Motivation

Penny and Patoo, are ya movin' yet??

Allie, is the cough any better today?

I too celebrated my one-year survivor birthday this week and did a lot of reflecting as well.  Glad you did the vision board Spring, I've seen them but haven't done one although I do have some inspiring things on my cube wall here at work and notes at home lying around.  So happy you will spend time with your DD in DC!  That in itself with be the BEST motivator and healer in the world won't it?!!  Have a good good time.

Mandy, I hope you have a safe and fabulous trip to Paris and London.  I've never been to Europe and its on the 'list'.  I know you are so excited and you deserve this trip, both cities I've heard are wonderful!!

kmmd, good for you taking inventory on yourself and turning the phone off and leaving work!  I think sometimes coworkers don't realize what a toll treatment played on our bodies and minds and think everything reverts right back to 'normal' (pre bc)...and expect us to go full force all the time.  But I sure poop out sooner than I used to!!

Deanna, thanks for the heads up regarding the redness.  I notice when I walk or I'm hot my arm and hand gets very tingly and prickly too.  So many things to watch and pay attention to.  Can't believe you are out walking an hour in that heat.  I've been keeping my eye on the weather.  Lots of storms across the country too.  I can't complain this past week has been lovely here, only hitting about 92 each day, which is a blessing for us.   Stay cool dear.

Vivre, we will be thinking of you!  Take good care.

Make it a great day and weekend cuties!   

Kari, thanks, those that have known me know what a life altering thing that is.  Work always came first.  I seriously get excited about simple things like grocery shopping for things to make a salad to take to a pot luck.  For years I would have still been at work.  I am carving out time for getting to the store to get that good food and spending time with DH after exercising to cook it.  Sad thing it took breast cancer to do it.  My endurance is still in the dumpster and I get tired easy, but in a strange way probably smile more each day.

Love you girls!!  I'm with ya!!

pk, I've found that 6-8 isn't enough for me right now, and sure isn't enough when its interrupted like it is most nights due to hot flashes.  I work on getting more, and have given in and used ativan on the nights I'm really tired and have to get up in the AM and know I only hve 8 hrs to sleep.  It has really helped

Thanks for all the pats on the back, ladies.  It's just what I needed this week.

I read through the thread before I posted.  I think this is going to be a  great place for me to be.   

I started water aerobics again on Monday (my primary care doc recommended it to me becuase she loves it so much). . . I'd done it for almost a year before, but it wasn't very challenging so I let it drop last summer when the classes ended.  I worked out for a couple of weeks with the local survivors crew and dragon boat teams, but wasn't getting as much out of that as I'd hoped.  I'd taught group fitness classes for more than 10 years - incuding a body sculpting class the night before my mastectomy, and I really love teaching.  I also like walking, bicycling, and anyting in the water.  

 I'm hoping to get my aquatic training certs this fall, but I can only do that if I get myself back into shape.  I figured the short time line might get me moving again.   

I'm beginning to realize that a big chunk of my hesitation in returning to my semi-gym rat life is that big ol' prosthesis and the related scar that takes up half of my chest.  I used to be one of those folks who was totaly unselfconcious in the locker room.  Now I'm bracing myself for the stares - especailly from folks who last saw me with no hair (more than 2 years ago!), or remember the ponytail I wore before that.  

I know that sounds ridiculously self-centered, and doesn't really fly as an excuse not to exercise.  After all, I don't even HAVE to be in a gym. . . 

 Adrienne  

PS - Spring - you're probably here in DC now, or about to be.  I'm live and work near the Capitol, (though not for/with/about the feds), but I probalby won't even pass you on the street, since we locals tend to avoid the tourist-y areas until the fall! (LOL)

kmmd, I re-read your post above saying how sadly it took breast cancer to realize it...regarding taking time to smell the roses as they say.  That's how I feel too, can really relate. 

We took a spontaneous road trip yesterday and OMG can I just say what beautiful countryside we saw and fun in the sun...We hopped in the convertible, loaded up with sunscreen and overnight bags and snacks and took off through Hwy 49 (wine/gold country) and then jumped on a hwy my DH had never been on.  I wanted to see the lake/cabin we went to every summer growing up, OMG the smell of pine trees was so intense, people were everywhere and they were living it up!  It brought back so many memories.  Then we kept going over these awesome passes up to elevation 9,648 feet!  It looked like we were in another country my DH kept saying.  I just kept smiling!  The temps kept varying from 95 degrees to 65 depending on the elevation.  Ended up finally after 6 hrs in Reno, NV.  After stuffing ourselves at a seafood buffet we wondered into a free outdoor concert and I danced and sang!  it was so much fun.  It was a Journey mock band, but they were really good. 

Going to a friend's house for dinner, she has 2 other friends with colon cancer and wants to get all her cancer friends together so I'm in.  Too much cancer in the world!!!!!!!!

Adrienne, you don't sound self centered at all to me. You sound normal!  The first step is always the biggest step.  I have found that at work I laugh a lot about my prosthesis, although please keep in mind I have a small chest!!  I have the smallest size prosthesis they had and I joke a lot with everyone at work about it, call it my foob.  I think its terrific that you want to get your aquatic certs, that sounds very motivating!!  Remember others stare at things they don't have an understanding of, who knows, maybe you can educate people!! 

A girl at work said my hair was in the 'awkward' stage....I thought it was quite cute! LOL...but then she's only 24, what does she know! haha

Penny, I'm counting down the days for your Hawaii trip.  We listen to www.kpoa.com, streaming from Maui!!  We enjoyed that station while there.  I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!

Okay, I'm motivated again after reading here.  I'm going over to the gym to work out in the pool.  Then I will be in better shape to go up and kick pk's butt!! 

Hi ladies! I was smiling reading about your DH's comments. Mine also has been really supportive about how my "bad boob" looks. I haven't been going to the gym since all this started so haven't had to deal with that but will need to at some point. It's funny after all everyone has been through it can be something silly like wondering what other people think in a locker room that can seem so daunting...!

I finally got back to exercise yesterday--well sort of! I went to the Lance Armstrong Livestrong event in San Jose--my DH was biking 50 miles and I went to be the support team, not realizing that they had a 5k walk--so me and the dog (since I had him along) did the walk! It was a great event--very moving. I also had a dear friend and her sister who is a survivor (dealt with BC last year) do the Avon walk--and did 39 miles. So lots of great things were going on for cancer in this area last weekend! Hope you all have a great week!

Allie, I didn't know the Lance Armstrong thing was going on yesterday!!  I would have gone down there (we could have met!!)...My best friends did the 3-day walk over the weekend in San Fran. in my honor - Team Special "K"!!  Congrats on doing the 5k with the doggie!!  So cool

Deanna, I want you to know how much you inspire me, those walks you do in that heat just amaze me girl!!  And I keep touting to everyone about the importance of exercising.  

Just talked my coworker into getting her mammogram so she just left to finally do it!!  geez, I just can't believe I have to push some people!! 

Spring, Welcome baaaack!  I'm LOL at your PowerPoint presentation to your oncs!!!!!!  Can't wait to hear how THAT goes!!!! 

Have any of you watched the video on preventing a recurrence that someone posted as a new thread today?  I just did, and the doc in it lists exercise as one of the top things we can do to prevent a recurrence.  It's a short video --

http://www.insidermedicine.ca/archives/VIDEO_If_I_Had_Breast_Cancer_And_Was_In_Remission_Dr_William_Goodson_MD_California_Pacific_Medical_Center_Research_Institute_3561.aspx

• Hi ladies, may I jump in? This is the first day in a very long time I have felt good just about all darned day!  Rads are over and I'm ready to get a move on. I packed by gym bag and put in in my truck.  I know that is not exactly going but its a start.  Going to try to take a walk every evening for this week and hit the gym next Monday. So motivate away........I sure need it!

Kari, that spontaneous trip sounds wonderful, I could almost feel it listening to your description.  Yes, sad it took breast cancer to change things, but at least they're changing.  Can't believe someone told you your hair was in the awkward stage, must be someone with awkward social skills--like a typical 24 yo. Reminds me of when a friend at work asked me if I had considered a wig.  I explained that just like when you're pregnant and the only answer to how do I look is "wonderful,  couldn't even tell you were pregnant until you turned sideways."  The only thing to say to someone growing their hair out from chemo is "you look wonderful, you could keep your hair like that forever and look fabulous."

Deanna, I've thought a lot about it.  I think right after the diagnosis is the worst time to hear the silver lining stories.  You just want to scream and cry and need a pity party.  During the recuperation from treatment stage, the setting of new priorities and exercising and working to feel better in every aspect of your life is invigorating.  I think people like the NP you mentioned see it helping us right now and make the mistake of thinking it will help someone at an earlier stage in the journey. Right sentiment, wrong timing

Spring, we did miss you.  Love DC.  Cracked up hearing about your power point readiness to visit your onc.  I'm feeling so unworthy with the plain old paper and pen I used last time.  I'm going to have to spiffy things up before my next appointment.

Lynn: awesome.

Tired today, we were up late yesterday as my Dad's surgery for his prostate cancer was later in the day.  You know how it is, recovery room,,,by the time they get to a room...  Have to say, brought back a few bad feelings remembering my own time in the hospital when I got sick from chemo.  My family has contributed far too much to the financial solvency of the medical care system this year.  Next year better be better.

Well, have to go, been trying out some new shoes for exercising in.. Make it a good one to everyone.  

I am new to this thread. I post mainly in March Rads and Bottle Otamoxifen. I started a little exercise today, my daughters and I wnet for a walk, only a 1/2 mile but that was all up hill.

Mary it all counts, welcome and good for you

Thanks Kari, my Dad's doing ok and hopefully home today.  Long recovery ahead of him, but he has a lot of support. Boy, we think some of the options we have in breast surgery are antiquated, prostate cancer is worse.  They're in sore need od advocates, of course getting men to stand up and shout out and speak in public about the effects of their treatment?  Maybe the women in their lives will have to start advocating for them.

Supposed to be a lot of storms here today, looks like treadmill and yoga tapes for me today 

Hi Ladies!!! Look at all you beauties out there!!!

2.8 miles on the eliptical 2 days in a row. Have been sort of tired! GP is changing my thyroid medication (I am hypothyroid, sluggish thyroid), so hoping this will help. But YES I keep exercising!

So, many of you cracked up at my PowerPoint presentation for my rads and regular ONC yesterday. Well, happy to say that all went well. I think because I take the Tamoxifen and the Zometa (the "medical stuff") they do not "yell at me" about the homeopathic stuff. ONC said nothing is "dangerous" or "contra indicated" and some of the things could be helpful, though she pointed out to me there is no medical evidence any of it helps (meaning supplements, etc). However, she did remind me there is evidence that a lower BMI and plant based low fat diet does help. Get this, GET THIS. they called me "THIN" !!!!! I am 5'8" and 162. I am just within the "good" range for BMI, so would love to lose another 5 - 10 to lower my BMI a few points... Anyway, she said I looked great and they were proud of me for being so "proactive". So I am relieved about this!!!  OH she also emphasized low glycemic foods. (less sugary stuff).

Deanna, thank you for that link. I really do believe the exercise helps us metabolise glucose and estrogen! I will have to take a look at the link. 

WELCOME LYNN!! Hopefully we can motivate you. Do exercise and then come back here and tell us and we'll gush all over you! It will feel so good you'll do more!!! LOL... I hope so anyway...

Spring...