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How I'm doing: Week of November 27

Packin' it in (without overdoing it), feeling OK

Even though chemo starts Dec 7, I have a series of doctor appointments before that to prep. But! I have 3 days without any medical anything scheduled, so I'm going back to Sedona! 

One of my favorite things is to road trip, hike, and be in nature, so I'll get to do that in a place that's been calling me back. 

I also have a few fun things planned to help me stay in good spirits and laugh my way into this next chapter. 

I'm also happy because I got cleared to work out at moderate heart rate. I'm gettin' back at it!

Starting to feel benefits of being healthier

It's been just over a month now since I took some big wellness steps. I drastically reduced the amount of animal products (including meat) that I eat. I upped my vegetable intake, focusing on ingredients that boost your immune system and fight cancer. I changed my exercise routine to focus on daily walks (now with spinning a few times a week). And I significantly reduced my alcohol intake.

I don't think I dropped weight, but it's shifted. I'm less puffy, and when I take in food that isn't clean or drink, I just don't feel as good! I can tell there's a difference. I think I look better naked too. All this to say, it helps.

I'm getting a little bored with the core vegetables and spices that an anti-cancer diet calls on, but that just means I need to explore more.

On managing anxiety

I've been honing in on things (people, shows, actions, or activities) that make me tense or increase my heart rate — and try to avoid or limit them. I don't want my cells to go into chemo stressed. And I'm literally being paid to take care of myself right now, so by God, I'm going to do it.

For example, the shows I've been able to enjoy have an uplifting and motivational tone—think "The Blue Zones" documentary on Netflix that highlights habits of cultures that have a high concentration of centenarians, and "Ted Lasso." I don't watch much TV, but when I do, it's been that.

On "how I fill my day"

Some people ask me this. Let's see:

1-1.5 hours: Walking Monty

40 min - 1.5 hours: Working out / moving

1-2 hours: "Cancer homework"

1-2 hours: Responding to texts, taking a phone call, etc.

10 hours: Cutting vegetables for all the meals I cook, eating, cleaning (slight exaggeration, but that's what it feels like!)

Other things: Songwriting class homework, volunteering, maybe watching something, housework, doctor appointments, etc.

So yeah. It fills up pretty fast.

Comments

  1. DarienneNovember 30, 2023 at 8:36 PM

    Being paid to take care of yourself... love it! So much good stuff in here. Enjoy Sedona :)

    ReplyDelete

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