A potpourri of post treatment ponderings...
It's been over six weeks since my last post, and the time has flown. Thank you to everyone who has asked after me; I am doing really well! I've completed PT and am back to normal activities. I've also gotten up to 2.6 miles running/walking and am shooting to complete a Turkey Trot come November. The hills around here will help with that, but Hermes will not. He has decided he is not a distance runner, and will only sprint for thrown toys and for fun. And I can't drag an 80 lb dog!
Convocation was last week, and we start classes on Monday. I love the beginning of the academic year! So much energy, enthusiasm and potential from everyone. Add to that a solar eclipse, and it might be one for the books. I can't wait to get back to teaching and interacting with students.
I'm doing well on the tamoxifen, and I've had time to think beyond the mantra of "finish chemo, finish chemo, surgery, rest, heal, PT, heal". I was so focused on that, that I didn't have time for the deeper thoughts. They're coming in, and while it can suck some days, we all deal with existential questions. Plus it's a useful exercise. Luckily, I have supportive people to talk to or not ask questions as the situation calls for. I appreciate both.
Also, a couple things that have happened to me since surgery and super short hair, which is coming back approximately the same color and fairly thick (yay!).
1. I went to a conference and got so many positive comments on my hair. And a lot of "I wish I could do that!" as well as one, "I did that but then let it grow out". I love that. I hope some of them do cut their hair. Cut it. It's awesome to run out the door without worrying about a rat's nest of hair. I've saved money on shampoo, and so much time. Now, I say that, but I doubt I would have gone this short without chemo, but...it's been a silver lining. Last, only two of those discussions turned to the cancer side, and they weren't too weird. I'm happy to discuss it if it comes up.
2. I did get called "sir" the other day; the lady was behind me though. Short hair + baggy clothes = man. The calculus of gender...
Convocation was last week, and we start classes on Monday. I love the beginning of the academic year! So much energy, enthusiasm and potential from everyone. Add to that a solar eclipse, and it might be one for the books. I can't wait to get back to teaching and interacting with students.
I'm doing well on the tamoxifen, and I've had time to think beyond the mantra of "finish chemo, finish chemo, surgery, rest, heal, PT, heal". I was so focused on that, that I didn't have time for the deeper thoughts. They're coming in, and while it can suck some days, we all deal with existential questions. Plus it's a useful exercise. Luckily, I have supportive people to talk to or not ask questions as the situation calls for. I appreciate both.
Also, a couple things that have happened to me since surgery and super short hair, which is coming back approximately the same color and fairly thick (yay!).
1. I went to a conference and got so many positive comments on my hair. And a lot of "I wish I could do that!" as well as one, "I did that but then let it grow out". I love that. I hope some of them do cut their hair. Cut it. It's awesome to run out the door without worrying about a rat's nest of hair. I've saved money on shampoo, and so much time. Now, I say that, but I doubt I would have gone this short without chemo, but...it's been a silver lining. Last, only two of those discussions turned to the cancer side, and they weren't too weird. I'm happy to discuss it if it comes up.
2. I did get called "sir" the other day; the lady was behind me though. Short hair + baggy clothes = man. The calculus of gender...
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