The Cancer Survivor's Garden Companion. Jenny Peterson
it could be. I hope that they can remind you of how large your Tribe is.
You’ll also notice that I often stress talking with your doctor before doing anything in this book. Whether we are talking about an oncologist, a surgeon, a holistic doctor, a rehab therapist – whoever it is that helps you manage your treatment and care – those people need to be consulted first before you make any changes to your treatment plan. It’s impossible to overstress this point. I have a number of professionals at my disposal, and I rely on them to help me heal, and it’s to my advantage to include them and consult them at every turn. So please, don’t be a Lone Ranger here. I am not a physician, a therapist or a surgeon.
That brings me to my last point. I could never have guessed where my life would lead me, but I feel that it has led me directly to writing this book. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Theology, and I’m a writer and a landscaper. Some would say I collected oddball degrees and certifications along the way, and I can’t say that I disagree with them. I never imagined how all of the education I’ve received and my life experiences would come together in one book, but that is exactly what has happened. Call it serendipity if you will, but although I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I am thankful for my breast cancer diagnosis, I can surely say that I am thankful for where it has led me. My life is forever changed, as I’m sure yours has been, by this diagnosis – but it’s the combination of so many twists and turns in this life that have brought me to this point.
And I’m glad to meet you here.
body
ONE
Sweat It Out
Exercise is good for everyone, but especially those going through treatment or healing from it. Caution is the word, however, as your body might not be able to do the things it once could. Take it slow and honor what your body has gone through and is going through, and let your garden help your body get stronger.
Surgery and treatment, whether it’s chemotherapy or radiation, can really zap your immune system and physical energy. When I was going through treatment, my oncologist, Dr. Rubin de Celis, told me, “Consider it a part of your treatment to get regular exercise.”
Cardio
Given your doctor’s approval, you can participate in cardio exercises that will, over time, increase your stamina – but go slow and build up to longer sessions in the garden with greater intensity. This is particularly true for those who have lymphedema like I do, as the swelling in your limbs or torso can be greatly exacerbated by sudden changes in your physical exertion.
Some great garden chores for light cardio include:
• Hauling mulch bags, one at a time to start
• Turning your compost pile
• Shoveling compost into new beds
• Pushing a ½ full wheelbarrow up an incline
• Mowing your lawn
• Hoeing weeds
Safety First!
• Sunblock
• Wide-brimmed garden hat
• Compression garments, if necessary: glove, gauntlet, sleeve, bra, or trunk garment
• Bug repellent
• Sturdy shoes
• Gloves
• Surgical gloves to layer underneath garden gloves
There was a time during my treatment, as the weather was getting colder, that we’d bought some winter vegetable transplants from the garden center. Those poor plants sat on our back patio for a couple of weeks because, frankly, I was exhausted and so was Brett, my fiancé. One day he texted me that we should get those plants in the ground. I wish I still had those texts – we text so much that our carrier eventually deleted old messages to make room for new ones – but the conversation went something like this:
Brett: On the way home; let’s get those plants in the ground.
Me: But you’ll be home late and it’s cold outside.
Brett: Then get bundled up!
Me: But, it’ll be dark!
Brett: I’ve got headlamps.
Me: Are you kidding me?
Brett: No way, Cupcake. Get a move on!
Now, I’m sure Brett really did want to get those transplants in the ground, but if we didn’t and they died, we’d have only lost about $25. But more than that, I think he recognized that I hadn’t been out to the garden in a while and he wanted me to be moving and active. Wise man.
So, forgive the terrible night shots on my old iPhone, but here is what we did and what I looked like! I had a cap on my bald head with a headlamp over that, a hoodie with a puffy vest over it, my rubber rain boots, garden gloves and a scarf. Not a real fashion statement, but we got those transplants in the ground, watered them in, and laughed the entire time – it was good for our garden and even better for my soul.
Stretching and Flexibility
When you’ve had surgery and treatment, perhaps even ongoing treatment depending upon your stage, your body has undoubtedly been through a lot and it’s got the kinks to show for it. I had a lymph node dissection after my sentinel lymph node came back unclear, and this surgery far surpassed my lumpectomy in every way possible. And I mean, “not in a good way.” My nerves and muscles were severed underneath my left arm in order to get all the lymph nodes my surgeon could get his hands on. I’m not complaining, just stating the obvious – that kind of surgery is rough and has lasting effects! I have a lot of scar tissue all around my left underarm, and it constantly wants to pull my arm in and down.
So, the plan is to keep stretching it out. One way I do this is through yoga, and I also attend weekly rehab. But there are a number of garden activities that, when performed correctly, provide great stretching opportunities for your scar tissue and kinked-up muscles, increasing your range of motion and flexibility.
• Rake leaves and reach out just a bit farther than you think you might be able to.
• Hoe weeds, being careful if you have lymphedema.
• Shovel compost or soil.
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