What Routine?

I seem to be having a hard time establishing any kind of a routine at all. It seems harder to get anything done when I’m not working than when I am working. Part of me thinks, “Well, I can focus on that tomorrow”. Part of me thinks, “I am supposed to be resting”. Another part of me is just having a hard time focusing on anything at all.

This is what the fridge looks like most days. When I do cook, I shop for just the food I need for the next two days or so because really, nothing sounds good.

I have no real appetite. Nothing taste amazing. I’m doing stretches and taking short walks, but I’m not participating in step bets or doing any walking challenges, and frankly, each time I start to blog, I’m not sure what to say.

I am feeling super disconnected from the blog, but I am feeling much more connected with family and friends, and that’s a really good thing, but I do miss the work/blog part of my life.

I’ll get there. I know.

I sound like “poor me” and I swear I don’t mean to. Another reason I haven’t blogged. I didn’t want to sound like I’m complaining or whining, which is exactly what I sound like.

I had my 4 week post op on Friday the 20th and everything seems to be healing well. I felt great the first two weeks after surgery (I expected to be in so much pain, but I wasn’t) then week three and four I’ve felt tired and blah and a tad uncomfortable physically. I know there were a few days where I may have done too much. Mostly running some simple errands, but lots of driving. Maybe too much driving. Oops.

Right now I’m trying to stay home every other day and take it easy. Today, is a home day, so I thought I’d try to catch up here. I do feel more rested.

I got the okay to go back to work May 1st, and after letting my co-workers know that, I already have an opportunity to lead some WW Meetings, so it will be a great first week back to work doing my regular receptionist meetings then getting to lead some meetings as well.

I recently discovered a 12 week LIVESTRONG program that the YMCA offers to cancer patients either going through treatment or post surgery working there way back to physical activity and building strength. It is my understanding that you work with someone that is trained in post surgery strength building. After the mastectomy and DIEP Flap, it will be nice to work with someone to find out the best exercises to do and to not do to get range of motion back in my shoulders and what ab exercises are best.

The program is offered at little or no cost and I am anxious to get more info on this program. I’ve applied and I am in the middle of getting things scheduled to begin in the middle of May. I’m ready for someone to suggest an exercise plan of some sort to get me back in the groove.

I also found out about a House Cleaning opportunity for cancer patients. This is the stuff that I find difficult to accept help with, but after this last visit to the doctor and my doctor stressing that I need to give myself 4 more weeks before loading/unloading the dishwasher or washing machine and no vacuuming, I decided to go ahead and take advantage of it. My house is a dusty mess and I’d love for the whole house to feel clean. Cleaning for a Reason will find a cleaning company in your area that they work with to come and give you two free cleanings!

They came on Monday and my house feels so clean! I’m so appreciative. I ask the cleaning company if the employees were paid. They were. In an effort to Pay It Forward, I tipped the three ladies very generously and they were so sweet! We hugged and they will be back in four weeks for the second free cleaning.

Check out cleaningforareason.org if you or a loved one is going through cancer and needs a little help!

Moving Forward

The weather was beautiful, sunny and 70’s the last two days, and I loved it! Great for the mood!

I’m going to the lake with girlfriends tomorrow for a long weekend of relaxing, then home to get ready for the work week! That feels so good to say, I think I’ll say it again. I’ll be getting ready for the work week! Yay!

Here are just a few things I’ve had to eat over the last several days. I have not been counting, so I don’t have points listed, but these are all meals I typically eat and they are all point friendly.

The Big Ass Waffle! This always taste good! Topped with 1 T. Almond Butter, 1 slice of crumbled Bacon and 1 T. Pure Maple Syrup.

I still have Burgers in my freezer that I grilled up before surgery. Happy Dance for easy.

I topped these Burgers with Smashed Avocado.

Trying a variety of Salads. Mixed Greens, Grilled Chicken, Roasted Slivered Almonds, Berries with Olive Oil and Cranberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Scrambled Egg Whites, Avocado and Berries.

Working at getting lots of protein to promote healing.

Great car snack!

One of the few things that does not taste blah. I love this meal. Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs, Bacon and Berries.

A litte protein and fruit for a snack.

My favorite Fall Chopped Salad!

More salad and my new find at Costco, Spindrift flavored carbonated water. (It’s like LaCroix)

Simple. Chicken in the crock pot with Salsa Verde, then shredded, mixed with Caulirice, Corn and topped with Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Lime Juice, Smashed Avocado and a few Roasted Plantains.