The other chair

Today, I visited a dear friend of mine while she was receiving her first chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Now, this isn't the first time I have visited others while they received their chemotherapy treatment...so, I was surprised by the reactions I experienced today. So surprised in fact, that I find myself needing to blog about it tonight.

Today found me sitting in "the other chair" at a local oncology center.  The chair that sits next to the person who is receiving medications to eradicate any evidence of cancer from invading her life....ever again!

My first reaction was of incredible gratitude...some of the dearest people I know were all sitting in today's circle, offering encouragement and support to our dear friend who recently joined the " Survivor Sister Club."  I am so grateful for this group of women...our individual cancer journey's give us a unique bond, our belief in a mighty God--give us our strength.

My second reaction was when I saw it....It being the red chemo in a syringe also known as the "Red Devil." Suddenly, I felt like time creeped back to 3 years ago when I was sitting in the other chair.  As I watched the red liquid slowly make its way through the IV tubing, I could feel the nausea starting, soon followed by the familiar headache that often accompanied my chemo treatments.  The "icky" feeling of chemo dripping in my veins came back with such a vengeance. Oh, how I wanted to flee!   How can a person's body have such a physical reaction by just observing?   The mind is amazing...and so powerful!

My third reaction came when I was leaving the infusion center and I looked back at the chair I had been sitting.  I experienced an overwhelming sense of appreciation for those who sat in "the other chair" for me.  Today gave me a new appreciation on the challenge of being the person in "the other chair." The struggle of watching someone you love experiencing sickness and pain. The desire to make their road a bit easier. 

Tonight finds me giving praise and thanks to God...for the blessing of being able to sit in "the other chair!"

PS. please say a prayer for my friend...that her treatment side effects may be minimal.

Walking with Wellness Wednesday!

Wow...can you believe it? Three posts in three days?  Maybe all the physical activity that I have been doing is bringing out some creativity? 

As I am trying to bring a bit more structure to my blogging and writing, I thought I would experiment with some topic specific days.  Since I tend to be a more "fly by the seat of my pants" type of gal, not sure how this type of schedule will work for me. 

Since Wednesdays start with W and so does wellness...seems like this topic would be a good starting point.

Many times when we try to take control of our health--we have an "all or nothing" mentality.  Often we will try restricted calorie diets, elimination of certain foods/drink, and/or a rigid exercise routine.  We do good for a day, maybe two or three if we are really disciplined.  Than life happens. I don't know about you, but this cycle is something I have repeated over and over in my quest for a healthy lifestyle.

NO MORE!!!

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle...it is NOT "all or nothing!" 

It is about choices.  I can choose to eat the food that will give me life and energy.  I can choose to go to the gym--even if I only have the stamina to exercise for 10 minutes.  I can choose to get off the computer and go to bed at a decent time.  Likewise, I can choose to treat myself to a pepsi, french fries, and pizza.  The key for me is to replace one unhealthy choice with a healthy choice.  An example for me was replacing a pepsi with some delicious cinnamon tea.  Or, parking my car at the far end of the parking lot.

A tip from me: I typically only work on one to two health changes at a time.  When I feel like I have one new health change mastered fairly well, I review my health goals and start another new one.

Slowly, but surely...my lifestyle choices are leading me to a healthier and vibrant life!!

Q.  Please share what one healthy choice you are going to incorporate into your lifestyle?

Something new--Pilates, anyone?

At 5:20 AM, my daughter and I grabbed our gym bags and ventured off in the cold to try out a new exercise class.  Today's class:  Mat Pilates  It's a good thing I wasn't fully awake, when we first arrived at our class. For if I would have been, I would have turned around and left when I saw how many people were in the class.  Really? Don't people believe in sleeping in?  And they all looked so perky!  It is hard to believe 2 weeks ago, I could hardly get up by 7 am and today I spent 45 minutes twisting, turning and tightening. Amazing! 

Anyways, in the past, the class size would have intimidated me.  I would have been too afraid to let others see the pathetic state of my deconditioned body. 

Guess what?  I found out today, nobody's really watching you...they are too busy trying to follow the instructor to notice you.  Trust me...I had to modify many of the moves.  For me, showing up and trying a new class was a celebration and a victory! (Someday, I will be strong enough to keep up.)

I thought of you all when I was laying on the mat...exhaling in and exhaling out...especially when the instructor shared some words that made me do a "stop and think."  She stated, "I want you to really concentrate on your breathing.  Nice and relaxed.  Deep breath in and out.  For some of you, this may be the only time today you stop and breath..."

How true I found her words.  How many days do we go without stopping to breath?  Without fully appreciating "the miracle of today!"

Well, my muscles aren't very happy with me right now, so think I will go soak them in a tub of nice hot water.

Q. Did you have any "stop and thinks" today?