Spring has Sprung

 Spring is here for sure!  It has been in the 70's all this week in Pittsburgh and this morning, the heat didn't even come on.  I know, I know.  There could still be a big snow storm and it has snowed in April.  I just choose to believe that is not going to happen.  Why be negative when all this fantastic weather is occurring?  Just enjoy it while it lasts!  I got my toes painted this week so I'm ready for sandals!

  Yesterday I was able to go for a walk on my favorite trail in the warm weather.  The trail actually felt crowded.  There were lots of people preparing for the marathon as well as cyclists and dog walkers.  You could just feel everyone's energy.  I actually walked downtown this time around.  I went to see a show and decided to walk to the show and then cab it home.  It was even nice to walk over the Roberto Clemente bridge.  There wasn't even a breeze.  The only thing missing was kayakers but I know they will be out soon enough.

  I have 50 more days left of chemo.  I can not wait to be done.  I'm tired of my body being exposed to the awful chemicals and what it is doing to my body.  I am often tired and my appetite changes hour to hour.  When I got to the theater last night, I had to walk up 2 flights of stairs and I was really winded by the time I got to my seat.  Last year at this time I could have climbed the 42 flights at the Cathedral of Learning with no issues at all.

  Knowing how I feel and I am relatively healthy, I could not imagine going through chemo when being really ill. It certainly takes its toll on the body.  I know it will take a while for me to get my strength back and be back to my usually healthy busy self.  I understand that and I am giving myself the permission to take my time to get back in shape.  That being said, I am very excited that I booked a bicycle tour of the southern outer banks for October.  That's plenty of time to get my riding legs back and a perfect time to visit that part of the country.

  So the count down is on.  Tomorrow will just be 7 weeks to go.  Next week I will have my 5th treatment out of 8.  Closer and closer to the end of chemo.  I just can't wait.  I know you aren't supposed to wish your life away but I think it's OK if I wish these 50 days away so I can move on to healing and getting my strength back.

Half Way There

It's nice to know that I am half way through chemo.  I can almost taste the finish line now.  And the reversal of the ileostomy doesn't feel like a big deal at all.  I just want to be done with chemo.  8 weeks from tomorrow, I will be.  Everyone knows how Pittsburghers love fireworks.  Well, there will be fireworks on May 5.  I couldn't figure out why there would be fireworks so early in the season, but I'll take it as a personal celebration for being done with chemo.

The chemo is tough.  I'm lucky that I don't have the worst side effects but still, I can feel the war being waged inside my body.  It wipes me out and brings me down for a couple of days and then I can bounce back.  Knowing I only have 4 more times to go through this cycle makes it feel like I can get through it.  It's all down hill from now on.

I am grateful for our early spring in Pittsburgh.  It makes getting outside easier and the side effects less painful.  Of course we are all wondering if we are going to get one last blast of winter.  Let's just hope if we do, it will be a non-chemo week!

My City, My Trail

Who knew it could be above 50 and sunny in Pittsburgh in February?  I certainly didn't believe it until this past Monday.  I have been worried about my physical fitness the last couple of weeks. I went from exercising every day to a couch potato in a very short time.  Being physically fit is very important to me and having the chemo hold me back has been bothering me a bit.  I love to be outside but when I breathe the cold air, it is just so painful.  It's almost gotten to where I'm afraid to go outside and take that first breath never knowing if the side effect has passed or not.

Well, Monday it was 57 degrees and sunny in Pittsburgh.  I was not going to miss this opportunity.  I knew with the air that warm that I would be able to get outside.  I have a beautiful trail right outside my building that runs along the river.  I have walked the trail and ridden my bike on it so many times, I know every square inch and when there are new plantings or if the trail has been modified in some way.  I decided on this day, I wouldn't push myself and just walk to PNC Park and back.  I dressed warmly and put these super warm mittens on and wore 2 pairs of socks.  I started off slowly and got passed by a much older woman but I was not to be deterred from my walk.

It was so great to be outside and walking on the trail.  I was just smiling from ear to ear.  As I approached PNC Park, downtown Pittsburgh came into view.  Boy have I missed my city.  I really enjoy living in Pittsburgh and being so close to downtown.  Seeing it again from the trail helped me feel not so distant from all the things I enjoy about Pittsburgh.  I was hoping the outfield of PNC Park was open to walk through but no luck.  I also found that the trail in front of PNC Park was blocked for construction.  I was still feeling pretty good and decided to walk down to see Mr. Rogers and check on my seats at Heinz Field.  I got down to the Mr. Rogers statue and took a seat right next to him to get a good view of the city.  Then, after a little rest, walked by Heinz Field.  I can't wait for Pitt Football to start up again.  I didn't miss a game last fall even though I was toting around a pump of 5FU for most of the games.

Finally, I circled back and made my way back to my apartment.  The sun was shining and it was a bit breezy but it was so nice to be outside doing my usual thing.  Even the Canadian geese and their gross poop didn't bother me on Monday.  I know soon enough it will be kayaking season (it opens my last day of chemo and I'm going on a trip prior to my infusion) and I'll be riding my bike up and down the trail again.  And then before you know it, it will be time to make the walk for all the Pitt games with some of my really good friends.  I love that trail and I am so happy I live right on it.  And mostly, I was happy to find out that I'm not as out of shape as I thought I was!