Motivation

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2009

    Back home. We left at 4:58 AM to miss the Washington DC traffic, and it worked! Made it home in 9 hours, so not too bad...

    No exercise this am, had to unpack and get to work! I better get back on track tomorrow...

    Kari, dancing is good exercise! Pooh on that wasp! I can't believe he stung you in the "at risk" LE arm!!! Keep an eye on that for a bit, just to make sure!!!

    KMMD, I think we need the recipe for Veggie Shepard's pie!!! :)

    I am now "facebook" friends with Kari and ValJean!!! Anybody else out there in the FB world, let us know!

    Spring.

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Kari ~ I LOVED the image of you and your DH dancing in your backyard!  We can't even enjoy our backyard @ 10:00 p.m. at this time of year unless we're in the pool, but I'm going to hang onto that dancing image until it cools off.  It was so nice when I headed out to walk @ 6:45 today, but by 8:15 the sun was already beating down and leaving little shade.  

    I didn't walk at all this weekend (at least not for intentional exercise), so only got in 12.02 miles last week.  On Saturday, DH and I did some antique hunting and outlet mall shopping.  We didn't stop for lunch, so mid-afternoon I splurged on a HagenDaz Vanilla MilkShake, which was so yummy for a change! 

    Val ~  That Nordic Trak is a great total workout if you can get into it!

    Spring ~  Glad you had a great vacation and are safely home.  

    How much time are you all spending on Facebook?  I really want to do that, but I'm really afraid of the time drain!

    Have a really great week everyone!    Deanna

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2009

    Welcome home Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And I must say you have a lovely family, I really enjoyed the pics on your FB page.

    Deanna, sign up!  Its a great way to "see" each other!  I don't spend too much time on there, I was afraid at first too.  But it was the only way to see friends and my DD's photos!  Everyone seems to be on that site!!  I signed on the other night to see if my SIL was home from the hospital yet from an ankle surgery and lo and behold one of my best friends from N.C. started chatting with me.  OK, I didn't even know FB had chatting (just like instant messaging which I am on also)...and I found a couple of old friends through the site.  Really something.

    Deanna, I always think of you during these hot days/nights!!!!!!!!  OMG its soooooo hot out where you live.  When we were dancing it was down to 83 and it felt so cool out there on the grass, but when we were jumping around inside we were dripping in sweat.  Now I know how Lisa feels.  What a workout!  And Good for you with the splurge! What is life after all without splurges to look forward to! 

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  • Linda31
    Linda31 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2009

    Hi all,

    I've just joined this site and I have to say, it feels good to read all your posts - you sound so happy and though I hate the word "normal", your lives sound like they're pretty much back to normal.  I'm 31, moved to a new city (Sydney, Aus) in December to live with my fiancee, got diagnosed in February, had a mastectomy in March and have just finished chemo.  Trying to learn a new job, in a new city and coping with my diagnosis/treatment has been a challenge and I can't wait to feel and look, like me again.  I feel more positive about that since reading your entries - thank you.

    I'm keen to start exercising again, does anyone have any tips for what we can do to minimise lymphedema but still get the heart rate up?  Thanks

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Hi, Linda, and welcome!  That's an interesting observation you make!  Maybe that's why we all love this thread, too -- because it's very normal.  Personally, I ended my treatment in January, and -- except for ridiculously curly hair, which I never had before -- I'm feeling more normal every week, and I'm sure you will, too.  It just takes a little time for our bodies to repair themselves from the affects of  surgery, chemo and rads, and for our minds to get beyond patient mode.

    I don't know the answer to your question about minimizing lymphedema, but I've found getting overheated a bit of a problem re. some swelling that wasn't there before.  If you don't get more helpful input here, you may want to post that question in the Lympedema section, as there are a few women here who I swear know a lot more than our doctors do about it.    Deanna

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited July 2009

    I don't spend much time on FB, check in about every 3-4 days. I need to post newer pics on there. But, it really is a great way to "see" everyone & to keep in touch without writing a whole lot. I like that one can make quick comment without having to spend a lot of time there.

    Deanna ~ The Classic Pro Skier is the NordicTrack that I have & it is one heck of a workout. I didn't realize they had different equipment until I checked out the website. I wanted info on the workouts in general cos I didn't get a manual with mine. I like the fact that I can get my heart rate up in a matter of minutes. With heart disease being the #1 killer of women, I certainly want to keep mine as healthy as I can. 

    Kari ~ I could just see you & your handsome DH dancing in the grass in the warm night air. Lucky you, my DH has no rhythm, but, Bless his heart, he tries!

    Welcome to Dee & Linda31. These are best group of lovely ladies anywhere!

    ((hugs))

    Valerie 

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2009

    Linda welcome. Interesting you say that, its why this is my favorite thread too.  Reading positive about doing something positive.

    Shephard's pie was originally a way of taking care of leftovers.  Tends to be thought of as more Irish, you see it in "irish pubs" a lot.  Used to be you'd put in whatever meat, gravy and vegetables you had on the bottom of the pan, layer your mashed potatoes on top and bake it until warm and brown.  So, it was always different.

    I tend to do some things by estimating and pouring, so didn't really have a recipe but I'll give it a try.  I put smorgasboard of my favorite veggies in the bottom of a baking pan.  Then used some Swanson beef broth instead of gravy.  I did try to "thicken" it a little.  I probably had about 1 1/2 C. broth and put in less then a tablespoon of flour and mixed it good and put over the veggies.  Then instead of mashed potatoes, I cooked a head of cauliflower and then mashed it up good to a point you could whip it with beaters.  I'm sure if I had a good food processor it would have been much easier.  Then, put in about 4 oz. of lite sour cream and just mixed it into the cauliflower and poured it on top.  Threw in the oven at 350 until I could see it bulbbling and warm through.  the cauliflower didn't brown well so I put it on broil for a few min to brown it better.  

    The cauliflower made an amazingly good substitute for mashed potatoes, I think I could have just eaten it plain out of the bowl.  

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  • LavenderNLace
    LavenderNLace Member Posts: 90
    edited July 2009

    Hi, I just found this thread and I have a question.  I joined a gym with a friend about a month ago.  We were going to encourage each other to lose weight.  Well, needless to say...another one bites the dust and it's just me by myself.  But, that's okay because I REALLLY want to lose this weight.

    I tried the elliptical trainer (never had access to one before) and I couldn't last 2 minutes.  Yet, I see people older than me getting on it and going like crazy for 10-15 minutes.  Is there some kind of trick that I'm missing?  After about 2 minutes, my heart rate is through the roof and my legs feel like they have left my body for leg cramp heaven.  Thanks for your attention.  :)

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2009

    Lavender, don't know what treatment you had and where you are with things.  Maybe you just need to give it some time?  2 min a day this week, try for 3 next and slowly build up?

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited July 2009

    Lavender I started off at the gym I couldn't do much at all.Start on the treadmill walking.Slowly you will build up your strength.The elliptical is harder for me as well.

    I also used to do low impact classes and when ever I found it too much I would just leave the class.  Don't give up

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2009

    Kari, any more dancing??? This is like a movie!!! :)

    Linda, Welcome. That is a LOT to go through in a few months!!! I have taken two business trips to Sydney in the past and just fell in love with the city and the people. I hope you love it too. I think in terms of Lymphademia, start slow with any arm exercises and build up slowly. Don't try to do like 5 pullups all at once - I knew a lady whose trainer pushed her (not knowing about her LE risk) and the multiple pull ups caused a "lymphatic reaction" and she got Lympademia, again. Also, have heard of a friend working in garden on a hot hot day and she started swelling, but got on it right away. Don't overheat, no hot tubs (!! I hate this one!!) and build muscles up slowly.

    My PT's suggest light arm weights, with repetitions, but every other day. Then build up. The idea is not to "shock" your arm. Make it strong so that normal tasks like carrying grocery bags, luggage, etc., is not a "shock" to your arm. This is my LAY PERSON's understanding!!! I have two 3 pound hand weights on my desk and do this during conference calls!!! LOL!!!!  (I work at home! LOL).

    Reporting in!!: I did 2.52 miles on the eliptical cross trainer (35 min) this morning, and am hoping to do the other mile this evening. Ran out of time!!! :)

    Good day to all you cuties!!!! :)

    Spring.

    Lavender, go slower and set the "resistance" down if there is a setting for that. Eliptial is a great aerobic work out with no joint strain! I love it, we have one in the house!  Keep trying! Report back!

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited July 2009
    I am so proud...went to the gym and walked 1 1/2 miles, then did this machine that is like a bike for you arms and did another 1 1/2 miles Laughing not fast but slow and steady, which works for me. Thank you all for being so inspiring
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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2009

    You should be proud EWB, yahoo good for you

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2009

    Hi EWB, haven't seen you in awhile!!  As they say, slow and steady wins the race!

    Welcome Linda and Lavender!!  I LOVE this thread, its my absolute favorite, I get excited to read the posts and feel the support of one another each time.

    Linda, best of luck to you in Sydney!!  There is another gal, HelenaJ, on these threads who lives in Australia and she is such a doll.  She is on the Hormone forum under the 'Bottle o'Tamoxifen' thread. Maybe you could connect and see where she lives?  She is always very sweet and encouraging.

    Lavendar, good advice from the others on starting SLOW!  I went from exercising all the time pre bc to not being able to walk 5 min during chemo...and had to start with 2 min on the treadmill each day and then added a minute, etc.  It really does help, setting little goals and letting your body acclimate...oh dear...I'm having a hot flash...ahh crap!  LOL!  I swear all day at work its sweater on...sweater off...

    No dancing yet, but the day is young!!  Good job Spring on the trainer today! 

    kmmd, thanks for the 'recipe'!  sounds yummy 

    My arm has been itching like crazy where I was stung the other day!  Its driving me batty! 

    Ok, Cuties, let's have a GREAT Tuesday! Cool

    You must motivate yourself EVERYDAY.
    - Matthew Stasior  

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2009

    Good GIRL EWB!!! Woot!

    Kari, report back about the dancing later. :)  Gotta live it up girl!!!

    :)

    Sping.

    KMMD - I like your FLAG!!!

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Adding my "welcome" to the others, Lavender!  As far as not lasting 2 minutes -- been there -- and ellipticals are especially tough if your leg muscles aren't in top shape.  After you hopefully figure out lowering the setting, maybe try doing reps, rather than one extended effort.  A full minute -- then rest a few seconds -- then another minute.  Also, music might help.  If you can get into a beat, it will up your energy level and help the time pass quicker.  But as the others have said, it really does take time to rebuild our stamina, especially if you had chemo.

    EWB ~ Good for you!  I'm convinced it only takes about 3 weeks of keeping at it to change our mindset from "must do" to "want to do," and maybe 3 months (at least for me) to get to a "need to do" mentality.

    I had the silliest thing happen while I was walking this morning. I was wearing a bright orange t-shirt, and as I was walking along, a little hummingbird starting circling me, and stayed with me for what seemed like 10 minutes.  He must have thought I was a moving hummingbird feeder!  It was so funny, I'm laughing just thinking about it.        Deanna

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2009

    Walked to the beat of the music at the mall, that song "And Venus was her Name" by Bananarama was on and I started laughing to myself.  Its funny, women always stare at me up and down while walking at lunch, guess I look sill in my work outfits with tennies on power walking thru the mall!  I don't care though!

    Deanna, what a cute story about the hummingbird! LOL!! 

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited July 2009
    another 2 miles today Laughing
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  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited July 2009

    Welcome new ones. I walked the dog this morning and it was already 82 at 10 am. Then found out my luck hasn't changed any. While they were working on the bedroom floor last week they unplugged my freezer. So this morning was bending, lifting and cleaning the freezer out. Then to the dump with the rotten food. I was wondering how I was going to get rid of the ice cream in the freezer. since you all have told me that dairy products aren't good for me. Suppose to be in the 90's all week with the humidity right up there with it. Any word on Lisa? this is her big week isn't it? My DS will be here in two days. Finally back on days starting Wednesday. Everyone try to keep cool. Joy

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited July 2009

    Good Fabulous Evening Ladies

     I have missed all of you...but my computer crashed last week and I have been borrowing my daughter's while mine is in the shop and I wait for a new laptop!  Gotta love technology!

    Been crazy busy....on top of my usual zumba classes, I did a three hour zumba fundraiser for a little girl who lives in our town who is sick...did that Sunday. 

    Tomorrow I have to be up at 4:30 to head the one of the local news stations, as they have asked me to come do a live segment on Team Survivor and the event coming up this Friday with Beto at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.  I told them I'm not usually "live" at 6 am! LOL

    Friday is the big event...the taping for Oprah and GMA....I'm just trying not to think about it. LOL

    Also busy with getting both my kids ready for college...darn paperwork!

    Well, daughter needs her computer and I have to get ready for the "fight the frump" party I'm having at my house tonight! 

    Make it a great night ladies...hope to be back more when I'm back up and running with my own puter!

    Hugs

    Lisa

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  • AllieM22
    AllieM22 Member Posts: 464
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies! I'm back from vacation. Such a good time with family and friends I haven't seen in ages. Went to a high school reunion which I thought might be silly but was so fun. My DH was such a good sport about coming along as my date!

    I missed reading everyone's updates though. Glad to see you are all well. Lisa--Good Luck on Friday!!! We will be thinking of you and wishing you well! I also like the "fight the frump" party. You might have to tell us more about that when you get your computer back! I am sorry to say I did not exercise much while away--some walking and went to the Y to swim once with my brother. Spring, I also got out on my dad's sailboat--so fun! I love it on the water...

    I am back to yoga tomorrow and am going to chk into to joining the Y near me. I hope they have deals as I hate to pay an initiation fee... :(

    I love the quote someone has up-"It's never to late to be who you you might have been". I am thinking about changing careers so maybe that really spoke to me...

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2009

    Hi all!

    3.5 miles (45 minutes) on the eliptical cross trainer today. Back on track after vacation! Yoga tonight!

    Deanne is a FLOWER!!! LOL, that is funny! I bet you smell good too, besides being "bright"!!

    Lisa, don't forget to inform us when all this TV stuff "airs" !

    Joy, that stinks about the freezer. Say to yourself 10x a day "My luck has changed" !!!! Can't hurt!

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  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited July 2009

    For you ladies just starting out, remember, this is not a competition. Do not feel bad that you are not keeping up with others here or at the gym. You need to work at a safe and comfortable pace and build up your strength. Your body has been put through a lot, and you do not want to overstress it and hurt your recovery. Although I must admit, I got back on my bike and did 8 miles 5 days after lumpectomy. But I had been biking a lot before, and I found biking was easier than walking because there was less jarring (I rode a paved park route). When you do start walking, gradually at distance and increase speed. One of the things I did to build my arm strength back up was stop and do "wall" push ups along the way, using signs, walls, and trees. I would increase the number of reps as they got easier, and when this became a too easy, I added a hand weight. I now use a 10 pound wt. when I walk, but keep changing sides, so one arm does not get over fatigued. Also,  do that rebounding! It is one of the healthiest things you can do.

    Lisa, if you get invited to Chicago for taping Oprah, I hope we can meet for lunch. If you do not let me know, I will not forgive you. LOL I will give you a nice tour of the city, and make you keep up with me! Then you can try to teach me some Zumba and have a good laugh.

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  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited July 2009

    Deanna, I am so jealous about your hummingbird escort. We rarely see them here, but I did find a beautiful oriole last week sitting outside my window. It was hurt (probably flew into the window). We have a wildlife haven nearby so I took it in for treatment. I hope the little thing  survives.

    EWB-I am so happy you are being motivated by us. We are with you all the way! And let me know if you try those vivreveggieburgers!

    Allie-lucky for you to have had a great vacation. Don't worry if you fall off the health wagon for a few days, as long as you get back on it.  I am trying to plan a trip to Provence for Sept. At least I know I can get great, healthy food the whole time!

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2009

    Joy, almost time for your DS to show up!  Glad you are back on days too.  My DD works 7pm to 7am and she has a tough time with that schedule!  Sounds like you got a workout dealing with that freezer.  Have you done your 10 "My luck will change" chants yet? LOL!

    Spring, you crack me up chickie!  Deanna is a flower LOL!!

    Lisa, I can't keep up with you!  LOL!  How did it go this a.m. with your early taping??  I need to come to that Fight the Frump class!! heehee

    Allie, welcome back!  We missed you!  Sounds like you had a great vacation.  Hope the Y has some deals.  I looked for Y's around me but too far...

    Vivre, what fun - Provence!  Good for you.

    The true way to soften one's troubles is to solace those of others.
    - Madame De Maintenon

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  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited July 2009

    Did my chants!!! Just another bump on this road. Glad I had moved some of the food to the frig freezer. My DS comes in on thursday. Don't know when he will get here. They are fishing down the coast if the weather permits. My poor dog didn't want to get up this morning. She is use to sleeping in. It was a little dark when we walked. So tomorrow I will come home afer work and walk the mutt and then go back to town to see my DS and hopefully dinner. Just playing it by ear for now. Can't wait to see what my DS has to say about my curly hair. Use to be straight! Has anyone listened to the "Secret"?  It is positive thinking. Better go for my evening walk with the mutt and then get dinner. Be back in a bit. Joy

    PS I am on FB but have no pictures yet. I'm trying to get the hang of all of this too. 

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  • HelenaJ
    HelenaJ Member Posts: 1,133
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies - can I join in .. been reading and it is like popping a little happy pill !!!!!!

    Kari - you are gorgeous!!!!!!  Saw your comments - must be fate that I read this thread, for the first time too :)  I was back to running 6 weeks after my bilat mast and expanders.  My new foobs look beautiful, I am so happy.

    I am 6 weeks out from exchange surgery (silicon implants) and hoping to get back to my running next week - excited but also scared.  Could always use some motivation.

    Have a wonderful day/nite

    big hugs

    Helena

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2009

    Joy, we need to get that mutt motivated! LOL!!  I'm excited for you to see your DS tomorrow.  When I had lunch with another bc sister a week ago, we laughed and patted each other's heads of hair.  We looked so alike it was funny, our hair all perky and curly and flipped out in places!

    Helena - I AM SO HAPPY you are here!  YEAH!!!! 

    Hope you cuties don't mind the quotes, but I love them Embarassed

    Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
    - Edmund Burke  

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited July 2009

    Hi all, today I tried Tai Chi and really liked it!. My goal is to do some thing every day (as per cardiologist).

    Have not tried veggie burger..will probably wait until children are back @ school, since I am only one (just yet) who will try them. Once I refine and have them try- will most likely go for it. Will let you know.

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited July 2009

    Hello All You Beauties!

    Just got home from teaching my evening Zumba class.  They are all getting pretty excited about Friday...my poor husband...driving down to Pittsburgh with four women in the car and two more following us! LOL 

    I survived the morning news segment.  It was short and sweet and to the point.  I haven't even seen it yet...will get a copy of the clip soon and then will post on youtube.  Everybody said I did a great job...but what else would they say!!!!

    Vivre...of course I'll let you know if/when I end up in Chicago.  I may be heading there soon anyway, as I've been talking to a woman there who wants to start her own business.  We will meet one way or another!!!

    Kari, love the quotes, so keep them coming! 

    Joy, I saw the Secret DVD before it got mainstream!  I truly believe that what you think about, you bring about! 

    Helena...welcome!  We are thrilled you have joined us!  I went back to teaching Zumba three weeks post bilateral with TEs and then went back to teaching two weeks after my exchange surgery. 

    Allie, glad you had a wonderful vaca!  So what career change are you comtemplating?

    Still borrowing daughter's computer...ordered a new laptop and I will be happy when it gets here!

    Start to wind down...not used to getting up at 4:30 am.  I don't know how people get up to alarm clocks...I like getting up when I wake up! LOL

    Well, better go take my walk through the garden and see what needs picked. I can't wait until our tomatoes are ready.  But since all we get is rain and no sun....may be a while!

    Make it a great night!

    Lisa

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