It's been a while since I gave you a health report. Not too much going on which is nice for a change. One year ago yesterday I had my hysterectomy surgery. There are more anniversaries coming up.....almost 2 years from my diagnosis. It doesn't seem that long.
My next PET scan is in March. I'll see my oncologist at that time, too. It's a stressful week leading up to the scan and then waiting for results. It is part of my life now, but I don't think I will ever get immune to the anxiety it causes.
I've been working closely with my naturopath lately to manage hormones and energy level. Since my hysterectomy, the loss of my ovaries has caused some symptoms....mostly hot flashes and low energy. I have managed the hot flashes with a supplement to support my adrenal glands. It works great. However, my energy has been low. I tend to crash in the afternoons. In December, I did a many labs and another cortisol check with my saliva.....chew on a cotton ball at 8am, noon, 5pm and 10pm.....good times!! The tests showed I have a slightly low functioning thyroid, low cortisol and low cholesterol. Yes, cholesterol at 120 can be too low. I'm trying to get it up by eating "good" fats....nuts, coconut milk and oil. Put a can of coconut milk in your rice when you cook it instead of water......Holy cow, it's amazing!! Yum! So, now I'm trying another supplement to support my adrenal glands and hopefully that in turn will help my thyroid and my energy level. Everything is connected!! The other two things that REALLY help my overall well being and energy levels is at least 8hr of sleep and eating more. I've been much better lately at prioritizing sleep......but it's so hard. After the kids are in bed around 8pm, it's MY time to catch up with Mark or email or projects.....before I know it, it's 10pm and I'm exhausted. 9pm is now my target to start the shut down routine. I also need to eat more. Sometimes I get wrapped up in "doing stuff" and I forget to eat. Sounds crazy, but it happens. I was also taking my Basal body temp first thing when I woke up. It was typically in the low 97's which is another indication of a low functioning thyroid. I'm playing a trial and error balancing game to see what supplements help my symptoms. I think I'm close. I know the things I need to do, I just don't always do them and then I pay. Sleep well, eat more, exercise and find the peace! Every element is equally important.....including the love and support of friends and family. I now know how healing it can be to spend quality time with girlfriends.
I'm healing and slowly finding my normal. My ribs are still sore from radiation and my right arm gets stiff and achy. I can deal with these annoyances. Trials make you stronger and give you an amazing perspective on what is truly important. A local athlete's mantra is, "It isn't the load that gets you down; it is how you carry it. " I love that. Her story is inspiring. Check her out. Helene Neville. oneontherun.com
One more time....
It isn't the load that gets you down; it is how you carry it.
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