Overcoming Cancer

I started exercise and some dietary changes recently and I’m reaping the benefits a little bit at a time. I’ve seen improvement in several areas of health concern. In short, I actually feel better than I did last month.

My activity is up. I work out sporadically, but at least I’ve started an exercise regimen. I can tolerate and endure that exercise better than when I tried at the beginning of this year.

The only drawback is hypoglycemia and arthritis getting in my way to higher impact exercise. I have to do light exercise longer and more frequently. I’m a long way from that, but that’s my goal.

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The breast MRI didn’t show any suspicious lumps so that’s good news. In 6 months I go through it again. This is the worse procedure I go through.

I’m a little more active these days because I want to improve my heart health,but hunger and fatigue are still a hinderance. Psych meds are also working against my fitness goals.

I just want to live, not merely exist. I’m starting to experience more interest in my hobbies. It’s slow progress. I just came out of serious depression. The plan I have is to maintain stability so it doesn’t happen again.

to have a bigger appetite and less stamina for exercise.

I went for my first walk in my neighborhood in weeks- perhaps months. My husband and dog accompanied me as we went around the block. I want to do this activity more frequently, but my husband doesn’t always want to.

I suggested to him that we strengthen our muscles with weights together. I had a routine I used to employ when I was in better shape(years ago). He would lift his weights occasionally, but not every week. Time to pump iron again.

I decided I would take evening walks with my mother who lives with my husband and me. That way I could still be held accountable for my exercise. She walks slowly, with a walker, but at least she walks regularly, weather permitting.

The depression I’ve been going through is a result of taking Tamoxifen- everything is worse. My memory is not optimal and my eyesight is different. Hot flashes were bad until I started with the herbal remedy.

But I also feel more alive and connected to my friends and loved ones. I feel more, period. I guess my lethargic life got shocked into caring.

It’s been a difficult spring with worsening depression, but I believe I’ve discovered the root cause of why I’m mentally ill in the first place. I’m a survivor of childhood sexual assault. I have the resurfaced memories of the events that are the reason I am disabled.

I’m on a menopausal support dietary supplement now. Since I started it last weekend ,I’ve seen good results. I’m emotionally stable, mentally alert and cognizant ,as opposed to being confused and stressed by most normal stimuli. It’s a good feeling.

Prayer has a lot to do with this breakthrough. I’ve prayed, and others have interceded on my behalf like the prayer warriors they are. The fight for my peace of mind was exhausting and I was aware that the Holy Spirit was helping me get to the root of my depression. Resisting the attack on my mind was my battle, my struggle, and ultimately my victory.

I was advised by the PA at the cancer center I go to to change the time I take the Tamoxifen. Instead of taking it at bedtime, I now take it with my daytime regimen.

I slept so good last night after taking 10 mg of melatonin that I feel relaxed today.

My emotions are stable and the racing thoughts have slowed dramatically. I’ve been journaling to capture those thoughts and stop them from constantly spinning in my mind. I am happy to say the depressive symptoms are all but gone.

I’m feeling good.

I’m suffering my first major depression episode since my cancer diagnosis. While I’m trying self care and journaling, my emotions are dark. To manage, I regulate them and change the thoughts that caused them. It’s an uphill fight.

I can’t really discuss any of this with immediate family. They don’t want to know about my symptoms. I know because I’ve tried to share my status and it is dismissed.

I shared my status on Facebook without divulging any personal information I don’t want people to know. I got a great response. My immediate family doesn’t use Facebook so they aren’t aware I’m reaching out and bypassing them.

I love them but they are incapable of sympathy at times. Maybe they’re too close to me. Thankfully I have a mental health nurse I see frequently and doctors who are paid to hear me report symptoms I believe are important in regards to my mental wellness and cancer recovery.

I’ve decided to aim at simple nutritional goals that I can do every day. My first day, 2 days ago, went well. I lost almost 2 pounds. But then I put back another pound the next day. This will not be easy.

I use MyFitnessPal. When I started some years ago I lost maybe 20 pounds. I am almost back to my old weight. I have to lose it again.. I may have survived cancer, but I’ve lost my weight loss edge.

Nutritional information is my focus now. I want to reduce sugar and certain fats, but I can’t do that without a plan. I have to select my meals and snacks with nutritional goals in mind, not just eat anything I want. This also will not be easy, but it will no doubt be rewarding when I feel more energy and wellness.

I want to have small meals now. Not only will I cut calories, I will mostly eliminate heartburn. The feeling of fullness is almost suffocating.

Cutting caffeine is another goal, but today I blew it. Sometimes I want coffee when I’m bored. And I’m accustomed to at least 6 cups a day.

I’ve been noticing certain activities are coming easier these days. It’s less strenuous to help my husband with his part time janitor job. It’s also not a pain to sort my clutter, either. I can do more longer.

Gradually but steadily, the clutter in my house is diminishing. I guess I’m ready now to let go of a lot of stuff, including remnants of my past. The result of letting go is such an exhilarating emotion. I should have done this years ago.

The process of decluttering your life can be complicated, but it is easier when you do it with someone. The other person’s objectivity helps you gain another perspective on what you really need and want.

Mmm