Winter rads 2014-2015

Beachbum102 Thanks for the positive report. I have arthritis in my knees and have discovered that the recumbent bike at the gym is much easier on them than the treadmill. In this warmer weather half of the year, I go to the local pool and walk up and down, do exercises and "bicycle" in the water. There is a therapeutic pool kept nice and warm open during adult swim which I use for the last part. The only trouble is I should do more weight bearing exercise because of the risk of osteoporosis from the Anastrozole I am taking. I do chair yoga at the senior center and that helps with my arm which has some lymphodema risk. That leader does Livestrong at the Y and she has lots of good tips. I look forward to learning what strength training machines I can use and keeping motivated as the days get dark and cold. You don't list that you take an AI because one potential side effect is weight gain. I have used an app called Lose It to record my eating and exercise and help me stay within a calorie range. Has helped me.

Mqt64 I was a great stress eater when working and then caring for an aging parent. BC has coincided with a time when I can focus on myself with much that was stressful gone. But I waited til after surgery and radiation were over to make most changes. It is a daily struggle to give up my sweets and find other ways to deal with life's curveballs. Let your body heal from your current situation and then you may feel ready to work on weight loss. You have a lot of inner strength to draw on.

My local YMCA offers LiveStrong for 12 weeks free. It is excellent, and I am loving it. Look online at your local Y and see if they offer it. Our local cancer center also offers many programs for exercise and yoga free as well. Good Luck!

Hello my sister's!!! Pathology came back, it's NOT cancer!!!! Infection, needs treatment and more time but so relieved!!!

Yay Quiggy! So glad for the good news. Let the healing begin. Love, Jean

mqt64 ~ I'm hoping the healing is progressing and that the docs have a handle on the allergic reaction.  Lots of thoughts and prayers of healing and strength are sent for you and your family this am. 

Now that the important things are addressed, here's a quick non-health related update from Nevada.  Way last summer, when I was absolutely in no condition doing it, I accepted an invitation to speak at an event this summer.  The presentation time is upon me on Thursday and I find myself filled with anxiety.  Strangely enough, even though I am a bit of a reclusive person, I've never had much trouble talking in front of a group. There was a time, when I facilitated federal meetings for high level government officials without hesitation.  This is different.  I'm speaking on "Inspiration and my art". That is actually a very complex subject because it is very mental with physical overtones and also very personal.   I've had problems with missing words since the chemo. I have to search for them more frequently.  I find that I don't think as fast as I used to.  Is it chemo brain or am I getting old? I spent many hours searching my mind and writing down what needs to be said, but now look at the words on paper (yup still killing trees) and can't recall what the next paragraph says.  I believe every word hold truth, but like inspiration itself, the thoughts are slippery and elusive.  I feel that the potential for a disastrous moment is looming.

I'm finding that I'm wishing my support group (that would be you) could be there with me. It is Thursday, 6:30 PDT. Las Vegas. Would you please send a thought my direction about that time?  I know that I would feel it.  Of course, if you are in the area, I'd welcome you with open arms - even though I haven't even told anyone here that I'm doing it.  Thanks so so so much.

Coyote. My husband says listen to your heart.

Coyote I just put you on my calendar to pray 4 u on Thursday. I'm sure you will be fine. Love, Jean

Quiggy, so glad for your news that it is benign!  We both know how pesky those infections cam be....right! 

Coyote you will find your words because you always speak your truth. You have truly been an inspiration to all of us.  Sending good thoughts your way on Thursday.  We'll be there in  spirit.

My news is frustrating.  Surgery postponed another week to let the redness/inflammation go down more. Arrrrg!  It continues to get better daily, though and even he thought it looked better today than yesterday.  On to another week of hyperbaric treatments.  I've had some bleeding which is a positive sign.  Only well perfused tissue can bleed and is more likely to heal.

I'm really excited to see all the people doing LiveStrong!

You are all so wonderful that my eyes well with tears.  Finding friends like you through the adversity of bc is a strange and beautiful gift.  I will most definitely visualize all of you there with me. Thank you so much.

mqt64 - It sounds like you are moving forward. Frustrating - yes. Better - that's a yes also!  Add enough grains of sand and you get the whole beach!  Did you ever wonder how they calibrate an hour glass? I know that is a strange question, but the ideas of time and waiting -  and that every little bit of good news adds up -  collided in my head into that question.  I had to share it.  There is a possibility that I am getting giddy with nervous energy. 

Once again, I'll move forward myself with this project and try to calm down, knowing that you will be there.

Jana 

Quiggy - So glad to hear your news now you can concentrate on healing, my thoughts and prayers have been with you during your horrible waiting period.

mqt64 - glad you are seeing some improvement and praying and sending healing vibes your way.

coyotenv - I will be thinking of you on Thursday as well and can envision the beautiful and eloquent presentation that you will give.  I agree with Wndrwoman, the subject is obviously close to your heart which is where your words will come from and any that don't make it to your mouth during the presentation will be filled in by those around you.

Thinking of you all!

Theresa

Coyote. I have a book called Prayers of Our Hearts with two prayers I will say tomorrow for you. One is a prayer of thanksgiving for inspiration and the other is a prayer for artists. You are uniquely you. Your heart will speak louder than your words. That gift will be gratefully received and appreciated.

coyote, though I don't post often I do find myself checking in , mostly to read your words of encouragement. Your posts more then anyone's have helped me deal with this major bump in my life. I am not religious, but I am spiritual and will send you my positive, loving vibes along the universe! You will be fantastic though!

Thank you all for the gifts you give me. I promise I will carry your strength with me.  All of your encouragement has already helped me.  

One of the things that has been difficult for me in this presentation is the question. What inspires me?  That is so intimate.  It took me days to wrestle that into words.  Those kind of esoteric issues float around in the ether without form and they want me to answer it?  It's kind of like asking, "What's the meaning of life?" and expecting an answer!  Actually grasping it and stuffing it into a cohesive sentence is not easy stuff.  Of course, you - who all know really me very well - understand that I cannot be satisfied with saying that the blue sky and red rocks make me want to make beautiful art.  For me, inspiration is pretty slippery. Now you have it, now you don't.  Talking about it is the same thing. One second you have a handle on it and then it willow-the-wisps itself into some dark crevice in my brain not to be seen until 2:00 am.  Wayne Dyer wrote a wonderful book titled Inspiration, Your Ultimate Calling.  He wrote about living in-spirit.  He's an amazing man. Maybe I could just say. "Read Chapter 2." 

I want you to know that what you have said to me about the words I send to you, means everything to me.  The first and foremost of my life's wishes is to make a difference.  To tell me that I have done that for you fulfills my reason for being.

Stay well and thanks again so very much.

Jana

Hugs to you CoyoteNV.

Go share your words and self tomorrow. You're going to be wonderful.