My Little Outings

The weather during the first couple of days this week was not very inviting to venture out in, so I remained largely inside. I also had a few visitors on those days, which was nice. On Wednesday Patti had to go up pick up something from Zeke's school, which is literally only 5 minutes walk away. I decided to go with her, and we walked slowly up the little incline to the school, looking at the various house renovations on the way. I interacted with a couple of people (who do not know me) at the school, then we headed home. We walked a little further around our neighbourhood as well. All up we were probably out for 45 minutes. After that I had a wonderful lunch, cooked fresh by Patti as usual, and had a nice sleep. My body felt like it used to feel after a decent training session, and I felt very content and relaxed before falling asleep. It was a long sleep for me, all of about 30 minutes. I rested well for much of the rest of the day, and had good energy levels later in the afternoon and evening.
Today I went on a longer outing. Nothing more than one would describe as doing some chores, but it was a significant step up. With Patti at my side, I drove to a ski shop to drop off Zeke's skis to get tuned for some upcoming ski races trials (he hopes to make his schools ski team). I then drove to a carpark and walked to a bank, pharmacy and camping store before going shopping at the supermarket. I did have to sit down outside the supermarket towards the end, and whilst I did drive home, I was not much help in unloading the car. In the supermarket I took it slow as I looked at lots of food items wondering whether I could eat them not. It is difficult to describe the feelings I experienced during this outing, and I won't attempt to try, but I am sure some can imagine. All up we were probably out for at least 1.5 hours. This is not something I could have done even a week ago. I had another wonderful home cooked lunch (cold baked chicken, beef and tomato ravioli, and some stir fried veggies [with virtually no oil]) and then took my very weary body to bed for a wonderful sleep.
I had an oncologist, who I know, come and visit me earlier this week. He had just heard about my situation. His visit left me very happy. He gently reiterated to Patti and I much of what we already knew. The importance of positive thinking, good nutrition, a calm and stress free environment, focusing on myself and relaxing. I have been a bit of a slow learner in terms of focusing on myself, but as I enter this next stage of my recovery I am getting better at thinking about myself first. With a bit more exercise now, I am relaxing much better too.
As I relax, sleep and go out a bit more I have been spending less time answering emails. I do, however, enjoy those that I have been receiving from far and wide.
I have no idea how this blog reads - it often feels like a bit of a brain dump as I write. I don't think I have ever looked back at the entries and can't see myself doing that. I can only look forward and up. Who knows how fast I will bounce back but I have at least definitely started the bounce.