Have you ever heard of Wogging? It's when you alternate between run intervals and walk intervals. I did that today. For the first time since my first surgery on April 7th, I ran. I wore 2 sports bras for support and warmed up for about 15 minutes of brisk walking, then started with a 3 minute jog interval. I did 4 of those, with 2 minutes walking in between. I call it a 3-2. Maybe that's what every one calls it? Anyway, my body felt strong but my cardio stamina is sadly lacking. I guess that's what 2 surgeries and 6 weeks of no running (hey - don't forget my old friend - walking) will do. So I've decided to run the Susan G. Kommen Race for the Cure on June 7th. I've recruited my running partner - K2, who was ready and willing to join me. It's a 5K (3.1 miles) so I should be able to build up to a decent ratio of run:walk by then.
It will be a wonderful way to prepare myself for chemo, which I am hoping to schedule to begin on June 9th. Doesn't that sound funny? When you're "hoping to schedule" something it should be, oh I don't know...a pedicure, a haircut, a coffee date, someone to clean the carpets... Not 4 hours of iv drugs and several days of side effects to follow. Losing hair, nausea, etc.
Next week, I have 3 appointments. I am meeting with a different Medical Oncologist just to get a second opinion and to see if there might be a better relationship fit. I am going to be spending the next 5 years in the care of my Medical Onco and need to be 100% comfortable with his/her style. The first doctor was sharp, but I left with several unanswered questions and would just like to meet with one more doctor. Don't get me wrong, I am committed to chemo as it gives me the best chance for a cancer-free life, but want to make double sure.
I will also meet with a counselor at the Breast Center to interview for Genetic Testing. I will blog more about that after I have been to the meeting to learn what it is all about. I don't think that I have the gene, but it is good to make sure, given my age at diagnosis.
Dan & I will meet together for a chemotherapy education session - I'm sure I'll learn more about the side effects of the regimen I am taking, as well as the procedures for chemo. I have been reading memoirs and blogs and have a few friends who have taken the same meds that I will be taking so I think that I have a pretty good idea of what the side effects can be. I will be getting a prescription for a wig, but honestly I see myself more in hats and scarves - especially over the summer.
We will also meet with a financial counselor. Although we have medical insurance through Dan's work, we will still be paying a portion of the expenses. I guess we're going to find out how much that will be. I am not sure that I really want to know. It's bad enough that I have to go through all this...but then we have to be stuck with medical bills too? Are you kidding me?
We've decided to move our weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge to this coming weekend. We had scheduled it for the first weekend that school gets out in June, but given that I am not sure how I'll feel after my first round of chemo we would like to go now while I can still enjoy the time away with family. The kids have been dying to go, so right about now seems like a good time.
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You are amazing, I need to go get on my treadmill right now before I lose respect for myself! LOL
ReplyDeleteI think a second consultation is wise, definitely dont plunge into this without exploring this further. Whatever it takes to help you feel as confidant as possible going in.
I wish you didnt have to pay anything. Stuff like this should come with a "get out of jail card" but it doesnt. When I was sick we almost lost our house to medical bills. I know you guys are so much better off than we were at the time for sure, but its great you guys are seeing a financial counselor. That is the blessing here, that you can have a little bit of notice on all of this. When things happen in an emergency fashion there is no notice. Definitely God wants you to be prepared.
Let me know how you like the Great Wolf Lodge! We have been wanting to go and I keep wondering how fun it is for older kids? I know Audrey will love it, but wondering about the rest of you, if you ALL love it, then we are going for sure this summer.
There's a 5K in Granite Falls on the 30th as part of Dylan's Day a fundraiser for my friend's five year old son who has brain cancer. It might be good practice for you too! Congratulations on getting back to exercising, and I'm praying for you!
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