Another long week dominated by trying to find out how to deal with the neuropathy in my feet. The iSqueeze wasn’t doing any good; rather it was actually hurting my feet, so we returned it. What does seem to work is exercise. I’ve been doing the treadmill most days, even though it is hard on my feet. Today and yesterday were both warm enough that I could take short walks in the town forest. I realize that what I need to do is to build up my leg and calf muscles – not that it reduces the pain, but it helps my balance. A heating pad on my feet does reduce the pain, but I can only use it when I’m lying on the couch.

Another side effect which I’m blaming on the chemo is listlessness. I go to bed early and get up late. I seem to have lost my urge to do stuff, and I must admit to occasional bouts of depression. It’s not clear that my body will ever get back to normal. From one day to the next, one week to the next, any improvement in my physical status is minor, at best. I am hoping that these feelings will dissipate when the weather gets better, which it is supposed to do later this week. I’ve already ordered plants for the garden and am looking forward to be able to spend more time outside in the yard.

The other big news in the Doutch household this week is the arrival of two new kittens. Staying with the Harry Potter theme we’ve named them Cedric and Ginny. Diggory is slowly getting used to them, and vice versa. You can see pictures of them in the photo area.