No more stunned slugs!

Another busy day - and a surprise. Usually, when I walk to the village, I stagger back up the hill under the weight of the day's shopping. Today, I simply went to check on work on my development project and walked home again immediately without stopping at the shops. This is the first time I've walked up the hill from the village without any bags or parcels to carry. I couldn't believe how fast I walked home or how easy the slight incline was. It used to take me twice as long and leave me really out of breath. Indeed, for a long time, my perambulation was slower than the stunned slug of the title of this post! I am amazed how much difference a brisk daily walk can make over the course of a few weeks. I'm very glad I've continued to walk despite the rain since I feel so much better for it.

Tonight, I did my monthly trip to the discount warehouse club and have just arrived back with a lot of heavy shopping. All the exercise has helped there, too, since I have no difficulty now in throwing huge cartons and heavy packs around. I couldn't do that after surgery or, indeed, for quite a long time after radiotherapy. However, I did make an effort to be less helpless than my doctors advised; for example, although I couldn't carry the washing basket downstairs to the washing machine, I managed to do the laundry by making several trips up and downstairs with a small carrier bag which I filled and emptied on each trip. That way, I regained my independence and took a bit of exercise (after major surgery, going up and downstairs even once is a major achievement!)

So, it is possible to build up your strength slowly and steadily just by taking tiny steps forward each day. I didn't realise that's what I was doing at the time, but on reflection, having to do things for myself was the best thing that could have happened. For me, that was a necessity, but I suppose if you have family who want to help around the house and do the things you normally do for yourself, it might be a bit more difficult to be independent. I would, however, recommend insisting on doing some things alone, even if you have family members standing by in case you can't manage it. Whatever your doctors say, you can manage; you just have to decide you will and be patient - even if it takes a long time just to make a cup of tea, it's really satisfying to have done it! That daily incremental improvement isn't noticeable when it's happening, but, all of a sudden - like today - your realise how much better you feel and how much better you are; all you have to do is persist and not get too discouraged if you have a bad day (and I certainly had bad days - and doubtless I will again - but that just makes me more determined to succeed!)