Monday, September 30th, 2024
UPDATE: The winner is…Margaret!
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I’m back with my monthly wrap-up/projections. I skipped it last month because I was feeling a little…adrift. I wasn’t certain about my future. I’m still not, but I’m plowing ahead—maybe not at full speed, but I do have goals I intend to meet. I’m a writer and an editor, and to make that claim I have to write and edit. So…no more lollygagging.
September
 - I revised and published my standalone Western story, Once Upon a Legend!
- I had to cancel the release of Ignition because I haven’t written a word since July!
- I completed 3 editing projects for other authors in September.
- I know it doesn’t sound like much, but each of those things felt like mountains I climbed.
Health-related:
- I underwent my second round of chemo and noted how I felt during the days after so I could try to figure out how to work around the chemo schedule. The fatigue is the worst part. The aches only last a few days. My white blood count takes a beating, so I don’t leave home much, but I wear a mask when I do because everyone has sniffles, coughs, etc., and I’m not catching that shit, too. 🙂
- While going through all this, I have been paying attention to what I eat, and since the beginning of July when I started losing weight, I’ve dropped 20 pounds.
- I’m losing muscle tone, too, though. So, I know I need to add some sort of exercise to my schedule on days when I can get around.
Happiness-related:Â
- The family plans movie nights or special dinners to keep me entertained. They’re so sweet! The younger girls find tons of excuses to hang out with me. We listen to music and the youngest loves watching the news or Reba. The middle girl just likes to park herself on the bed with me while we both game on our phones. It’s not anything exciting, but I love the company.
- I moved some art supplies to my desk so that I see them sitting there, and lo and behold, I managed to paint a few things this month. Here are a few examples:
October
- To complete Ignition, the fourth book in the Delta Fire series. I only have two or three chapters left, and I’ve put it on my schedule but left it kind of vague so I know to write when my head’s in the right place. If I can, I’ll have a November release.
- To complete 3 or 4 editing projects in October!
- To revise, format, and upload The Demon Lord’s Cloak for its release in November.
For health related, I plan:
- To go through two more rounds of chemo, which when I look at my calendar seems overwhelming, but I’ll get through it.
- To continue to watch what I eat and hope I can manage to drop a few more pounds.
- To up my physical activities so that I don’t lose any more muscle. Maybe I’ll give myself stairstep goals or walk the driveway to the gate and back goals—on days when I’m not sick as a dog.
For happiness-related, I plan:Â
- To fiddle in my art room!
- To spend time with the family—movies, meals, and flea market adventures! I’m not overly ambitious.
Contest
Comment on anything you’ve read in this post. Tell me what you’re doing to make yourself happier and healthier, or tell me what you plan to read in October…
Like I said, comment on anything for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
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You’ve got this girl! That muscle tone thing is so hard to hold on to, even if we are just getting older. There are some good ones I do in bed. Simple leg lifts and such. I found Justin Agustin on YouTube who has some wonderful videos for beginners, older people, and the like that I find very useful and easy to follow when I don’t feel like it. Some can be done in bed, some in a chair, but all rather easy and just keeps me moving a bit. Every little move helps. Good thoughts and positive energy. HUGS
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I feel so bad for you with your current health issues. I’ve been blessed, but my sister is not as lucky. She had triple negative breast cancer a number of years ago and ended up doing great. She opted for the heavy duty chemo with the explanation that it wouldn’t recur. Last week, she found out her other breast has cancer. Not sure of the type, but she is opting for aggressive treatment again including surgery this time. She is like you in that she is a very positive person! The last time, she’d get her chemo then head to the gym for a workout… not sure how she had the strength for that, but she did. She’ll turn 60 in November, so not a kid, but she has spunk! I’m praying for both of you now! Stay positive! It helps greatly.
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Take care of you! Be with your family and get better! Have a great week!
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My mom had breast cancer in 2013. She beat it, so can you. I still have her with me, and am grateful for it.
Are you allowed to take supplements during your treatment?
If you can, biotin and collagen might be helpful.
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All your plans sound amazing. I went looking for articles about exercise while getting cancer treatment and found these
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/exercise-during-cancer-treatment–4-things-to-know.h00-159543690.html
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercise-during-after-cancer-treatment-level-1
These I hope will help get you fighting fit.
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I can relate to feeling adrift. There are some uncertainties in my life right now.
I recognise one of the art works as to the puzzle on offer.
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My sister had a scheduled test… was hoping to get her port out soon, but they moved up her next appt. she is worried, but I am keeping things positive for her… fingers crossed.
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at least you have a few silver linings with your treatments – losing SOME weight, spending the extra time with family … I’m amazed at how much you are accomplishing while coping with the chemo treatments, but that too shall pass and we’re all hoping with great success.
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nice art
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I wish you all the luck in your battle. Give yourself some me time as well.
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I am going to spend time with family having fun in October. I don’t often let myself just relax so this is going to be nice.
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I like that by moving your art supplies it resulted in your excellent artwork.
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I enjoy seeing your artwork. I hope to read a Sandra Brown and a Michael Connolly book in October. Just finished a Christopher Reich thriller. I like to read a variety of authors.
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Sending love and hugs, Delilah. You’re a remarkable person, and I’m praying for your strength and healing. Take care!
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I’m trying to organize part of my life. VA disability claim, surgery on my ankle.
Do I’m trying really hard to do creative things to make me smile, and not worry about all the issues. Reading is my other thing. Depends on what I can afford. Probably rereading some favorites military romantic suspense, or ARC from author I read for.
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The last time my hairdresser came to my house to cut my hair, I found out her daughter is getting married this Saturday. I make these wedding plaques and offered to make her one. They are usually ‘portrait’ and cut like a shield. However, the new last name is FEDOROWSKIS and almost stretches across a ‘landscape’ sheet of plastic canvas. I had to redesign the entire pattern. And, since it is October, I opted to use orange, purple and black as the primary colors instead of country blues, rose and browns. Just waiting for the frame to finish drying to put it all together.
I want to get back to some organization instead of being the rudderless ship I have turned into. Need to get back to writing, my web site still being worked on and everything else that pops up!
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Where there is a will there is a way, and you have paved yourself a beautiful way. Prayers always being said for a speedy recover! I love that you have set goals for yourself and are accomplishing them no matter how long it takes. When my son had cancer we loved to laugh each and everyday. We even created a storybook about the potty chair. He was in the hospital for 6 months. We still laugh about it today, 15 years later. You got this Girl!!