Motivation

Brendatrue

kmmd, I'm glad that you got the fun part back with your workouts and that we helped get you through the endurance phase. And, yeah, I think the rest helped me more than a workout would have the other day. My husband seems always to want me to rest, and I have to convince him that I have to have a good balance between rest and exercise for my body to continue to heal and to be as well as possible. Problem is, sometimes I have a hard time figuring out the balance, but I keep doing what I can to find it. I agree with you and spring: the beachyoga retreat sounds great. I think I would have to find a retreat that includes a wide array of movement/bodywork, because I have a hard time with even beginner's yoga. My knees are really quite "challenged"--for example, I will never, ever be able to sit on my ankles.

Spring & kmmd, I'm glad to hear that your lymph therapy and care is working. I had problems with lymphedema in the 90s, after my first cancer "event" and removal of many lymph nodes. I hated that compression sleeve. I have had very few problems with lymphedema in recent years; I also have learned to be careful with intensely repetitive movements.

Kari, I'm with you at least in spirit on the new trail walk. My workouts have been focused on indoor activity this weekend. I managed a one hour bone loading and stretching workout this morning. Joy, at least you have had your two walks with your dog! Aren't you glad you have her? (I really miss my little basset hound....)

enjoylife

Ladies I too have Lymphdemia it didnt hit me until after my chemo and into rad. I have gone to PT but it got time consuming and espensive even with insurance so I ended up with a electric pump its very relaxing and I do it every night before I go to bed when its hot and humid and my arm acts up I use to have to do it twice a day. Also its a fact if you lift light weight maybe 2-5 pound ones it helps allot with it I have never been able t wear the sleeved unless I am flying and of course to watch salt intake I can tell if I eat certain foods I will suffer with it. I do plan this spring to have a few PT sessions to get it in shape and make sure its coming along good before summer. I also wrap my arm at least 5 of the 7 nights I give myself a break once in a while.

Just trying to help out if you have insurance try and see if they will cover the pump it really works well my ins. paid for my pump.

Maura

Springtime

We walked 55 minutes in a mall today (brrr outside) with DH and DD, it was fun! Hope all are well.

Kari, good luck with the recon thing. Ask away, many of us have been through it!!  I still say, check out NOLA!!! www.breastcenter.com 

pk0199

Hey all,

Have to say no exercise this weekend, but we have been laying hardwood upstairs so, I have been up and down the stairs at least 50 times and doing lots of squats. Does that count? I apparently have to watch my exercise for a couple of weeks, had blood work done and my CK levels are way up, that means either my muscles are too stressed with the exercise or possibly another muscle disease is sneaking in. I am more than willing to ease off the exercise until my next blood test to be sure, I am really hoping for just too much extreme exercise although the muscle and joint pain has been going on for a long time,longer than the P90X.

Huge day for us yesterday did you all see... Canada finally won gold on home soil!!! We have been watching the Olympics when we can. We are one province over from where the Olympics are being held. I was here in Calgary when the '88 Olympics were held here. It makes for lots of exciting stuff.

Kari, good luck with your decision, can't offer any advice since I did not have to go that direction. Sounds like you are doing the right thing by researching and asking questions. You will know what the right decision is for you.

Anyway, gotta go hubby is waiting to get started again, so we can finish. 

Have a great week everyone, stay warm all you that are getting cold weather. Oh by the way just looked outside, it just started to snow!!

kfinnigan

Happy President's Day!  I get the day off!!  We are in store for another nice day, we are very lucky!!  The news said that 49 states had snow on the ground,  that Florida's snow melted, so now its 48 states!! lol 

DH and I did another nice walk yesterday, a couple miles, I did the last half in just my tank top!!  couldn't believe it, we walked by the dog park and it was packed, I am missing my DD's pups, haven't seen them in a couple months. 

Will get out later when the temps warm and get in another long walk, but right now I think I'm up for some pilates...taking advantage of the day off, oh yeah and I will finish cleaning, oh how exciting! not...

I sent an email off to my onc asking for clarification on implant/diep and detection, etc.  We'll see what she comes back with.  I've been having some really strange dreams, I must be scared of recon!!!  Thanks ladies for the help in answering me whenever I need some help. 

Spring, I printed out all the descriptions from the NOLA site.  I have Kaiser so I will have to stay in network, I have searched these boards and have been following what some other gals have done.   I'm really reading my heart out these days!!!  Oh and I told my DH on our walk about you and your DH walking in the mall, like I do when the weather is too cold or hot out!!  He said 'cool'!!

sobx

We had 8 inches of snow at the beach!! That was fun. Every where you looked you could see snowmen. Today it is 56. They always say if you don't like the weather wait a few hours and it will change!

Now we are walking in mud and some snow. Center is closed today so no killer machines. I will go on Tuesday. Also have appt to go over my bloodwork on Tues. I work nites today and off on Tues. So that will mean it will rain. Everyone have a great day especially if you are lucky enough to have it off. Tank top!!! Not for a few months here. Sounds encouraging though. 

Harley44

hi everyone,

I started a new anti depressant, and it caused me to get these horrible, sharp pains in my abdomen.  So NO exercise for me all weekend... I'm just feeling better now, although I still get some pains, but they aren't nearly as bad as they were...

So that is why I've been MIA for the past few days...

Hope everyone is doing good...

Harley

Ainm

Harley - hope you are feeling better now.

I've been listening to the news reports about the extreme weather you are having in the US - I hope you are all safe.

I did something to my back while I was gathering up the laundry today and it's been sore since.  Luckily I had already finished my exercise before it happened. So it's bed-time now and I'm hoping that I'll be okay again in the morning.

Sweet dreams!!

dianenv

Hi all, I heard that on Friday it snowed in every state, somewhere, except for hawaii.  Hawaii sure sounds good. 

Just got back from camping.  My wonderful friends gave me a cap with everything I would need.  We had so much fun.  We hiked a small trail on Saturday, but Sunday was great.  We hiked for 2 1/2 hours.  It kicked my butt.  I didn't know people could walk so high.  I could of done this 4 months ago with just a little difficulty, but I was "struggling".  I did make it to the top and felt great. Now we are in the unpacking process, YUCK, and I better get back to it.  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  diane

Springtime

Harley, OUCH!!!

I did LE therapy today, no exercise or Yoga! Bad girl!!!  

Harley44

OUCH... LE therapy...  I remember my LE massage therapy, and it felt pretty good...

So now... today I have another of my 'migraine' headaches...   what next?

Hope everyone is doing good...

Harley

Brendatrue

pk, Yes, laying hardwood and doing squats counts big-time! Don't even question it! And I hope your body will unwind a little and get back on track with some "normal"  exercise. Yeah, I am just jealous that someone can actually do that workout series you have been doing! Kari, I'm glad you had such a nice day off of work and could really enjoy your exercise. Does that mean you did not have to get up at dark thirty? Joy, snow at the beach--sounds lovely!

Harley, I hope the antidepressant helps and that the side effects melt away. I experienced depression after my first cancer experience, and I had a hard time managing antidepressants. I ultimately took St. John's Wort and it helped my mood; I also found counseling to be very helpful as well, and I started a cancer support group in my area that helped me and others, too.

Ainm, I hope you are feeling better in the morning. Our bodies are just full of little surprises sometimes! (Hey, I can deal with the little surprises most of the time, it's those big surprises that tend to throw me for a loop!) Diane, You made it to the top and you felt great, even though you struggled! I'm impressed; keep up the momentum!

And Spring, you don't sound like you come anywhere near to being a bad girl! Be good to yourself and take a break from time to time.

And just for my update: I did not crawl out of bed this morning to exercise, but I did make myself get right on that treadmill for a 30 minute workout after working all day. I am going to try again for tomorrow morning....

ktym

Hi all, lots of different weather and body aches and work going on for us right now from the sounds of it.  I have been MIA for the last few days.  Picked up some virus.  I just don't fight anything off anymore.  Anything floating by catches me and puts me down for the count.  I'm already grumbling about how hard its going to be to get my wind back and do aerobic things again.  Do I need to remind anyone that i hate what the f----- chemo has done to me?   On the plus side got some reading done.  Totally in the mood for this trashy vampire series by Richelle Mead.  Hit the spot yesterday, such a guilty pleasure. Curled up with the heating pad, spiced cidar and the 3rd in the series of vampire academy books.  Works until the hot flashes have you throwing everything off and looking for the fan!  Don't you think there should be a law that your hot flashes go away when you're dealing with a fever?

Springtime

I am in a bad patch ladies. Instead of walking over lunch today (I don't have the LE therapy on Tues and Thurs) I am meeting someone I am mentoring at work for LUNCH!!! 

I am telling you. later today. I . WILL.  GET.  ON.  THE.  CROSS.  TRAINER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  maybe I will actually do it now that I have stated this to you!!! 

dlb823

I almost feel guilty.  I think we have the best weather in the country right now -- 82 yesterday, and similar highs predicted all week.  Of course, the trade-off is that we'll be 100 or so by April and 115+ (and miserable) much of the summer, but this week is beautiful.  I did 4.6 miles yesterday and am just about to head out the door, hoping to do the same today. 

What is becoming a big frustration for me is that no matter how much I walk, I seem to be gaining weight!  I'm guessing it's the lack of estrogen starting to catch up with me, but it's extremely frustrating.  I can't imagine how bad I'd feel if I didn't walk as much as I do.  But I was also  listening to an anti-aging doc on Dr. Radio yesterday, and he was making the point about women really needing weight bearing exercise for our bones, and that walking isn't enough to keep us strong.  I know that, but I guess I've been in a bit of denial.  So, I think it's time to work on my strength and bones.  

Penny, how're the floors looking?  That sounds like a real workout to me!  And so glad to see the Canadian gold medal win a couple of nights ago, and loved the inspirational story behind it.  And how about both of those Chinese pairs teams last night?!  Wow!  I stayed up way past midnight to see them (knowing I had to be up at 5:00 to get DS to the airport today) and they didn't disappoint!

Diane, glad you enjoyed your camping trip!  Sounds like fun!  kmmd, LOL about the hot flashes with a fever!  Definitely not fair!  Harley, are you taking that new drug on a full stomach? 

Big "Hi" to everyone else, and try to stay warm wherever you are...    Deanna 

Harley44

Brenda

I quit taking the Effexor in pill form and my tummy is feeling better...  thanks for your warm feel better wishes...   I did get another Rx for Effexor XR  and am afraid to take it...  

My migraine is better... I finally gave in and took my migraine med. at 4:30am...

Spring,

I will try to get on that Elliptical Torture Machine later today.. .I have to go run errands first...

Harley

kfinnigan

Harley, when going through chemo I was prescribed an anti-depressant, took it only 3 days cause it made my stomach feel so sick.  Good luck!

Brenda, did not get up at dark thirty, in fact, it was Friday when I did that.  Actually, my alarm woke me up today!!  yikes!!  that hasn't happened in a long time.  So no exercise, but that's ok, I got a lot yesterday.  Then took my DD to the doctor yesterday, she injured her foot running.  I had to push her around in a wheelchair and then from one building to the next that was all uphill.  We were laughing so hard going up that hill and laughing just as hard as I was literally running down that same hill and trying not to let go!!  It was really a sight to see.  So I got extra, but my back was aching bad last night.  So today, is an 'off day' to recuperate, lol.

Oh I emailed my onc and this was her reply regarding detection and recon:

"Dear Kari,
I believe it would be hard to detect the cancer coming back on the chest wall with the DIEP since it usually manifests on the skin of the chest. I would definitely ask Dr Garcia his opinion about it. Julie"
Dr. Garcia is the ps I will see.  

Springtime

Kari, was the cancer in the chest wall? or near it? I guess I don't see the diff of a fat flap or an implant, both would be covering up the chest wall? I am corn-fussed. Let us know what the PS says. 

Harley44

Deanna

Yes, I took the Effexor generic pill on a full stomach... guess it just doesn't agree with me...  it didn't make me feel nauseus, it was just these SHARP, STABBING pains...  it was terrible!  But it seems better now.

Just need to rest I guess...   I will try to do the elliptical tomorrow...  I think I am really becoming a couch potato...

Harley

kfinnigan

Spring, I am corn-fussed too! lol  I never got my path report, I just remember the bs saying it was in 2 locations and all the lymph nodes and that he had to cut deep, down and up to get clear margins....hmmm  Well I'll wait and see what the ps says.  Thanks so much!!  

Harley, yes just rest until you are 100% A - OK!! 

sobx

Had a beautiful Monday and now it is back to in the 40's during the day. At least it isn't snow!! Got my lab report back and everything is looking good. Suppose to have a bone density test in May. Went to the center today and exercised and walked on the treadmill. Plus Dd got her two walks

Hope everyone has a great week. Yoga on Wednesday. Harley hope you are feeling better. Spring - can we dance at the retreat in August and think of Kari??

dianenv

Kari, I woke to my alarm this morning also.  As you said, that does not happen too often. I am usually solving the world's problems at 3. 

Deanna, that was me last year. My 50th birthday gift to myself was a personal trainer.  It was great.  However, that is not hapening these days.  Hopefully my reconstruction is sooner, rather than later, and I can get back to the gym.  Our weather here is great also.  I think it got up to 70 today.  I walked 4 miles today.  I am so sick of my block.  I do know all of the neighbors though.

I had to go and get another bra today.  One side is perky, the other is so not.  I got a nice stretchy one that will lift the real one so it is not so saggy.

Harly, I hope you begin to feel better.  If being a coach potato is warrented, then do it.  Do what you are able and no more. 

Enjoy American Idol everyone.

diane

Springtime

I am so HAPPY TO REPORT that I did Yoga for over an hour and then did 30 minutes on the eliptical!!!  I took it pretty easy on the eliptical because I have not done it in a while, and I didn't want to cause a "lymphatic reaction" and get more swelling!!! 

ktym

OK guys, whatever I had has me dragging.  Plus a nagging cough keeping me up at night. I'm living vicariously through your workouts.  I did get over 30 min of walking in at work yesterday, so that will have to count for yesterday.  Probably end up making the same count today.  Teach me to whine about my continued weakness, seems it IS possible for me to feel worse then I do most days. 

sobx

For the nagging cough put Vicks on the bottom of your feet and then put socks on so the greasey stuff doesn't get on things. It does work.

I asked my ONC if I could take echinacea and was approved to take it 3 times a week. I took this when I worked in the high school and never came down with a cold or other germs the urchins had. It supports the immune system.

kmmd and harley - hope you guys start feeling better soon. Off to walk my Dd.

dlb823

Glad you held onto that wheelchair, Kari!  I wonder how elderly people or those who aren't in as good a shape as you are navigate that medical campus pushing wheelchairs?  It sounds like it would be very difficult.

Joy ~ So glad to hear all of your medical tests came out good!

A personal trainer sounds like a wonderful luxury, Diane.  I've actually wondered about trying one of those smaller, personal gyms with trainers -- at least to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing.

I changed up my route just a bit yesterday and was thrilled to see my pedometer @ 10,122 steps (5.06 miles) when I got back yesterday.  But I can really feel it in my ankles today, and am thinking it's probably about time for a new pair of running shoes.  How are those of you who got the Skeechers liking them? 

I'm sure most of us have seen this by now, but in case anyone hasn't, I thought I'd post a link:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2010/02/can_aspirin_save_breast_cancer.html?wprss=checkup

Also, just wondering... has anyone heard from Allie???      Deanna

kfinnigan

Joy & Spring, YES please dance this summer and have a GREAT time!!  I will SO be there in spirit girls!!

Was stressed out so much at work yesterday afternoon it gave me a headache and a grouch! yikes, went home and dug out that yoga dvd I bought when I was in Maui and did it!  It was an hour and it DID THE TRICK!!  No more grouch or headache.  I felt so relaxed. Watched American Idol Diane!!  Last picks are tonight!

70 degrees here today and gorgeously clear!!  BUT there is a storm a brewing off the coast and is blowing in here Friday, colder and RAIN!!  

Joy, kudos on the good health report!  Spring, awesome job!!  Diane, 4 miles!!  WOW kmmd-hang in there girl!!!

Shout outs to everyone else!  back to work I go... 

Harley44

Hi all... thanks for the feel better wishes...  kmmd, hope you are feeling better soon!

I am feeling better, but I lowered my vitamin D dose, and since I haven't been able to exercise I have noticed more aches and pains.  I think it is from the Femara...   so I am going to increase to 5000 IUs of D3  and will force myself to either go out in the COLD to exercise today OR I'll endure 30 minutes of elliptical torture...  UGH...

Harley

Harley44

just got back from a run...   about 2 miles...  just through my neighborhood.... man, is it ever COLD!

Harley

kfinnigan

Hip hip hooray!!  Harley, you DID it girl!!!