Motivation

Options
1…9798100102103…195

Comments

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

    Spring, CONGRATULATIONS on your 25 years with IBM!  In this day and age, that's more of an accomplishment than ever!   So what does IBM do to recognize 25 years?  Hope it's something significant -- like more vacation time!

    Ainm, you continue to be such an inspiration for me!  I'm sure Kari is right about hitting a plateau, but the good news is, once you can get beyond that, the pounds should start to drop off at a steady pace again.  And as far as the anxiety, my gosh, look at all you've been through the past year -- so many changes -- not just your bc, but the tragedies in your community.  Those things leave our nerves shattered.  And I think as long as you're exercising, you are doing something pro-active to counterbalance the extra pounds you're working on.  I'm also wondering if some of the plateau is water weight that a mild diuretic might help.  Since bc, I occasionally use one when I notice my weight climbing for no reason.  Maybe see if your doctor will give you one.  I'll bet dropping some water weight will do good things for you physicially and emotionally, as it seems to weigh us down in more ways than physical when we're suffering from fluid retention.  

    Hi, Sher ~ Glad you found us!  As the others have said, don't worry about how much you can or can't do while you're on chemo.  Listen to your body.  Do one thing a day.  And maybe a scarf would stay on your head better than a wig or cap at the gym.  A lot of us in my Aug 08 chemo group bought ones from this site:  http://www.anokhiusa.com/  They're a perfect size for tying and stay put on your head.  Another thing that helped me during chemo was Healing Touch massage.  It's very gentle, but really helps to center you.

    (((kmmd))) ~ Your dream brought tears to my eyes.  I think a lot of us are dealing with the same feelings.  How fortunate that your dream was so clear in its meaning.   I've had several dreams in recent weeks where I am totally lost and can't find my way to where I need to be.  It's always a different story line, but the lost theme is always the same.  Also a pretty literal reflection of my how I often feel now...   

    I'm also crossing my fingers and will be praying that your DS gets that job! 

    Big (((Hug))) to anyone I missed individually, but this post is getting long!   Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2010

    I walked 2.4 miles! Then DH and I had lunch out,and we're going to see Alice in Wonderland this afternoon. Lovin' Life! :) Yay, what a gorgeous day here. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited March 2010

    My snow garden is melting!!  I love March, we still have more snow coming, but, once March hits there will be some days that are sunny and when the snow melts.

     Did poweryoga today.  Neuropathy killing me so decided to lay off my feet.  My arms are now screaming at me.  Takes some of the attention off my feet. Cool

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited March 2010

    Brenda,

    I don't mind the tread mill, but I don't like having to go all the way to the amenity center (I know, it's just up the street!) to exercise.  I used to have a tread mill at home, but my dh gave it away when we moved to NC.  

    I need to do cardio because it's good for my heart.  I have a family hx of heart disease. 

    I did about 16 minutes on the elliptical torture machine, and then went outside and walked/ran.  I guess since it's been a week or so since I ran, it was hard for me today.  I had to walk quite a bit.  I don't mind walking, but even though I walk faster than I run, it seems to take FOREVER...   

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!!  I know, it's Sunday, so it's almost over.... enjoy...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2010

    Welcome Shar!!

    San Diego was great.  I walked a couple miles on the bay.  The hotel we stay at is right at the park.  I get up while my DH sleeps and walk my butt off enjoying the views.  It did rain, but that did not stop me.  Came home last night and all it did was rain on the way home.  My poor husband was frazzled by the time we got home.  Off to get ready for work, enjoy your Monday everyone.

    diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2010

    Diane ~ Sounds ilke we were driving in the same storm last night.  We'd been in LA, which was drizzly, but on the way home, it poured!  No fun in LA freeway traffic.  By the way, we know a great shortcut between the desert and LV.  Remind me to share it with you the next time you're headed into So.CA.  It may or may not help, depending on where you're going, but it cuts an hour and a ton of traffic off our drive between LV and Palm Desert.

    No walking for me Saturday or Sunday (except a musuem show & shopping), but just did 4.43 miles in dense fog, which is very weird for us, although it looks like it's clearing fast now.

    Make it a great week, everyone ~  Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2010

    Hi All,

    Hope you all had a good weekend and that we all have a good week ahead of us!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited March 2010

    Hi girlies!!  Weekend was spent out of town.  A cousin of my DH passed away from brain cancer, she was 59 and left behind 2 beautiful DDs (25 & 27) and husband.  We went to the funeral and then visited with lots of family.  Yesterday we took advantage and drove to the coast and drove up the coast, and just smiled and laughed.  I took the train home last night and left DH in the Bay Area.  

    So guess what?????  4 nights off of Tamoxifen and my back does NOT hurt!!  I am so thrilled, I could scream from the mountain tops.  I kept asking my docs if Tamoxifen could cause the pain, cause it started when the Tamox started.  Whatever, I am just so happy, I even took a brisk 40 minute walk at lunch and still NO back pain!!  And I know you were sick of me complaining...

    So here is some news on exercising:

    www.mdanderson.org/focused  (this link shows videos and various workouts)

    http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/561164/?sc=rsmn&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NewswiseMednews+%28Newswise%3A+MedNews%29 (this one is the main article on benefits of exercise) 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited March 2010

    Kari:

    So sorry to hear of your loss.  There is very little that words on a page can possibly say to relieve the family's sorrow but they are in my thoughts and prayers.

    I don't know why oncs deny that your side effects are side effects. I had that all through chemo. I got tired of having to walk in with a pile of medical articles proving that I was not imagining the side effect. I am so glad that you have some relief from you pain.

    I also want to thank you for the link to the MD Anderson exercise plan.  While it may seem simple to you experts, it looks like things I can do and it has variation so maybe, just maybe, this will get me on some kind of plan. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Just-Sher
    Just-Sher Member Posts: 68
    edited March 2010

    Hi Ladies-

    Well, had to post...  I actually got on the eliptical today!!  First time in I don't know how long.  Only did 10 minutes.  But its a start!!  Trying to slowly gain some of my energy back.  Hopefully only one more chemo to go - won't know until I am in on the 23rd for my next round.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

    Have a great night!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2010

    So Kari, you are not going to keep taking the Tamoxifen, I presume??  I wonder if they will want you to try an AI.

    Well, 2.4 miles each day on the weekend, and 3 miles today! Yay!

    It has been warm and lovely and spring-like here! I can't wait until WINTER IS OVER!!!

    xoxoxoxox to all you lovelies!!!

    Spring. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 1,830
    edited March 2010

    A quickie: Hi to all and greetings to Sher. Sher, I agree with kmmd, while you are doing chemo and afterward--as you recover, give yourself a nudge just to do whatever you can manage and then give yourself LOTS of credit for doing so! I remember when I was proud of walking to my mailbox at the end of my driveway; I would count the steps so I could feel progress instead of focusing on the overall short length of the driveway. This group of women here has really helped me to stay on track, to the best of my ability, as I have returned to more movement, exercise and healing.

    Kari--Wow! A break from back pain; you must feel like you are on top of the world! When will you start the Arimidex? I hope you will continue to be pain free.

    kmmd, I'm hoping you are finding more balance in your life today. It's so hard to work toward cancer/treatment recovery and still have to live in the "real world." I've been fortunate that I have had a decreased workload in the last few weeks as I have been dealing with the shoulderblade pain issue, or I think I might have lost my mind! Wait, I always say that, and then I just keep on managing. I think I like to remember that I have the option of just "losing my mind" if I decide to do so!

    Ainm, I agree with Spring's wonderful advice; have you tried meditation or tai chi or something similar? I cannot remember if I mentioned this to you before, but I highly recommend the book, Picking Up the Pieces, which is a great resource for learning how to promote healing on a holistic level (it includes stories of cancer survivors and their challenges but focuses on teaching specific strategies for coping and healing on multiple levels).

    Harley, Okay, now I understand better why you have been doing what you are doing! Kudos to you for keeping it up in spite of feeling like it is torture. I have not been able to run in a long time because of bad knees, and I have missed it. Occasionally I still have dreams where I am running and I enjoy that kick of a really good run, even in my dreams. Saturday, Sunday and today, I walked about 35-40 minutes (each day, not total Wink). Tomorrow I will be dealing with rain, so I may be back to the dvd's.

    Take care all and have an inspiring Tuesday!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2010

    Just-Sher congrats on your beginning!!! Once you get started and post, you feel like you should keep going.  This site is a great source of comfort and motivation when you need it.

    Brenda, Good for you.  Don't you just love the quietness and feeling of a good walk? 

    I have been dealing with rain a lot--I am so done with it.  Did not get to walk today, had to take DD to doctor for sore throat, luckily it is not strep.  Enjoy your Tuesday everyone. diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited March 2010

    Brenda,

    Thanks.  I want to exercise regularly, and the cardio for the heart, but also I need weight bearing exercises to help keep osteoporosis at bay, and of course, I want to do regular exercise to help prevent a recurrence. 

    I really don't mind exercise, and once I get started, I'm usually ok.

    Hope everyone has a good day and a great week!

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited March 2010

    Beautiful day here. I have actually raked the yard each day. I am now to the back yard. Mon I went to the center for the treadmill and arm and chest exercises. Today bagged 5 bags of leaves after raking them up.

    Ainm - I agree with the book - "Picking up the pieces after cancer". It is a good book and they even asked/answered some of the questions that was going through my mind. 

    Dd is ready for her 2nd walk and then I'm off to work. Off Thurs.Fri this week. two days together!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Just-Sher
    Just-Sher Member Posts: 68
    edited March 2010

    Yippee - I did it again!  10 minutes on the eliptical!  Baby steps gotta remember baby steps!

    Thanks Ladies-  Have great day!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited March 2010
    Mandy, happy to hear you were inspired by the website. I actually did some things last night off of that site. My inner thighs are sore today!!

    Sher, hooray for one more chemo, I will keep my fingers crossed that all goes smoothly. Take it easy til you get your energy back, chemo sucks!!

    Spring/Brenda, my onc switched me from Tamoxifen to Arimidex, I just started taking the Arimidex last Thursday night and I'm doing fine (so far so good). Both my onc and the pharmacist said to go ahead and just start the new drug right away. My onc said the Arimidex will work even better for me since I haven't had a period since Sept. '08, after my first month on chemo. She said she will monitor my hormone level every 3 mos to make sure my ovaries don't kick back in, because she's had 2 patients that got their periods back after 3 years!! Yikes

    Brenda, great that you got outside for some walking! Yay

    Diane, hoping for some sunshine for you!

    Harley/Joy, keep on truckin' girlfriends

    So yesterday a crazy weather pattern - got in my car after work and temp was 52, 4 minutes later the darkest cloud and downpour/hail and the temp shot down to 43! Then 10 min later back up to 53. VERY cold this a.m. in the 30's!!! YIKES

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited March 2010

    Sher,

    YIPPEE on ONE more chemo!!  and I think 10 minutes of elliptical torture is equal to 30 minutes of walking or running outside!!!  

    I went for a run today.  It is warming up, ever so slowly... it's kind of breezy and that makes it feel cooler. 

    Keep up the good work, girls!

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2010

    Hi Sher - you are doing great - I couldn't have even looked at an eliptical machine while I was on chemo, I could barely make it once around the house!!!  And congrats on reaching the end of chemo.

    Ladies thank you for your advice and I will certainly look up Amazon for that book.  I like the idea of yoga etc but am very bad at actually doing it!!!  I have the Cd's, books, mat but seriously lack the will power - I guess I just don't want to work at anything.  I do some Wii Fit yoga every couple of months!!! But I guess that isn't quite the same and when my BC support group gets together we always do a little relaxation/visualisation to ground ourselves.  I am such a non achiever!!

    Has the weather in the US settled down again???  We are having dry but cold weather (cold by our standards) and I'm still waiting for the Daffodils to bloom!!

    Looking forward to curling up in bed for the night - sweet dreams all!.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited March 2010

    Just Sher, you are doing great.  Good for you.

    You too Harley

    Ainm: you are not a non achiever

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2010

    Well Kmmd - I know I am doing well with the weight loss - everyone is tell me I look great but I'm still fat in my mind - it's a little like when your hair grows back after chemo - sometimes when you catch sight of your reflection you do a double take - I do that now for both hair and body (lets not go to that place where you have to take post surgery new body shape into account too).  I guess what I meant when I said I was a non achiever is that I have not yet managed to take that step to take myself beyond having cancer and putting it in the past tense and acknowledging that I HAD cancer.  And this is seriously hampering me in moving forward with my life.

    This time last year I was having my second chemo (of 8) and a port placement for my 46th birthday - I wondered would I see 47 - well tomorrow is my 47th birthday and I'm still here - I can hardly believe it!!!  And so much has happened since last year - not least of which is having my 'new' hair and now my 'new' body to get use to. Now if I could just get my mind in gear ...............!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2010

    It snowed here today! I was walking out of a school and it was snowing.  I am ready for spring.  I walked 3 miles today in the rain/snow and loved it.  I enjoy walking when it is cold.  The one good thing about me walking my neighborhood is I know everyone.  I end up talking with all of the neighbors, which is good, but it takes much longer to do the 3 miles.  American Idol is on again tonight, sorry, it is all I am watching now that The Closer and Army Wives are not on.  Happy Wednesday everyone. diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited March 2010

    Ainm, find myself dwelling on the last year and having a hard time moving forward myself.  Bursts of time when I can do it, other times I can't.  It would help if this stupid neruopathy would go away and I could get my muscle strength back and it didn't hurt every time I took a step.   Got to me too much yesterday, I couldn't face working out on those feet.  They feel slightly better for it this morning too which is good because I'll be on them all day.  Think it will be a yoga night

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited March 2010

    Hey all,

    I have been lurking but not posting. Good job to all those who are keeping up with their exercise. I have been slacking as my doc wanted me to cut back on the exercise for a bit to see if the muscle and joint pain eases up. My bloodwork indicate something may be going on, more blood work to follow.

    Received bad news last night, my MIL has breast cancer, her surgery is tomorrow. This has all been going on for 3 months and we heard last night. I don't think she quite understands what all is happening to her but my FIL does. My DH has shut down, won't talk, my SIL won't stop crying. I hate this disease!

    That is it, nothing more to say, too numb.

    Keep on moving everyone, you all help keep me motivated! (still walking at lunch, about 20 min, about 8 min downhill and 12 back up the hill) 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited March 2010

    pko199 - cyber hugs and prayers to you and your family. Too many feelings being brought up again. We have to find a cure of this nasty "c".

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2010

    Penny ~ I am so sorry about your MIL.  Will be praying for her surgery tomorrow, as well as for all of you -- especially your DH.  He must be shell-shocked.  I can't imagine going through this a second time so soon.  Holding you all up in prayer.  (((Hugs))) & please keep us posted.  

    Ainm, Happy, happy birthday!  I think time is the biggest healer when it comes to putting bc or weight issues or chemo baldness in the past.  The longer we live with our new selves, the more we get used to them.  Have you packed away or given away things related to bc or the clothes that are way too big for you now?  Getting them out of your daily view seems to help.  I may have mentioned this before, but a friend of mine who is a Life Coach had me gather up all the books I had setting around related to bc and put them in a box (she suggested a positive-sounding label) and pack them away to be available to give to someone newly-dx'd in the future.  It turned out to be not only an organizing act, but quite symbolic, and helped me move a bit more forward.   I hope  this birthday will help you celebrate all of the progress you've made in the past year.    Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited March 2010

    Ainm

    Happy Birthday!  We are the same age... I'll be 47 next month.   I understand having those feelings... I still get them sometimes...  Monday, 3/15, will be my THREE year cancerversary of my bx, and my dx...  At times like this, I think about how far I've come since my bc dx...

    Hugs to you, my friend...

    Harley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited March 2010

    Ainm - Happy Birthday!!  You've come pretty darn far in the past year!  BIG BIG WOOHOO to you!!!  You made me think back...I had 25 trips to the infusion room and I hated every one of them!!  We've come SO FAR!!!! lots of smiles over here

    Penny - Well that's just sucky about your MIL.  Hope your DH can open up about it and not keep it all inside.  Will be sending many Positive Vibes to your family.  Is your Hawaii trip coming up soon?

    Deanna - I remember you posting that info from your life coach friend and I followed it, it made me feel sooooo much better getting that stuff out of my sight!  Put it up in a spare room closet. 

    Diane - I'm watching American Idol too, and I LOVE Army Wives!!  I actually saved the last 2 episodes on my DVR to watch soon, I'm savoring it!! heehee 

    Today marks the passing of my mom 5 years ago, and I sent an email off to my dad and siblings and daughters telling them she's smiling down on us and we've all conquered so much since she's been gone and that I loved each one of them dearly.  

    Beauties and cuties - shout outs to all, we have all come so far. Lots of LOVE & HUGS

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2010

    Penny - hugs to you and family.

    Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes.

    I must do some of the things you all suggeted - when I get a bit of time I must go back over the thread and take notes!!!

    But for tonight I wish you all sweet dreams.!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited March 2010

    Happy Birthday you guys!

    Penny, hugs to you and to your MIL

    I've only been moderately good this week, working my tail off and my feet hurt!! I'll keep on trying though

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories