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I haven't written lately because I have been very beaten down by the chemo. My typical day for the last few weeks has consisted of going to work and sleeping the rest of the day. My blood levels had taken a beating from the chemo, which caused me to become anemic. My levels are just now getting back into the normal range. This week, I am starting to feel some significant strength coming back. I spoke with the nurse and she told me it is time to start pushing a bit of exercise to gain as much strength as possible before surgery. Right now, I am in such shape that walking from the parking lot to my desk gets me out of breath. I told her I enjoy biking and she said to begin at five minutes a day and try to build up in the coming weeks. She noted that it will be quite difficult, even painful, for a while at the start. "At the start?!" - I've only got a few weeks before the surgery!
So that's what I've been doing the past few days. I tell you all this reluctantly, because I know full well that in doing so, I will find myself more accoutible to actually keep this up. My inertia factor is high right now and getting out to exercise takes more initiative than when I was well (not to say I was successful then, either!) But the motivation is there - the more strength, the better the surgery recovery will go.
Today was an especially beautiful winter day. I brought along my camera so I could share with you the park near our house that Christine and I enjoy. This park is a big reason we chose to live in this neighborhood. I wish Christine were well so that she could enjoy it more. The bicycle path from which these pictures were taken just completed last year, so many of these areas in the park still seem new to me.
I am so behind on everything, since I have had no energy to do anything I need to do. I'm taking the day off today to get through a few months of mail. I told Christine that in life I'm behind in everything but pooping. That's part of the deal, I suppose. Chemo is rough, but it is better than the alternative. I still find Jesus' wisdom as relevant as ever, "...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
