Post Chemo Spa & Shape Up

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NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
Hello Gals,

I just had my last chemo March 5, and am just beginning to get my energy back. My life has been on hold so long, I was afraid to look forward...but I am beginning to feel alive again--and Spring is on its way, and summer is not far behind.

I made a promise some time ago when I realized that I would have to go through this, and that was I was going to get myself in the best shape ever as soon as I got out chemo. Now that I realize I am mortal and my time on this planet may be limited, I want to make the best of it..and I plan to live the rest of my life THIN!!!!

Some articles I've read recently add to the strength of this idea. BC Survivors who go through menopause and lose 22 pounds and keep it off, survive at a much better rate than women who don't. I've also read that intense aerobic exercise makes a huge difference in survival rates.

For you girls who still have RADS to do, you may have heard that rads are fatiguing and can lower your red cell blood counts. I recently read an article which stated that women who engaged in a regular program of aerobic exercise for 40 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week actually had modest increases in WBC. Whereas women who spent the same amount of time in stretching exercise had substantial losses in RBC.

I also want to work on hair, skin, makeup, step up my exercise program.

I thought it would be fun to start a thread where we could record our progress, force ourselves to *weigh in* regularly, give each other tips, and shape up. I am willing to keep a chart going, where we can see how we're doing.

Here's a link to a sample chart now. BC Gals Weight Tracking

Anyway, I want to get going right away. Anybody interested? Got some ideas....?!!!

Mizsissy
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Comments

  • acgw
    acgw Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2007
    Mizsissy,

    Count me in!

    I'm not too worried about the weight thing. I seem to be putting weight on at the rate of 1# a week but given the way my clothes are fitting I think it is muscle.

    I'm training for the Race for the Cure 5K being held May 5th in Charleston, WV. I can currently run two miles and run/walk the 3rd.

    Knowing that I have to check in will help keep me motivated. I have never been a very fast runner. I did a 5K when I turned 40 in 33 minutes. I would like to do this 5K in 30 minutes so I need to kick it up a notch.

    I will give you my 'stats' for your chart:
    Pre-chemo weight:153#
    Finished chemo:10-26-06
    Post-chemo weight: 138#
    Goal weight: 148#
    Exercise program: Running, spinning, the Kamoor steps. Intervals ladies! Jumping rope and weight training.
    Current weight:144#

    Skin tip: DHC! I love their products, especially their deep oil cleanser, tourmaline face mask and firming kelp mask.

    Hair tip: You can't have a bad hair day when your hair is only an inch long.

    Wahoo!!!
    Let's get this party started!
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Welcome Acqw!

    It's nice to have some company!! It may take a few weeks or a month to get this party started..but it will!!!

    I'm a runner, but a modest one, always outdoors. This winter I paid the fee for a local gym and tried the treadmill where I can track my speed. My first mile was about 14 minutes, but after a couple weeks, it was 12 minutes. Now how slow is that!! (This was during chemo.)

    I think my *favorite* exercise is biking; we have some a really nice linear bike trail made out of a derelict RR path here in Michigan. My husband and I do it together, and it's very scenic...backyards, wetlands, lakes, bridges, rivers. It takes about an hour and half; we're usually racing to get back before sunset. But it's a nice long workout.

    Will get your stats into the chart.

    Where do you get DHC?

    Mizsissy
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  • belindajo
    belindajo Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2007
    Hello. Count me in! Since my diagnosis last July I have really let myself go as far as exercise and diet. It has been so stressful. I finished 4 DD AC and 4 DD Taxol just last Thursday and after giving myself a little time to recoup from this last treatment, I plan to start a routine of weight training and walking to start with. I have never been much of a runner but may start once I get down the road a bit with this. My prechemo weight was about 155 and I am now (post chemo) at 160. My goal weight for now is 145 and I will go from there once I reach that. I really need to get over the neuropathy in my feet before beginning the walking but the weight training is doable. My husband is a big suppporter and also weight trains.

    I am ready to get back to some sort of normalcy in my life!

    Jo
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  • Valerie_R
    Valerie_R Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2007
    I have exercised and eaten my way through 2 lumpectomies, 4 mos. dose dense chemo, mastectomy and DIEP, and rads. I had to gain weight, @ 5 lbs., for the DIEP but am now back to around 122 or 123 pounds. I am dreading taking Arimidex again because I hear you can gain weight on it - I lost weight the first time I tried it, but lost my hair and eyelashes again. I swear by Pilates, as that is what I've been doing.

    I made a promise to myself that I would treat myself in the fall to a spa trip so I am planning on going to Rancho La Puerta, hopefully in October of this year. I would also like a little upper eyelid lift when I get my nipple in six months and have the abdominal incision resurfaced. Enough of delayed gratification!

    I was going to try to get to below 120 lbs. again, but at 5'6" I think I'm a pretty good weight right now - I just want to stay there and up my cardio work to make sure that I do!

    Good luck to everyone!

    Valerie R
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Welcome Belindajo,

    Nice to see you! We've got a quorum!!! Although I'm sure we'll be gathering quite a few others along the way. Like you I am still recovering. Had my last chemo a little over a week ago and I still have a major sinus and urinary infection, so I'm a little slow.

    Having a husband that is supportive is great.

    I've updated the chart, and I wanted to add some pre-chemo, chemo and post-chemo pix to the chart. However, all my recent pix are on a laptop which is getting repaired, so I put up an old one...ooo I still wish I looked that young, but at least it's an image of myself close to the weight I want to be!!!

    Questions for both of you: how much data should we include? Should we add height, weight, age...let me know *your* ideas, because this is for all of us.

    Just click on the BCGals link in the opening message to see the updated chart.

    Mizsissy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Valerie...great to have you!!!! Have you seen our chart? Please let me know what data you want in there. Click on the link in my initial message.

    I'm ready for a little facial reconstruction myself...I'd like to try the less drastic measures first, perhaps some restalyne. As far as I am concerned, I'm ready for rebirth!! Sounds like you're a great weight!!!!

    BTW everyone...I'd like to include more pix. I'll PM you my email.

    Mizsissy
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  • Valerie_R
    Valerie_R Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2007
    Hey Mizsissy,

    Here are my stats:

    Pre-chemo weight:127
    Finished chemo: 9/21/06
    Post-chemo weight: 126
    Goal weight: 120
    Exercise program: Pilates 4-5 x per week and walking
    Current weight: 122-123
    Goal: Firmer, fitter, faster!

    I don't weigh myself often but I seem to be around 122-123. I will post a pix as soon as I figure out how to upload one.

    My beauty tip for hair is as follows. I lost all of my eyelashes and half my hair again (once during chemo), once from Arimidex. I have been using a great product by Jan Marini - Age Intervention Hair Conditioning treatment - and my hair is very thick and growing like mad. She also makes an eyelash product.

    This discussion is great because it gives us something positive to focus on. Thanks,

    Valerie R
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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited March 2007
    i'm going to join in, but i'm not putting my weight. lol. i'll put how much i've lost. i gained 40 pounds during chemo. i have lost 20 pounds so far. my goal is to lose a total of 60 pounds.

    i swim almost every morning for 45 minutes to an hour, and the days i don't, i walk and/or ride my exercise bike and use my rowing machine.

    oh, i finished rads thanksgiving week 2006.
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  • CarolRich
    CarolRich Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2007
    Count me in too! I am so impressed with you ladies who did not gain any weight during chemo. I gained 15 pounds doing 4 X dd AC and Taxol although I have lost almost all of it. I finished chemo on 11/28/06 and had my bi-lateral on 2/8/07. I have had to have 2 additional surgeries due to expander problems and have more in my immediate future, but I got the last drain out today and feel like I can get moving a little more now. I walked on the treadmill some but was afraid to do too much with the drains. My stats are:
    Age - 41
    Height - 5'11"
    Pre chemo weight - 167
    Post chemo weight - 183 (mostly water)
    Current weight - 169
    Goal weight - 165
    Training - walking on treadmill (I would like to do it 3 times per week) and light weight training once or twice per week. This is my training goal as I have not been doing this much yet.

    I am going back to work tomorrow, so we'll see if I'll be able to work out as much as planned.

    Carol
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Patrice & Carol Welcome!!!

    I've been out shopping for a new outfit for my Post Chemo party this Saturday. Would you believe that in the lingerie section I found something called "soft gels" that you put over your nipples to hide them?!! I thought this was so hysterical after what women go through here to get their nipples back!!

    I'll be putting your data in tonight or tomorrow.

    BTW, ANYBODY WHO IS EMBARRASSED ABOUT LISTING THEIR WEIGHT DOESN'T HAVE TO LIST IT. We can have relative weights, i.e., Chemo Gain +15, Current Goal -10, Current Weight -5 and so on.

    Congratulations Patrice and Carol on the tremendous success you have already had with weight loss. I haven't lost an ounce!!!! But I am going to!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited March 2007
    i ate fried chicken tenders for lunch and just gobbled down two peppermint patties. my girlfriend is having a bad day and she took me down with her, so i blame rebecca, as i needed to "support" her cuz that's what friends are all about.image

    i'll be good again tomorrow.
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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited March 2007

    oh, man, she has caramels out. yum. be right back.

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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Patrice, how on earth did you lose weight? I gained about 15 pounds when we moved to Pinckney 5 years ago, and cannot get it off. Right before chemo I lost about 7 pounds. I finished chemo a little over a week ago, and got a bad cold and kidney infection which are still lingering, but I've been gobbling up carbs like mad!! Any suggestions for controlling appetite?

    Oi!! I am so exhausted. When do you get your energy back?!! My last chemo was on March 5.
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    OK, stats are updated. I haven't added age or height yet..and haven't asked for it...so post this info if you want it included. OK, we've set our baseline and goal, so let's get going. I'm going to weigh tomorrow!!!

    Here's the link: BC Spa Gals

    I'm looking forward to seeing more photos.

    Carol, I just noticed you're from Richmond. I used to live in Franklin, VA and I've got a brother in Richmond now, and a nephew at VMI...

    Now...Please send me some photos!!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • c2et
    c2et Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2007
    Dear Mizsissy:
    I finished chemo almost one year ago. I know I've had a whole year to get back in shape but would love to join your group to help me out. I've been exercising and want to lose some weight.
    This thread is a great idea!
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Good Morning Spa Starters,

    The chart has been updated, and I have some new photos!!! Thank you BJ!!!

    Welcome Glyn, just click on the chart link (in red in one of my messages) and you can see what are vital statistics are; if you want to add yours, post 'em or PM me.

    Well I'm sure off to a slow start. I just can't shake this sinus and kidney infection and don't dare start exerting too much until it's done. Feel like a bed potato!!! But I guess I'm going to have to get well before I can get buff!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited March 2007
    Quote:

    Patrice, how on earth did you lose weight? I gained about 15 pounds when we moved to Pinckney 5 years ago, and cannot get it off. Right before chemo I lost about 7 pounds. I finished chemo a little over a week ago, and got a bad cold and kidney infection which are still lingering, but I've been gobbling up carbs like mad!! Any suggestions for controlling appetite?

    Oi!! I am so exhausted. When do you get your energy back?!! My last chemo was on March 5.



    i'm a carb-a-holic too. i tried xenical and it didn't work, so i'm doing it the old-fashioned way: eating oatmeal, chicken, fish, fresh fruits and veggies, dried fruit for dessert and exercising every day. i've discovered i really like the lean cuisine brick oven pizzas for lunch.

    sometimes i screw up...like yesterday...but i try to get back on the horse the next day. it's been hard taking it off. had an ooph at the time of my lumpectomy in sept to make sure i was in menopause and now on arimidex, both tend to add weight. i feel like i'm fighting for EVERY pound. some people told me the weight would melt off after i was off the steroids, but there's no melting going on here. lol.

    i can't remember exactly when i got my energy back, but i honestly think it was DURING rads. weird. i had a couple weeks when rads were over that i felt a little fatigued, but not much. i think swimming an hour every day after radiation kept my energy level up.

    good luck to all of us!
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  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited March 2007

    I want to join this also, although I won't be done with all this cancer stuff until labor day ( my Independence day)I try now to do the treadmill but I am not very diligent. I weighed too much pre diag. Lost 5 lbs during 4 DD of AC. I want to lose at least 10 more. To embarrassed to say what I weigh, lets just say that after a bi-lateral mastectomy I realized it wasn't my boobs tipping the scale.

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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Patrice, sounds like I'm already on your diet. Oatmeal works wonders. I eat lots of stir-fries, fresh fish (especially salmon), salads, vegetables. I try to avoid anything white (rice, potatoes, ice cream, etc). What is xenical?!!

    My downfall is an evening cocktail with my husband; maybe if I keep it to 1/2 a Corona Light I won't gain. I've heard alcohol affects your liver; that your liver gets so busy processing the "poison" in the alcohol that is can't process food, so the food turns into fat.

    Glyn, thanks for your data..the chart is updated!!!

    Nancy, nice to have you here; you're welcome to keep us company until you're ready to get going!!!

    Well, I must say, it's day 12 after my last chemo and I am beginning to look and feel more human. I was actually pleasantly surprised to see that the woman who stared back at me in the mirror was beginning to look more youthful and healthy, hope it wasn't just the tanning lotion I put on yesterday?!!! But I am wondering about post-chemo skincare...any ideas?

    I'm going to be pretty busy today and this weekend so I won't be posting much, but I'll be back in full steam next week, ready to get moving & shaking & fighting those pounds!!!!

    xxxooo Mizissy
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  • Valerie_R
    Valerie_R Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2007
    Okay, ladies, any advice?

    I am absolutely ravenous and am eating like a horse, albeit a Shetland Pony. I shake I am so hungry. So far I haven't gained weight but I'm concerned that I will, and I'd like to lose 2-4 pounds.

    I have finished chemo, mastectomy, diep and just finished rads two weeks ago. I guess it is normal to be hungry, but this is ridiculous. I know the difference between hunger and emotional eating, and this is hunger. I crave lots of protein and vegies, but in copious amounts. Anyone else ravenous after treatment?

    Thanks,

    Valerie R
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Valerie,

    I've got my appetite under control. What I do is go a whole day without bread or any heavy starch or sweets, eggs for breakfast, salad with meat for lunch, fish and veggies and spaghetti squash for supper. Cottage cheese with fruit, etc.

    If you're craving lots of protein and veggies, you probably need them. Remember, chemo attacks lots of good cells in your body that need to recover. So just give in to it, I don't think you should worry about your weight right now.

    Ooohhh...almost forgot...a wonderful appetitie suppressant. Chocolate. Lindt Excellence 85% cocoa chocolate gives you a great lift with very little sugar. One square is only 52.5 calories and I rarely want more than two in a day.

    AVOID SUGAR....cancer cells feed on glucose!!

    That's my two cents for what it's worth today.

    Mizsissy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007

    Hey Valerie, Glyn, Carol, Acqw: How about some pix?!!!

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  • CarolRich
    CarolRich Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2007
    I'll send in a picture. It's just been so long since I have had one that I like, but I'll send something.

    Carol
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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited March 2007
    Quote:

    Hey Valerie, Glyn, Carol, Acqw: How about some pix?!!!



    i just looked at the chart. you can put my height and age...no problem with that. i'm 51 years old and 5'9 1/2 inches. i'm still working on getting up the nerve to post my weight. it seems like such a big number i can't stand seeing it in print.
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  • acgw
    acgw Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2007
    Good evening ladies!

    Valerie,
    I went through a phase about two months post chemo where I just couldn't seem to eat enough. I too know the difference between emotional eating and hunger and it was definitely hunger. I gained a couple of pounds and it went away until today. I have been a gorgonzola, tiramisu, bratwurst eating fool. Add to that two shots of tequila! Go figure.

    Happily I am satiated finally and tomorrow will probably run it off.

    Sometimes ya just gotta say "F... it."

    Last night the DH and I went out to dinner with friends. My girlfriend asked me if I was more careful about what I ate now. (As I am sitting there sipping on my sangria, licking the sauce from my tacos carne asada from my fingers.) "Nope." I reply.

    I was a fat kid; the last one chosen for teams during gym class, the one that had her bra snapped in 5th grade. I tried the eating disorder thing in college along with most of my dorm. It took me the early part of my twenties to learn how to eat and exercise.

    I believe in moderation with the occasional indulgence. We have been through a lot and we need to be kind to ourselves and not judge ourselves too harshly.

    We have time to create good habits.

    P.S. We are a tall crew. I'm 5'10 3/4". (Size 11 feet.)
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Hey Acqw...(hey your name is hard to pronounce!!!)

    I was a fat kid too, but lost it all one summer at camp when I was about 12, lost my appetite for three weeks but exercised like mad, lost 20 pounds, "bloomed"... and I've been watching my weight ever since. It's a good thing in a way because I never put on the middle age spread that a lot of my friends did...oh I did, but not quite to the same extent. But now I want to be youthful skinny, not teenage skinny, but 20s skinny.

    I was born in 1948, and I am old enough to remember when everybody was thin. This problem with weight is a fairly recent phenomenon; we don't have to give in to it...

    Anyway, I am sorry to have neglected this thread, it seems to have gotten a little quiet and dull around here. Maybe we need some stepping music to turn on when we get here, regular sign ins and reports...something rhythmic, energetic!!!! Ideas?!!

    I've been sick still and I'm getting ready for my *Post Chemo Party* today, but I'll be back full force (I hope) next week.

    Go, go, spa girls!!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited March 2007
    Boy, I just looked at the chart and I didn't do anything right at first. I gave you the date I finished rads and it was supposed to be the date I finished chemo. Finished chemo on 8/7/06. Didn't get to start working on weight until October, though, because I had a 6-week recovery period after my lumpectomy & ooph in sept.

    i'm an emotional eater. Since we got really bad news on my stepfather's kidney cancer this past week, all I've been doing is eating and haven't done any exercise. I'm sure I've put on at least 5 pounds in the last few days. I'm not going near the scale for a week. Too depressing.
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Hi Patrice,

    Hey, when your emotions kick in, why not indulge in some Lindt 85% cocoa chocolate bars. One square is only 52 calories and it gives you such a strong hit choco-happiness that two squares is usually enough. Then go for the celery.

    My party is overwith and I'm dog tired. I think we overdid cholesterol: roast beef, yorkshire pudding, and strawberry shortcake with heavy cream. I didn't eat that much but I really felt loaded down...

    Will check in tomorrow with official posto-party weight!!!!

    Now for my Lindt!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited March 2007
    Ok, I've updated the chart. NO ONE HAS TO POST ANYTHING THEY DON'T WANT TO. Hey Acqw...that's model height!!! Ever think about it?!!! You must be in great shape already!!

    This is supposed to be fun. And we'll also get in shape!!! Now, if I can just get that steppin' music to kick in and get you all back again!!!!!

    Bee bop bee bop bo bo BOOM BA Bee bop bo boom...
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  • CarolRich
    CarolRich Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2007
    Mizsissy,
    Did you get my picture? I also ate (and drank) a lot this weekend as we went to a friend's house on Friday evening and had people to our house on Saturday. It's so nice to get back to normal after the chemo, surgeries, etc! But I did work out today on the treadmill and lifted light weights. I go back to work full time starting tomorrow after the bilateral, so we'll see how good I will be at excercising. Good luck everyone!

    Carol
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