AND THE BEAT GOES ON

"The potential within you is greater than the obstacles around you.”

- Matshona Dhliwayo -

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Well, here we are 4 weeks post-op from surgery #2. I've been feeling really good. Energy levels are definitely on the rise and the somewhat return to normalcy is great. I'm able to drive. I'm doing more stuff around the house. I'm out and about more. I'm slowly getting back into the kitchen making meals and stuff. And while I wait for radiation therapy to start I'm going to do an in-person Cookie Decorating class. Want to join me? Check out: Studio Mooi.

In January, I put the workshop in my calendar as a goal. When the Studio owner contacted me to discuss 2023 workshops, I was reluctant to set any dates knowing that my cancer journey was uncertain at the time and at the same time I wanted something to look forward to.

Then there's something else I am looking forward to - celebrating my birthday on Friday (March 24). I will now look at my birthdays a little differently and treasure them more dearly.

I really had my heart set on having completed the radiation by spring and especially for my birthday (that would have been an awesome birthday present). Ha, well, spring has sprung and I'm still strutting along the Pink Road. And part of that journey is rehab. Wait. What? Rehab? Yup, rehab.

Did you know that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for breast cancer survivors? According to medical studies: "The elevated risk of CVD in cancer survivors is likely the result of normal age-related pathologies coupled with the direct (eg, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy) and indirect (eg, deconditioning, weight gain) effects of cancer therapy."

Soooooooo...I'm taking part in the HEALTh Program - a UHN Rehab clinic starting on March 31 for 16 weeks.

I had two assessments - one was general intake and the other was a "stress" test or what I like to call my Rafael Nadal Performance Test. HAHA. You see, I was hooked up to all these electrodes and a breathing apparatus, all of which were monitoring my oxygen, heartbeat, etc. testing my performance like the high-end athletes. So, that's me, just one of the high-end athletes getting tested so we can maximize output performance and excel at QoL (quality of life). Yup! Me! - a high end athlete - now that's what is called mindset and using higher mental faculties: perspective. (waving to all my TIR sisters - you know what I'm talking about!) GAME ON!

Challenge accepted. I've already committed to waking every single day. Sweet David even made me a star chart - just like the ones from kindergarten. And every day, after my walk, I put up a star. ⭐️ Cheer for myself and celebrate the win.

If there is one lesson this journey has taught me, it's:

CELEBRATE EVERYTHING!

Upcoming appointments:

March 23: Meeting with my Oncologist - Dr. M. Gordon

April 5: Meeting with my Radiologist - Dr. K. Han

Fridays, starting March 31: Rehab

Tuesdays: Breast Cancer Support Group Zoom