Life does not end with a stage IV diagnosis (really!)

I was reading Prevention magazine yesterday and came across 82 year old Ruth Heidrich who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at 47-now she's doing Iron woman triathlon at 82. I found this so encouraging that I wanted to share it with my other Stage 4 sisters.

The Iron Woman

RUTH HEIDRICH, 82

"I started running in 1968, when I was 33, after reading Kenneth Cooper's best seller Aerobics. But I had no idea how vital fitness was to my life until I faced tough physical setbacks. At 47, I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I was determined not to let cancer slow me down and kept running, even after surgery to remove the tumor.

"Then I joined a clinical trial that focused on healing my body through a vegan diet and decided to take my fitness up a notch. I heard about the Ironman Triathlon—a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run—and started training for it. Two years later, at age 49, I competed in my first of six Ironmans—cancer-free. (These two tenacious women over 40 overcame emotional hardship—now they're taking on the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.)

"My ability to exercise was tested again at age 63—this time more severely. I was hit by a truck while cycling. I sustained multiple fractures in my left leg and right hip, and doctors told me I'd never run again. When I left the hospital, I did physical therapy 5 days a week.

"Today, I'm still running, although my pace is slower than [that of] many walkers half my age. It's part of my daily morning routine, along with an hour of cycling and 20 minutes of swimming. My path hasn't been easy, but I'm proof that, with effort, you can push past fitness obstacles—and stay strong, slim, and healthy—at any age."

MORE: Over 40? These 5 Exercise Classes Are Perfect for You

RUTH'S STAY-YOUNG SECRETS

Appreciate what you can do. "Whether it's walking a half mile or doing chair yoga, applaud yourself! I sometimes get frustrated that I can't run as fast as I used to. Then I'll say to myself, Wait a minute. You're 82 and you're running. And cycling. And swimming. And suddenly, I feel like celebrating myself and my age."

exbrnxgrl, sorry your DD was having a hard time, but good to hear she and baby are better now. I had several acupuncture treatments last year for joint pain and neuropathy. Can't say it helped my knee pain tremendously, but it did work really well on my foot neuropathy resolving 90% in my right foot and 70% in my left. I'm not a needle person either, so I didn't look, but it's really not too bad. Wishing you good luck.

exbrnxgrl, sounds like it all went well for you. I think you'll find it will take several sessions before you have a noticeable change, but I'm hopeful for you, too!

Thanks for sharing, Wendy3!

I had my last of 6 rounds of Taxol today. Next month I’m having all the post chemo scans and moving on to just H&P. I really feel like I’m moving into a new phase of learning to live with Stage 4 cancer — into the rest of my new life and out of the emergency rush of first diagnosis and treatment

I agree with Lynne's and DGHoff's comments wholeheartedly as they ring true for me, too! Cheers to you all for a life lived well in 2018.

I could ID with your post,as a Brca 2,Stage 1V oligometastatic to the spine. I am 18 months since diagnosis. Finshed chemo,radiation and BSO surgery.7 weeks ago .

Pet scheduled in 3 weeks ugh.

I struggle either recent depression so will look at anti depression methods this week!!

Waiting on a grandchild some day??

Thx u for sharing

Hello Bluebird-DE, "Yes" to those items we need/want to check off of our To Do list. FYI both my Mom and Aunt "enjoyed" 3-years of Hospice! Sing! (I took DH to his 1st Kareoki this Holiday!)

Thanks to Wendy3 who posted great inspirations. I strive to keep this MBC stuff to just 15% of my day. (Ha, with juicing, enemas, supplements, SE/side effects, organic food and exercise, it's much more!). I keep a close watch on my attitudes! I am embracing 2018 as "a new normal", emotionally ignoring the Dx. (My markers are "high normal range"; will re-check tomorrow. Half the markers are "resistant".)

This holiday, we gave all the family "Life is Good" tee-shirts. Mine is hot pink/peach/light blue, and says, "life is not perfect. life is not great. Life is Good." I find this moment IS great, and presently quite an adventure! The other blue shirt says, "grateful". YEAH!

So all this will keep me busy learning to play Bridge, and growing food with my DH for 4 more years til he retires; (This will coincide with 5 years since Dx/Rx Letozole/Femara, and re-evaluation time.)

To come out of loneliness, I opened up a Facebook page, and found long lost dear friends in Germany, Belgium, Mexico, Kona and throughout Cascadia! Wow, seeing my friends' faces and pictures, I'm really feeling the Love!

I'm striving to count/recognize my blessings; and to notice/release my inner "whiner". What a miracle these med's are, and this website, and that we found each other for friendship/encouragement.

Sorry to ramble! Happy 2018 - I hope we find love and meaning in each day/week. Love & Hugs,

--Diane

What a cutie! She looks so intent on what she is doing! I am going camping and horseback riding at the end of the month. I will post pictures. We are going with a large group of people we know. Keep on keepin on!

Claudia

Recent winter break trip to Kauai with family.

Lucky me!!

Stefanie

Wow, stefajoy! What a great trip! Thank you for the beautiful pictures!