One of the side effects that has become chronic trying to recover from cancer treatment is always feeling cold. This condition has ebbed and flowed over the last 3+ years. We have worked around it with Susie wearing extra clothes to stay warm. Though it seems strange to wear long pants and a sweatshirt in 90+ degree Fahrenheit weather or a fleece and a blanket in the house with the air conditioner set to 77. Going up north during winter is obviously a non-starter.
Feeling cold we understand is a symptom of other health problems, and often appears alongside fatigue and low energy levels. Two of the major causes of constant chill are low metabolism and reduced blood flow to the body organs and tissues. We hope with the addition of Hydrocortisone, to address Susie’s recently diagnosed adrenal insufficiency, that her energy levels will improve.
Susie seems to have more of an appetite these days, even while battling a persistent ear infection for the last 3-4 months. Every time we re-entered the pool, the infection would come back. We’ve replaced her ear plugs and she decided to skip the warm instruction pool and go right into the cold lap swimming pool. A dear friend of ours, who is a swim instructor, suggested Susie rent a wetsuit to see if it helps her tolerate the big pool.
Well I am happy to say that the wetsuit was a success this week. Susie swam three laps today and had a big smile on her face. Granted she was exhausted.
Special thanks to Laura Butler and Missy from Austin Tri-Cyclist.