The Battle Rages On
- Deb Dekoff
- Feb 4, 2017
- 2 min read
The battle rages on, and I, willing and intrepid fighter, am preparing my body for the next round of assaults.
I have engaged upon the services of a fitness trainer at the Huntsman, and like a good leader, she takes into account my present capabilities, my current desire to improve beyond all statistical measure, and the reality of what I can do.
With a prescription for exercise in hand, Katie (such as sweet name - don't let it fool you), became my assigned coach.
Decreased cardio ability is a "common side effect" of Taxol. My heart raced after just a few minutes of walking. WALKING. This is a side effect of which I was not informed. Six minutes on the treadmill, regular pace - I was done. For the day done. Let's talk about how this looks: If I went to the grocery store and walked around - okay - no big exertion. But to come home and have to carry groceries from my car, up a set up stairs, and into my kitchen - twice (this is not a lot of food!) - I was done. Finished.
I need to gain what I have lost - Fitness.
Since Dec 21st (fitness evaluation by a physician at the Huntsman), I have logged, via My Fitness Pal, thirty three of the past thirty eight days of exercise, missing a day here or there due to 1) travel 2) day after Herceptin infusion. Each visit to the gym is a minimum of an hour long. Often, I work out longer - as it seems to take longer for my muscles to respond to the weights.
There are no excuses. I go. I have set a goal. I am determined.
This is my goal: Work out six of seven days for a total of six to ten hours per week. Specific: Measurable:
Attainable
Realistic
Time Bound
How will I get there?
1. Wake up, wear workout clothes.
2. Pack gym bag.
3. Schedule a time to leave the house - perhaps due to a fitness class. Set your cell phone alarm.
4. This is an appointment for self - you are worth it. If someone interrupts, simply state, "I have an appointment "
5. Be accountable. Document what you do.
6. If you can't focus at home due to distractions, get out, go to a gym.
7. Twenty minutes is better than zero minutes.
8. Be really accountable: check in with a trainer, Katie, once per week at Huntsman
Comments