Since my last post, I've been trying to reinstate my daily regimen of exercise and walking to increase my energy level and stamina. Initially this renewed effort caused me to have 'bad days' as my body tried to recuperate. However, those 'bad days' seem to be few and far between.
The change in the weather has been conducive to my walking. Some days I walk about six miles, but overall I average about 3-4 miles a day. I make sure my route is varied and contains a good amount of 'up-hill' walking. I did venture to walk around Round Pond (a local name - but the official name is Pentucket Lake). After making it half-way across, I took a breather and sat on a park bench. Maybe a bad idea (or at least a lesson learned), but I didn't know if I had the energy to continue and head home. Luckily, I was able to 'walk through it'. This tells me that I still have a way to go.
I've been playing the guitar daily (a few hours here and there), but I still get tired of standing after about a half hour. I do sit and continue playing though. I'm very pleased with my progress of getting my chops back and am thrilled that the neuropathy in my thumb and forefinger has nearly dissipated. [Just one lingering spot on my finger, but the more I play, the better it gets.] Unfortunately, I haven't been concentrating on vocal exercises. However, I plan to work that into my daily routine.
I still have some food aversions. My diet has changed from before the start of this ordeal. But I was encouraged the other day when I had a huge craving for freshly cut peppers, broccoli and tomatoes with vegetable dip. So good. Hopefully I can work my way back to my daily salad. I still can't even stomach the thought of oranges. And those that know me are aware of my propensity to always have these vitamin C orbs as an ever-available staple. Maybe soon. I'd rather have liquid vitamin C versus the tablet.
For every action there is a consequence. I'm hoping that my increase in exercise is the cause of some new aches and pains in my back and flanks. Also, my shift in diet (again) may be causing some lower GI 'disturbances'. I truly hope that neither are related. It's tough having to be super-sensative to your body and have these 'things' crop up. Until then I'll need to follow the rule of thumb and hope it goes away in a week (or two) before bringing it to the attention of my physician(s).
My hair has begun to grow. I can feel a serious 5 o'clock shadow on my head, but it's still white so it's had to see - so I'm still looking like Kojak. I'm noticing that my beard needs shaving more often (more than every 3-4 days).
So I am doing better and I'll continue to push myself.
Thanks to all for your support and readership. More to come.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
Sore, but getting there
I've been working on raising my energy level and increasing my stamina to where I feel I can accomplish a physical task without having to have to sit and catch up. I've begun doing my daily exercises and am working toward my being able to take long walks.
To prepare, I've been walking up and down the cellar stairs for 10 sets a day. The daily routine I had for morning exercises, at first made me very sore. I'm so tight. A routine previously flown through before going to work seems to take longer than I anticipated. But I' m getting through it. Initially I thought that the tamoxifen was causing blood clots because I was having pains in my calves. But further research on clots and DVT (deep vein thrombosis) ruled that out. I'm just sore.
Today I ventured out on a small hike to the mailbox and ended up walking about a mile. That last stretch was bit taxing, but the weather was conducive to walking so I soldiered on. I'll see what muscles scream tomorrow.
I've also been playing the guitar more and for longer periods, but my back is still getting tired. I'm hoping that more walking will help that set of muscles. My calluses are getting back into shape and the numbness in my thumb and forefinger (although still present), seems to be getting 'better'. From time to time I get pains in areas previously numb (surgical area too) but I think the nerves are growing back. I'm getting more sensation.
I'm still a cue ball and still only shave every few days, but I am beginning to get stubble on my head. I don't see any color other than white. But it's still early.
More steps forward and fewer steps backwards for a change.
Thanks for reading. More to come.
To prepare, I've been walking up and down the cellar stairs for 10 sets a day. The daily routine I had for morning exercises, at first made me very sore. I'm so tight. A routine previously flown through before going to work seems to take longer than I anticipated. But I' m getting through it. Initially I thought that the tamoxifen was causing blood clots because I was having pains in my calves. But further research on clots and DVT (deep vein thrombosis) ruled that out. I'm just sore.
Today I ventured out on a small hike to the mailbox and ended up walking about a mile. That last stretch was bit taxing, but the weather was conducive to walking so I soldiered on. I'll see what muscles scream tomorrow.
I've also been playing the guitar more and for longer periods, but my back is still getting tired. I'm hoping that more walking will help that set of muscles. My calluses are getting back into shape and the numbness in my thumb and forefinger (although still present), seems to be getting 'better'. From time to time I get pains in areas previously numb (surgical area too) but I think the nerves are growing back. I'm getting more sensation.
I'm still a cue ball and still only shave every few days, but I am beginning to get stubble on my head. I don't see any color other than white. But it's still early.
More steps forward and fewer steps backwards for a change.
Thanks for reading. More to come.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
New dance - two steps forward and one step back
I trust everyone had a safe and restful Labor Day.
I find it hard to fathom that the summer is (technically) over. With focus on my health challenges since the end of April, one half of the year has slipped by. These months of coping and recovering have certainly broken my regular cycle of doing things. Previously, I had my daily and weekend routine down pat. I'd get up for work, have coffee, do my exercises, iron, shave and shower and head to the highway. Now my being retired, I have yet to establish a new routine - although I've been trying.
Now that the chemo is (thankfully) done, I've been trying to get back into the swing of things. The most difficult part has been regaining energy and maintaining my stamina. Although the spirit is more than willing the flesh is still weak. Some of the simplest tasks like doing laundry, grocery shopping and the mundane (but necessary) household chores (can) wipe me out. When I have a 'good day', I earnestly try to re-start my life. I've had some productive exercise sessions, but the ensuing dizziness and overall weakness is frustrating. My biggest scare happened last week when I was rearranging some furniture on my three season porch to ready it for my least favorite season. I was taking my time, but at one point (after standing up quickly), I almost passed out. Not wanting to fall, I gracefully sat on the floor and eventually lay flat while it 'passed'. After what seemed like too long, I was able to slowly get up and sit. I sat for nearly an hour until my breathing settled. Clearly I did (and tried to do) too much. That episode wiped me out for a day. Very frustrating.
I'm aware that I haven't 'exerted' myself physically for nearly six months so it will take time to get back. But what I haven't anticipated was my having to take things even slower. Whatever I decide to accomplish, I need to build in extra time and ensure that the task is 'manageable'. It's disconcerting to 'want to' do something (taking steps forward), but having to retreat by taking a step back to recover. In addition, I'm cognizant that my body has been through hell and it needs time to get back on track, but only having energy to play the guitar (standing) for a half hour, or trying to vocalize for just fifteen minutes is disheartening. I do have to remind myself that it's only been a week from a theoretical chemo treatment and things take time. But, I'm so far from being able to load my gear into the car and set up for a gig and put in six to eight hours. This scares me. Especially after having that episode on my sun porch. I hate to entertain the thought that I may not be at that point to handle that for another year.
So the lesson learned is - you can push yourself but be prepared for push back. I'm still learning my limits and try to push on those when I can. When 'inside' you fell you can do what you used to, I'm rudely reminded that I'm not ready yet. Frustrating yes. But this is the new reality.
Thanks for reading. More to come.
I find it hard to fathom that the summer is (technically) over. With focus on my health challenges since the end of April, one half of the year has slipped by. These months of coping and recovering have certainly broken my regular cycle of doing things. Previously, I had my daily and weekend routine down pat. I'd get up for work, have coffee, do my exercises, iron, shave and shower and head to the highway. Now my being retired, I have yet to establish a new routine - although I've been trying.
Now that the chemo is (thankfully) done, I've been trying to get back into the swing of things. The most difficult part has been regaining energy and maintaining my stamina. Although the spirit is more than willing the flesh is still weak. Some of the simplest tasks like doing laundry, grocery shopping and the mundane (but necessary) household chores (can) wipe me out. When I have a 'good day', I earnestly try to re-start my life. I've had some productive exercise sessions, but the ensuing dizziness and overall weakness is frustrating. My biggest scare happened last week when I was rearranging some furniture on my three season porch to ready it for my least favorite season. I was taking my time, but at one point (after standing up quickly), I almost passed out. Not wanting to fall, I gracefully sat on the floor and eventually lay flat while it 'passed'. After what seemed like too long, I was able to slowly get up and sit. I sat for nearly an hour until my breathing settled. Clearly I did (and tried to do) too much. That episode wiped me out for a day. Very frustrating.
I'm aware that I haven't 'exerted' myself physically for nearly six months so it will take time to get back. But what I haven't anticipated was my having to take things even slower. Whatever I decide to accomplish, I need to build in extra time and ensure that the task is 'manageable'. It's disconcerting to 'want to' do something (taking steps forward), but having to retreat by taking a step back to recover. In addition, I'm cognizant that my body has been through hell and it needs time to get back on track, but only having energy to play the guitar (standing) for a half hour, or trying to vocalize for just fifteen minutes is disheartening. I do have to remind myself that it's only been a week from a theoretical chemo treatment and things take time. But, I'm so far from being able to load my gear into the car and set up for a gig and put in six to eight hours. This scares me. Especially after having that episode on my sun porch. I hate to entertain the thought that I may not be at that point to handle that for another year.
So the lesson learned is - you can push yourself but be prepared for push back. I'm still learning my limits and try to push on those when I can. When 'inside' you fell you can do what you used to, I'm rudely reminded that I'm not ready yet. Frustrating yes. But this is the new reality.
Thanks for reading. More to come.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
If it isn't one thing, it's three
I had my eye doctor appointment today. After getting away without glasses for 62 years, I'm now strongly encouraged to join the corrective lenses club. Yup - glasses.
The good news is I don't have glaucoma, my 'eye structures' are healthy and I don't have macular degeneration. Although, being an older light skinned male, I'm susceptible to it.
Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD, is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans who are age 65 and older. Because people in this group are an increasingly larger percentage of the general population, vision loss from macular degeneration is a growing problem.
The eye doctor said tht this is something that is monitored and prevention is eating leafy green vegetables (like spinach - which I love).
Now the bad news. I have cataracts.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
I have cataracts in both eyes, but my right eye has the clouding in my line of vision. The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to my eye or make the surgery more difficult. I do not have to rush into surgery.
I've been given a prescription for distance. My near vision is pretty good (20/30), but my distance is 20/40. Glasses will help bring that to 20/30.
The doctor said she doesn't know how long I've had these, but surmises that I've had them for about a year, but she has no other data on me for comparison. Some of her patients experience little to no change over time, while others show a greater progression. This is something to monitor, she said.
I asked what causes these other than age, she said that there are many variables (one being stress). [Gee I haven't had any reason for that.]. But added that my taking Tamoxifen for just over the last week had no affect. In addition, if there was any long term affect, it would not be cataracts.
She said it possible that I've had this problem (in my right eye), but didn't notice until I was asked to be cognizant of vision changes (as a result of Tamoxifen). The body does compensate, in this case by relying on the better eye. I may have been unaware of my impaired vision in my right eye.
Things could always be worse. So I'll get eye glasses for distance (driving mostly) and monitor my vision in between becoming an "I eats my spinach", Popeye.
More to come.
The good news is I don't have glaucoma, my 'eye structures' are healthy and I don't have macular degeneration. Although, being an older light skinned male, I'm susceptible to it.
Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD, is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans who are age 65 and older. Because people in this group are an increasingly larger percentage of the general population, vision loss from macular degeneration is a growing problem.
The eye doctor said tht this is something that is monitored and prevention is eating leafy green vegetables (like spinach - which I love).
Now the bad news. I have cataracts.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
I have cataracts in both eyes, but my right eye has the clouding in my line of vision. The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to my eye or make the surgery more difficult. I do not have to rush into surgery.
I've been given a prescription for distance. My near vision is pretty good (20/30), but my distance is 20/40. Glasses will help bring that to 20/30.
The doctor said she doesn't know how long I've had these, but surmises that I've had them for about a year, but she has no other data on me for comparison. Some of her patients experience little to no change over time, while others show a greater progression. This is something to monitor, she said.
I asked what causes these other than age, she said that there are many variables (one being stress). [Gee I haven't had any reason for that.]. But added that my taking Tamoxifen for just over the last week had no affect. In addition, if there was any long term affect, it would not be cataracts.
She said it possible that I've had this problem (in my right eye), but didn't notice until I was asked to be cognizant of vision changes (as a result of Tamoxifen). The body does compensate, in this case by relying on the better eye. I may have been unaware of my impaired vision in my right eye.
Things could always be worse. So I'll get eye glasses for distance (driving mostly) and monitor my vision in between becoming an "I eats my spinach", Popeye.
More to come.
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