I haven’t been blogging lately. Mostly because not much has been going on. I mean … that’s not true … I’m very busy. π
The last little while I’ve fallen into a great schedule where I ride my bike down to Tattoo Zoo with Gerry in the morning and I go do Water Aerobics (yes every day) at the YWCA. Then I ride my bike home. Take Fergus for a long walk, make lunch and then run a few errands and head back downtown to pick up Gerry from work so we can get groceries and come home.
It’s the SAME routine pretty much every day and I have to say it’s pretty amazing having energy to do those few things. π
I have decided to only do things that make me feel good and don’t stress me out. Life feels pretty sweet and simple right now and I’m enjoying every second of it.
Water Aerobics has really changed everything. It’s made me stronger, my stamina is SO much better and working out in the water every day makes me feel amazing and really helps with any residual joint/bone pane from my treatment last year.
I still have “claw hands” … but it’s a lot better. I am pretty sure the cancer treatment has given me mild arthritis and so it takes a few minutes to warm up my hands and feet in the morning but once I get going – everything is ok.
A few weeks ago I went to SWIMCO to look for a new suit and the ladies there were SO helpful. There is nothing more horrifying then looking for a new bathing-suit – especially when you only have one boob!! π
Because I don’t wear a prosthetic in the pool I wanted a simple suit without foam cups so I can rock my uni-boob in the pool. I always seem to buy bathing suits 1 size too large and the ladies there made sure the suit I found fitted me properly.
I love my new Speedo suit!! And I’m going back toΓΒ SWIMCO to get another suit. I’m a swimming maniac!!
I gained about 20lbs last year during my cancer treatment and because it knocked me into menopause it’s been difficult to get the weight off. It’s not my main goal (to lose the weight) but when you lose a breast, lose ALL your hair and gain 20lbs … it’s difficult to keep your self esteem. I just want my waist back!!!
Last week I was standing in the kitchen (naked) making my morning smoothie and Gerry said “LOOK! Your waist is back!!” It made me feel good that all my hard work is paying off. I’m hoping that very soon I will be able to fit back into my closet full of beautiful clothes that are just sitting there taunting me. π
Right now I’m focused on getting STRONG. I love getting in the water every morning and working all my muscles. And all the older ladies in the water who gave me “poo poo” faces when I first started – now smile at me and give me advice.
One woman (I’d say she’s early 70’s) came up to me in the shower and pointed at my chest. “Breast cancer?” I looked down and put my hand up to my mastectomy scar. “Yes. I finished treatment a year ago.”
She put her hand up against her mastectomy scar and patted it firmly. “Me too. We’re sisters, you and I.” I smiled … She said “I’m 18 years out from my diagnosis and I think about it every day but I don’t let it stop me from enjoying my life and you shouldn’t either.”
I almost hugged her (except that we were naked in a public shower) but what a lovely thing to say. Wow. Makes me tear up when I think about it.
I’ve also been hanging out with Dwight a lot. π
Both of Dwight’s humans work full time jobs and so he’s home alone quite a bit so I offered my babysitting services.
I try and take the boys to Willows Beach whenever possible. It’s my fav place to go because they can be off leash and you don’t have to worry about cars. Basically it’s dog Nirvana… especially right now because there is a dead seal on the beach and Fergus LOVES to roll in dead things.
What a couple of jerks. π
So despite the fact that my car has a mild odour of dead seal … life smells pretty sweet right now.
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this – you are beautiful and amazing <3
Wow, that story about your shower sister! Powerful!
Sometimes the best parts of life are the most simple and routine. Takes long enough to learn that though!
I agree. Less is more. Always. π
Love your writing and your progress! Thanks for sharing.
wondsrful, Sarah! I hope your life just gets better and better! Γ°ΕΈΛΒ I love reading your blog-especially the Fergus videos !
Thanks for sharing Sarah. You are a wonderful human!
Sarah,
I love that you’re so open and honest in your writing; it’s kind of rare with all these ‘lifestyle’ blogs w perfect pictures of perfect things followed by perfectly edited perfect stories about said photos. Thanks for being normal like the rest of us and being honest about all the ups and downs, I appreciate it – so much that that’s why I’ll always keep up with you here as long as I can.