This is kinda "The Month Off." In more ways than one, really.
Off Chemo- temporarily. And I feel off.
I think it's the anxiety of the surgery. Since I've had a total of 5 abdominal surgeries (2 cesarian sections, 1 hemicolectomy and 2 POS IPHP surgeries) in my life, I can say with certainty that this surgery will suck. Suck BIG TIME because when I had the c-sections I thought those were bad. Then I had the hemicolectomy- THAT sucked. Then the POS, unnecessary, just want my insurance money, practice surgeries sucked even worse.
Dr. Sardi said that those would basically PALE in comparison to the REAL HIPEC surgery.
He said to exercise, smile, take multi-vitamins and 1g of vitamin C to get ready.
I'm just going to be honest with myself. I'm fat. I'm either lazy or tired. Or both. I need a Jillian Michaels to get in my face and talk shit to me to motivate me. I see workout time as selfish, but not selfish if it's improving my health. The days go by so fast and before I know it- it's been forever since I've done anything active. I was putting in a real effort to get healthy after having Vera in December of '08. I had actually started to like jogging. Knocked out of that game by diagnosis/surgery. From there, it was all downhill. Chemo, more surgery, more chemo, little break, another surgery and more chemo. MIND YOU- I gained 30lbs on chemo. I've been off chemo for a bit now. I still taste it. I still get nauseous. I still wretch at the thought of the FEEL of it and at the idea of those disgusting "lunches" they provided for chemo patients.
To say the experience has been traumatizing would be an understatement. I'd like to be around long enough to see this chapter of my life as the "Bad Year(s)." But that really isn't fair to my kids, is it?
"Yeah Vera, the 2 years after you were born totally sucked balls."
I don't know that I would put that in her baby scrapbook... if I ever got around to putting one together. But if I did- they'd probably make some cutesy decals and paper with frownie faces and IV poles right?
Not really fair is it? That she got the crap end of the deal. She gets all the hand-me-downs and a sick Mommy. At least Iris got the best of me for a couple of years. Not that she'll remember them. She'll remember me being sick. I'm just hoping that will spark her interest in becoming a GREAT doctor. Not like the shit one I got stuck with.
It kind of bothers me when people say "Well, you LOOK good." I know I've said it before, but I've heard it a lot lately. What they mean is "You're fatter than I thought you'd be." or "Isn't chemo supposed to make you LOSE weight?"
If one did't know I had cancer- they'd just say "Woa! She's Fat!" But I get the "Look Good" pass because I have cancer.
Can you tell I woke up feeling sorry for myself today? I think it all started with looking at pictures of me that were taken over the last couple of weeks and noticing just HOW fat I've become. Not that it's a beauty contest- but dammit- I'd like to feel good about myself in ONE way. Isn't that part of your mental health? If my insides look like hell- at least the outside could be to the contrary.
Just had to whine.
Walk. Walking is a great exercise, easy on the knees, and very zen. Walk, walk, walk. Push the kids in the jumbo stroller or pull them in a wagon. Walk by yourself to think. DON'T sign up for a gym membership or anything like that. Just start walking, see where it takes you! I'd be afraid that your boxing actually makes you more tense. But maybe that's just me.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, I haven't worked out all week. Terribly hot and humid in Wisconsin.
PS--you know that even if kids don't remember stuff, it all still has an impact on them. My kids are 13 and 10, and I know that even as those early memories fade, the basics stick.