Laura, you're a sweetheart to think of me, and to share your DH's experiences with recovery.
How is he doing now? Please give him my best -- "Hello, brother!"
The thing is, I feel that 20 minutes of cycling or walking on the treadmill each day IS treating my body lovingly! If I can do more, great, but I don't (and won't) push it. It's going to help me regain my energy, strength, and mobility -- and it makes me feel some semblence of normalcy for the first time since my diagnosis on December 17th. What's ironic is that it was exactly my immune system that got cancer! With Lymphoma, you can expect your immune system to be compromised for 3 years after the end of treatment -- I'll have to be particularly careful to avoid getting sick during the first year (so, till June of next year.) I honestly believe that by beginning to move my limbs and get some oxygen into both my lungs and muscles, I'm doing the best thing for my body. I'm starting out with biking because it's not weight-bearing -- walking on the treadmill is a little harder for me. I'm going to start doing weight training next week, in order to start rebuilding my wasted muscles. Because of my reduced strength, I will by necessity start out slow.
I will say that I'm really trying to pay attention to how I'm feeling and really listen to my body. I don't feel like I'm forcing it. (Ok, maybe the first day -- but isn't the first day back on exercise ALWAYS a matter of sheer will? Whether you've had chemo or not!!
)
Sooooo, after that long-winded diatribe, I will say that I did another 20 minutes on the cycle this morning. Later today we're going to a Yankees/Orioles baseball game -- I'm actually really nervous about having to do a lot of steps.
Thankfully I'll have Lorraine with me and she's not only really comforting and patient with me, she's also really crafty about figuring out shortcuts and finding elevators and escalators!