tea etc, of course. Dehydration occurred this round in spite of my already being conscious of pushing fluids. I apparently need more than average.

#4 I will amp up my gratitude for all of my current blessings. When I focus on how this current episode of my life is evolving, I realize it could be so much worse if it was not for all the gifts I have in my life such as my support team of friends and family, my comfortable home base where I can recover, my community cancer center etc. I automatically feel lighter, happier and even confident since I am reminded this is all temporary and I have everything I need to recover fully.

#5 I need to make a mental shift from ill to healthy. I can see how one can get stuck in a pattern of behavior when not feeling well that does not serve them overall, so I want to be sure to be conscious and intentional to treat myself in a way (in any given moment) that actually serves my highest good. I believe with the right mindset I will experience full recovery to my usual vibrantly healthy self. 

As I read back on these changes I intend to create, I’m noticing they aren’t really different than what one might make in their life, in general when they feel as if they are “off” their game.

Perhaps this cancer experience for me is actually just another one of those life lessons we all experience that reminds us we are always in charge of how we roll.

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19 Comments »

  3. I recently read a book about one sister giving her sister bone marrow. The counselor mentioned the healthy sister thinking about giving to her sisters strength. Strengthen to strength. Sounds to me like you are doing the very same for yourself. Way to go!

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    • Gail….thanks for this perspective! I believe we do have the power to give to ourselves whatever it is we need. Love, compassion, understanding and certainly strength. ❤

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  4. So look forward to your inspirational messages! 🙂 You approach a life of challenge without choosing suffering, and use your experiences to expand your gratitude. So glad you are feeling better again before your next treatment, and then half done! I invite you to be careful going out, as there’s lots of germs blowing around in that cold air. Where a mask if you can, and do as much as you can inside and away from people until you are stronger. I do not want to cross over into rescuing you; just want to give you thots to consider as you re-enter the world the rest of us are living in, which is not entirely friendly to weakened bodies. Looking forward to your full return, even stronger than before!

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  5. Thanks for your concern and your support, David. Yes, I can almost see microscopic germs in the air and am limiting my time around people. I always have a mask with me! 🙂

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  6. Kate, just finished reading your current post and your 5 step plan which started me thinking about my health, setbacks recently and feeling icky. Thank you for your inspiration and if you don’t mind I am adopting these too. Keep up the good work, the positive attitude and inspiration to all of us. Rest and enjoy the weekend.

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  7. Wow! Thanks for letting me know that this resonated with you, Marianne! Knowing that there is something “good” and in service to others that may come out of my experience truly makes this journey a positive one to make. Onward! 🙂

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  8. I am not surprised by your strength and attitude in this journey. I praise you for doing all the right things that will let you focus on getting back to “ a new normal.” Cancer Just takes you to another part of your life that makes you look at the whole picture. And you are doing that. As we say in Bravehearts.. Stay Brave!! XO Kate. My support continues..

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  9. I am not surprised by your strength and attitude in this journey. I praise you for doing all the right things that will let you focus on getting back to “ a new normal.” Cancer Just takes you to another part of your life that makes you look at the whole picture. And you are doing that. As we say in Bravehearts.. Stay Brave!! XO Kate. My support continues..

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  10. Thanks so much, Tonia Ann! I cannot describe to you how inspiring it is for me to get through the challenging days by simply remembering you and so many others have already successfully completed the journey. If it can be done, then I can do it too is the thought I hold. Thanks to you and all the other Bravehearts, I will follow. ❤

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  12. Your words are so incredibly written and expressesd in a way that makes me feel like I want to be right beside you and hold you up ,up ,up, — Then I realize I am right there in the spirt of thought and prayer…. like , before I got out of bed this morning I had already visited you and rang cheer bells all around you…!!🎊🛎🎊💌💌LOVE SENT YOUR WAY…………

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    • Thank you so much, Luanne! I wondered where the sound of bells was coming from when I was peacefully awakened from a deep slumber this morning. I truly appreciate your care and attention virtual or in-person! ❤

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