Motivation

Options
1…9192949697…195

Comments

  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 1,830
    edited February 2010

    kmmd, I AM proud of you for working so hard to set reasonable limits on how much work you are managing. I for one realize how incredibly challenging that can be at times. And then to work out when you got home! I hope you slept better that night. Then a kick ass workout to start a new day--I hope it helped you to keep your psyche balanced for all those work demands the rest of the day.

    Kari,I did not work out Tuesday morning or this morning. However, I am giving myself credit for having the sense not to push myself and work out in spite of pain. I developed some acute left shoulder blade pain that landed me at my internist's office yesterday morning, and I would have been willing to do just about anything to get it under control. He does not think PT would be helpful at this point because I am so good at knowing my body and working out, so he recommended 5 days of Toradol, which I am taking at night. My first dose last night really helped and I am hoping that a few more nights will do the trick. I am planning on doing an easy workout tomorrow morning, so I will let you know how that goes.

    Diane, I am glad that the fill went well and that you were able to walk today (4 miles!). Imrunner, I have no guilt in knowing that I will never train for an ironman event, not in this lifetime anyway! But I am glad that someone else has the energy and motivation. And with regard to concerns about how we look and how we feel, I can relate, in a slightly different manner. I chose not to have recon, and I have had no regrets. My personal decision was to focus more on healing and rebuilding, and given my medical history, I just did not want to pursue any more surgery. I think it took me about 2 years before I "adjusted" to my change in appearance, and I have spent much of that time focusing on my health in very positive ways. I totally understand that others make different decisions, but the one I made was right for me. I am glad that you are feeling better.

    Harley, you are not a wimp! Just keep moving! Ainm, congrats on going to "overweight status"--we all know how much work you did to get to that point. I am sorry that you are having a struggle with mood right now. I certainly have my melancholy days/hours, and my anxious days/hours, and the ups and downs of life after chemo & surgery and with hormonal therapy. Just keep on trying to do the best that you can, and be as real as you need to be with us; we are here for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited February 2010

    Ainm,

    Congratulations on your weight loss!  I'm sending HUGS your way... I also get down sometimes, so I understand... 

    Brenda,

    I set the elliptical on level 2, then 3, then back to 2 at the end... and I did 30 minutes, when I felt like collapsing before I even got halfway through, so I'm kind of proud...

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2010

    Harley you should be proud.  Is the yucky weather coming your way?  I am so glad I do not live in the northeast.  The only positive is if you are stuck at home you could sure get a lot of stuff done, it woul kind of force you to.

    Ainm, I am also sending HUGS your way, congratulations!

    Brenda, I hope you feel better today.

    Enjoy your Thursday everyone.  Tonight is my daughters last basketball game, YEAH! and we (like I do it to) start track next week.  I judge my school year by what sport my daughter is playing.  This school year has flown by.  I do not even remember November/December since that is when all this wonderful stuff started.  Oh well, hopefully I'll remember everything else, but that could be doubtful. diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited February 2010

    Hi again I am Maura and I am going to invest in a new pair of tennis shoes the Skethchers shape ups its going to be a  large gift to myself for Valentines day and hopefully it will warm up to walk here soon so I am watching your postings and the shoes will give me a lift to walk and my dog Bella I have on my aviator is who needs it also. The strangest thing I have love handles never had them before chemo I hardly eat at all ecept fruit and soup or a sanwich not allot of junk at all and I still have the chemo wieght but I can fit in my size 8 pants so go figure I do have water wieght with my Lymphelmia but I do stuff for that and its not my whole problem with wieght my doctor seems to think I need to move more and I agree. I dont have my hair back some of it but I am one of the problem people with the hair loss but I am working on it its made me a hermit. I am also single and it is a isolating thing cancer has had my life and its about time I take over ...with your kind words we will get there..

    Maura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2010

    Hi, Maura!  Glad you've joined us!  I can't imagine going through bc alone.  My heart really goes out to you.  When did you finish chemo?  Is your hair just slow growing, or have you had problems beyond that?  Which chemo did you do?  I think treating yourself to a pair of those new tennis shoes for Valentines Day is a great idea! 

    Well, I'm off to walk -- just stopped by to see how everyone is doing, especially those of you in snow country, which now extends across a good 1/3 of the US!   We actually had some rain in the past two days, so I didn't get my walking in yesterday.  I find that if I don't do it first thing, no matter how good my intentions to do it later, I just don't get it done, especially when it gets dark so early.

    Good to hear from you Ainm, and congrats on being overweight!  I love it!   And so sorry about your neighbor.  I think a bc dx & tx leaves most of us somewhat more fragile emotionally, so I'm sure experiencing two unexpected and tragic losses so close together has been extremely hard for you.  Just know we're here for you and we care.  Big (((hugs))) to you ~    Deanna   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited February 2010

    Deanna thanks for the welcome I do have 3 sons and a sister and her husband who were very supportive but they are 1400 miles away I did go to Boston for all of it but my treatment was back here in Mo and boys just dont have what daughters have they sure dont like to see thier moms cry and boy did I do my share of it. I had the dreadful Taxotore and I am hopping its just slow been to 2 derm. but no one has studied hair its like way back when they didnt know what acne was so she did tell me that I have hair folociles every where on my head but they just are slow and I finished chemo in August 08 and hercepten in April of 09 so its been a while and I pray it comes back being single I need to take my life back and I will start by walking instead of these boots are made for walking I will say these sneakers are made for walking and I will walk all over you cancer...Have a great week we might get more snow in MO..

    Maura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited February 2010

    Hi all you still-motivated gals. Glad to see you are still working it.

    I am still doing my rebounding, and snow walking, which seems to be daily this whole winter. It does not bother me though. I would rather walk in snow than heat. I still cannot believe you are all doing your "torture machines" and not doing rebounding instead. It is so much fun. I plan to do a demostration on it, and let people try it at the wellness weekend I mentioned that I am planning in the Chicago area. I also have a friend who is going to teach a session in therapeutic dance called Nia. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iPknX6-o2k

    I was orginally going to do Zumba, but this seemed like something that would be easier for us and follows the whole mind, body, soul spirit of the weekend. Remember that we are planning this to promote preventing cancer by encouraging women to be proactive about their health. We are not doing this as a fund raiser, or for profit. Seminars will be free as part the hotel stay. If anyone who would like to come, would like further information, please pm me and I will send you more information. I hope you all will grab a couple of friends and come for a great girls weekend. It will be a great way for everyone to meet and encourage each other to keep moving.

    Keep up the good work everyone. And try bouncing!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited February 2010

    Hi all you motivated cuties!!

    Great to see lmrunner and Maura back!!  YAY!! Maura, you're a fighter, I can tell!!  Stick around with us here, you won't regret it.

    Ainm, so hard to stay motivated when dealing with such stressful situations.  But you keep at it, plugging away at the Wii Fit, and I so adore you!  

    Diane and Deanna, you girls are really up there on the mileage!  You must burn through tennie's quickly!!

    Vivre, saw one of those rebounders at Target, but don't have the extra $$ for one.  Does sound fun though. 

    Brenda, fessing up...I didn't do the treadmill this a.m.!  Too tired!!  I did 50 jumping jacks and some stretching for 10 min (kmmd's rule) and that was good enough!  Not feeling guilty either.  Just doing the best I can.  Worked way too hard yesterday, my coworker was out and I had to fill the gaps, 2 extra hours!!  I did jaunt off to the lab for a break, luckily nobody was there so back within 10 min.  See my onc today - wow 3 months already??!!

    back to work...BIG HUGS AND SHOUT OUTS!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited February 2010

    Oh Harley, haven't seen the sun today...sigh

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited February 2010

    Maura - welcome! I did this venture alone too. My son did call me but I didn't see him till after my treatments were over. I had my dog too. Think of the shampoo you are saving on. Put on a hat, scarf,or whatever and go for it.

    I walked the dog twice today and then went to the center for 30 minutes on the treadmill, arms and inner/outer thigh exercises. Yesterday was yoga day.

    Very windy on Wednesday and it looks like we are getting snow this weekend. NO WAY!!! I'm ready for winter to be over. The wind blew so bad yesterday the sound didn't have much water in it.Glad to see everyone checking in again. Ainm - we all have bad days and feel like we can't handle much more but we are stronger than we think. What is the saying about God only gives us what He knows we can handle. Hugs to all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited February 2010

    SoBx I tell god as my italian family say ENOUGH lets have some happiness I am happy most of the time just to be here and feeling well and like I said cancer has had me for 2 years this month and now I want to get my cute ass back and kick its ars...as a bostonian prounces it ha I will keep you and every one updated when the shoe fits ....going to try them on tomorrow ...and my little puppy will love it maybe I will get someone else to snuggle up with after I start the walking ha my hair wont win either if it doesnt come in this summer I will look into other ways of getting hair someway besides hats and wigs I wont wear a wig they are too hot and I had a good one over 500 my dear brother bought me but its wore out so there has to be a answer maybe walking will stimulate my scalp ha ...

    Maura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited February 2010

    Hi all!

    Welcome Lisa and Maura!

    Harley, my chemo curls are going too! When were you finished with chemo? for me it was Nov 08. I had curls at the end, and straight on the top, and felt I looked like Bozo the clown!!! I cut it all off, a really really short boy cut, and I love it!!!

    I went back to my "warrior woman" Yoga class last night, and I did fine! So I am going back from now on!

    Other than that, I have not been walking!!! Oh NO!!! all the LE PT appts are setting me back, and cccold. I need to get back into it!

    Love love love!!! spring. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2010

    Maura ~  About your hair ... have you tried the supplement Biotin?  As you may know, it's one of the B vitamins that's especially good for hair & nails, and is one of the key nutrients in all of the natural complexes for improving hair & nails.  Anyway, my hair seemed to grow especially fast when I used it after chemo.  I should probably add that someone (Springtime, I think) had commented somewhere (not sure if it was this thead or another one) that her onc wasn't in favor of any supplement that made things grow.  But I think vitamins are pretty safe, and I don't suggest a megadose -- just a reasonable amount to maybe help wake up those tuckered out hair follicles.     Deanna  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited February 2010

    Deanna I have been taking Biotin probaly for a year or longer and also taking vitiam B plus I use the Nixion plus I have sent for shampoo for Idaho where they make it for hair growth. I really think the thing that has helped me was trimming it every 5 weeks plus the Rogaine I have used it since November faithfully and also taking a special water pill with for my arm and its to make hair grow 200 mg. so I have tried it all even being patient. I have prayed allot too but for all the ladies some have this problem for 5 year and I know not smothering it with a wig helps I know that because in high school a friend of mine lost allot of her hair because she wore a wig it eventually grew back slowly after years. I will get it back and my cute ass with walking ha everyone has a good point and at 58 mine has always been from behind no nipple on my boob but a cute butt or use to will get it back with my new Skethers and puppy ...thanks for all your advise Spring helped with a shampoo suggestion but she was a lucky one on Taxotore that got her hair back they can put a man on the moon but they know nothing about hair ...

    Maura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited February 2010

    Kari, 

    Today it has been sunny but still cold and windy... UGH

    dianenv

    Yes, it's supposed to rain and snow here tomorrow night, I heard... 

    Maura,

    I didn't take anything to make my hair grow til I finished my chemo.  Once I finished chemo, I waited three weeks before I took anything, or even used the Nioxxin...  but when I did, wow!  My hair grew back pretty fast!

    Springtime,

    I think your hair looks great!  I had chemo from 8/7/07 thru 10/9/07, so it's been 2 years since I finished chemo.  On 2/8, it was 3 years since I found the lump... wow, time sure flies!  My chemo curls are gone now.  But, today I went for a trim, and my hair seems to have more body now.  I like the way it looks, but it could be the way the hairdresser styled it.  I bet I won't be able to get it to look like this again.

    No, I didn't exercise today.  I went grocery shopping with my MIL...

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 1,830
    edited February 2010

    Hi to all, I made it out of bed this morning at 5:45 am and managed a 30 minute back focused workout. I am slowly mending so I am not pushing myself too hard. Kari, don't push yourself too hard either; be kind and unwind! Harley, now you really can't call yourself a wimp after pulling yourself through a "torturous" workout! Diane, thanks for the kind words. And good luck with the track you Laughing and your daughter are doing. Maura, it sounds like you have been through the wringer! I hope that the walking really lifts your spirits and stimulates your immune system as well as your hair growth! You have a great outlook on getting back in shape. Vivre, I have yet to check out the rebounder; I just keep forgetting to do the google thing. Now I will have to google "Nia" as well. If I did not name you, I am still thinking of you; where is Allie lately?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited February 2010

    We have been lucky and greatful we don't live where we use too and now Harley (MD) and I (mts VA) are going to get nailed!! They are calling for 2-4 inches on the coast of NC. Snow doesn't bother me but no one knows how to drive in it or have snow removal equip. I work tonight so hoping it holds off till I get home over the high rise bridge. I'll take my snow boots to work with me.

    Going to the center and working out this afternoon.

    Is winter ever going to end? then we can gripe about the heat! No win situation.

    Maura - Your puppy will love your new sneakers. I can't put my sneeks on without my Dd going crazy thinking it is walk time! She smacks me with her paw now to get me moving and out. Between her and this thread it has kept me sane and getting healthy. Life is Good!! Hi to everyone. Will check back in Saturday. Working nights this weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited February 2010

    Brenda,

    You are right...  I think I'm finally getting used to pushing myself on that elliptical torture machine! 

    Joy,

    Yes, I hear the snow is headed our way... later tonight... I hope so, since it's my dh's birthday and we are going out to celebrate tonight.  We are only going just down the road, to pick up his Mom in Little River, SC, and the to our favorite restaurant, and then back home again.  You are right.  NO ONE seems to know  how to drive in the snow, but in Maryland, everyone THINKS they know how to drive, but the don't...

    Hugs to all

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited February 2010

    Big smile on my face, everyone sounds sassy and in good spirits!!  Joy, especially loved the doggy story, so cute.

    Brenda, yes I keep you in mind to not push too hard!!  thank you for that.  I did get up at 5:25 and did some stretching and just 1.3 miles on the treadmill.  I feel great today!  

    I went to the onc yesterday and she will be checking my estrogen again next time (3 mos) and switching me to Arimidex.  She explained what it did and said it would work even better for me.  BUT, make sure I take my calcium w/D (which I take anyway) and that Arimidex can cause joint aches (that will go away) and will check bone density.  SO...she also wants me to ask ps for an implant, that way she can still feel a lump!  What did you girls that had DIEP think about that, what did your oncs say??  just curious. thanks 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited February 2010

    Joy and Harley, we're supposed to get 1-3 inches of snow, AGAIN in Raleigh! Tonight, How about you ladies?

    Kari, what my ONC said about DIEP was,... "My God, they're so nice. Can I touch them?" so that gives you the idea!!! LOL. Never mentioned anything about risk or anything. I tried implant and had issues because of Rads, and also, I never could get used to it being under my pec muscle. LOVE the DIEP/GAP!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2010

    Hi, Kari ~  Are you saying your onc wants you to have just an implant, or a Diep+implant?

    I was steered by my BS & PS @ UCLA to a Diep from the get-go.  I guess they just thought I'd be happy with the end results, which I am, so other alternatives were never really given to me.  My BS does a very thorough physical exam on my reconstructed side, just as she does on my other side, and I've already had mammos & u/s twice on the reconstructed side due to a lump that  turned out to be fat necrosis. It seems to me that it would be more difficult to detect a lump or an enlarged lymph node with an implant, but surely your onc has her reasons and way of doing things.  My onc looks, but never does a physical exam.        

    I was out of town today, but kmmd's 10 minute mantra made me get in 1.1 miles as soon as I got home, just as it was getting dark, and I feel so much better for it.

    Have a great weekend, everyone ~  Deanna 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2010

    Harley ~ I came across an article just now I thought might interest you.  I haven't had time to go to the link yet, but maybe it'll have some resources for you.   Deanna

    http://www.aralifestyle.com/article.aspx?UserFeedGuid=69689d60-5fe0-47ef-ac27-1ee11b0daabd&ArticleId=1699&ComboId=996&title=Financial-aid-available-for-adults-returning-to-sc

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited February 2010

    Deanna

    Thanks for the link.  I'll check it out.  

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.  It's snowing here....  

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2010

    harley, I hope spring come for you soon.  I am off to Utah to go camping YEAH! I am looking forward to spending time away from the phone and computer.  I got my knitting ready to go, 2 good books and cards galore for some good games.  We are hiking and eating.  I'll let you all know how it went on Monday.  Stay dry and warm you eastern girls.

    diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited February 2010

    thanks, Diane.  Have a great time camping and  hiking. Sounds fun!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 1,830
    edited February 2010

    Hi, all, I did not workout yesterday! My funny husband made the choice of not awakening me early Friday morning so I could work out before work; he decided I needed sleep more! He is not typically paternalistic, so I let him get away with it. Today I did a 30 minute Saturday morning workout, instead of the usual hour, then tackled a number of small projects that kept me moving. I plan to do some serious stretching later today. I hope you all are having relaxing, rejuvenating weekends!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited February 2010

    Harley, Joy and I are both going to the PinkRibbonYoga beach retreat this summer. You should come! see pinkribbonyoga.com  It's time now to sign up! The spots go fast. You don't need to be into Yoga, it's all very beginner actually (a bit frustrating for us more advanced Yogi's!!) but it's a really great group of women. I went for the first time last year and this year I am on the"committee" to help organize! Hope you consider it!

    I did Yoga last night and DH and I walked the mall at a good pace for 1 hour today! Yay!

    Did I tell you that the Manual Lymph Drainage therapy I am getting is working!!! Yay! I am half way through 4 weeks, 3x a week. And we all see improvement and it is much more comfortable under my armpit and around my rib cage to the back. They say that basically, they are retraining the lymp channels to move the fluid to other areas that will suck it up. I find this fascinating! How our bodies can adjust, and these therapists are so goooooood.  Apparently, after 4 weeks my lymp channels will be "retrained" and shoudl be good to go. They said if it flares up again, they won't need to do it for as long, they'll just "remind" my body what to do, won't be so many sessions. But they are all about reminding me how to manage it myself, so hopefully it won't happen. It was aggravated by 3 surgeries in 1 year! A lot anyhow.

    Just wanted you to know in case this happens to any of you. I know I caught it really early, and I am so happy at least for this, that I will be like "fixed" !! Yay! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited February 2010

    Brendatrue, If DH isn't usually like that, maybe he was right and you really needed some extra sleep?  Help out more in the long run? 

    Spring, yoga retreat, wow that sounds like fun.  Wonder what the chances are of getting time off of work, but that sure sounds like fun.  I'm going to have to look into that. Happy the lymphedema drainage is working.  My arm lymphedema seems to be under control with the sleeve and exercises.  Its amazing what our body's can accomodate, and what those awesome therapists can do.

    Had OK work outs this week, considering my hours I did pretty good I think.  (Only have to work Sat not Sun this weekend so I'm psyched.)  Had a great work out this morning.  I had gone through this period of time the last month or so where I worked out because I should and wanted to stay in shape but it stopped being fun.  All of a sudden the last week I can't wait to work out because I either need to let go of some tension, or, I can't wait for how goood it will feel afterwards.  Like I got the feel good fun part back.

    I have you guys to thank for it, or I sure would have not kept it up and gotten through the rough spot.  Thanks everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited February 2010

    Happy Valentine's Day!!

    Spring/Deanna, ok that's interesting about your onc and te DIEP/GAP.  I had to revisit my conversation (in my head) with my onc.  I was saying "I don't want to do a flap taking my muscle, no way" and then I asked about DIEP and she said a ps Oakland does DIEP, but she suggested an implant because of the detection thing.  She does breast/scar exams on me all the time and she said she will do it when I told her my gyn said make sure to get one each year, that she could do it too, but my onc said she would do it.  Well, I will see what the ps says/suggests on 2/25.  Just want to make sure have all my facts right.  I think I will send an email off to my onc just asking for further clarification.

    DH and I went on a new trail for a 55 min. walk yesterday.  It was gorgeous here!! 64 degrees, I am so excited that this week the temps will be in the 60's.

    Shoot, that yoga retreat sounds cool!!!!!!!!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited February 2010

    I haven't been able to walk as much this weekend but I have taken the Dd for her 2 walks a day. Saturday we went back in the field and I let her off her leash and she ran and ran. She loved the snow. She chased 2 ducks but stopped suddenly when her paws hit the water. I'm ready for warmer weather now.

    Watching Nascar before going to work. It must have been a cold winter. Most of the drivers have beards!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories