Sunday, June 28, 2020

Anniewalkers 2021 Holy Year Trip is ON!



Yesterday I spent the day confirming all of the reservations for both my Anniewalkers 2021 Holy Year walking group and Joe's.  It was good news all around. All of our lodgings are open and our reservations are confirmed.

WE ARE WALKING!

If you are interested in joining us for Holy Year, my group has one open space. Joe has room for 2 more pilgrims. This is a nice way to do the Camino because we do all the booking for you and our prices include backpack transport. See my website at www.anniewalkers.com for more information.

Now, it's really just a matter of waiting to see how this pandemic "pans" out (pardon the pun) and whether or not we'll be able to fly into Spain.

I'm missing Spain and getting pretty excited! My friend, Patty, and I are thinking about going early, maybe April, and walking the entire Frances with no reservations, just for the heck of it. 

I'm crazily out of shape though. The surgery really kicked my butt. I walked 2.2 kilometers on Wednesday and was gasping for air. I asked my physical therapist about this on Thursday and she said it was normal. She gave me a walking schedule and I should be back up to 25-30 kilometers by the first of the year. She said, "Go sloooooooow!" so that's what my plan is. I do have to say I was surprised though, how little energy I had.



Everything otherwise is going great. My range of motion is probably back to 90% normal. Scars are healing up nicely and I'm feeling fine. Just one more month on the Letrozole an I should be able to quit taking it.

Life is good and the Camino is calling!

As always, one foot in front of the other.

Love,
Annie

Saturday, June 20, 2020

9 Weeks Out and Feeling GREAT!

Well I'm 9 weeks out from my double mastectomy and things are healing up good. I do have a bit of an "iron bra" feeling with numbness and a bit of swelling under my incision line. But I saw the doctor Friday and she said to give it time and it would soften up. I'm doing hot castor oil packs each day and the physical therapist has me stretching and doing light free weights.

I took a VERY short walk yesterday - just around the block - and was SHOCKED at how tired and winded I got. It depressed me a bit. I'm used to being more energetic. But those who have gone through this tell me it can take months to recover - so I'll just keep plodding along.

I've spent the last few days working on my new website. Please take a quick peek and please share it on your Facebook page if you don't mind. I can use all the help I can get to supplement my income. The new address is:

anniespetportraits.com

I'm still taking Letrozol and so far, no bad side effects. I had my son pick up a 90 day prescription for me yesterday. The total with my Oregon Health Plan and Medicare was only $3.65.  A woman on one of my Facebook groups was shocked when her very same prescription cost her over $90 !!!  What the hell? This country needs to address the criminality of pharmaceutical companies taking advantage of people who REQUIRE medicines to live!  Boy, that made me angry on the one hand, and VERY grateful for Oregon Health Plan on the other.

Two of my sons are coming over for dinner tonight. I'm really looking forward to it. This coronavirus has sure put a dent in my social life and it will be good to have visitors.

Well, I guess that's all the news. Here is the latest drawing I've been working on.

Stay safe, everyone!
Love,
Annie