One strategy that has helped my long term survival and keeps scanxiety out of my daily routine. I like to garden, it takes a lot out of me some days but it pays off so well. My garden isn’t huge, two 4x4 raised beds and a table of herbs in pots, but I get some wonderful results.
Playing in dirt makes me happy in ways I can’t always describe. I love the smell of the soil, and the various plants as I work with them.
My other favorite activity is walking our dog. The route and length of out daily excursion is dictated by the weather. We walk every day though. Rain, sleet, snow or heat of summer.
What activities make you happy?
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Denzie
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They do don’t they. No matter how crummy or fatigued we get with chemo and radiation they still need us to get up and feed them and let them out or walk them. Hank (pictured) helped me rebuild strength. We would play tug of war with his favorite squeaky toy or I would walk and play tug dragging him behind me.
What helps me is I love plants house plants and the more exotic the better. When it's warm out I love to grow plants inside or outside all though I try to pace it because I tire easy. And my two cats Oreo and jo jo. They keep me entertained they can be really funny. Plus I like to read. I,m glad you have things that make your days better. Love susie
There’s a great zen like thing that come with caring for plants indoors and out. If I’m worried about something it takes my mind off of it and helps put it in perspective.
I'm an avid knitter and crocheter especially while watching movies or favorite tv shows. My family has an expectation of hand made socks and Scrubbies. Don't think I would be allowed in without them at Christmas. I also play Scrabble with friends once a week and knit with a church group for various causes. For exercise, I walk and do strengthening and limbering exercises to keep moving the best I can. My cat, though providing companionship, does not contribute to any exercise routines. She does allow me to pay for her food, veterinary care and the rent on our apartment. Reading while listening to music is another pleasure for me. Since my lobectomy In 2015, my ability to be physically active has lessened, so I've learned to go with the flow.
Going with the flow is a common theme in those of us who seem to thrive. I think it’s one of the most important things we learn to cope with. I’m envious of your skills with yarn.
Loving your description of your cat. We have one as well. “You may feed me”, “You may scratch my chin now”, “You may brush me”.’
I really enjoy making homemade bath products, sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, lotions, bath bombs, and soap. Soaps are definitely my favorite, as they tend to take the longest about of time. I, too, have a dog and she has been the best anxiety and stress reliever ever.
That’s awesome! Do you sell your stuff on line? If so please supply a link. I was never a dog person before I had to give up living on my own but the dogs here turned that around. Are you able to do yoga still?
Great Topic Denzie - Your Pup is adorable and I loved reading all the responses.
My sweet little 17 month Grand-daughter has now become my newest and greatest source of Love, Hope and Inspiration in my cancer battle and I absolutely love and adore her. When I was diagnosed in March of 2015 with Stage IV NSCLC I never thought I would have the chance to become a "Nana". So you can only imagine how thrilled I was when my son and his now wife, quickly got engaged and married a few months later. They then set out to buy their first home and right after that started on their family. The day I learned I was going to be a Nana was one of the happiest and most exciting days of my life. It was close to their first anniversary, so a perfect time to celebrate. It's seems almost impossible that she's now already walking and starting to talk--She's is so much fun and I LOVE her with all my heart -- PURE Joy and LOVE. I now babysit for her three afternoons a week and it's been such a blessing. I just love spending that together creating a wonderful bond. Having her really helps to keep me busy and when I'm with her it keeps my mind off the cancer.
I also have two little Rescue Pups that I adopted in 2012. Two sister Chiweenies, (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix) that keep me moving. Skye and Zeva love to walk and and they inspire to walk each day, even if only a short distance on my bad days. They are fair weather dogs and love walks more in the nice weather. They do not like rain/snow and will happy use a "Puppy Pad" inside on a bad day, rather than to venture out. Perfect for me, especially when in the middle of a long cold winter or during a blizzard. But, whenever we can we love to walk, even if on a short distance. They are also happy to run around in the yard and lounge out on the deck in the sun. And when I'm feeling crappy and need a day to rest, they are always by my side with their unconditional love!!
I'm so happy to be doing well (Stable) in my cancer journey and never imagined this is where I would be when I heard my diagnosis back on 3/27/15. Thank goodness for a wonderful Oncology team and for Opdivo, which I credit with saving my Life.
Happy to be doing well and praying I will remain stable for a long, long time!!
Lisa, I remember when you introduced yourself on that other webpage. I can’t help but remember anyone who incorporates my favorite color into anything. You’ve come so far. We both have.
Your son and his wife are special people indeed to move their plans so quickly in order to give you such a marvelous gift. But I must say, 3 days a week with a 17 month old is much more than I would be capable of handling. My hat is off to you.
Loving your description of your puppies. Do they tolerate your granddaughter okay or do they hide? Hank likes to walk in all kinds of weather. His ears pick up and look like the hat Sally Field wore in the Flying Nun. I call them his happy ears.
One reason I started this thread was to give newbies an idea of ways to move forward and you’ve showed them how far it is possible to go. Thank you.
I’ve been experimenting with restoring old pieces of furniture. Mostly with a distressed look. I’ve been using all different types of chalk paint and pretty much using the creativity Ove mustard up right after I was diagnosed , hand pain Glass vases customized desingns on picture frames , experimenting with pictures of family with collages and shadow boxes- I find this to calm me and take me to a different place both mentally and creatively ! I too have a 6 year old Australian Cattle dog , extremely high energy ( working dogs) they require much exercise .. they actually are working dogs that are seen more on farms etc herding dogs ( mine is a red heeler) prob not the best choice when choosing a fur baby if you live in The city where the yards are so so small . My Taz has been my saving grace through so much. He is now my service dog . He refuses to walk with anyone except me but I’m unable to walk him as I’m recovering from major surgery . I must say he is the most loyal animal ve ever had .. He sheds all year round tumbleweeds and I spend much time vacuuming because I can’t stand dog hair all over my house. , O did have my neighbor help shave him about 6 weeks ago and that definitely lightens up the cleaning however, his hair has grown back already ! I’m gonna try and post his pic 🤗
You inspire me! I used to love sanding down old tables and refinishing them. The smell of freshly sanded wood is transformative in its own right. There’s a zen quality to woodworking isn’t there? Honoring the grain and and finding the beauty in it.
I’ve watched Australian Cattle dogs on the Animal Planet channel. They’re pretty smart, in addition to being so active. Your Taz sounds like a sweetie.
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NED means I should feel happy, right?
How should I feel after a lobectomy?
Trying to stay positive 
