Motivation

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    Spring,

    When my hand swelled up, while I was getting chemo, I got a gauntlet and believe it or not, whenever I wore it, when I took it off, my hand was even puffier!!  So I stopped wearing it and it eventually went back to normal.   Go Figure!

    Think I will look for those compression tank tops though.  Sound like they would be maybe more effective and probably less expensive too.

    Harley

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2011

    Did a Piloga class last night, my back felt GREAT after and that sore muscle I had disappeared yesterday afternoon, I had rubbed muscle gel with Arnica all over it yesterday morning.  During the Piloga Class (more yoga than Pilates), I couldn't do a few things, just not strong enough (yet) and a couple of moves I was scared of my left shoulder area getting injured so I did modified those moves to suit me.  Won't get back to the gym until Sunday.  

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2011

    Spring, here was my last email from my onc back in April (I will defnitely talk to her about your onc's comments, so good to share our info here):

     4-14-11:

    Arimidex appears to be better at least in increasing the time to the cancer recurring if it is going to come back. It is better than tamoxifen in that way. Survival results of studies take longer for results but most feel that the arimidex is a better drug if it can be tolerated (in women who have gone through menopause). The issues of the bones can be a problem. We usually don't use Zometa for osteoporosis. There is an oral drug Fosamax that is weekly that may be a good option. We can talk about it at your next appointment. It might not be unreasonable to start it now. Julie

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2011

    Hi all, been MIA, mostly because I was just doing walking after surgery and it got pretty monotonous.  I am not bouncing back very well, but, starting to slowly feel a little more normal, very frustrating.

    AINM: so sorry to hear your post op course is getting you down too

    Survivorwoman: hope this week is better

    Harley, happy to hear the LE improved, such a pain to deal with

    Spring, interesting, planks bother me more than down dog.  I guess the important thing is to be aware of your body and know which positions you need to stay away from

    Hello to everyone else.  We're finally into real summer weather here.  Spring was grey cold and rainy.  The beginning of summer was alternating storms and cold with record breaking days of heat and humidity intermittently mixed in.  Kind of nice to see it settle out for now. 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    Hey KMMD:

    Good to hear from you.  Glad you are starting to feel better, but sorry that it is taking longer than you would like.  That IS frustrating!  I know, you are impatient to get back to normal and right away!

    Kari,

    Are you taking any hormonal treatments at this time?  I forget...   sorry.   I am taking Tamoxifen.

    I took Tamoxifen for 2 years, then last year, I took Femara but it really did a number on my bones...  so I am back on Tamoxifen, but not sure if I should go back on an AI when I finish my Tamoxifen sentence.    UGH...    I HATE making these decisions...   it sometimes seems that you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't...


    I haven't been out to exercise... it's just TOO HOT!    I may try again tonight...

    Harley

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2011

    Taking a "rest" night tonight. Feels good. Tomorrow either cycling or elliptical...

    Kari, hmm. In menopause is the key thing. My ONC is not convinced I really am. That's all I can say. And we do use Zometa infusions for my osteopenia (I had this before cancer, but there used to be studies showing Zometa helped prevent bone mets, so I figured what the heck).

    Harley, I hate these decisions too. UGH.

    Hi KMMD!! You'll get there, it won't be long the surgery will be just a memory and you will be back to your old self. You'll see! :)  It makes one appreciate a strong, healthy, working body, that's for sure! 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    Spring,

    Did you take Zometa before breast cancer, or did you take Bisphosphonates??   Reason being, my doctors tell me they won't treat osteopenia...   only full blown Osteoporosis, which I don't have.... yet....      I was scared so that is why I switched back to Tamoxifen.   My onc. suggested I stay on Femara and take a bisphosphonate...  I didn't think THAT would be ENOUGH to keep it at bay....  

    Good night!  I have to take my Mother-in-law to HER doctors tomorrow...  She is 82, and her doctor keeps scaring her with stupid stuff she "might" have, and running her all over the place for tests...   He told her she had Liver Cancer or Bone cancer...   turns out, it was the LIPITOR she was taking that had her liver enzymes elevated.      I HATE DOCTORS!

    Harley

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    UHM  Did I tell you all about my cat scratch?  Well I saw my primary care idiot today.  He gave me a script for Keflex...   has anyone taken that??  

    Well, he tells me that it causes vaginal infection...  WTH?   WHY would I want to take that?  AND, he said I have to take 500 mg  FOUR times a day!  Isn't that excessive???    Needless to say, I do NOT want to fill that script....

    Harley

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2011

    Harley, is that your LE side?  If so getting on antibiotics quick is a good idea. 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    oh, yes, it IS the LE side...

    I STILL think these antibiotics are EXCESSIVE!  It is Keflex and it's 500 mg... but I am supposed to take 4 pills a day, and that is 2000 mg!!     Wrong dose, I am quite sure...

    Harley

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2011

    Harley, I don't know about the dose, but if you get an infection in LE side it is not fun. What is is called, cellulitis. You don't want to get this....

    Also, I have osteopenia, I had it before but it was not treated, very slight. I take Zometa, and I have osteopenia, not the full blown, AND my insurance pays for it.  I have had 5 so far, once every 6 months. I am on Tamoxifen at the moment, and anticipate staying on for 5 years, according to Onc. She doesn't feel she can be really sure I am in menopause, and will not prescribe an AI unless I had ovaries out or lupron shots. I am an "extreme metabolizer" of Tamoxifen, so I know I have the enzyme to process it. That is good. 

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  • StacyA
    StacyA Member Posts: 209
    edited July 2011

    Hello All, 

    I've been done with all treatments sense last December just before Christmas. I then had a full hysterectomy in March. I returned to work in May and I've been struggling iwth working out and having energy. I recently sprained my ankle over the 4th of July holiday, so I'm looking forward to starting to walk again this weekend.  

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    Hi, StacyA

    Good to see you here on the Motivation thread.  Glad you are recovering from your sprained ankle.  I know you'll feel better when you start walking again.

    Spring, 

    It seems to be healing up nicely, so I don't think I need the antibiotics.  I had been really worried about it but I think things are improving.   IF my doctor would recommend a DIFFERENT antibiotic than THIS ONE, I may consider taking it.

    Hugs to all,

    Harley

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2011

    Good Harley, I am glad it is getting better!

    Hi StacyA, did you walk? :)

    We rode bikes for an hour, but DH's bike required attention like 12 times within the hour! So it was not as good a work out because we had to keep stopping! He finally agreed to bring it to the bike shop (chain kept falling off or locking up). Anyway, mine got dropped off too for a tune up!  So all is good.

    That means tomorrow will be an elliptical day... :)  

    Hope everyone is okay! And moving!  

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  • theresap60
    theresap60 Member Posts: 947
    edited July 2011

    Hello everyone - I haven't posted in awhile.  I've been busy with work, then the holiday and tracking my weight watchers points and walking.  DD and I walk just about every evening, even in the heat and humidity.  I've been taking 2 pound weights with me to work out my arms.  It's really an uphill battle.  I lost a few pounds but I think it was sweat!!  I'll keep at it, though, b/c it does help my achy joints/bones/muscles.  I think it's the tamoxifen that's causing the pain, but what can I do?  Gotta take it.

    Spring, I notice you change up your exercise all the time.  Is that more effective for weight loss than just walking every day like I do?

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2011

    Hi Theresa, I don't know, but I think I've heard that "cross training" (or mixing it up) is good for you, apparently your body "adapts" to a routine. I think it's great you're walking through the achiness, (I've heard others say moving helps too) and doing it even in this humidity!! I started out walking a lot like you are (even when I was in treatment) and then moved to other things as I got stronger and done with surgery and more committed. My favorite right now is cycling. If I can't get out because of the weather, I do the elliptical we have at home (it's a really nice one - though this is NOT my favorite! I just bear it! and watch TV!!) I do Yoga class once a week. And I was doing weight lifting but I hurt my rhomboid muscle (back) so haven't gone back yet, though I should! I think the main thing is to find things that are fun-ish and that you will keep on doing. 

    I have trouble walking a lot now because the Tamoxifen makes my feet and legs very crampy, (at least I think it's the Tam.)  and the walking gives me *horrible* cramps! The cycling and elliptical doesn't do this, and the cardio benefit is even better, so luckily, it is working out!!  

    I also eat a mostly plant based diet, (lots of veggies, grains, fruits and I do eat certain safe fish and eggs sometimes) and have cut out many 'Western diet" things, and really, I think it is this that keeps the weight off me - in addition to the exercise. I read that book, Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life and started there and then just kept on going as I reserached more.  It is a journey, that is for sure. 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    Spring

    you inspire me!

    Good night everyone! 

    Harley

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2011

    Theresa, that's great that you've lost a few pounds!  And sweating gets toxins out.  Just be sure to drink lots of water, which should also help you lose weight, in addition to washing out the toxins.  And I'm glad to hear that walking's helping your joints. I recently started using a new supplement called Boswellia that also seems to help with that.  I've tried 2 brands, and strongly prefer one, in case anyone's interested.  I've also found that a gluten-free diet seems to help the joint pain, I think because it decreasing inflammation.

    Hi, Stacy!  Glad you're joining us!  I think the more you exercise, the more energy you'll have. It's kind of a cyclical thing.  Maybe don't expect too much of yourself right off the bat.  Consistency seems to be more important than the time at any one session.  Something that works for me when I don't feel like exercising is just putting on my workout clothes. Somehow, when I feel athletic, I start to act athletic. Also, our buddy Kate (kmmd) taught us the "10-minute Rule," which is basically, no matter how uninspired you feel, you make yourself do 10 mins. Often that's enough to get you going and doing more, and if it's not, at least you got 10 mins. in and don't get down on yourself.    Deanna

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  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited July 2011

    I have not been keeping up with you all too much because I think my advice is somewhat redundant, lol, but I wanted to mention again in case it got lost a while back about the value of rebounding. This is truly the best exercise you can do to keep the lymph moving and it burns calories with no impact to the joints. I have been able to get people who can barely walk onto it (I have one I take to seminars I do for cancer groups and such that has a balancing bar on it). There is no excuse for not exercising if you have a rebounder! I use a Needak (no, I do not sell them!) and it is wonderful. I tried the cheapy versions at first, but the needak has a great bounce that is quiet, and well worth the added investment.

    And as was mentioned, cross training is important. Keep changing the pace, add and subtract free wts, change the type of exercise, etc. If the body gets too much into a routine, the muscles do not respond as well.

    And no amount of exercise can help with weight loss without attention to diet. We need to do both in order to lose weight. I was always a "mesomorph". I had a very muscular body type, but could not lose weight, even though I exercised daily as a PE teacher. It was not until I got bc, and started detoxing and cleaning up my diet that I finally lost weight.

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2011

    Hi Vivre we've missed "seeing you" around.

    Hot, hot, hot, here.  I think it is a yoga day.  Windows open, hot breezes and the sounds of the birds etc.  I think it will hit the spot today

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  • theresap60
    theresap60 Member Posts: 947
    edited July 2011

    Thanks for the advice ... it makes sense and I'll start to change things up a bit.  I did my WW weigh in this morning and have lost 10 pounds total, 4 pounds since last weekend's weigh in!  I was afraid to get on the scale b/c I didn't think I lost anything.  I measured my waist and only lost 1/2 inch in these 4 weeks, which makes my pants still feel like I haven't lost weight at all.  So where did I lose the 10 pounds?  I'm not complaining! :-)

    The 10-minute rule is great advice too.  Kate, it's hot hot hot here too and humid!

    Spring, my feet and calves tend to cramp up more often since I've been on Tamoxifen too.  I try to catch the cramp and stretch it out before it gets out of control.

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2011

    Theresa, congratulations on your weight loss! 4 is a huge loss for a week! 

    45 on the elliptical for me, and yes, some rebounding after! Trying to get the lymphs moving... :) 

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  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited July 2011

    Spring- I also read "Anti-Cancer" and since then have been eating much like it is suggested in the book. Lots of veggies, macrobiotic food, cancer fighting veggies and fruits daily.

    And thankfully today I  aIso managed to do 90 minutes hatha yoga and did a 4K bike ride yesterday.  I want to do more, but it is hard  to coordinate it with my crazy schedule at work.

    Deanna- thank you for reminding me of Kate's 10 minute rule. I am going to follow it.

    Kate--how is the recovery coming along? I hope you are feeling stronger.

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  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited July 2011

    Joy- (sobx) Thank you for your encouragements. I had read them a while back but had no time to respond, only now. Thank you!

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2011

    Hi guys.  Thanks for asking.  Recovery is slow, but, it is starting to slowly happen.  I've been back to work part time, going up to full time at the end of the week. 

    I was looking at the National Weather Map this morning.  I think it is safe to say most of us will be dealing with hot or hot and humid today. My hair is curly anyway, but, this weather brings back those chemo curls with a mind of their own. 

    Stay as cool as possible and stay hydrated everyone.  I'll be putting on a hat and slathering on the sun screen lotion today for sure

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2011

    Teresa, 4 lbs. in a week -- that's great!

    Stacy, how's your ankle?  Were you able to start walking again?

    Great that you're getting in yoga and bike rides, Katia, with your crazy work schedule.  I'm still hoping that most recent interview you had is going to turn into the job of your dreams!

    And Kate, isn't it funny how less important unruly curls are after going through chemo?  I mean, I'm just so happy to have hair again, I no longer sweat unruly or humidity frizz or anything less than perfect. I just tuck it behind my ears, put on a cap, and go, because anything beats bald! 

    Knowing it would be a hot day, I was out walking at 6:30 this a.m., and it was great!  Lots of shadows & shade, and almost no traffic or noise -- a zillion times better than it was by the time I got back an hour later.

    Have a great week, everyone!    Deanna 

     

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2011

    Deanna, so true.  I'll get uptight for a really special occassion (wedding pics etc) beyond that it is a big whatever

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2011

    Yes, I agree about the hair thing...  I think it's funny, I went for a trim, cause when it gets long, my hair just gets straight and I can't do much with it.  I never thought I would say that since I don't look very good with SHORT SHORT hair...  (except while I was growing it out after chemo, everyone said how nice it looked short...  go figure)   but now, if I keep it a bit shorter,  surprise, surprise...  the curl came back....   lol      I am really not too worried about the whole hair thing...  just SO glad to have hair again!!!

    Harley

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2011

    Harley, did you ever take the Keflex?  I vaguely remember taking that years ago.  Make sure to take a probiotic!!

    I can't blame Tamoxifens for cramps in the feet/legs because I'm on Arimidex and get some nasty cramps!!  

    Spring, thanks for all your info on zometa and Tamox, I will be discussing these things with my onc August 10th.

    Kmmd, thinking of you as you continue to heal and get stronger!

    Deanna, great for you for getting out to walk early while the temps soar during the day.  Most of the nations is sweltering and it can be very dangerous.

    I've done some classes at the gym (for those of you on facebook, you already know this) - Zumba, Yoga and Pilates/Yoga.  A trainer showed me how to work some machines that will strengthen my areas of concern.  Creaky old me pulled a muscle last night as the trainer was warming me up LOL, but it HURT!  Still does a bit.  I guess my 49 year old body isn't keeping up with my 21 year old mind.  Heeheee 

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2011

    Rested yesterday, today and tomorrow are yoga since I will be out of town next week.

    Kari, I can't remember if I said this already or not, (it is so hot here I swear my brain is not working!!) but in order for me to go on an AI, my ONC said I would either need my ovaries removed surgically OR chemically halted with Lupron shots. Without either of these, she is too unsure that I am *really* in menopause and hence too risky to be on the AI. Let me know what you find out when you talk to your ONC.

    Deanna, you are so smart to go out early! We have also been bikeriding early on the weekends to avoid the 90 degree heat. Next week it is supposed to hit 101. ugh. 

    My body is not keeping up with me either, Kari, but I have to admit, I feel like I am pushing to the limit because I am getting slight injuries. I will have no regrets that I didn't do enough! Also, I try to remember to be kind to my body. While these things seem in conflict, somehow they're not. I don't push ultra hard, it's just what I'm doing I do a lot! I think I make no sense!

    OK KEEP MOVING!!! : ) 

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