Week 7 - Thursday 14th May

This time next week, I would've had my first radiotherapy treatment.  A week tomorrow, I'll be having my first chemotherapy treatment.  I'm a little apprehensive, but looking forward to starting the treatment.

I've had a few days where the pain has been frustrating, and a few really great days.  However, I'm not down, depressed, or feeling sorry for myself.  There may be small things that are a victory, and I focus on them.  I've said before this is as much of a mental battle, as well as a physical one.  Speaking of mental health, my first week of treatment starts on mental health awareness week. 

This years theme is kindness, and I have to say, you have all been incredibly kind with your words either on here, or on my social media posts.  You've also respected that I asked I didn't want to be inundated with direct messages and phone calls.  This has helped me enormously by letting me focus on me, and my body.  For example, many of you follow me on social media where I occasionally post about what I'm up to.  This past week, I've been potting in the garden, doing small jobs in small doses.  I had some seeds that I wanted to plant, and also some weeding that needed doing.  Also the rhubarb, as ever is taking over it's little space in the garden.  This year I'm letting it flower, to see if it helps it stop growing so much!

I also managed to do some baking, including some scones and banana bread.  Fitness wise, I'm still doing my walking laps around the garden, and a couple of days I've incorporated some jogging into it as well.  Monday I felt up for some rowing after my walk/jog around the garden.  I potentially go too enthusiastic and on Wednesday (two days later) my arms were a tad hurty!  I've eased off a bit now, and taking it easy.  I'm not as young as my head would like to believe!

Going back to Mental Health Awareness week, I've included the link to any resources and information you may be interested in, which includes taking part in a 30 minute movement challenge.  I'm definitely trying to keep moving, even though I'm at home.  I've found that when I'm experiencing pain, the majority of the time movement helps keep my mind focused elsewhere, rather than the pain I experience.

I also had a call from a complementary therapist (not something I would normally go for, but I'm always up for trying new things before I knock them), as part of what Macmillan support with those with cancer.  We had a call the other week, then she talked me through the different therapy's and obviously there were a few that couldn't be offered due to the current climate.  She talked me through a scenario to help me manage any anxiety, pain, and anything that may effect me mentally.  Without going into too much detail, I found it quite beneficial.  It's not something I would use everyday, but as and when needed.  I just need a quiet space and allow myself time to go through what I was taught.

So this is the last week before going into the boss fight.  Next week I have a blood test, call with the oncologist, then the Rad and Chemo boss fights begin.  The following week it's solid Rad treatment, so I'll have lots of share in the coming weeks.

As ever, look out for one another, stay home and stay well. xxx