Motivation

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2010

    Kari ~  Your specialness comes through these pages loud & clear!  It's wonderful to know that the folks you work with recognize and appreciate it, too.  Congratulations!!!! 

    Hi, Lottie.  Oh my, the way you describe your post-chemo (TC) aches & pains is exactly how I felt.  In fact, I've often told people about having such difficulty navigating some steep steps in a very large arena (Thomas & Mack in LV) about 2 mos. after I'd finished treatment, then sitting there watching people obviously older than I am bound up them and thinking, OMG, what has chemo done to me?  I felt like I'd been thrown into old age.  And when I told my sister about it (she's a 2x bc survivor), she dug up an email she'd written to someone at about the same time in her journey that sounded almost identical.  I wish oncs would give us a heads up on the recovery time, including a warning that for some of us it might be especially hard.  That way, it might not be quite so worrisome or disappointing when we don't immediately spring back.  Anyway, I'm glad you're here, and hope the exercise with speed your recovery.

    Hello to everyone else.  We're finally drying out here a bit.  Boy, did we get clobbered with rain, but the now snow-covered mountains surrounding us are soooo beautiful.   Hope everyone's having a relaxing Sunday.    Deanna 

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

    KARI! Congrats to you! It sounds like you have made a big impact at work, just like you have here! Thanks so much for this wonderful news and for saying "Screw cancer" not just for yourself but for all of us!

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited January 2010

    Kari, 

    YOU GO GIRL!!!!

    You have an amazing attitude. I love your sassy self! :)  Love you girl!

    Lottie, be kind to yourself but try to walk. Can you get your ONC to prescribe physical Therapy? I did PT through chemo and rads, and the therapists were EXCELLENT. They took my heart rate and told me my "target range" for heart beat. i would walk on a treadmill and they gave me other exercises to do. At first it was hard to drag butt up, but once I was going, my body would say, OH YEAH, I remember this, and it felt GOOD. I walked all through rads, started building up. First 1 mile, then 1.5, then 1.69, then 2.3, etc.  They now know that gentle exercise is GOOD FOR YOU during treatment and insurance pays! Just a thought. 

  • OtraVez
    OtraVez Member Posts: 82
    edited January 2010
  • js37
    js37 Member Posts: 77
    edited January 2010

    i love walking, because i love being outside.  it's hard in the winter though, when everything is drab & it's cold or even freezing.  i have some weight i can stand to loose, but before this, i just figured it would come off in the spring & summer like usual when i start to hike and be more active.  i am horribly lazy in the winter and that can't be my reality any longer.  

     but now, as much as i hate the cold, i kind of look to the world outside of me right now like how i'm feeling so early into my dx (it's only been 2 months) and that is, right now, just like outside, things are barren and it's cold and grey...but as i walk every day, it's going to grow good things inside of me, just like i'll see flowers bloom and the leaves sprout from the tree branches. 

  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2010

    Kari ~ Congratulations on your employee of the year award! Everytime you write while you are at work or tell us about your hard day at work, I think to myself what a determined soul you are, how strong you are to get up & head in to your job on days when your hip hurts & you are tired. You deserve that award!! How wonderful!

    hugs to all & welcome to the newbies - keep moving!!

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited January 2010

    tescotrade post reported as spam

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010

    Kari-congratulations!!!

    js37 I hear you about the walking.  I do not know where you live, but in Las Vegas winter is the perfect walking weather.  In June-October it gets a little (110 degrees) hot.  I am participating in a Well Fit competition for my office.  My office has won our division the last three years.  I have to keep track of my daily exercise and post it.  Boy does that keep you motivated. 

    By the way, if anyone comes to Vegas and likes country western music Garth Brooks was wonderful!!! It was just him and a guitar. Tickets are difficult to get, but well worth it.  Everyone enjoy your Monday-off to get ready. 

    diane

  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited January 2010

    Hi to all,

    Just a quick note to say CONGRATS KARI.

    Have a great day everyone. 

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited January 2010

    Kari - Congrats! and on the radio "Why don't we dance?" Good timing.

    Harley - wear your lifejacket if you go out and weights so the wind doesn't blow you away. 

    Dd is having a good time in the "ponds" in the yard. Also having a standoff with the squirrels. It is fun to watch.

    My roommate from college is coming to visit on Tuesday. She is from NM. Haven't seen her in a couple of years. Her sister is moving to Morehead.

    Everyone have a great week. I'm heading to the center for the treadmill. At least it quit raining for a few. And it is 62.  

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited January 2010

    Harley = I am sooooo soorrrry and will never doubt you again!!!  All treadmills were taken so I got brave and jumped on the "tortue" machine. I crawled off. Lasted 15 minutes. AWWW!

    The toning shoes are made by other companies too. Avia has some and Reebok makes a type for toning. I haven't had luck with Reebok in the past but plan on looking for the Avias. My son wore asics when he was a long distance runner. Just thought I would pop back on before work and update. Also did arms and played with the ball for my back when I got home. Will walk Dd for the second time, shower and head off. Have great day. 

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited January 2010

    Thanks to all you cuties for the kudos!!  I'm blushing...well I'm really smiling...BIG!  

    Hi to newbies and thanks kmmd, I was wondering why that post was deleted.  I see all the wind/rain has reached so many of you now!!  I'm really tired of the rain/cold!!  I will really appreciate the spring I can tell you that!!

    Got up at dark thirty, thought of you Brenda and did 30 min.  I really want to do some pilates or yoga tonight!  

    Diane, I love Garth Brooks!  I don't listen to country often, but I love his voice/songs.

    Joy, ENJOY your girlfriend, how fun!!  and that song was good timing ;-)

    Gotta run....LOVE & HUGS 

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited January 2010

    Joy,

    You are too funny!  Did you think maybe I was just being a wimp??   LOL  Yes, it IS a torture machine... 

    and I must confess...  I ran on Saturday, but I didn't go on that elliptical torture machine yesterday...  couldn't bring myself to do it.  So... I went out for a run today, since I got off work early... I was SO tired!  Didn't sleep very well last night.  But, the light run helped to energize me....wonder why?

    Oh, and too funny, about me...  having to wear a lifejacket, to keep the wind from blowing me away!  :D

    Hugs

    Harley

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

    js37--I loved the imagery that flowed from your email, and the hope behind it.

    Kari & all--I was sleeping so deeply this morning that I stayed in bed; I didn't feel guilty because I realized that right then my body needed more rest than movement. However, I immediately worked out for about 35 minutes this evening when I got home--wonderful, gentle yoga that helped me to feel calmer, more still, attuned. I will be up at 5:45 tomorrow morning.

    Joy & Harley--You two crack me up with the elliptical "torture machine." Of course, I cannot tell you the last time that I tried one.... Laughing

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited January 2010

    Sigh, again, getting ready to report the above post as spam

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited January 2010

    Persistent aren't they??

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited January 2010

    Brenda

    We used to have a treadmill but my dh gave it away when we moved to NC...   DOH!  There is a treadmill in the amenity center, but I don't want to walk over there in the COLD...  so I wind up on that elliptical torture machine on cold days.

    I gotta go...  I'm working the afternoon shift, so I may not get any exercise in today.  I am feeling much better, though...less tired...

    Everyone have a great day!

    Harley

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited January 2010

    Sunny and no excuses Harley!! Next week we get to complain again. CA is getting the rain again and then it will come cross country and we get nights in the teens next week. I'm enjoying the sun and warmer air. Roommate from college is coming Tuesday instead of Thursday. Change of plans and I have to work 2nd. Things will work out. I've learned to go with the flow. She is just spending the one night so we will make the most of it.

    Spring - how is it in Raleigh?

    Kari - keep dancing!!

    Everyone else have great Tuesday and keep moving. 

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited January 2010

    Managed Pilates after work yesterday, I managed to do the one tougher routine - finally ALL of it - haven't done that in a LONG time (pre bc),  it aggravated my back though, sigh...but I'm ok!  Got up at dark thirty, I had fallen asleep early last night and then couldn't sleep this a.m.  Exercised 30 min, but lemme tell ya, I'm pooped out!  So its off to Trader Joe's after work to replenish the cow grazing supplies and then sittin my butt down in front of the tv tonight!!  Innocent

    Met a bc sister for lunch today.  Gosh I love seeing her!  At least these days the conversation isn't all about bc, just a smaller percentage!!   

    You girlies enjoy that sun!  I can't wait to see the sun again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (I'm dancing every chance I get Joy!! ;-) 

  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2010

    Oh this is a lovely thread and Harley you crack me up---elliptical torture machine.  I feel that way about the tredmill, but I know the monotomy gets to me.  I have tried the ipod, the tv, looking out the window at the funny antics of my dog.....whatever to get more than 30 minutes on the dang thing, and still I keep glancing at the machine and wondering about the time. 

    Thanks for the motivation, girls!   I am on my way over to our "den" ( really a "stuff room")  to run on the tred mill and then when I get really bored I'll hop off of it and start straigtening up the "den"! 

    edited to add:  Does the cleaning of the den also count as rigorous exercise?   hm...you should all probably see my den! 

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2010

    Hi, Jess ~ Welcome, and, yes, cleaning (ugh) is definitely exercise! 

    Kari, I had to laugh at your stocking up on cow grazing snacks -- knowing tonight's The Biggest Loser (one of my fave's).  Last week, when it was raining, I watched it re-arranging a box of Godiva chocolates -- you know, combining what was left of 2 layers into 1! 

    Well, I'm happy to report that I made myself get out there and walk today for the first time in about a week (due mostly to all that rain).  Boy, it's sooo easy to get out of the habit!  A week off, and it was really an effort.  But I swear my thighs were already showing the difference, so that was my motivation, and I did 4.9 miles.  

    Over the weekend, my DH was installing a firepit on our backyard patio, and I was telling him he had to leave room for us to dance, which got a questioning look.  But I just smiled and told him it's something bc made me realize we've been missing!  Thanks, Kari!   

    Have a great evening, everyone ~   Deanna

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

    I heartily agree about dancing! I will dance to just about anything and just about anywhere. My husband is "challenged" in the area of dancing, but after 20 years of being together I still embrace him and dance while he is laughing. I also read a short essay the other day about singing. I love to sing! And I probably have an average voice, although my husband, who is also "challenged" in the area of singing, says it is beautiful (!). Anyway, the essay offered encouragement for people to sing more, adding that we tend to sing a lot as kids, then the focus often becomes learning to play an instrument if you have any "musical talent," when all along we could still be growing and singing and having great fun.

    I am motivated to keep singing and dancing and working out each day that I can. I did get up at 5:45 am to work out, and I will do my best tomorrow. (I will not get bogged down by thinking about when I might, if ever, walk 4.9 miles again! Good for you Deanna!)

  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited January 2010

    Moooo, just finished my cow grazing supplies! Good one Kari. 

    Brenda there is no wrong way to dance except not to do it period, tell hubby that! Can you imagine how great a world it would be if people danced a bit more.

    Deanna- you rock, wow. How long does it take you to do 4.9?

    Well we are getting back into our P90X routine. Yesterday was back and legs, today my legs are screaming, won't tell you how my butt feels, I think you can guess. We did jump right back in tonight though, sore muscles and all and did Kenpow- basically kick boxing, can you imagine how my legs and butt will feel tomorrow! Taking tomorrow off, have a massage after work and think I will really need it.

    So ladies dance and sing for life is grand! Sorry I am in a really good mood, DS has been accepted into a university albeit not in our city but 2 hours away, so at least if he doesn't get into the university here, he still has been accepted into another one. That and I feel marvelous, anyone else feeling marvelous?

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010

    Deanna, enjoy the dancing!! Hopefully you can dance under a canopy during the nice (short) rain storm.

    Brenda, my husband has to be more "challenged" in dancing than yours.  I LOVE to dance and do not get to do it too often (except Zumba)

    I have been walking my tail off.  By mile 2 I am ready to quit, but continue.  I have to keep going cause the rain it is a coming.  I do not know how people, like my sister, live in the Northwest.  I need to see sun on a daily basis. 

    Enjoy your Wednesday!

    diane

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited January 2010

    jrgolomb

    Welcome!

    yes, cleaning IS exercise!  Sunday, I mopped the kitchen floor, and vacuumed the carpet in the living room...  I forgot and really used my left arm, where the lymph nodes were removed...  yesterday I was SO SORE!!  

    yes, the elliptical IS a torture machine but I might have to use it tomorrow... it's very cold here in NC even though it has been sunny....

    Nite all,

    Harley

  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2010

    Yeah, I used to have a cleaning business and I have to say my arms were "buffed" out !  SO , yeah, cleaning ugh!  My arm gets real sore as well.  My family is somewhat suspicious of me and don't quite understand.  I am seriously thinking of hiring someone to come and clean cause I can't keep up.  (couldn't keep up pre bc, so. anywhoooo!)

    You are all great.  Thank you for the welcome.

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited January 2010

    Jess great to see you here. I can't do too long at one thing either.  Find myself doing 20 minutes of a few things some days so I'm not watching the clock so much.

    Starting to become a fan of some of the power yoga routines I've been picking up on the cable channel.  Good grief must count for strength and aerobic too, gets my heart rate up and the sweat moving more then the treadmill some days. 

    So far the pilates isn't getting me any closer to a 6 pack.  Either my current pack is deep into negative numbers or its too easy to cheat at those routines or something. 

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010

    It is raining again! Ugh

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited January 2010

    Jess,

    I also wasn't too good at keeping the house clean before bc...  :D    so why should it be any different NOW??  

    Hope everyone gets their exercise today...  somehow...

    I'll probably be using that torture machine...  but later...  I'm going to go to the local community college to see if they will take an older person...   and if they will maybe give me some money so I can go to school...   I had scholarships which paid for my 1st year in college.  However, I didn't have enough money to complete my schooling, and besides, I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up... LOL

    Anywhoo...  bc really puts things into perspective.  I sort of think I know what I want to do next, but again... I just don't have enough money to go back to school, and I'm not sure where this will take me, and if there is even a market for my skills.  I want to be a sort of counselor to help people who are newly dx'd with some kind of serious condition... to help them sort out all their options, and maybe figure out the insurance, and that kind of thing.  I know, part of this is SUPPOSED to be the dr's job... but I know I didn't get alot of help in that area. 

    Have a nice day!Smile

    Harley

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited January 2010

    Hi Jess, good to see you here!! I better clean more, I want buff arms!! 

    Deanna, boy did you make me smile! Yes, we must dance and laugh! I love the Biggest Loser too, although I record it then watch it Wed. nights so tonight is my night.  Now that show is motivating.  I was watching American Idol last night.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos on Facebook. You walk so far!!!! You are certainly a studette in my eyes!!

    Brenda, another dancer girl! And singer to boot! YAY and your DH sounds like a sweetie. Again, thought of you when I dragged my sorry tired butt onto the treadmill, but couldn't manage any hills this a.m. Went 1.5 miles (Deanna puts me to shame! )

    Penny, loved your marvelous post! Why yes, I'm feeling pretty marvelous myself!! YAY for DS!!!!!!!! I bet your butt is a hurtin today!

    Diane, keep on boogeying (sp?) and walking while you can before that dreaded desert heat returns! (well that goes for Deanna too)

    Kmmd - I hear ya on the strength exercises making your heart rate spike, same here! And yes, we do what we can and keep at it.

    Harley, great idea and BEST OF LUCK on the school thing! 

    Have a wonderful rest of your Wednesday all! 

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