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A fresh chapter

The babies are nearly grown!

Yes, even in your 60s you can have a fresh chapter.

For the past year, every three months is a fresh chapter. My husband and I go to the oncologist. I get my exam. And the doctor says, “No cancer.” I feel refreshed (until the next three months when I start to panic, toss a sugar-free CBD gummy in my mouth and, show-time!) Just a few more month of this, then it will be every six months until the 5-year mark and I am cleared. (Last year I had first grade uterus cancer and got a full hysterectomy. No chemo. No radiation. But check-ups every three months).

And this time, with this new chapter, is another new chapter I’ve been dealing with — osteoarthritis. There is soreness around my thumb. The good news is, I can type effortlessly (whew! Because if I had to end my writing career, I’d be very bummed out). It’s just that opening jars or bottles is challenging. Also, sometimes using a scissor is painful.

BUT …. The good news is, I’ve been going to an amazing occupational therapist and I’m feeling better. Two weeks ago I beat my husband at air hockey! My hand was sore, but healed fast and I quickly forgot about it. It was worth it! LOL!

The young lady who has been helping me (I go once or twice a week, depending on my schedule) is so awesome, I sent her flowers for her birthday this week.

The place I go to is a 45 minute drive away (I prefer the pretty backroads over the insanity of driving the Parkway) but so worth it. I look forward to those days, popping a favorite CD in and basking in the music and beautiful trees and homes I see along the way.

My original plan was acupuncture for my hand. This same place has two acupuncturists — both are fantastic. So whatever day I go, depending on my schedule, it’s a win/win.

I’m also doing some physical thearpy for a disc herniation that’s been healing, but never healed 100 percent. I have no idea where it came from, but I started having symptoms a month after a car accident in October 2024.

My back is nearly healed except for some minor lower back sensations, kind of like when you’re young and you get period backaches. It doesn’t bother me, but I want to stay healthy. Sometimes I don’t feel it at all, it comes and goes.

The physical thearpy is challenging. I work out at home every single day with all the at-home gym tools — a yoga ball, yoga blocks, a calf roller, light weights (up to eight pounds). But here they have me lifting 20 pound weights to straighten my core.

And the punchline is, I get home and I am so energized I want to do more. I’ll ride my stationery bike, and go for a very long walk.

I just keep pushing myself because as fitness guru Denise Austin says, “If you rest, you rust!”

That was my mantra when I was healing my my hysterectomy last year. People hear “cancer” and “hysterectomy” and they think you need rest. In some cases, I’m sure you do, but in my case, the doctor wanted me to get back to normal asap. I had one day to rest after I got out of the hospital. One day to not take a shower. By the second day I showered and by the third day I took a half hour walk. Resting would have meant the risk of getting a blood clot.

And to this day, when I’m offered a seat, I refuse and stand.

As a writer it takes me about 45 to 90 minutes to write an article, depending on how much I have to research and fact check. When I remember, I’ll put a back support on. When I’m done writing, I’m up immediately Get a drink, look away from the screen.

And I make sure after every meal (usually two big ones and some snacks) I exercise. (Actually I exercise before breakfast, to earn my big breakfast, then afterwards I’m on the bike).

I recently saw a video about the beautiful actress, famous for being on the hit 1980s show Dynasty (which I never watched, but how could I not know about it, it was so popular!) Donna Mills.

She shared her struggles with arthritis which started in her 20s. She’s now in her 80s, and beautiful as ever (even if she did get work done, it’s not overdone — and wow, does she look fantastic!) She also shared her health regimen which was a lot of vegetables even though she’s not vegan and movement.

Yes, that sounded familiar. No matter what health challenge you are going through, it’s awesome to know we can be inspired by celebrities, or even people in our own circles, to keep going, keep moving, and live your life to the fullest!

If you have no health challenges, it may be rare, and it’s a beautiful blessing. But many of us do. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing to blame ourselves for. Shit happens!

It’s how we view these challenges and move through life with them. As we take care of ourselves, we can inspire others.

Start your fresh chapter today!

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