one day / hour at a time
Yesterday was still challenging -- I managed a walk in the sunshine and woods with Don, but still couldn't eat more than a few bites at a time. Had a lovely guided relaxation/imagery session where neighbor, friend, and talented psychologist Judith Heilizer guided me towards "repositioning" my attitude toward the chemo drugs as healing fluids. I actually felt some of the stomach sensations as appetite for life. I came home and was able to enjoy the beauty of our spectacular art glass kaleidoscope for a while, and even did a few minutes of work (!), then totally crashed for a couple of hours (this was the first day off the steroids so not too surprising).
Don's cold/cough is progressing but not by any means done. So far I haven't shown signs of catching it. The immune system that's compromised for me is that which deals with bacteria, not viruses, so we're not too worried, though it would be a drag to have a cold on top of everything. And, it's a drag for him to be feeling crappy, though he's been a good sport about it (even gave up watching the Badger basketball game last night when I said I didn't want to). We both enjoyed watching another movie last night - The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Comments (7)
Hi Becca, Thinking of you always and staying "with you" by reading your posts. Support and love from Adamah studio.
Yes, the posts have been a bridge and a connector for being with you in the moments to moments to moments. Thank you for opening this flow and know that you are in my heart and on my mind continually. Will be in touch in person when back in Madison. Love from Boston. Efrat
Thinking of you, Becca. And so impressed with how you are caring for yourself throughout this process...... thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way.....
Dear Becca, I, like you, worked hard to keep exercising and trying to keep up normal days. This is good for the body and soul, but one thing I learned, for myself at least, is that "rest" is everything. Every time severe fatigue began to set in, I noticed my brain shutting down. Allowing myself to sleep late and take naps when needed, to shut the phone off, to just veg out in a comfortable spot and not have to think at all made the days and the recovery so much easier. I didn't always allow this for myself in the beginning during my first time around. But the second time around I deliberately planned these precious "rest" times into my schedule. Even my husband would make comments that the recovery the second time around seemed so much less stressful (as less stressful as these things can be). This, even though the second time around was more demanding and frightening. I am thinking of you often and send prayers your way.
I am following your posts and connecting with you. Thank you for allowing this communication. Wishing you both a meaningful Pesach, a time of finding one's liberation. With love and caring, Bilha
Becca, Your mix of exercise, guided relaxation, work, comedy and, of course lots of rest, sounds like a great daily prescription. Thinking of you and Don often.
Hi Becca, Left some music for you today. I wrote a post a minute ago, but it disappeared! So, I'll try again. Suggested "Flight of the Concordes (or Concords") a comic series from New Zealand that is likely available on Netflix or another film site. It is very clever and so funny. It is set in New York City on the lower east side. I really got a kick out of it several years ago. Thanks for sharing and for allowing us to be part of your community as you move through this process. Your mindfulness practice is in full evidence and you are beautiful and courageous. So glad that you and Don have each other. Don, I hope your cold resolves quickly and that you don't catch it Becca. I love that you are using guided imagery and so many positive ways to care for and heal yourself. With love, Gerri