When the battle commenced I reached for my heavy suit of armour. It was rapidly cobbled together but made from some strong and reliable components. First, there was my natural resilience, tried and tested after my early brush with serious illness. To this, I added my wonderful support network – family, friends and rapid access to the best of the medical profession. The third component was my physical condition at the point of diagnosis. Years of sticking to a regime of gym classes – yes, Jane Fonda really was an early inspiration — have meant that at 52, and with access to a great gym from work, I was (am!) as fit and trim as ever. Plenty of yoga and Pilates in the mix means I’m pretty strong and supple too. A great starting point then for the fight ahead.
But eight days ago I had a little procedure to insert a “port” – a little device that now sits in the top of my chest connected through a thin tube to a vein in my neck – through which they can administer all my chemo and take all my blood tests. Wonderful and far better than having my veins prodded and pushed every time. But I’ve had to refrain from strenuous exercise while the little wounds heal. And since there’s not much flesh around the site of the port, it’s been quite bruised and noticeable. So yesterday, just a week after my last yoga class (I went to one on the way to having the port inserted!!), I was feeling stiff, bloated, and less than fit.
And there was the chink in my armour. It was almost easy to face the onslaught from a point of feeling on top physical form. But keeping the mental strength at peak levels when the physical is struggling, will be more of a challenge.
I know I will be able to keep exercising and I definitely intend to keep up the yoga and Pilates. I love walking and in the next hour or so will be taking a nice long walk in the winter sunshine. I am just going to have to be disciplined with myself. Not too much comfort eating and plenty of stretching and moving, even when I don’t really feel like it. I will plaster over those chinks in my armour and get on with it.
…..”52″? SuRLEY NOT?!!
As you know ,I only became aware of your current situation yesterday. Glad you got the positive beat, knowing you, i can not think of you doing anthing else .
As you have said, must have been difficult for you and Martin to re visit this place again and Scary. As you say, letting your parents too, i am sure they must be very proud of you and how strong you are
Having a kinda Sensitive Viking for a Husband must be a help when it comes to this ,leaping tall buildings and putting the pinny on to cook the dinner ! I do wish i had his colour hair , oh hang on , i have!!
xx