Stage 4 Fitness 2015

TarheelMich interesting that your MO was okay with using medical marajuana. I have been using it since July and am very happy so far. I believe it will be something we will be hearing more and more about it in the future. For pain management there are specific strains that work better than others ask yourlocal dispensary. I go every morning to the gym for an hour and walk all around the city. I have arthritis in both knees and still managed. Yeah marajuana 😊

wendy3 my doctor is ok with my using medical marijuana, but I do not live in a state that allows it. Naturally, I have friends who have offered to help me (illegally) but I have lung mets so I can't smoke it, and edibles taste horrible, so I really do need medical marijuana (to vape, I guess) or legal recreational marijuana. I'm trying to investigate my options but it's hard.

I've been gone forever and really need to catch up....I have missed all of you and your inspiring and sometimes funny (sometimes not) updates. I am curious about how the topic of Ritalin came up... the ADD drug? Looks like to combat fatigue? I'd never thought of that, but personally think it's a good idea... I am on Herceptin (no Perjeta for me!) and get fatigued from time to time. My son happens to be on Vyvance, another ADD drug.... and before I let him take it the first day I tried it for myself...just to see what would happen....and I have never had such a productive day in my life. I LOVED it, although it did feel a tiny bit like being on speed. ( I think. I have never actually tried speed.) Anyway - interesting discussion.... and as far as medical marijuana..... living in Colorado, we have more than our share... wish I could send little care packages. I have had a red card for a few years, but haven't used it much. I got some of those little drops... tincutures, I think they are called...and they definitely helped, as did watermelon gummies. Fortunately, my pain is mostly gone and I haven't bought any in a long time...but I do recommend those two things.

As far as exercise (the real topic at hand)...I am afraid the holidays have caused quite a set back for me. I was running almost ten miles....and then it started snowing... so much for that - I am not a good treadmill person. I am taking my boys to Canada in three weeks to go snowcat skiing for three days. It's something I used to do with my dad all the time... in the middle of nowhere British Columbia. We are going to scatter my dads ashes, and have a little three day skiing holiday. I am just hoping I can DO it... I haven't done that kind of skiing since before chemo and I hope my body cooperates. Anyway, skiing counts for exercise, right?

Heidi - sorry to hear about your knee.... Ronnie Kay - LOVE the float tank idea! Even I can do that kind of swimming! Sounds so relaxing. Nancy - glad the treatments seem to be working and so glad you could get out to walk. Bionic - I think I missed the pictures and I am sorry to hear about the progression... keep us posted.

I can't believe it's almost a new year. It seriously seems like yesterday that Nancy started the new 2015 thread. It's always been my favorite! Looking forward to sharing more inspiration and encouragement with all of you in the 2016.

XOXO

Andrea

Still slogging away at actively exercising 30-45 minutes every day and adding 15 minutes whenever I can manage it, which depends on energy level and pain level. The occasional day that kicks my heart with angina and coronary artery spasms and keeps me from exercising still arises, but they are fewer now that I finally have a med regimen that is working to control symptoms. My most favorite MD right now is my cardiologist, who actually listens and treats me with respect and who has diligently worked with me to find the best combo of heart meds to keep me going and to reduce my risk of "major adverse cardiac events" (the process took 10 months). I want to emphasize to all of you just how important it is to have a good cardiac eval on a regular basis, especially if you have unexplained symptoms, including worsening fatigue, or chest pain that is labeled a "side effect of surgery or cancer treatment." My cardiologist told me that he hears over and over again from people who have a history of cancer how their MO's and PCP's missed their signs and reports of symptoms that suggested cardiac disease until their hearts (like mine) finally raised such a commotion that it brought them to a cardiologist's attention. By that time, significant damage can occur and often cannot be undone. (Mine cannot.)

Anyway, I decided not to feel guilty about not having the energy or focus to respond to each person who has posted recently and to focus instead on making a small contribution at year's end. On a much more uplifting note, below is a link to a wonderful essay with superb photos about the enjoyment that can be found spending time in nature. I hope it will help you to start your new year with joy in your heart!

"This Is Your Brain on Nature" http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2016/01/call-to-wild-text?utm_source=NatGeocom&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=pom_20151227&utm_campaign=Content&utm_rd=1897000270

Thanks to the positive vibes for my knee, it is now feeling much better. I can get down the stairs without pain now and even did Zumba yesterday for the first time in more than a month. I just had to give it time to heal.

TarheelMichele, you're already making giant steps by not falling!

SteelRose, Machu Pichu, wow, what an adventure! I'm so excited for you.

Andi, skiing definitely counts for exercise. Plus all that clean mountain air.

Brendatrue, love that link. Nature is really the best healer, along with laughter maybe. Haha. My daughter did not go to a forest kindergarten but they did spend one day a week in the forest, whatever the weather. I've got to make more of an effort to spend time outdoors or get some nature videos.

Bionicbunny, sorry to hear you are back on chemo. Hope you regain some energy soon and that treatment is tough on cancer but not on you. With your spirit, I predict great things for 2016!

Brenda, thanks for the nature article. It reminded me to put that on my list of things to keep in mind as I pursue well-being for myself and my family this year. So now my list has: sleep, healthy food, exercise, relaxation (including restorative yoga and massage), relationships, a reasonably clean and tidy house, a creative hobby, and time in NATURE. My exercise is walking and dancing.

Hanging in there. Spent several days in the hospital. Pneumonia came on sudden. I had seen my mo last week no fever. By 6:00 sky rocked a fever. First in the 4.75 years I have been doing this. Plus side, I get to change chemo. Gemzar and Carboplatin. Anyone with experience?

Honoring Fujiimama as a woman with a big heart as well as her place in this thread, her story and her legacy, her love for her precious family:

I think her husband Oscar snapped this photo. Fujiimama, you are not forgotten.

Oh, I'm so sad about fujiimama. Her positive attitude and boundless energy were such an inspiration… And what a beautiful family she has. We will miss you, fujii… rest in peace.

I have taken the plunge I joined a dragon boat rowing team. Going well so far actually kind of loving it.😊

I haven't been on this site for some time & as I scrolled down topics, Nancy's name popped out....and then, Brenda's picture of Fujii...I want to cry...but Fujii in her happy place made me smile (a little). She'd sent me a pm saying she was better after her illness & a month later...gone. How I detest this disease. Glad we are able to honor our sisters here...forever...and rowing, running, walking,dancing, biking, rowing, etc...will keep the memory of them in our hearts & souls.