It has been a few days since I blogged. My sister and brother-in-law came for a visit, and I also have had two dog clients that I have needed to walk and feed and play with, so I had been busy. I was actually not feeling great, and incredibly fatigued, so it was helpful that I had family to be here to help me walk the dogs and play with them. These dogs are very high energy. I notice when there are two or more, the energy level of the dogs goes up. So I am very thankful that I had some assistance during the last few days. They are dog people too, so it made for a great visit.

I think I was doing better this time following my second cycle of chemo. I wasn’t as nauseated, only some queasiness, and I seemed to be able to be more active even though I would be tired. At this time of the week was when the after chemo injection kicks in, and the pain wasn’t in the same place. The previous cycle was severe, intense pain in my low back, that was very awful. This second cycle it seemed to be more scattered all over my body, which for some reason didn’t seem as bad to me. It struck me in my chest which was brief and didn’t just last like the other, and in my head, like a headache, and aches in my bones and joints like arthritis. So even though the pain was in many more places this time, it didn’t seem as bad to me, and I didn’t even take any medicine for it except Tylenol at one point, and Ibuprofen later. I didn’t need the strong stuff this time. I don’t like to have to take the strong stuff if I don’t have to. I do have to admit the chest pain was like a sharp knife stabbing type pain, but it went away, and I didn’t display any other symptoms that would indicate a heart situation.

Tomorrow I go for an evaluation with a physical therapist who specializes in Lymphedema Therapy. Because I haven’t had any noticeable problems, I most likely won’t get physical therapy, but more of an education of what problems to look for. I need to ask them what sort of exercises I can resume that won’t cause me to have problems.  I would like to resume some light weight lifting again to maintain strength.

There is an exercise class for cancer patients at the Avila Spa which Hearst Cancer Resource Center recommended, but I haven’t inquired because one of the classes falls on my chemo day, and I am pretty out of it on that day. It is free to cancer patients and survivors, so I should investigate it, and maybe I could just go on the days I don’t have my chemotherapy. I need to keep this body moving when I am up to it. At least I have my pet clients to keep me walking and something fun to look forward to. I will call tomorrow or the next day to see how it would work out with my schedule. Seems my whole life right now is revolving around the medical. And my outlet is my existing regular clients.

Well, I need to hit the hay so to speak. I am beat and need to go rest. Thursday is my third chemo cycle, and now I know which days are primarily my down days and which are my good days. Got to go with the flow right now, and I have to take each day at a time.

Have a good night everyone! Blessings to you.