Chemo Eve

I’m still new to blogging, but I am realizing that it would be easier to provide short frequent updates opposed to long boring, philosophical entries

Tomorrow is my first Chemo treatment. I’m not quite sure what to expect…I’ve tried to do some research, but I’m finding there are all sorts of different opinions and antidotes on how to deal with Chemo. What I’ve learned about dealing with Cancer is simple. There are 4 things I need to do (and all four are equally important as well as interconnected with each other).

First, I need to keep my head in the game. Cancer is a physical aliment, but a mental battle. I can’t get caught up in what I overlooked in the past or may miss in the future. I need to take things one day (and at times one hour) at a time. I need to keep my thoughts and feelings positive and uplifting (meditation and deep breathing really helps with this). The single most critical component that has enabled me to keep my head straight is to focus on love. I learned during my surgery about the power of God’s love as it was shown to me and I’ve tried to replicate it and give it to others. I haven’t done it perfectly, but I am finding that true Christ like love is the most powerful force on earth.

Another thing I’ve found connected to the expression of love and emotion (and I never thought I would ever say this in a million years) is the therapeutic value of crying. In my opinion, crying is not an expression of weakness, but a sign of strength. It releases tension, calms fears, breaks down barriers and opens up avenues that solidify relationships. All I can say is “who would have known?”…and… “perhaps I should have been listening to my wife a little bit more over the years!!”

Second, I am learning that I need to eat properly. Calories and their sources are essential in order for my body to do what it needs to do. In a nutshell, it boils down to completely following the word of wisdom. It’s not enough to avoid the negative, but I need to purse the positive. Fruits, grains, vegetables and protein from non-animal sources are very important. They provide the physical and mental energy I need to move forward and to find joy.

Third, I need to get enough sleep. The first two things (i.e. keeping my head in the game and eating properly) really help with sleeping. A consistent pattern involving 8-9 hours per night is critical.

Fourth, I need to keep my body moving. Because of the surgery, body movement has consisted of walking, but within the next week, I should be ready to start back with some cardio and light weight lifting.