Developing a survival strategy.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger” – Nietzsche

It’s a pretty good bet the next year is going to be an ordeal.  I figure it best to approach it like preparing for a marathon.  Which, considering how long and grueling it promises to be, it will be.

The goal has to be to remain as strong and healthy as possible while the medical establishment puts my body through extreme trauma.  Ironically, it isn’t the cancer, but the treatment, that will be causing the physical distress.

The key factor will be keeping my immune system as healthy as possible.  The best bet for this appears to be exercise, good nutrition, and possibly supplements.  I’m also going to continue therapeutic massage along with other alternative immune system enhancing treatments.

I have resumed my 40 minute per day lap swim and am doing weight bearing and stretching exercises.  Once the port is in I’ll have to give up the swimming, but will replace it with walking as briskly as I can tolerate.

The chemo can induce an intense fatigue that rest will not alleviate.  Interestingly, aerobic exercise will combat it, assuming you can garner enough energy to purse it.  I’m going to have to find that energy.

My intention is to develop a daily plan that is fairly regimented.  It will include as much exercise as I can tolerate, frequent meals whether I want them or not, drinking large quantities of water, and a daily log of my activities.

I’ll probably make the log a Category on the menu of this web site.  The primary function of the log will be to keep me focused on what I need to be doing each day.  It will also serve the function of publicly humiliating me if I slack off.  Public humiliation is sort of an internet specialty of mine.

I suspect the most difficult aspects of cancer treatment is the psychological challenges of getting through it.  I imagine the physical fatigue, monotony, and excessive length of treatment will be dispiriting over time.

I’m going to continue seeking out ways to have as much fun as I can during the ordeal.  Actually, there is a chance I might not react too badly to the chemo.  There will probably be times that I feel fine, or as fine as you can feel when you are wearing a fashion accessory involving a tube attached to a sump pump.

I’ve decided, during the times when I really am laid up, to watch the entire “Lost” TV series from the first episode to the last.  Since they are available from Netflick I’m going to watch the whole thing in sequence.

That way, when I go to parties, I can make small talk about topics that were hot four years ago.  It will preserve my aura of social ineptness.  Usually I don’t have to work at this, but this time I am making an exception.

And, of course, through all of this, I will continue to do my part to perpetuate weirdness on the internet.  Because, this too, is something I do.  And I do it so well.

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8 Responses to Developing a survival strategy.

  1. Anne says:

    That’s my guy! He has a survivor personality–including a sense of humor. As some of you know, his particular sense of humor is something I have never fully appreciated–until now.

  2. Marcia says:

    Robin and I have Seasons 1 – 5 of Lost. As soon as the series finale ends Sunday we’ll be watching the special features (which we have waited to watch). It shouldn’t take us very long and then we’ll get the series to you. That way you can save Netflix for Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.

  3. Gary says:

    I do appreciate your enhancing my opportunity to watch “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes”. I’ve been wanting to watch it for years. Unfortunately I’ve been so consumed with watching “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” that I haven’t gotten around to it. Thank you helping me make this important cultural experience part of my life.

    Your generous offer is particularly timely. I see that now that the final season of “Lost” is over there is going to be a rush to watch the entire series on DVD. Without your offer I might not have had the opportunity to watch it on Netflicks. All the copies might have been gone.

    You have saved the day.

  4. Hugo Hartig says:

    Hi Gary,
    It sounds like an excellent plan. Have you thought of marihuana to ease some of the discomfort down the road?! I think I’d research that a bit! I don’t write many comments on here, but I am reading the updates with great interest and thinking about you every day. Hang in there!

  5. Linda says:

    Gary ~ You are an inspiration to us all! Everyone over 50, whether they’re facing major health issues or not, should be following your lead. We’d all be better for it. Like Hugo said, hang in there!

  6. Gary says:

    Hugo – Oh My God! I’ve lured a Neo-Luddite onto the internet. I am so proud of myself.

    Welcome aboard.

    I’ve researched marijuana quite extensively in my lifetime. I was once quite the authority on the subject. Too much of an authority, to be perfectly honest. I am pretty sure I can find a better alternative.
    ….
    Linda – I never mastered dealing with life the way everyone else does. This is just the way I do it. It’s not something to be inspired by, it’s just me.

    Believe me, if there were a viable alternative approach I’d jump at it. Beg, whine, cry, whimper, grovel, publicly humiliate myself. Whatever it took I’d do it. But those things don’t work, so I’m doing this.

    Besides, this is more fun.

  7. john MC lane says:

    It was nice to talk at the pool today. I would like to see you in that Viking Hat. I tried one on and it was not pretty. Hang in there Gary!
    For Netflix movies try “Chloe”, a recent great film. We also liked “Avanti” quite a lot, with jack Lemmon from 1972.(unless you really want to just watch Lost)
    I do not get a kick back from the film companies.

  8. Gary says:

    You’re probably not the Viking hat sort, though I’m not sure what hat would work best on you. I’ll give it some thought.

    With the kickbacks you get from the joke writers you don’t also need them from the film companies. You wouldn’t want to get too greedy.

    I’ll check into your movie suggestions. Thanks.

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