Walking At My Own Risk

As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m supposed to be exercising every day on the advice of my naturopath, Haley; common good sense; and because I’m 64 pounds overweight.

I’ve managed to walk once. Concentrated walking. With a flannel hat. Which caused me to overheat.

Yesterday, I finally found a cheap bandana that would cover my head properly. I was not going to wear a fancy $20 (dry-clean only) scarf and then start sweating on it.

As I began my walk, I was pretty proud of myself. It was sunny out, my dusted-off iPod nano was playing, and it was only 9:00 in the morning. The dishes and laundry were already done and life was good.

Suddenly, my feet started to hurt again. Sure, the nausea is gone now that I’m done with the Red Devil chemotherapy, but the neuropathy is just beginning. Apparently all the different chemotherapy medicines have their own separate side effects. I never really put my thoughts to what neuropathy even means. Now, I’m starting to understand that word loud and clear. My fingers not being able to control the iPod is one thing, but I kind of need my feet to walk. In a straight line, at least. “Good morning, fellow walker… no… I’m not drunk.”

I made myself walk all the way to the stop sign like I used to. I even managed to “interval run” in between, ignoring the visions of myself on the pavement with gravel in my face, red bandana on the ground next to me, and a crowd of people around me saying, “What is it? An old lady with no hair? Did she get hit by a car?” I wouldn’t want to admit I tripped over myself.

Tomorrow, I think I’ll dust off the Total Gym and try walking again on Friday. Wish me luck or at least my feet could use it.

 

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