Energy Outlook

"When you are in the valley, keep your goal firmly in view and you will get the renewed energy to continue the climb." -Denis Waitley (an American motivational speaker and writer, consultant and best-selling author).
I am finished with Chemo for now. And, as I mentioned previously, I was apprehensive about this week because I usually have a falling energy level as a Chemo session approaches. But, guess what? My energy level has remained normal. Of course, normal is relative. If I am clowning, I am energized. When I try to go for a walk my energy level drops rapidly. Yesterday I tried to clean some weeds from the driveway and I did pretty well without overdoing it. My wife brought me some water and I worked on the weeds for probably twenty minutes. Afterward I sat down and was very tired. Not dangerously tired, but worn-out to be sure. I was proud of myself and happy that I may be able to help a lot more around the house.
I had a PET scan last Tuesday and will get the results next Thursday (the 28th, June). I have done well with the Chemo and have received and accepted the Healing from the Lord.
My feet and legs pain me and the feet tingle quite a bit. The Chemo is the cause of that. I have had a few instances of a kind of apnea while awake and will ask my Doctor about it.

 I went to a Dance recital that one of our Clowns (Mickey) was in (along with his daughter, Scooter) on the 15th of June. He had requested the participation of as many clowns as our Alley could muster to greet the attendees and pass some stickers out to them. There was a good showing of Clowns. The group that I went with, Buttons and Mr. Buttons and Good Grief, stayed for the first 15 presentations and then we left at the first intermission. I became engrossed in the performances and twice I noticed that I had stopped breathing. It is an odd and curious feeling. The automatic breathing that we are born with just seemed to turn off! When this happens, there is nothing that you can do. I experienced it earlier this year and found that it is impossible to will yourself to breathe! You just have to wait and see if it starts back up...I know that it sounds terrifying, but it is not. I grew up with severe asthma and when you can't get enough air into your lungs and they are in spasms and you are also coughing--THAT is a panic! This apnea is just an awareness that you are not breathing and it seems as if your lungs are paralyzed along with your chest so nothing can be done about it. You just wait and hope that it restarts itself!
Anyway, I am glad that I haven't been experiencing the fatigue that I usually get in the 3rd week after Chemo. And, I pray that it holds so that I can gradually (gradually!) begin enjoying normal activities.
I have a new look. I am going to be wearing a white, former military dress coat and a small orange top hat. And, my good friend, Susan has made me two over-sized neck ties and a glittery, colorful bow-tie! I am making some medals for the coat and plan to sew them on this weekend. I have already made some epaulets for the coat and affixed them. Below is a picture of the beginning of the new look:

The 4th of July Parade and Block Party is approaching fast and I am looking forward to it! The Block Party has been moved to the community park this year because of downtown construction projects. So, I will find myself a nice shade tree and park myself and twist some balloons. I love to do Walk-a-round Clowning, but I will see how it goes. As far as the Parade, I will find someone's vehicle to ride atop and then walk every now and then--as needed!
Get your info about the Parade and Block Party----------HERE
If you are in the area, come on by and make sure to look me up ! I'll make an Alien Sword, Princess Wand or Hammerhead Shark for you ! (out of balloons, mind you).
Life is Good...Life is an Adventure !!!