The Crazy Woman

Image by Mariya from Pixabay

Everyone said I was crazy. For three full weeks, I spent four hours a day digging sod out from flowerbeds and around the trees, trying to complete the task before my husband’s knee replacement surgery on the first of July. My yardwork would be cut in half if I got it finished. Never mind the aesthetics of clean edged beds.

However, the task is huge. There are fourteen large trees to edge and approximately 200 feet of flower beds full of grass. The result of years of neglect by the previous owner. So far, we’ve hauled off eighty truck loads of yard debris. This is the last.

Yes, it could be done gradually over the course of the summer, but the compulsion to finish before the surgery was strong. I couldn’t rest until it was done. Couldn’t stop no matter how tired I was. I even dreamed about digging grass.

I finished the flowerbeds in time, but still have eight trees left to edge. Those will have to wait. 

My husband’s surgery may have brought my yard marathon to an abrupt halt, but another began. Due to extreme pain and weakness, my husband spent a week in the hospital instead of just overnight. Rehab was considered, but with the 4^th of July in the middle of the week and then the weekend, nothing could be done. That meant long hours of sitting in the hospital, followed by a sixty mile round trip home twice a day.   

However, thanks to all the prayers, my husband made enough of an improvement to be discharged home on Monday. Then a third marathon began — the four-hour schedule for pain meds.

Sleep was elusive. Naps none existent. It seemed the moment I had my husband settled, Cooper needed fed. Followed by his meds. (He takes thyroid medicine twice a day.) Add in frequent trips outside. Since our half acre isn’t fenced, I must accompany Cooper. Even if the property was fenced, we can’t trust him not to eat things he shouldn’t. It’d be wonderful if those trips coincided with the pain management schedule, but no such luck.

During one of the 2 am medication alarms, I realized my crazy yard marathon prepared me for this. I have far more endurance than I had before. With only two to four hours of sleep a night, I’d normally be too exhausted to do anything. I’m tired, but not face-planting on the floor. I’m also much stronger. I can lift a 40 lb. bag of dog food like it weighs almost nothing. Before, that would have been a struggle. With needing to help my husband stand on occasion, this comes in handy.

This endurance and strength is all God's doing. He urged me to do what everyone thought was crazy. Kind of like Noah and the ark. People thought he was crazy, too.

Thank you, Lord, for caring enough to push me to do what You know is for my good, even if it sounds crazy, and for reminding me this marathon won't last forever. My husband is already gaining strength and mobility. I'm sure that's Your doing, too. Amen.

 

 

Eight Weeks — New Challenges and Blessings

In my last post I talked about priorities and how mine changed after surgery. Comfort has been at the top of that list, and now that I have healed from the surgery, my surgeon has given me the green light to begin normal activities. Not as easy as it sounds.

Most of the discomfort at this stage of recuperation is from tightened and shortened muscles. Unused muscles are painful. Trust me on that one.

The American Cancer Website for mastectomy patients has a list of exercises to regain flexibility, specialized exercises designed to help regain a full range of motion and prevent permanent muscle damage. I can't say I was looking forward to moving that much. I have to, and I will, but at this stage showering and dressing are still painful activities.

However, an article I read recently gave me additional motivation. A study found a link between the lack of muscle mass and high body fat with a higher risk of death in breast cancer survivors. That announcement gives me increased motivation to exercise. The article said good muscle tone is even more important than BMI (Body Mass Index).

At my age, loss of muscle and increased fat deposits are an issue anyway. Coupled with eight weeks of limited activity, I am facing difficult challenges. However, as we know, all journeys begin with the first small step, then another and another. First, regain my flexibility, add in resistance training with weights, make healthy dietary changes (restrict sugar and carbs, add in more lean protein, fruit, and vegetables), and get some heart pumping aerobics, walking and/or the stair stepper.

To my surprise, my comfort level soared after the first set of stretches and continues to increase with each session. Add in our beautiful spring weather, and I am now looking forward to the increased activity.

I am not overwhelmed with this new set of challenges. Besides the physical benefits from the exercises and diet, I am richly blessed with God’s abundant love and compassion displayed through the support of my doctors, my husband, my family, and friends.

A few days ago, He even sent a rainbow.

Yes, I am blessed, far more than I deserve.

After Thirty Days — What Matters Most?

One month since my surgery. What is at the top of my priority list? Comfort.

Oh, to feel comfortable again.

My swim in the waters of continuous pain these last thirty days have given me a whole new appreciation for the pain free days of the past and empathy for those dealing with chronic pain. However, I am fortunate. My discomfort is easing every day and should end once my mastectomy reconstruction is completed (in five or six months).

With restricted activities, I evaluate everything according to my doctors’ guidelines and what my body deems comfortable.

Patience is my current mantra. It’s not as hard as it used to be. My body lets me know how much I can do with loud, insistent messages I can’t ignore.

Expert say it takes thirty days to change habits. Will my priorities remain the same after my full recovery, or will I revert to old ways?

I may slip now and then, but my scars and other body changes will be constant reminders of what matters most — life and my relationship with God and others.

As I add in other activities, it will be important to ask if it’s worth my time and energy. If it doesn’t enhance my life, or another’s, then it doesn’t belong on my list.

What about you? What guidelines determine where and how you spend your time and energy?