Motivation

dlb823

Hi, girls ~ Just quickly reporting in.  I had a great day @ UCLA yesterday.  (Isn't it funny how BC changes us -- when a  day at a medical center can be "a great day!")  But things did go great, and the radiologist looked at all my tests B4 I left and said she didn't see anything concerning -- that I'm all clear.  Oh, and I have to tell you about the IV for the MRI.  The IV nurse had just surveyed my vein-less right arm and was talking to the other nurse on duty about the need to put it in my hand/wrist (not their preferred location) when I decided to tell her about my past meltdown.  I ended by saying, "but I have all of my friends praying for me this time," (no pressure -- ha!) and she turned my arm over and suddenly there was a huge vein near the crook of my elbow.  And she got that big needle in the first time, and fairly painlessly to boot!  Oh, I was so happy!

The only odd thing is that when I laid down on the MRI machine, I felt a sharp pain in my right rib area.  I had to readjust myself, but that area is very sensitive to the touch today.  A BCO friend assured me that it's probably from being squished by the mammo, then the U/S and MRI procedures, but of course, silly me, I'm letting my mind think, "Oh, great... I'm clear, but the irony is they didn't do a bone scan, and I'm really not clear."  But I had bloodwork recently, and I'm sure my CA-whatever would have been at least a little elevated if there was anything brewing in my rib.  But it would just be so nice to relax and enjoy NED without the back of consciousness fear dialogue going on.  

kmmd ~ Thanks for the tip about going bra-less.  I'd recently gone through all of my pre-bc bras and figured out I can still wear some of them, so have been wearing a few that have underwires again, not just my sports bras.  I'm going to stop wearing them.  Bra-less sounds good to me! 

And, Anne, thanks for all the good info' on Pilates.  I'm really interested in it, and you're absolutely right about cost and priorities.  What is that Bible quote about finding your heart where your treasure is?  I think we've all learned that there is no treasure as valuable as our health.

kari ~ I'm so sorry about your DH's shoulder injury.  I hope he'll be a good patient.  So many guys aren't.  And I hope the acupuncture tx today gives you some relief.  When I hurt my back several weeks ago just picking up and carrying a mini-harvest of lemons, it took more than a week for the pain to ebb.  And I know you've had on-going back issues.  Praying that you'll have some serious relief soon!

Well, I guess this wasn't so quick afterall.  Gotta scoot  ~  D.

kfinnigan

Deanna, great news from yesterday for you!  I wanted to mention that when my DH had his MRI on his shoulder, he experienced some odd sensations, he said he could feel shocks and some heating up on his other side, and it left him quite achy and in pain afterward.  He mentioned it to the tech afterward and she said yes that happens sometimes.  So maybe that happened to you as well?  was the rib pain where rads hit before?  That could explain it.  

I did a flexibility dvd last night and halfway through, the pain was gone, of course I kept going though and it hurt again. UGH I never know when to quit.  Acupuncturist told me I need to heat and rest it!!  I told her, ok you're the 3rd person in a week I've seen, and you all told me something different!  it is very frustrating...

dianenv

Happy Wednesday everyone!

It is so hot here in Las Vegas (currently 108) that I took my butt to the gym again. I did 35 min on the eliptical torture machine. At least there is air conditioning. I am hoping to get outside on Saturday (at 6) and get a good training walk in.  After that I decided I needed to do something other then watching TV.  I started a quilt that I have had the material in my possession for a year.  I have no idea why I bought it, it doesn't match my house. I think I'll send it with my DD next year.

Stay cool everyone!

diane

Springtime

I found out I need to go on a big important business trip to company HQ at the end of the month, and since I typically work at home, my wardrobe is DEFICIENT!! so instead of exercise, I have been SHOPPING all week (at malls) which is friggin' like a workout!!! all that trying on after a full day's work!! But tonight I went to Yoga, Ohhmmmmmmm. More shopping tomorrow night. Can't show up looking shabby, you know!!!

Deana, I am glad the IV went splendidly!!!

Kari, ouch. I am sorry!!! It does sound frustrating! Next time stop? maybe your poor self needs TLC with stretching?

Deanna, I felt stiffness in my lower back this morning laying in bed and YES (dang it) it did cross my mind, "golly I hope this is not bone mets".  Then I psychologically smacked myself to STOP IT!!! I hate it! But the mind just goes there!!!  Ugh.  

Heat bothers my LE as well. Heat and humidity. also it seems to feel better if I put powder on it when sticky. (who knows). I have upped my weights and reps and doing good! Tonight at Yoga my down dogs were so strong - and I typically struggle with the upper body strength since my Mx surgeries. But I think I am coming back!

xoxoxoxoxo to you cuties!!!

Spring. 

AnneW

Shopping, Spring? How horrible! New clothes? I'm so sorry!! My credit card is currently under lockdown after my size settled down a few months ago! Good for doing the yoga. It's so restorative.

Diane, I don't know how you manage the heat. But going to the gym because it has A/C is perfect!!! Way to go!

Anne

dianenv

Spring-my favorite exercise is shopping! Now instead of the malls I go to REI and find stuff there.  I am hoping to retire at the end of next school year so I am definately changing my wardrobe!

diane

ktym

I was spanning through the posts thinking between us there was a lot of pain and moaning and groaning, then I get to the later posts and find that even our credit cards are hurting. 10 min rules have been getting me by this week.  Work has been brutal. Today I am dreading.  However, tomorrow is supposed to be better and the weekend is almost here.

DH just looked over and said "what the heck"  as I was choking and spiting and going "blecchhhh" to get out the pill I almost swallowed. (he knew I wasn't choking I was making too much noise).  I realized as I was taking it that I had accidently grabbed the ambien bottle instead of the tamoxifen bottle.  Now THAT could have made for a long day at work. 

sobx

Hello Thursday to everyone. I started back to the center this week. I'm tired from not going. My blood test all came back normal so nothing is wrong with me. Guess it is normal to sleep 9 hours and lose weight. (That is one of the SE's of arimidex.) I was even on day shift for a week. Start back on nights today. It is cool today. All of 86!! We aren't having yoga this month so I am so looking forward to the weekend retreat in August. Everyone seems so busy with the summer months. Can't complain of the heat. It won't last as long as the cold. I also had trouble with the back yesterday. Sat down and took 20 minutes to get back up. Went to the Chiro. this morn. Feel better. Once I'm up I am okay.

Everyone best of luck with the upcoming dr visits and all reports to come back great. Kari - can hubby still dance?? Good luck on his surgery too. 

Hugs to all and keep moving. 

kfinnigan

kmmd - LOL!!  Ambien!!!!!!!!!!!  OMG that wouldn't have been good at all!

Springie, you make me smile, of course you can't look shabby!!!  Where is your HQ?  ohmmmmmmmm

I'm feeling better!!  And I'm with you girls too, my mind goes straight to the "is this bone mets" and then I have to swat that thought away!!

Joy, we still dance, even when we are hurting.  I'm so happy, he just instant messaged me, he got home 2 hours ago!  I miss him!!  I work half day tomorrow.  His younger sister is in town with her family from Abu Dhabi and they are visiting another sister so we are headed there for BBQ and overnighter!!  So happy to visit family.

Diane, that's HOT!  Its over 100 here today and the next few days - blechhhhh!  UGH yuk (ok you get the drift, haha)

Anne, credit card under lockdown - LOL!!

Bye for now cuties!! 

AnneW

Today was a good one--climbing in the rock gym and then my Pilates lesson. Sat on the deck tonight for dinner and a nice glass of wine. It's been hot lately. But, it IS July...I'll be missing this come January!

Tomorrow is my last local bike ride before heading out to Wyoming for the "Tour" on Saturday. I'm going to get in 35 miles while my car's getting tuned up. Early in the morning, for the cool.

Just found out our first ride on Sunday covers 72 miles. OMG. That's the most I've ever done. Then 60, 85, 60, 55, 48. That last one should feel like nothing to my legs, but not sure how the crotch will hold up! I bought a big ol' tube of chamois butter, in hopes of not getting saddle sores.

Wish me luck. Keep exercising while I'm out there killing myself!!!

Anne

sobx

Can you do a few miles for me?? I now live in flat country and couldn't even think of doing that many miles here. Have fun and good luck,

sobx

Can you do a few miles for me?? I now live in flat country and couldn't even think of doing that many miles here. Have fun and good luck, It is a thirsty ride so I will have a glass of wine on my porch for you!

dianenv

Anne Good Luck ! You will be in all of our thoughts this week.  Have fun.

We have excessive heat warnings again.  I'll be off to the gym and then stay home and work on my quilt.  That is so much cheaper then walking the mall, especially since Nordstrom's sale starts today, I will not go near there. (I have to repeat at least 10 times) LOL

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  My DD and I are off to Seattle on Sunday to visit more schools.  I hope it is cooler there, just having to wear a light sweater would be great.

diane

dianenv

I should have also said I would not go online. Oh well, at least I bought good walking shoes.

diane

kfinnigan

Good Luck Anne, please don't kill yourself or your BUTT!!  and have fun!

Diane, I love Seattle, one of DH's sister's lives there.  Have a great trip and be safe.  When I walk the mall, I lock my purse in the trunk and just carry my car key and cell phone!  Too dangerous otherwise!

It's really HOT here, 105 yesterday and hotter today, we will head for cooler ground this afternoon.

Stay cool all! 

sobx

Happy to announce that I made it to the center 3 times this week. A lot better that the past six weeks. I am also trying to set my alarm so I don't sleep forever. That way I can get up and get things done. I will beat this being tired and not hungry deal yet.  Boost, yogurt and peanut butter smoothies are good. Protein and calories for me!

Took my Dd to the pond this afternoon. She just loves swimming. I didn't get to the beach with Spencer on Wed. RAIN!!! or I should say thunder/lightning. Anyway, we will try again this week. Time to head for work. Nights all weekend and off on Mon/Tues and then nights the rest of next week. Everyone have a great weekend while I work. How about you Harley?? Are you with me or the rest of this bunch. 

ktym

I'm working Joy, but I'm hoping I can do a lot of it at my desk--my feet are screaming after this week.  DH went shopping and our fridge is full of the best tastiest variety of fruits and vegetables.  He did so good!  Good thing, in this weather fruits and salads are the only thing that sounds good.

dianenv

Are we not motivated this weekend?  It is so bloody hot here in Vegas that one does not go out. The shades stay down and you live in the pool.  Off to Seattle tomorrow-75 degrees-life is good.

diane

ktym

I belong in the ranks of the not motivated, hot, and my freakin feet are killing me.  Planning on tomorrow being a better day

dlb823

Way too hot here, too -- 113 today.  Spent some of the a.m. in the pool (the water's finally at the temperature I like it best), and the rest of the day cleaning house (yuk!).  Tonight DH & I are just kicking back and watching the Tour de France.  We hit the club Thursday night, but even exercisng indoors seems excessively hot these days.

Have a great time in Seattle, Diane.  I know you will.  

Hi to Joy, kmmd, and everyone else ~ Deanna 

dianenv

25 degrees cooler in Seattle! It is all good!!!
Enjoy your Monday everyone.
diane

ktym

Got 3 mi walk in yesterday, but, have to say, every step was torture

dlb823

3 miles -- that's great, kmmd!!  Was it "torture" due to the heat or your neuropathy or both?  Hope you're feeling okay today.

I might be crazy, but I'm going to try to walk a bit now (7:30).  I haven't for a few days, and I really miss it.  Will let you know how it goes.  At the moment, I don't see any breeze, so it may be too hot to go more than a mile or two.    

YaY for cooler weather, Diane!  Thanks for sharing the refreshing image with us!    Deanna

Stopping back to report that I did 2.75 miles.  It wasn't that unbearable, but I'm headed for the pool to cool down.

kfinnigan

Diane, Seattle sounds like the place to be!!  have fun

Joy, I'm hoping that with you setting your alarm and not sleeping so much that it will help, and I'm hoping the appetite comes back too!  But you're doing good with the protein shakes!  enjoy your day off today/tomorrow!!  Going back and forth between day/night shifts can't be easy...

The desert is screaming hot these days!  Its been well over 100 here everyday for a week now.  I need to go to San Francisco!!

Good news...I checked out some dvd's last week from the library, a series of 3 titled Keeping Fit in Your 50's - Flexibility, Strength, Aerobics.  Ok, I'm only 48 but age shouldn't matter!  I've done the Flexibility one a few times now and the pain went away in my hip/back!!!!!!  I'm being very careful not to push (I haven't done the other dvd's yet).  We were away for 2 nights over the weekend and slept on not so great surfaces and my back/hip pain was back, so I did that flexibility dvd again yesterday and the pain disappeared AGAIN!!  All the talk of tight muscles causing pain makes sense if I get relief from these series of stretches!!  I love it!

I am going to incorporate the strength one tonight though, I will be careful!

Deanna and kmmd, great walks in this heat!! 

ktym

torture for both.  Think I'll take the day off from working out today.  Or maybe just lift.  Had an EMG done.  Legs aren't very happy right now.  I'm being seen by a chronic pain clinic. The clinic I was in is a multicentered clinic withanesthesia pain specialists,  PT and neurology,  specializing in  neuropathy.  They said I was a "text book case"  --bummer.  Starting me on some new meds to try and want me to keep up with the acupuncture.   Problem is the nortryptyline (sp?) even if not at the antidepressant dose is supposed to really cause weight gain.  That is freakin me out a little.  Just nice to talk to someone who said, we have a lot of medications and things to try, we'll get you feeling better.

Springtime

Just saying Hi!!

Did my weight training and fast walking yesterday. Today just recovering!  

sobx

Harley - are you on Al's. I am on Arimidex and one of the SE is balance or lack of it. Just wondering if that could have been your culprit?  I've been on it for 18 months and some of the SE's are just coming up. I have trouble with the balance now.

On Monday I walked the Dd and then spent 4 hours on the beach with 4 ladies, 2-4year olds, 1-3, and a 10 year old. Came home and showered and went to the center then came home and mowed my yard. Then another shower and walked the Dd again. To save water I walked the Dd then went to the center first today then the beach for a few hours, came home and planted some flowers, then showered and now waiting to go to dinner with my bible study group and somewhere along the line walk the Dd again. I'll even vacuum tonight. I have some company staying with me the rest of the week. That is the only cleaning I will do. Then I sstart night shift on Wednesday. Happy, happy.

Heat wave is starting again for the coast. Hope everyone else stays cool. Gabby just brought me my weekly watermelon from the field. They are sooooooo goooood.

kfinnigan

kmmd, is your chronic pain a side effect from chemo??  Is the pain in your legs and feet?  What did the EMG test show, I had to google it!  Why do you have to take the Notriptylene?  boy I'm nosy...just trying to understand what you're dealing with, hugs to you!!

I finally did some strength last night!! A shorter walk at lunch and then Flexibility and Strength - FELT GOOD, so I did exercise for just under 2 hours yesterday!!  YIPPEE!! finally!!

Joy, had to laugh at all your showers and then your water saving efforts!  Enjoy your company and hope the work schedule is OK!!

Oh, I saw Harley mentioned on Facebook she fell and hit her face in a door??  Then I saw Joy's post, Harley are you out there???? 

Hi all other cuties!! 

ktym

Kari, yeah, its neuropathy from the chemo.  I have neuropathy in my hands and feet, but the pain is my feet.  The EMG they did to make sure nothing else was going on.  I guess the small fibers that are affected by the chemo and cause the neuropathy the EMG can't measure (for the most part) that was how it was explained to me anyway.  Lot of pain to go through to rule out something I'll tell yeah.  The nortryptyline they think helps with neuropathic pain.  Since most everything else so far hasn't helped we're going to that.  One of the other effects is drowsiness.  That I'll take.

Had the best walk with DH tonight after a great weight lifting session.  Felt so good.  

Harley, you ok?  We haven't seen Ainm in awhile, hope she's lurking and doing well

Harley44

Hi to all my exercising friends,

I am ok, I think.  Sorry I've been MIA for awhile.  I've been working on my fundraiser for my STRIDES bc walk. 

I have been going out for runs every other day, so trying to keep up with the exercise.

Anyway, since some of you saw my post on FB, I'll explain.  I was going to or coming from one of my networking meetings for my fundraiser.   My passenger car door doesn't stay open all the way.  I was putting some fliers away, and when I let go of the door, and was getting ready to get in the car, the door came flying back and hit me in the face and head.  OUCH!  It really hurt!!

So, anyway, I had a follow up appt. with my primary care dr yesterday.  He seems to think it is just badly bruised.  It hurts when I touch my cheek, or my head, on the right side where the door hit me.   I am taking prescription strength Motrin today and it seemed to help.  I haven't been taking it regularly.  So I will take more before bed tonight, and then again tomorrow...  maybe twice a day.  

My dr. gave me a Rx for Naprysyn, but I don't think I will take it. 

I'm getting kind of worried, cause every time I go back to see my primary care dr., I do something stupid.  Last time, at the end of March, I fell when I was running at a friend's house, in Florida, and skinned or skun up my knees really bad.   Now I get hit in the face with my car door.   I am supposed to go back at the end of October, but I am afraid of what might happen before I go back....  

Joy, I had never heard that about AIs...   I am taking Femara, and have been taking it since Jan 1st.  I have noticed that sometimes, I feel a little dizzy...   this morning, I was leaving for work, and I tripped over the step that goes into the garage.  Luckily, I was holding onto the doorknob for dear life, and that saved me, I guess.   If things continue like they are going, I may have to go back to Tamoxifen or something else....    UGH!!

Hope everyone is doing ok.

Harley