A Visit with Dr. Malviya

Yesterday, Friday, August 22 was my doctor's visit.
8 1/2 hours at the office.

(While I was waiting, I walked around the blocks of Providence Hospital grounds a couple times, complete with sun clothes, sun hat, sun screen lotion, and walking shoes, which I later changed to sandals and clean socks, then read some of Nadine Gordimer's None to Accompany Me (set in South Africa at the end of apartheid), and then did some counted cross-stitch until I ran out of concentration. Then I watched some TV. I also visited with a couple familiar patients and a couple new ones.)

Home by 11:00 p.m.
I left the office in a thoroughly happy mood, and not just because I got to go home and eat!


Since my CT scan was clear, we were concerned with my basic body health.

Two particular action areas:

1) Some neuropathy in my toes. I need to keep walking, keep moving to help protect those nerve shields.
Invitation: If anyone wants to walk with me, that would be just what the doctor ordered!

2) Stomach muscles. I have a "very small (abdominal) hernia", weak muscle spot. I need to strengthen my stomach muscles in general. Dr. Malviya suggested left lifts. If I lie on my back and raise my heels a few inches off the floor, about 5 times every day every day this month, he says I will be ready to increase it next month. I am not good at this, but it is a place to start. Really? I did it once (not 5) so far today, and even then my small back arched up. I looked up a few directions so far: Floor or chair leg lifts; Yoga leg lifts; Alternatives. Looks like I need more research and may try different methods. I don't want my uncertainly or the difficulty to be an excuse to not to exercise!


As for the future...
(Yes, future.)
It looks like the plan is chemotherapy # 8 this Tuesday, then chemotherapy #9 in four weeks. That's it!
Then, rather than monthly doctor visits, I will come every other month.
(I almost said I would miss him, but did not.)

I am going to a retreat with my mom and sister in October, the usual week for my visit, but can wait to see him the following week!


Meantime, John sat with me all this time, reading a thick biography. Sturdy company.
And when we arrived home, we ate delicious food that James and Sarah had cooked!

Now, I must get moving!
Always, thanks for prayers and encouragement!
And, remember the open invitation to walk!