Sunday, Oct. 31

     AAAAAH!  I'm wounded!  Mouth sores all over!  It's a universal side effect of chemotherapy - and I was told to expect it, but boy is it miserable.  Also, my back decided to give me trouble at the same time!  
     I am reduced to cleaning my teeth and gums with wet cotton balls - I couldn't even think of brushing.  I do think this situation is getting better with the cleaning and rinsing with special mouth wash.  
     Now, my back is a different story.  I've had chronic lower back problems since 7th grade.  Through years of experimenting, going to chiropractors and massage therapists, God made it clear to me long ago that the cause of my back trouble was just plain old poor muscle tone.  Back muscles are connected to abdominal muscles, and together they are know as your "core".  I've known for years that I needed to get into better physical shape, but like most people, I put it off because I led a very busy life, a life that didn't have room for doing plain, boring exercise.  I did have the off month or so when I tried a yoga class (which I could tell was really good for me), or walking regularly, but in general, I ignored my need to strengthen myself.  Last spring, I was privileged to be able to go to physical therapy for a month, and the therapist gave me some great and simple core exercises to do.  I did them for a time, and when I felt better, I promptly got too busy again to do them!  Well, now that I need to be strong, I am paying for my lack of attention!
     I should have gone to basic training when I had the chance!  Now, I'm on the battlefield and down with an old injury.  How foolish of me!  Basic training is hard and demanding, and it's a total commitment for a time, but so worth it!!  A soldier needs to be ready for the battle when it comes, and he may never know when that will be.  So, I hunker down in my trench, use the tools available to me - the heating pad and rest - to get better, and you can believe I will be back on those exercises as soon as I am able!!  The lesson - DON'T BE LAZY, or you may not be prepared when you need your strength!   God bless!!