First gear: (gentle) exercise during or after treatment

^ Agreed!

^ san diego bows to your weather wisdom. I'm now walking 2 miles most weekdays (& a bit more on weekend)

Kate how are your pecs today?

I did my first chest workout today in a very long time(prob Jan). I had my implants put in Feb and so I have been easing myself back into weights again. I'm pretty sure my chest is going to be super sore. I maybe overdid it a bit. It is way nicer doing pec exercises with my implants vs the tissue expanders. At least my implants squish when I flex. Those expanders were like rocks that didn't budge. It does feel weird though having your pecs squishing your Foobs. I kinda feel like sideshow Bob.

On a side note, I have started going for Myofascial release. I was having back pain due to my reconstruction. With my pecs stretched out, it pulled on my lats causing terrible pain in the middle of my back. I can't believe how much better I feel. My posture has been corrected and all muscle pain is gone. My skin over my implants has softened as well. He said he will do some scar release in a few weeks. I have appts booked once a week right until June. For any of you that are suffering mobility issues or muscle pain I would highly recommend finding a massage therapist that does this technique. I was going for regular massages and some PT and it seemed that the relief was only temporary.

My pecs hurt like hell for two days, to the point where I was worried that I'd really effed something up in there, and now they feel a lot stronger. Typical post-workout cycle!

Now if only my ovaries would STFU, I'd be a happy camper.

Seriously, though: we moved this past weekend--our entire house, garage, and basement, into a new house, garage, and basement, and with only two friends to help--and I rocked it out. There's no better way to test strength than function, and I appear to be functioning very well, save for those pesky ovaries. My MO and I are going to have a long conversation about what should be done with them.

Other than that? Back to the gym! Yay!

Superius, I'm with you. I need to start applying sunscreen like it's my job, because the weather is finally nice, and I'm ready to go outside!

I swear by long sleeved Climalite shirts for cycling. The big motivator is that I hate being sunburned, and those little racing thingies don't protect you. This isn't the same as a short-ish run. I can be out there 5-6 hours when I'm doing an event. Weather was amazing yesterday, so did another easy 26 miles following getting my butt kicked with a hilly cycling event on Saturday.

Agree that the right fabrics wick moisture and keep you cooler.

However, this thread reminds me that I need to find some more (pretty) Climalite shirts. BTW - Active.com features close outs from major sportswear manufacturers. Worth looking there. - Claire

MsBrompton, that sounds LOVELY!

In the spirit of good teaching, I'm polling the audience: I'm going to be training to be a trainer (!!) at the Y this summer for the Turning Point breast cancer program. If you were taking an exercise class, what would you want to learn how to do, or be guided/inspired to do? I was a powerlifter before diagnosis, but I worry that heavy lifting might be hard for some. Any ideas?

Kate-that's awesome. I think teaching women basic weight ltraining would be beneficial. Both light free weights and how to work many of the machines at the gym. I know before I hired a trainer to teach me those things, I was terrified of the gym. I would only participate in the classes offered. Once you learn how to use the equipment and have a basic workout plan it allows you more freedom in the gym. Good Luck

Kate, that is fantastic! I'm signing up, except for the commute...

I think the balance would be a great start and just basic core to get everything working again. Seems like slow gradual build up would be good - I get scared off by some of the fast moving exercise classes, afraid I'll injure something.

Also, I've been unsure how I can use the pecs and other muscles affected by the BMX - are they still strong? Do the implants limit me in some ways?

Can't wait to start swimming

I played my first round of golf since I was diagnosed with Cancer. It was exactly a year since I golfed. It felt so good to be out swinging the clubs. I was wondering how my new boobs were going to effect my swing. Thank goodness, it was kind of like riding a bike. Soooo very happy! I'm exhausted but I did it. Yay me!

Just started a couch-to-5k program with my dogs. The three of us made it through the first workout! I've never been a runner, but life is too short not to try.

Congratulations on the blood sugar drop!

Time to weigh in again. So thrilled to see everyone get moving and enjoy life! Kate....loving your plan to be a trainer. I think that free weights would be a great area to focus on as something that can easily be done at home. I use mine most week nights when cooking dinner.

Florence sounds divine. I need a real holiday, but for this summer it's cycling events. Right now, my bicycle is in the shop as wore out the shifters. I need new cycling shoes and could also use another pair of Assos shorts. They cost the earth, but the only ones for long rides (100k and longer).

I started running 3 years ago on the encouragement of one of my wine bar friends. I got her cycling. I slip in 5k slow runs after work. I think one of the reasons I am stronger than ever cycling.

Hoping to get in some good hiking too. I'm primarily a cyclist, but hiking is great fun and the scenery is amazing here. Good for those times when still recovering from major cycling events and the thought of that seat......

My recommendation is to plan fun things to do that also involve getting moving. Works for me every time! Which reminds me that I need to organize my 3 Rose Gardens Ride. - Claire