Recovery - Week 1

This week, as per doctor's orders, I began moving. Yay! :-D My awesome coach, Sergio, has put a brilliant training plan in place for me, accounting for all the time off I've had. Obviously, six weeks away from training is a long period of time. Sergio has considered all the factors from my layoff (injury, stress, surgery, recovery) and I am very pleased with my plan. Thanks, Sergio!!! :)

I have enough activity in the day to help slowly bring my fitness back, as well as increase my blood volume. Being active also aids in the healing process. Basically, it is a 'win-win' situation, provided I follow my "prescription".

As you can imagine, I am very excited about being active again, and Sergio has wisely cautioned me to follow my program to a "t". Happily I can report I am paying attention to my specific instructions and have learned (the hard way) what happens if I try to do too much. For me, the 'hard way' came in the most innocuous of ways this week!

On Thursday, my friend Anna and I went for a walk. We had a wonderful visit (thanks, Anna!) and beautiful weather. I had done my spin for the day, and didn't do a second over what Sergio had written. I didn't even stop to consider that a long walk would tax me in any way. Since my body was receiving regular, small doses of activity since Monday, my consequence for doing more than I should have was almost immediate. I drove home, as my arm started to throb. As soon as I got in the door, I knew I had to lay down, which led to a deep, deep sleep for about an hour. For the rest of the evening, my arm ached, and I had to tuck it into my hoodie pocket to quell the discomfort.

Friday, was the last day of school for the kids. I, of course, wanted to see them to say good-bye and wish them a wonderful summer. I was at school for three hours, most of the time standing, and my side effects for "over doing it" were even worse. The throbbing in my arm was more pronounced than the day before, and again I feel asleep for a deep, long nap. I struggled for a little longer to get the ache to subside that time.

So, my friends, I am pleased to report I am up and moving about! But, I've also reinforced to myself that I MUST listen to my body. I am playing with my limits a bit right now, and know that they will increase and build. But, for the time being, I'm playing it safe and when I do too much? Well, I pay for it. On Monday, I asked Dr. Paul, "How will I know I've overdone it?" His response was, "Naomi, you'll know." What can I say? The doctor is right!

:)

GREAT News!

Today, Greg and I got the news we were hoping for: a BENIGN pathology report! :) I am beyond ecstatic and thankful! My prescription? GET MOVING! As you can imagine, I'm horribly disappointed by that...kidding, of course! ;-) Obviously, it will take a little time to get back to where I was six weeks ago, and I can't swim for a couple more weeks, but I'm not at all concerned about that. I'm so thankful to be healthy, happy, and to be able to get my body strong again.

My biggest THANK YOU goes to my husband! Greg, you are incredible, and when I crumbled you were there to love, support and help me through every step of the way. It wasn't easy for you to go through all of this either. Words won't ever adequately express how full my heart is with you, or how much all you have done means to me. Of all the blessings I have in this life, you are the greatest.

Life is a gift...thanks to all of you for being a part of mine!

BIG Smiles,
:)

All Aboard The Pain Train

I'm back from a short walk with my wonderful hubby. :) He came home and surprised me, and we went outside in the sunshine. I must admit, my spirits are much better than they have been. Thanks, Love!

Yesterday, I hit the pain wall HARD. It has been so intense, I experience wicked nausea and cannot find a comfortable place. All the manipulating my forearm has taken, I am now fully feeling. And my arm? Stitches, steri-strips, dried blood and bruising. Oh yeah, it's a pretty sight to see! ;)

Feeling beside myself, I asked two of my friends for help. Amber is a former nurse, and Rochelle is a nurse. Both gave me the same advice: combine the Extra Strength Tylenol with Ibuprofen. They taught me how to dose, and my sister confirmed that combination worked for you after her C-section two months ago. So, I began, and (fingers crossed!) it seems to be working. My stomach is still horribly upset, but cold meds do that to me so really what can I expect after all the narcotics and pain killers?

I have written before that my journey is teaching me that I don't have to have a "smile" plastered on my face to be positive. That lesson is resounding loud and clear. The past couple of days have been very hard. I have experienced fevers, nightmares (narcotic induced), tears in droves, and have been feeling very, very down. However, in the midst of all that pain (emotional and physical) I haven't lost sight of the bigger picture; of the positive people and things in my life. In fact, letting all those emotions out is helping me find that light faster and faster.

As I tossed and turned in the early, early morning hours, it began to sink in: my healing isn't just about getting past right now (post op), or my SI joint. My healing is about returning to my health; a 'health' I don't remember right now what it feels like to have.

I hadn't been feeling "right" for many, many months prior to even discovering the tumor. When I am passed this, I won't take one moment of activity, movement, joy, great day for granted. Life is a gift and when that gift has been rattled a bit, the more aware I have become of how fragile and fleeting it is.

:)

On The Mend

Pictured above: A moment awake, walking around the house.

Pictured above: Tired from walking, sitting again... :)

I am not sure how long I will be able to stay awake to type this post, so I will try to type as quickly as I can.

Wednesday - I was very nervous, but had excellent care at the hospital. I was VERY groggy coming out of anesthetic, and rested most of the afternoon. I experienced a post anesthetic "high" that evening and was very chatty and seemingly alert and awake for about 4 hours (though not allowed to operate motor vehicles of any kind...lol!). I went home heavily bandaged from wrist to elbow, and with a sling. Mom and Dad came over with home made chicken noodle soup, jello, and tapioca pudding. Diet wise, mom got me started on home cooked goodness to help the healing process along. Thanks Mom and Dad! :) Greg worked from home so he could keep an eye on me. Aside from my "energetic" period, I was an easy patient to take care of, as I slept and slept. Ha! In the evening, Greg took me for a drive in the county. We saw Jordan and Sara on their bikes. What a perfect night they had to ride, and a great evening to visit for a little!


Thursday - Mom and Dad came over to keep me company. Mom also cooked a tuna casserole...yum! The healing has made my appetite ferocious and I enjoyed eating all the home made treats! I was up for a little while, and even bathed on my own after mom and I rigged me up a 'waterproof' contraption for my arm. Tammy came over and visited with us for a little while. I also received a wonderful surprise delivery from our Family in Saskatchewan: an Edible Arrangement! Yum! Thanks, again, to our family in Saskatchewan!! :) After that, I was spent and slept on and off the rest of the day and night. I did get a chance to talk to Mom Marilyn, though, which was nice!


Friday - Mom and Dad came over again while Greg was at work. Again, I rested on and off for the day and night, having a hard time keeping my eyes open for long periods of time. Some stomach upset from the meds, but nothing too terrible. I also rigged up my own waterproof bandage and surprised mom and dad when they came by as I was bathed and ready for my day.


Pictured above: My new phone, LG Dare. I have no idea what it does, or how it works right now.

Saturday - This was my roughest day by far. The narcotic, Tramacet, which was working so beautifully for me, caused some ill side effects. I battled severe nausea and dizziness all day. At times, my symptoms would lessen for a little while, only to return with ferocity. I lay in bed for most of the day, as that was the only way I didn't feel so ill. I cut back the Tramacet to a 1/2 tablet and used Extra Strength Tylenol as well. That combination seems to be working. In the early evening, I felt well enough to bathe, and Greg washed my hair. Thanks, Hon! Bed head styles well, but I couldn't take another day of it!

Today - This afternoon, I get to take off my bandages. I'm a little nervous as to what I'll see. I admit, once the swelling went down, I could peek at it a bit and I feel a little nervous. The incision is long, and will take some time to heal fully. I feel "okay", but still profoundly fatigued. I'm amazed that I am resting as much as I am, and still feel this way. I can type with both hands, but my right hand is weak and sore. I can feel the pain into the muscle (some of which was removed). Eating is still tricky as the strength isn't there, so I'm becoming better with my left hand. I'm managing to brush my teeth with my right hand more and more, though, which is a good sign.

Pictured above: Side view of my arm, pre-op. Notice the carved out section. It makes me more streamlined... ;-)

Pictured above: My scar pre-op

That's all I have energy for...another nap awaits.
:)

Meet My Pe'ahi...

Some girls like jewels, days at the spa, flowers, expensive dinners. I would never criticize: to each their own. While I definitely love being a woman and indulging my "girly" side, my tastes lean toward the tomboy in me, as well. Check out my present from my AWESOME, handsome husband:


Now that's the kind of gift that makes me giddy! THANK YOU, HON!!! :) My first tri bike! I'm very excited. (BTW, if you know anyone who is interested in purchasing a road bike, I am selling my stellar Orbea Diva. It is a 53cm. Details on pinkbike.com)

A few things will be tweaked: my aero bars may need to be shortened a little bit, and my red tires are on order. Once I've healed from surgery, I know I'll quickly figure out what things need to be slightly modified. And it certainly is motivation to heal so I can get on my new ride. :) This will definitely be a "show and tell" when I see my students again! Thanks, Cam, for getting her all set up for me.

When Greg and I found the Argon, and it was confirmed it would be a perfect fit, it didn't take me long to name her.

Pe'ahi is Hawaiian for "beckon" or "the call", and the name perfectly explains what keeps me swimming, biking and running. The body is an amazing creation, and it's ability to adapt and move continues to astound me as I've tested my own limits only to surpass them. Being sidelined has deepened my appreciation for all the things I can do, and I'll be able to answer my callings...soon.

:)

New 'Do' and 'Oh No!'

I got my cut and colour yesterday, and the quest to grow it continues despite Halle Berry chopping hers back into the pixie I also had for years. Oh, the temptation! ;) Tim, my friend and stylist who owns The Sedan Chair, did an awesome job as always. We kept me my natural brunette, as you can see. He also put it up in a partial up-do, which gave me a very full, sexy Jackie Kennedy type of look for the night. I love it! Thanks, again, Tim! If you want a great salon, go to The Sedan Chair. You won't be disappointed.


My "oh no" moment comes from a conversation I had with my physiotherapist last week. We were talking about my spine (lordodic) and about things I will have to work on to prevent my SI joint from locking up again. I asked, a little hesitantly, about my passion (and yes, it is a passion!) for teaching while wearing three to four inch heels. She raised an eyebrow at me and said, "Naomi. Please tell me you aren't teaching in those every day." I giggled and fessed up. She advised me to re-think my habit. Gulp! No heels! But, I love my heels, and Franco Sarto shoes/boots really ARE comfortable. So, I had to include a funny shot of me in my faux Manolo Mary Janes...but, Simone if you're reading this, don't worry! I sat the whole time through dinner with friends! And, in all honesty, I really do feel that my back hurts less if I'm up on my toes. ;-) Perhaps I'm an anomoly in that way? LOL!


Thanks to Tammy, Annie, and Leigh for the fun and laughter at my pre-op dinner last night. It was a lot of fun! I look forward to our next get together.


Happy Weekend, Everyone!
:)

Quick Update

Pre-op appointment with surgeon: check
Pre-op exam with GP: check
Surprise visit at school with my students: CHECK!!!!!!!!! :)
Blood work: check
ECG: check
X-ray: check
Cut and colour: check

I'm ready for surgery. Though I'm a little nervous about the anesthetic, I am feeling quite peaceful inside. I feel I have made significant strides in accepting all of what is happening. I have a lot of faith, many people in my life who have expressed that I am in their thoughts and prayers, amazing family and friends at home and further away, and the most incredible husband ever. I am going to be just fine. Forever changed, but just fine.

The only thing I wonder is what could a possible title for my blog be; one that captures the reflectiveness I feel in my soul? I don't feel "yourtrigirl" fits anymore. I do not belong to everyone. I belong to me. And, I no longer place titles and definitions on myself. For example, I am not training very much, I am not racing, nor am I teaching right now. The "titles" I have placed upon myself are gone, but I haven't disappeared. Imagine that! ;-) I am...I simply am. Perhaps that is the new title right there.

Smiles,
Naomi :)