I'm very proud of myself because over the course of my entire treatment, I only missed two workouts and on those days I still did 50 calf raises to prevent blood clots! But because I've been on a high dose of steroids this entire time (12mg of Dexamethasone!), I managed to gain 15 whole pounds, and I don't know if any of it is muscle. My starting weight was 141.6lbs, and as of writing this I now weigh 156lbs. I am grateful that I gained weight instead of lost weight during the treatment, and since I was able to work out the entire time I'm sure I still at least maintained the muscle I started with underneath the weight!
My doctors even told me not to worry about gaining weight because when I came off the steroids it would melt away. Well, now I have a new journey of working to make it melt away.
Times Are Tough But I'm Tougher
Because I'm coming off the steroids, which were helping manage symptoms, and I'm still not too far out from my last radiation session, my neurological symptoms are the worst they've been. I was not expecting things to get worse before they got better so I was kind of blindsided by this, BUT at least because I'm not taking chemo anymore I have more energy and am not getting nauseous when I get dizzy. Also, a side effect of coming off of Dexamethasone is joint pain and that has not been fun.
Despite these symptoms, I had enough energy to go on a run on both Monday and Tuesday this week, and today I'm planning a core strength workout! I look forward to losing this weight again and also returning to my "normal" self slowly but surely.
Chelsea you are amazing! I'm sure that having to take things more slowly than you normally would is a challenge for you! As long as you are moving in the 'right' direction don't get discouraged and keep up the great work of recovery! You may need to wean down on the steroid more slowly...that's pretty normal...you shouldn't have to suffer from it ie. have neurological symptoms worsen! Take your time to heal and keep up the great work! You look amazing!!
Chelsea, you are an inspiration! <3 I love you!
Wow! Such optimism! You are a role model for those fighting and/or living with cancer. You should be proud of yourself. YOU GO GIRL!