Motivation

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

    Welcome, cdairth!  Of course you can join us!  I'm already impressed with your motivation!  As far as walking after your surgery, just listen to your body.  If you're not having immediate recon, I would think you'd be back to walking within a few days.  But remember -- your body needs healing time, too, so there's no benefit in overdoing it right away.  Oh, and try not to worry about the chemo weight, which should come off as your body detoxes.  Unless you ate from morning 'til night, it's probably just water weight (in spite of what your onc says).  I eventually resorted to a natural water pill and then an RX'd diuretic when I couldn't get rid of the extra 7 lbs. I'd put on during chemo.

    What time is your surgery on Thursday?  I'm sure everyone here will join me in praying for you  ~  Deanna 

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

    HI cdairth, welcome!  Deanna had some good advice for you, and of course we'll be thinking/praying for you on Thursday.

    Deanna, interesting on the Melatonin, my DH has been asking me to try something...Valerian or Melatonin because I have not slept since chemo. I toss and turn like a mad woman and am awake a lot of the night.  Hey no wonder I'm tired after work!  Glad its cooled off some finally.

    Headed out now to walk on my lunch hour.  Oh...the pampering was good, except the massage turned out to be just focused on my awful neck/should lumps and I scheduled 2 more massages a week apart!  She gave me 50% off. 

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

    Cdairth, Welcome! Good for you! I had a a big reconsturction (stacked DIEP/GAP in NOLA) and they wanted me walking as much as I could right away. Helps prevent clots for one thing! Don't hurt yourself but do what you can. The more you can do the better for you. Come here and let us know how you're doing!!

    Good luck Thursday.

    Deanna, I tried low dose Melatonin once and also hated it!! I've heard magnesium can help? I will be interested to hear what she suggests next.

    No exercise today, a day off! Had a meeting at church tonight. Was good to get out and see people - I work at home!  

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

    Kari, from what I've read, sleeping well is really important to bc survivors.  In fact, I'd read somewhere that not sleeping well can be problematic.  So, your DH is right!  We all need to figure out a way to get that good, deep, restorative sleep.  I've tried several natural sleep formulas (including Melatonin 3gr), and some of them work pretty well, but none of them work to the point that I can consistently look forward to awaking feeling refreshed.  My naturopathic doctor had me try Melatonin 12 gr., which I thought would knock me out.  But surprisingly, it actually kept me awake, which was a real bummer -- not just because I desperately wanted to sleep, but because Melatonin is supposed to help prevent bc, so seems like it would be the preferred choice, if it worked.    Deanna

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

    Interesting about the Melatonin ladies.  You know I hate to say it, but I can sometimes "almost" understand Michael Jackson's sleep plight, not to that extreme but...

    Sometimes when I walk at lunch, just into about 15 minutes or so, I hit a wall, so to speak, and fatigue sets in.  I think its after the nights that I toss the most...but I forage on 

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

    90 minute Yoga for me tonight.

    Sleep: Don't nap in the evenings! Even cat naps for 2-3 mintues! I find this totally messes up my sleep. I think if you want to nap, do it earlier in the day. I've heard that can be refreshing and actually help your sleep later. 

    Let us know what you find out, Deanna!! 

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  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited October 2011

    Welcome Cdairth. Your body will let you know how much and long you should move. But do move!!

    I had another spot taken off of my nose and came home and took a nap. Today Shadow and I got shots. Mine-flu, her-the yearly ones. We both came home and took another nap. I work day shift tomorrow so I won't get a nap.

    Still walking twice a day. I will start more exercises after I get the stitches out of my nose.Everyone have a great weekend. Suppose to turn cold this weekend.

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

    Joy Sorry about another owie!!

    45 on the elliptical beast tonight, and I really didn't want to do it. But I did it anyway!

    Getting colder, as Joy said. Elliptical tomorrow too I bet, supposed to rain. Looks like we might get a bike ride in mid-day, Sunday....  

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

    Joy,   OUCH!

    Sping,  yes, I am not happy about this weather getting colder....  :(

    Harley

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

    welcome cdairth

    Hope you're feeling better Joy  

    Not been a good exercising week.  Work got in the way of my life big time.  Next few days are looking better though.

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

    Walks everyday at lunch and grandbaby 3 nights in a row.  So late nights for me ALL week.  I'm officially pooped out.  DH drove home from Bay Area before I left for work this morning, what a wonderful surprise! 1/2 day for me today and I'm off on Monday (watching grandbaby, but early day, leaving house at 5:20 a.m.) but massage at 1:30 that day!

    Joy, thinking of you as you heal.  You and the guy in my office who spent years on the tennis court, he has skin cancer cut off every 2-3 months - just awful.

    As we head into cooler weather, may we all find ways to stay motivated and stay moving!

    Hugs and kisses 

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  • cdairth
    cdairth Member Posts: 176
    edited October 2011

    Had my surgery on Thursday; it went really well. Unfortunately, my legs have blown up with water---scary big 5 weeks PFC. So, no exercise for me. Feeling down. I feel like a beached whale.



    Cath

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

    Good to see your post, Cath!  I was thinking about your on Thursday morning, but never got around to posting that day.  I'm so glad everything went so well!  I had that weird bloated leg thing going on when I was still in the hospital after my mx/Diep.  Not sure if it was from the anesthesia or morphine, but it was very scary & pretty weird.  Be sure to call and report it to your surgeon.  I would think they can RX something to help move the fluid out.

    I'm with Kate on not having a great week last week, and today hasn't started out much better. But since it's cooler these days, so getting out later is still an option.  Just have to find the time!  

    Have a great week, everyone!   Deanna 

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

    Cath, how are the legs doing?

    I'm doing better this week.  Plus, this week it is fun, not just something I make myself do.  Always a bonus

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  • cdairth
    cdairth Member Posts: 176
    edited November 2011

    Hi Everyone,



    I took a low dose diuretic for the last few days and my legs are much better.



    I actually got the diuretic before surgery from my GP. I hadn't used it until after surgery though. Because my feet were not swollen, my GP seemed to think it was "all in my head." I tried to tell him the swelling was in my thighs, arms, belly and face, but he just gave me a lecture on calories. I found this very insulting; I've been counting calories and exercising for 20 years. I think I know my own body. This is the same bozo that missed my cancer for almost three years when I tried to tell him there was something wrong in the left breast. Sigh...



    Anyway, sorry for the vent. My muscles are still extremely sore, but I am going to walk for 45 min today. It feels so strange not to exercise; I can't stand it. I must do something!!!



    I am going to try a naturopathic doctor. Deanna, are you happy with yours?



    Cath

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

    Hi Cath,

    So glad your surgery went well.  

    HUGS

    Harley

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

    Cath, glad you are deflating. I know how that feels. After one of my surgeries, my legs looked like elephantitus! I remember thinking, whose legs are these?? Not mine! 

    Back hurt last night, right between shoulder blades. I did some yoga at home for 30 minutes and that helped. I have a make up yoga class tonight and then one tomorrow. That should do it I hope. Otherwise, I will need to go to chiropractor!

    Hope all are well.

    Deanna, wouldn't mind getting an update on the Naturopath doc, as Cath said... 

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  • Ellie1959
    Ellie1959 Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2011

    Hi Everyone - Sorry about your leg experience Cathy - I think I had something like that happen with my hysterectomy - I had a reaction to Dilaudid - I'm glad you are feeling better.

    I finally went back to the GYM yesterday and anticipated not doing well since I hadn't been there since May and my foot surgery - and it was great! I did the elliptical about 35 minutes - 4 miles! Not as good as before but no pain in my foot Coolwhich makes the surgery all worthwhile - even the sitting around for 10 weeks! Hope everyone has a great day!!! It's sunny and 65 here in Iowa!!!

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

    Cath, your doctor sounds like he doesn't listen to you!!  I had a doctor who missed me telling her something was wrong with my left breast also, and then 2 years later, WHAM!!  Glad your legs are deflated now and you can walk.  Maybe try Arnica on your sore muscles.

    Ellie, glad you hit the gym again, WOOHOO!!  and sunny to boot today!  

    Have had an eventful 4 days, DH and I rode our bikes all around the trails by our house Friday afternoon, what a beautiful day it was.  Then we cruised around the Napa/Sonoma wine country on Saturday.  It was simply gorgeous, 81 degrees and all!  Sunday attended a 2 hour yoga class, it was a place I've never been, but they were offering a free class for their one year anniversary.  The mats were literally lined up next to each other touching.  Let's just say I got to know my neighbors, sweat and all, pretty well (yuk).  I managed to bruise a toe during class if you can believe it.  But I finished class.  But my muscles (all of them) are still so sore.  I babysat yesterday then had a massage, masseuse told me I'm still really knotted up.  I purchased another massage for a future date!

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

    4 miles on the eliptical when you haven't been to the gym since May is amazing, Ellie!  Good for you!

    Kari, I wonder if you would benefit from a different desk chair of other ergonomic (or whatever that word is) tweeking around your desk setup?  You have so much back pain, and if you're knotted up, it sounds like it's from hunching over the computer.  Just sayin...

    Your doctor does sound frustratingly unsympathetic to your needs, Cath.  Is it hard to switch PCP's in Canada?  I would have a really hard time continuing to see him if I truly believed he'd missed opportunities for an earlier bc dx.  As far as my naturopathic doctor, I really like her a lot, and although she's young, I think she's really smart and very tuned into a woman's needs -- like the hormone and sleep issues.  I didn't like the 12 mg. of Melatonin she had me try, and I'm sort of wavering about trying the homeopathic formula that was her #2 choice because I don't want anymore restless nights.  We'll see...  Oh, and being off wheat is one of the best things I've ever done!

    I walked 2.5 miles this afternoon and I could tell I've lost a bit of stamina by being so lax in my motivation the past week or so.  

    Hi to everyone not mentioned by name!  I hope none of you got snowed on yet or are without power this week!      Deanna 

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  • cdairth
    cdairth Member Posts: 176
    edited November 2011

    Ellie, 35 minutes on the elliptical is really good after such a long time. How did the cardio part feel? I always hate noticing the decline after layoffs.

     Deanna, I can change doctors and I will. It's kind of difficult because the whole family goes to this particular doctor and he was very good to my mother-in-law when she was dying of brain cancer; however, I am going to switch and so is my partner. I think my sister-in-law may as well because she has had some issues with him. I think he's getting old and complacent. Time to bale...

    I'm seeing a naturopath today. I hope she can give me some help with my sore, inflexible muscles. I would like to join the more aggressive exercisers soon! I can hardly wait to get back to my pilates classes, but may start with Yoga first.  

     Cath 

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  • Ellie1959
    Ellie1959 Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2011
    Hi Cath - the cardio part was surprisingly o.k. but I have been walking hills about 3-4 times a week - you know what is funny? I hurt way more today! Frown I walked last night because it was nice out and I didn't want to push it. The bad news is I woke up with a cold! I swear it is from that damn GYM - even though I am six years out in Dec. I still seem prone to pick up germs more than I did before - or maybe I didn't notice or worry before. Hmmm - have a great day everyone - Ellie
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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2011

    Every time i post here, it disappears before I can press SUBMIT..  GRRR

    Cath,

    I think 35 minutes on the elliptical is great!!  Now that we sold ours, I am having to go outside in the COLD....  :(   

    Harley

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

    Yoga last night and Yoga tonight. My middle back (between shoulder blades) acting up. Did I already say that? ha ha. Feels a bit better. Hoping tonight seals the deal....

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

    Harley, I was having that problem yesterday, and it happened to me again just now.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the length of this thread?  I think I'll PM the mods and mention it.

    I walked 3 miles this afternoon.  I'm sure it would be much more enjoyable if I'd get out early in the a.m.  Don't know why but I seem to procrastinate now that heat isn't an issue.      Deanna 

    PS ~ Just wanted to share a very interesting article someone just posted elsewhere in BCO:

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614115037.htm  

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  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited November 2011

    Get my stitches out on thursday.Can't wait. Had yoga this afternoon and walked Dd twice. Had dinner with a g/f.

    At least it is warm and sunny during the days but watch out when the sun goes down. Don't forget to turn clocks back this weekend too. Have a great end of the week. 

    Cath - glad you are feeling better. Keep us posted.

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

    Oh Joy, I love gaining and extra hour!

    Interesting article, Deanna. And I am low meat so l alraedy struggle with getting enough protein! I think this is all about the sugar though - glucose. Fuled by carbs. Very interesting.  

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  • cdairth
    cdairth Member Posts: 176
    edited November 2011

    Went to a naturopath yesterday. It was very interesting and I walked out with an arm load of supplements. The overall message was more protein, less to no refined carbs, and good fats. Nothing I didn't know, but I got the impression that to make a big difference in health and preventing cancer requires a lot more "diet diligence" than I have managed in the past. She also suggested saunas to sweat out the toxins and massage (and of course exercise). 

     I may get my drain out today. Yippee. Plan to walk for an hour and do some yoga.

     Cath 

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

    Did you all hear about this new study?

    http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20111103/is-sitting-too-long-a-major-cancer-risk

    Cath, that's a good reminder about the protein.  I'm personally finding it a challenge to get enough. And while I know they can help sweat out toxins, I'm a bit surprised at the recommendation for saunas.  Did you not have an ALND?  No LE issues?

    Well, after reading about the above study, I'm off to walk...  Deanna 

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

    Deanna, you are probably on to something regarding my office chair, and I always have more back pain during the week, after work. Will readjust and see if it helps.

    Interesting about the naturopath doctors.  Cath, what supplements did you get?  curious...

    Thanks for the links Deanna! 

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