I Graduated!!! And....on to the next thing....

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 Last night, I graduated from my Cardiac-Oncology Rehab Program (CORE) at NHRMC! I have learned so much from this wonderful program started here in the Cape Fear region by my cardiologist. I really wish it could have continued on for another 6 weeks or so, but I have gotten a lot out of the last 12 weeks. My goal is to continue with what I've learned, create a plan, and keep on keepin' on. I feel better but I am not done by any means. This weekend I intend to sit down and make an intentional plan to continue strengthening my heart through exercise. It is a bit daunting knowing that I now have to take responsibility for that myself. I am not normally very self-motivated, to be honest. 

I will be going back to Physical Therapy for my arm beginning next week. Out of one program and right into another. As a reminder, I have lymphedema in my right upper arm and side due to lymph nodes being removed during my double mastectomy in 2018. It is hard to believe that it was over 2 years ago when I had that surgery! The swelling in my upper arm continues to be a nuisance and I knew it was time to go back and see if I can get it under control. I am going to a new place this time that specializes in lymphedema treatment for women. Even in the first visit, I learned some new things and I am looking forward now to being able to get it under control and stop the vicious cycle I have been in for the last 2 years. I will continue this therapy through the month of March and possibly into early April. 

I am currently anxiously awaiting my first COVID vaccine! They have begun vaccinating school employees, and as it should be, the teachers & school site employees have been prioritized first. I have been checking my email non-stop however awaiting the email that will tell me when my appointment will be. I am really hoping it'll be one day next week! As a central office employee, I'm fairly certain I will be one of the very last. 

I had a bit of a scare last week and thought I had COVID, but after 2 COVID tests (one rapid & one lab), tests for FluA & FluB and a Strep test, all were negative and I was pronounced to have.....a common head cold. Whew! Never been so relieved to have a cold! I am over it for the most part, but my vocal cords (as usual) have not bounced back so quickly. I'm uncertain at this point if I'll be able to sing on Sunday. We'll see. 

Jarod started his internship on Monday! He was very excited to begin and seems to really be enjoying it. They re-emphasized that the goal is to hire him full-time at the end of the internship in April. As they are all still working remotely, he is not sure if/when he will have to move to Austin. I suppose it depends on when they can all get vaccinated and Jarod's age group will likely be the very last ones to get it. 

That's about it for my update! As I head out of one rehab program and into another I covet your prayers that I will continue to improve in every way and that I will be motivated to keep up the cardio & nutrition habits that CORE taught me.

Today's Prayer Requests:

  1. Pray that I will be self-motivated to continue with the cardio rehab on my own.
  2. Pray that I will be able to get the swelling in my arm under control.
  3. Pray that I will remain otherwise healthy & cancer-free.
  4. Praise for Jarod's internship & job thereafter!
  5. Praise that my recent oncology check-up went well & I am still cancer-free!  
Today's Verse: Psalm 106:1-2






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