Motivation

Shoot, lost my whole post!!  On the phone with DH looking at traffic maps, he's trying to get to the Bay Area and there is a huge accident on a major freeway, so I diverted him!

Meg, I thought of you today.  We went to Lake Tahoe yesterday for the night before a big storm heads our way tomorrow night, and one of the ski resorts opened last week, they made their own snow and we saw about a hundred skiiers this morning amidst blue skies and 70 degrees! LOL

I've seen the kettle bell used on The Biggest Loser, how heavy do you go Meg?  I'm so skiddish about lymphadema but I do my arm work and counter pushups, miss my regular push ups, but I think I may start incorporating those slowly.  You shouldn't have any trouble finding a pink ribbon pin this month!

kmmd, I had Taxol-12 doses and that attacked my leg muscles, I kept saying that I felt so weak and didn't think my legs carried me, and like some of the others, was afraid when I bent down that I wouldn't be able to get back up!  I also noticed, like last night, when my body has had enough, its like my body just wants to say ok I'm going to collapse you now...this was never normal for me and I have to really learn to listen, my DH says I push it alot and I think he's right. 

Penny, my DH brought home this CalMax calcium powder that you mix with liquid, but I hate the taste!  Its supposed to help you sleep better, and that's why he bought it.  Maybe I should try the kind you got.

Helena, you know I'm praying for no more surgeries for you!  Wear your support bandage and iron lung proudly!  YAY no squeak and 3 runs!!

Brenda, Woohoo for more rest!! good girl

Spring, Yay for gentle yoga stretching things out, sounds heavenly.  Think I better go and grab my yoga dvd.

Deanna, a big wave to you!  Hugs for tomorrow!

I think Joy is in Virginia right?  visiting family?? 

Meg, my teacher has a home grown Yoga CD that I have - just audio. It's nice to hear her voice (she's British!) since I am taking a "break" from my regular yoga class in my recovery. I am familiar with her pace and routines, so that is nice. 

I am glad that you didn't do Chemo. I was not given a "choice" by my ONC, but I went through all that and didn't have a great "response" to chemo. I wish they could do an analysis of the tumor ahead of time and customize the chemo, or tell you, chemo is not going to work well for this type of tumor. right now we just blast everyone with the same drugs. I hope it improves. Actually, I hope we find a friggin cure!!!!  

My lymphedema has been getting worse since I've been back to work and using the arm all of the time. My LE therapist now has me wearing my sleeve all of the time.  She's fine with me continuing to exercise and weight lift (and not just because of the recent study that got so much press).  Her attitude is life must go on and you need to use that arm, lets do what we have to with therapy and sleeve use etc to keep you using it.  So happy to have found someone that feels that way.  Not only is weight lifting somehting DH got me doing when we started dating, so its always emotionally been something we enjoy, but I like how it makes me feel, and with chemopause and tamoxifen I like what it will do for my bones.

Meg found kettlebells on the internet.  It does look like fun, are you doing it at a gym or class, or do you have some of your own at home? 

Hi ladies! back from trip to Yosemite--so great. Lots of hiking too so got in lots of exercise. haven't hiked since SFBC so woof--some sore legs! But so fun and beautiful weather.

Can't believe some of you have snow although there is a big storm that was supposed to hit Yosemite today and tomorrow so they may get snow in some areas. Also sorry to hear about the muscle issues from chemo.  I feel so lucky that my onc recommended that I skip it (even though it made me a little anxious at the time...). Spring sorry you did it and they thought it didn't work well--that's awful! You seem to be bouncing back well though--glad to hear you are feeling better after surgery.

Meg--we'll keep our fingers crossed for you on the 22nd for your surgery. Am sure you will come thru with flying colors! I haven't started lifting weights yet (am a chicken about LE)--although I did enjoy it pre-SFBC (the machines mostly but some free weights). I am doing yoga though which is great for my upper body strength. I really love it--good for strengthening and stretching, and the meditation part is good too. Although the 8:00 Sat class I have been to a couple times kicks my but!! She does more of a "get you going" vs a calming experience and it's hard!! The whole class was panting last week--at the beginning of class...

Kmmd--glad you can still weight lift--very good for bones. Hope the LE gets better or at least stays manageable. 

Kari--you're so good about fitting in the exercise--your days sound so busy!!

Am thinking I will give the legs one more day of rest and not go to the gym today, although we are back in the car tomorrow--ugh--so maybe I should go. 

Hi, gals ~  Had my Stage II Diep surgery yesterday, was home by 9:00 p.m., and can't believe how good I feel today.  I'm convinced the main reason is the exercise -- that and the postive vibes and prayers from my bc sisters.   I'm still a tad bit dizzy today, but haven't needed anything stronger than Tylenol for pain.

Allie ~  Your Yosemite trip sounds wonderful! 

kmmd ~ Have you tried lymphatic drainage massage?  My sister swears by it.

Well, just wanted to say hi to everyone, and I hope I can keep up with you in a few days, Spring!   

Big (((HUGS))) to all ~  Deanna

Fantastic Deanna!!!  ((hugs))  You and Spring will be racing each other soon. 

Hi to all.  Been running just like old times however feeling very tired at night and actually fell asleep on the lounge at 8pm last night.  Heads been playing up a bit too so I'm thinking it is all related to my upcoming cancerversary, BUT I am having a party and am determined to celebrate life not mourn over SFBC.

Talking about lifting bells, weights - the reason why I have "cut" arms is because my doctor told me b4 I was diagnosed that my arm muscles were underdeveloped and very thin???? and that because I was ageing the skin was beginning to crepe.  Uurrgg, lovely - I hadn't even asked about them.  Anyway I do arm weights everyday to fill out the saggy bits..... now if only there was some weight lifting I could do on MY FACE!!!  LOL

Meg - thinking about you and your upcoming ooph.  big big hugs.

Have a great day everyone - it is my non-running day so will hit the treadmill.

big hugs

Helena

Deanna, YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You sound awesome, hope you get over the dizziness soon.  Gentle hugs and healing!

Allie, you are the one that's good about fitting in exercise!  You are always on the move!  

kmmd, its fun to change things up!  I like Pilates too!

Helena, my head was trippin out on me too around my cancerversary, then the day finally came, and I felt so different, happy, almost liberated....very weird, but good!  I'm glad you are having the party - its a BIG celebration to be had!!  What's up with that doc telling you about your arms?  Well, the good news is, they look simply FAB!!  LOL on the face weights!! LOL!!!

Spring, keep on truckin babe!! 

Brenda, 8 weeks of daily exercise! I am MIGHTY impressed.

Do you feel a difference, in either body, mind, or spirit?? 

Hey all, hope everyone is well. Spring, Deanna, and Meg hope healing is going well. Actually exercised last night, feels good to get back into it.

Bummer news yesterday, friends backed out of our trip to Vegas, dang it anyway! They do however want to save that money for another trip to Disneyland, woohoo. I think even the boy will come, he would celebrate his 18th birthday when we go. Gotta love Disney, my boyfriend is there, hubby is okay with it since there is no way Mickey would ever leave Disney and come live with me. Have a big soft spot for Donkey from Shrek too. Why is it talking about Disneyland almost transforms you into a kid again. Can't wait for spring break!

Well the snow stayed this time, but it is supposed to be 14 celcius today so it should all melt. Driving has been a b@#$ch. A usual 7 min drive took DS 65 min yesterday, late for school. What do you do.

Anyway hubby is hollering time to leave for work. Have a great day all.

p 

PK, I LOVE theme parks, and Disney is my absolute favorite....I've never been to Vegas, but maybe I should if it is really "one big disneyland" as kari says!

Did my Gentle Yoga again today. 2 mile walk in a state park with DH. Cold and rainy! (well, the rain held off for our walk, YAY!!)  

Hi ladies!

Spring--you are so good at the daily exercise--an inspiration!

Deanna--so glad to hear you are doing well-yay!

I have been sitting in a car basically for the last two days which is not good so am glad to be home tonight and ready to do something tomorrow--yoga or gym. 

Yes Vegas is Disney for adults--everything is over the top and the people-watching is great!  

I have to crawl off to bed...'night ladies!! 

so you don't have to gamble in Vegas? My husband has a mental block. I believe he thinks it is a sleezy and gross. It sounds nice from what you are saying!!!

Yoga again today. I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER!!! (Thank you God!)

Walking now. Bye!! 

That's great Deanna! Yes, the PS sees that you care for yourself and cherish your body, so maybe he figures he better cherish it too!

Deanna, Kari - I'm here *waves*.  Hope everybody is doing well.

Deanna & Spring I hope you are both recovering well.

I've been in a bit of a slump (mentally) this past week. Physically and mentally tired - don't know why!!

Today is 10 months post dx - still very raw - why can't I put this behind me?. 

Finding is very hard to 'get back to normal', even though I think that's what everyone expects at this stage - I've had my time in the spotlight.

Anyways - you don't want to be reading my gripes.

Oh the up side - I'm still a slave to Wii Fit and I'm still averaging 2lbs loss a week - total loss so far 24.5 lbs.

Sorry I didn't do individual notes but you are a chatty bunch and it's getting kinda late here and if I started a long post I probably wouldn't get it finished.  

Take Care.