Monday, 30 April 2012

Good morning my brothers

Well. It’s funny. Once I’ve decided to post more frequently I don’t have too much to say. Darn it. My diet still sucks, but I promised myself I’d work on it. My weight has stabilized at 240.

Kate and I went to a Blue Rocks Baseball game yesterday and in the middle of the fifth inning or so it occurred to me that it had been a year to the day that I had discharged from my first stay at the hospital and that I had heard the words lymphoma and cancer.

Yikes! It’s weird; I don’t want to be one of those guys who obsess over this kind of thing because it can become paralyzing, but it just kind of sticks with you – oh well.

It’s 0547 right now and I’m waiting ‘till about 0600 before I go to the garage and workout. I’m hoping moving my workout times around will help with the fatigue at work and give me more time to hang out with Kate in the evenings.

My hip is killing me from sitting all twisted up at the ball game yesterday. I suspect the ravages of older age.

I’m having a big internal debate about my hair. I look okay with longer hair, but it’s just not me. I’ve been wearing it longer because of my gigantic scar on my head, but  don’t think I give a shit about it anymore. Considerations! Considerations!

I guess that’s it’s about 0553 and the morning is that early grey that seems to wake the birds. I guess I’ll give my four monsters their early morning meds and some toast then hit the weights, shower and go to work.

Since recover is also about work I’ll chat about that tomorrow. I hesitate to discuss that subject because everyone has been so supportive, but I promised to be honest in case someone else can use theses stories later.

sunday 29 april quiet

Slow day today. Just taking it easy. Now that the weather is starting to be a tad warmer I’ve begun working out in the mornings before work. I’ll have to see how that goes. More later. Freakin ticks are everywhere -- don't want tot tangle with them -- Yikes

exercise fatigue and felicity

Hey posse:

Things are getting better, but fatigue is still an issue.  Went home early from work yesterday; I was exhausted. Bone weary seems like a good phrase. Bone marrow weary more like it (heh, heh, heh – cancer humor just kills me. There’s another one. Oh God!! Heh, heh, heh)

Everything I read says the only thing for fatigue is activity and naps no longer than an hour. I also need to get my most important work of the day done in the mornings, so if I do run out of gas I don’t have a big hill to climb in the afternoon. Easy to say, but can be hard to do.

We all know how important I am – I heard the Delaware Department of Labor actually shut down while I was out sick.

My remaining hair is way too long, but I have this thin landing strip of hair down the middle of my head, surrounded by two giant patches of baldness. So I look like one of those pathetic middle-aged guys trying to hang on to youth. I’ll be middle aged someday.  Anyway I kind of dig my remaining curly locks, and don’t want to cut them, but I miss my very short hair I wore for so many years. Decision! Decisions! I don’t want to end up like Keri Russell and only be famous for a bad haircut choice.

Love to all,

Bill

Thursday April 26, 2012 part deux

Thursday April 26, 2012.

I almost forgot. I guess I didn’t forget so much as ignore. I said I would be honest with you. I am having a lot of trouble getting motivated in the mornings. I just don’t enjoy working anywhere near like I used to. Once upon a time I identified who I am with my employment, but not now. It all seems way less important. I mean the work is still important – I guess. I mean somebody has to do it, but I am not so sure it should be me.

The woods are lovely dark and deep

But I have promises to keep.

Always a lot to think about.

Also I am still dog-tired in the evenings when I come home. My coping technique is a nap, a workout, and dinner. Then I veg out for two hours in front of the TV and by 9, I am ready for bed.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.

See ya, maybe I can be more honest tomorrow

Bill

Not a whole lot to report. Feeling pretty good. My workouts continue to make steady progress.

I have decided to keep my strength training to every third day instead of every other day. I think the extra day will help my body heal especially when one considers my age (54) and platelet situation 88,000. On the off days I plan to walk at lunch and ride my bike, or skip rope in the in the evenings -- More of an aerobic thing.

I guess that’s it.

Bill

Thursday April 26, 2012.

Thursday April 26, 2012.

Not a whole lot to report. Feeling pretty good. My workouts continue to make steady progress.

I have decided to keep my strength training to every third day instead of every other day. I think the extra day will help my body heal especially when one considers my age (54) and platelet situation 88,000. On the off days I plan to walk at lunch and ride my bike, or skip rope in the in the evenings -- More of an aerobic thing.

I guess that’s it.

Bill

McDonald Pass between Helena
and Deer Lodge

Picolo Players beware

Now it’s official I am strong enough to beat up a marching band piccolo player, but I dare not take on a tuba player. And we all know how coordinated a cello player in a marching band has to be; I dare not try taking on one of those either.

 

Yesterday I benched 185 and could have done more, but I couldn’t find a tuba player to spot me and I’m not going to ask an adult to help with weak performance like that – I almost died from cancer, I don’t want to die from embarrassment instead.

 

Things are looking up physically. I have been riding my bike for up to 45 minutes and have begun jumping rope. I can skip rope a paltry 20 times now.

 

One year and about 35 to go

Dear Chemo 13 Buddies:

Feeling pretty good today. Had a good night’s sleep last night.

Tomorrow is the 1^st anniversary of them taking pieces out of me (bowel resection). Kate and I are going to celebrate by doing a little bowling in the afternoon and maybe some minor league baseball in the evening. It should be a blast. I didn’t get to go to a single game last year because of the cancer and a compromised immune system. We are psyched!!

Anyway I won’t write again ‘till Monday.

Peace to all,

Bill