Making progress 2/10

Well I would say that it's rather significant that I can now sleep on my side for part of the time and get my arms above my head. I'm still a bit hampered in the latter and my shoulder is a little tweaked, but I know that will work itself out over time and with some exercises. I went back to acupuntcture on Friday and will go twice this coming week to aid with recovery.
I really think that helps.

I went for an infusion of herceptin yesterday, and I still find myself bracing mentally even a few days prior to going in, which seems strange since the chemo part of things is over, but it's still treatment and still a needle, still an infusion so the same kinds of questions kind of come up like "How am I going to feel after this? How will this affect me? How should I plan my day to deal with how I might feel?" and making sure that I eat something substantial before I go even if I don't want to. I'm hoping that the underlying anxiety will quell over time but it's still there. Maybe it's the reminder that I'm still fighting this thing with treatment even though everything is technically over, compounded with the fact that I still have bum days where I don't feel like doing anything. However, overall I have more stamina than I have in the past and I'm getting into a daily rhythm and routine, so that feels good. I've been dialoguing a bit with my friend Rich from school and that has been great mentally. I have some math books to brush up on things as well. Oh, and I'm reading this fabulous book by John Wooden (famous basketball coach) called My Personal Best and it is GREAT. There are wonderful lessons that he shares from his own life, and for me, since I would like to work on re-entering "normal life" in a healthy way I have found the character lessons advisory and helpful.
I've also been listening to podcasts from Ed Young and have really found those to be challenging and helpful in keeping me headed in God's direction. I really enjoy the way he makes ideas accessible yet personally challenging at the same time. Since I haven't been consistently attending church for the past month, it has really helped. I listen to them at the gym or just in the car. In fact, I recommend it.

I'll also get back into physical therapy for a couple of weeks mainly to help restore the motion of the rotators/shoulder/arm etc. which gets messed up when you hold your muscles taught and drawn in. It's also sort of like posture therapy in a way because I've definitely been holding myself inward and I have to concentrate (as I am now) to stand up straight and encourage muscles in directions that they don't want to stretch.

As for exercise, I'm going to the gym every other day and alternating combinations of the elliptical/bike/treadmill and doing some weights with legs to get those strong. I really haven't done anything with my arms yet (aren't you glad I'm being wise about this?) and I can hardly do sit ups becuase of the interface of those muscles with the rib cage but soon I can. I'm going to wait until I go to physical therapy on Monday and see what Ron has to say. I mostly need time to heal up and stretch muscles in the whole upper body area.

I'm looking forward to going to church tonight and being there to celebrate Dan and Joy Perkins and their family. They are wonderful incredible people that have given their hearts and their time serving so many at Southwest and often in ways that are not visible. I'll miss them greatly but am privileged to be able to know them and count them as friends.

Blessings,
Julie