Post Chemo Spa & Shape Up

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  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2007
    Hi ladies: I finally found a few of my Dec 2006 Chemo pals. Just call me BFG (Big Fat Pig).... I just finished chemo on April 5th, still on Herceptin and starting Arimidex. I know I need to start doing something about this weight but I am soooooo fatigued. How long till I get some energy to walk somewhere besides the fridge? Could also use some hair....
    Maureen
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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited April 2007
    Ladies, thanks so much. Before you know it, you will have hair too. I applied some self tanner after seeing that pic, whoa Powder...

    Maureen - you stop it right there!!! The fatigue will gradually start to go away. Exercise actually helps with the energy level - brings it back up. You will start feeling better soon; just do your best and not overdo it. You are lovely, don't forget that.

    K, Jo, I am going to try and exercise tonight, but I have no inclination to do so! I am sooo lazy today. Once I get on the treadmill, I will feel better, just need to get my arse to the gym. Also, need to start doing some pilates stretches so I don't get all tightened up where my mast was.

    Ok, back to work for me.

    Have a great night ladies.

    Raye
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  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2007
    Ok RAye: I am going on the treadmill right now. I actually HAVE one which makes me even more pathetic (ha ha) ok, I'm going, I'm going.... this thread is JUST what I need. By the way, LOVE your hair. how long since your last treatment?
    Maureen
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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited April 2007
    Hi Maureen - so much for getting back to work. I am SO TIRED today. Must be this weather - 40 degrees and so windy...

    Thank you! Had my last treatment December 29 - a date I shall never forget!!

    All right treadmill tonight!! Great job. Raye
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  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2007

    ok, I did it...1-1/2 miles (took me a half hour) but I got my arse on the treadmill. Ok, I'll admit it, I actually felt better afterwards. Thanks for the push!

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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Well, I guess I haven't being doing too bad. Weighed in at the doctor's today at 131.6, in the afternoon after eating with my clothes on; that's the same weight I had last week in the morning before breakfast in my nightgown, so I certainly haven't gained.

    Hi Maureen, nice to have you here. We have a little web page with our vital statistics, kind of way of keeping track of progress, which you may or may not want to contribute to. Check it out and if you do, get back to me with data and/or photos. http://66.116.196.189/BCGals.htm

    Belindajo, I am so sorry you had an allergic reaction to tamoxifen. I am supposed to start tamo too, and I am also worried about allergic reactions, since I had a lot of them when I took hormone replacement a few years ago. How did that work out? Did they treat it? Are you still going to take tamo or something else?

    Went on a great bike ride tonite...probably about 7 miles. We were tired and thinking of not doing anything, but eating energized us so off we went, right before dusk. Had to race the sun to get back before dark, but it was fun!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • acgw
    acgw Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2007
    Good morning ladies!

    Spring is finally back, the peepers are peeping!

    I am going to try and run outside today. I have found a running partner for Race for the Cure; a 53 year old, 5 year bc survivor at our gym. I was afraid she would be too fast for me but it seems we run about the same pace and I think it will be fun to have someone to pace against and keep me motivated. Hopefully I will be able to help her keep from hyperventilating at the beginning of the race. She says she gets nervous and 'spazs out'. Me, I take pride in my mediocrity and don't get phased by people who can run 5:30 miles. (Occasionally a little envious; how do they do that?)

    I hope everyone is staying on track with their goals. If I don't keel over after the 5K I am going to find me a user friendly triathalon for my next training goal.

    Have a happy day!

    Casey
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  • thomcat
    thomcat Member Posts: 356
    edited April 2007
    Hi Ladies:

    I'm back from my visit to my breast care clinic yesterday and I have to have a biopsy of a 7mm mass in my RB. My CT also showed something in my liver but the onco says it's too small to be concerned about now. I'll have a repeat CT in 3-6 mos. I'm scared to death but trying to remain calm and not push the panic button. I'm so sick of all this bc(just finished chemo 03/16/07)!!!!

    Meanwhile, I continue to walk 2 miles every am with a friend in the neighborhood.

    Take care,

    Cathy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Cathy, that really is very worrisome. Where are you in your treatment now from your original diagnosis? WHAT was your diagnosis (grade, stage, positives)?

    Please keep us informed and we will pray and hope for the best!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • thomcat
    thomcat Member Posts: 356
    edited April 2007
    Mizsissy:

    Original dx - 8/06 at 48 yrs old - IDC, 9mm, NO nodes, grade 2, ER/PR+>95%, Her2- and premenopausal
    LB Mastectomy - 9/06
    AC/T Chemo - 11/06 - 3/07
    Lupron/Zolodex - 11/06 to present

    This all transpired when I had my checkups after chemo prior to taking Tamoxifen. My MRI prior to surgery revealed suspicious areas in RB at 6 & 9 o'clock. Recent MRI (2 wks ago) revealed nothing at 6 & 9 o'clock and now this new 7mm mass at 1 o'clock. CT and bone scans were ordered to use as a baseline.

    Thanks for all the support and prayers.

    I'll keep exercising, praying and stay in touch.

    Cathy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    All I can say, is that if it is malignant, at least it's still local and treatable...very spooky though having something get bigger DURING chemo...Whew, 7 mm is AWFULLY big just to popup out of nowhere. Cancer doesn't grow that fast. It must be something else. When do we hear the news of your biopsy?

    Mizsissy
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  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2007
    Cathy: SOunds like a cyst? Hopefully. Same thing happened to me in 1991 when I finished treatment. Ended up being a regular old cyst. Not uncommom. I pray the same for you. Hang in there and let us know what's going on, ok?
    Love ya,
    Maureen
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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited April 2007
    Cathy,

    Thinking of you. Yes, maybe a cyst, coming out of nowhere and with chemo?? I have to agree with the other ladies. I just wish these docs could tell us more, that waiting bit is the worst!!!

    I will be thinking of you and praying for you.

    Great job on those 2 milers! That is awesome.

    Hugs,
    Raye
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  • Myrajuc
    Myrajuc Member Posts: 117
    edited April 2007
    How cool!

    Age: 38
    Height: 5'1"
    Pre chemo weight: 110 lbs.
    Chemo finish date: 3/19/07
    Current weight: 124 lbs.
    Exercise program: 2 miles 5x/week, stretch/abs 30mins 3x/week
    Goal weight: 110 lbs (lose 15 lbs!)
    Last check in: 4/19/07

    Thanks,
    Myra
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  • acgw
    acgw Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2007
    Welcome Myra!

    Cathy,
    I'm going to be optimistic for you. A cyst sounds wonderful compared to the alternative. Just keep exercising; it is great for sanity.

    I just realized last night that as of today I have two weeks left to train for the Race for the Cure. This week I did a lot of bike time but didn't run at all; I better run today.

    Have a nice weekend ladies.
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Hi Myra,

    Got your data posted. Check it out at http://66.116.196.189/BCGals.htm. Anybody have any weight changes to post? Or anything to report?

    I am doing OK. I haven't been making diet and running the No. 1 thing this week because I have been having trouble getting off the chemo Ativans and losing sleep. However, I have been getting the exercise in (running, biking, working in the yard), and I HAVE been losing SLOWLY despite the lack of a scale. We finally fixed it today and I am 130.5, only 1/2 pound away from breaking into a new decade of pounds!!!

    Hooray!!! This week I'll go for it!!! 129 here I come!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Cathy,

    I've been wondering about your upcoming biopsy ever since you posted. Have you had it? Have you heard anything yet?

    We are praying that everything is A-OK.

    Mizsissy
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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited April 2007
    Cathy,

    Yes, thinking of you as well...please keep us updated sweetie.

    Went running Saturday, oh my goodness! Ran 1 mile, felt like I was going to pass out and walked the other two miles. I was planning on running a 5K Memorial Day weekend, but I don't think I will be ready. I am going to try and step it up and run every night this week and the rest of the month, so maybe I can do it. Been very hungry lately, but the scale at my onc follow up visit showed 122 with shoes, so not worried there, just need to get my cardio endurance back. man, it is tough!!! That chemo took me down to 0.

    Anyway, enough of that. Hope everyone is doing well, MizSissy, I see 129 in your very near future!!! Yeah baby (to quote Austin Powers). Great job. After that, it's all down hill so to speak...128, 127...

    Have a wonderful Monday all.
    xoxo
    Raye
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  • thomcat
    thomcat Member Posts: 356
    edited April 2007
    Hi ladies:

    I've been a bit of a recluse on the message board since I found out about having to have another biopsy. I'm trying to stay busy with walking - 3x a week for 2 miles and biked 2 miles with my little one last Saturday.

    I go for the biopsy this Friday, April 27 @ 11:00 am. I'm assuming I will get results the next week.

    Thanks for all the words of encouragement, prayers and support. You ladies are great!!!! I'll keep you posted.

    Hugs,

    Cathy
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  • MaryGLA
    MaryGLA Member Posts: 330
    edited April 2007
    Hi! I want to sign up! And it's great to see Cathy, Jo, and Maureen here! Cathy, I've been thinking of you. Let us know when you get your results.

    Here's my story.

    Age: 42
    Height: 5'7"
    Pre-chemo weight: 122
    Chemo finish date: 3/30/2007 (WOO HOO!)
    Post-chemo weight: 127
    Current weight: 127
    Goal weight: 120
    Exercise program: Channel surfing? Does that count? Before cancer I swam 3-4 days a week and lifted weights twice a week. Since baldness set in, I have been walking. I am currently walking 2-3 miles twice a week. I have been very lazy about weight lifting the last couple of months, and I am about to have reconstruction surgery, so there will be no lifting or swimming for 6 weeks after that. (And I'd better have some hair by then!!!) So, short term, I'm going to have to stick with walking. I am also REALLY stiff, so I want to do yoga once a week. I did yoga during both of my pregnancies, but I quit both times as soon as the babies were born.

    And here's some info about my bc. I was diagnosed on October 12, 2006 with Stage I IDC. There was also evidence of DCIS throughout the breast, which we found out after a lumpectomy, so I did a double mastectomy in November. Node negative, ER/PR+ her2-. I just started Tamoxifen on Saturday, and if I become menopausal, I'll switch to an AI after 2-3 years.

    What I need is some inspiration to get up off the couch! I am still feeling pretty tired, but I want to be beach-ready for July 4th!

    Mary
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  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2007
    Hey Cathy: Thinking the good thoughts for you. Let us know how you make out. Good luck!!!!!
    Maureen
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Welcome Mary!!!

    Got your data on the spreadsheet. Geez, 127 sounds pretty slinky to me at 5'7" but we won't discourage you from turning back into a Runway Model.

    I'm heading for the same weight goal you are, though I'm a little shorter.

    For now, just walk and walk. Walk to think, walk to take a break. It's beautiful out. Enjoy yourself, wave to people. Walking is great, and if it's all you can do now, that's fine. Just think of being post-chemo as beginning the rest of your life!!!!

    We have lots of data now but near as many photos as I would like. Send me the URL or if you PM me I'll send you my email address.

    Mizsissy
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  • MaryGLA
    MaryGLA Member Posts: 330
    edited April 2007
    Mzsissy,

    I tried to PM you. Did you get it? If not I'll try again.
    Mary
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Sorry Mary, my mailbox was full. Just click on my username and you should see my profile which has an email address.

    Would love to see more pix...everybody!!!

    Misissy
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  • acgw
    acgw Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2007
    Welcome Mary!

    Cathy,
    Don't be a recluse. You are in my prayers and hopefully you will be posting some good news in a couple of days.

    Raye,
    Your 5K is douable! Because you have a history of being aerobically fit you will be suprised at how fast an adequate level of fitness returns to you.

    Mizsissy,
    Glad to read about the weight loss.
    My hubby and I took some pics but I have no idea about how to create an avatar. Any help would be appreciated.

    I finally got to go to the beach. I left the hubby and the dog at home and road my bike to my heart's (and lung) content. The first day I rode around 40 miles and did not bring enough sustanence; I bonked big time when I got home. The second and third days I road around 30 miles and did a little better in the fuel department; not quite the severe bonk. North Carolina low country is really beautiful and peaceful once you get off the main roads. Also the drivers are extremely courteous of bike riders and despite being in heavy traffic at times, I never saw my life pass before my eyes.
    My Race for the Cure is this Saturday; I need to get in a couple of runs between now and then. I haven't checked my web page for the WV Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen foundation but so far my family and friends have donated arround $850.00 for the cause!

    Happy spring and happy sweating! (Exercise, not hot flashes!)
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  • Carol1220
    Carol1220 Member Posts: 402
    edited April 2007
    Hi Everyone,
    I recognize some of you from the other boards. Good to hear everyone is doing well and only worried about weight! I would love to join your thread here - inside of me there has always been a 350 pound woman trying to get out! I had been going to the gym regularly before my diagnosis - now I really need to get back into it. How often do you weigh in?
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Cathy, we are anxiously awaiting your path report!!!! I know you are too!

    Raye, I just love your picture; it is a bit blue (but that's a processing fault) but I like it, you look like you are a mermaid. You're doing great with weight, and you'll be back in shape in no time!

    ACQW, glad you enjoyed your ride. DH & I have started biking seriously again; the newly paved bike path is terrific, very scenic, we don't have to cross any major highways. We can get in a 10 mile ride every two or three days. I don't think anything is better aerobically than biking; it's no impact, it is a long slow endurance test, and it's so wonderful to be out in the countryside.

    Carol, send me your data and I'll post it. Right now I have a table I'm updating for everybody, but pretty soon I am going to convert it to a shareable, Google on-line document that everybody can update themselves!! We tried this over in the Jan Chemo thread and it works great!!! I'll just need everybody's email address.

    Here's our data...

    http://66.116.196.189/BCGals.htm

    Mizsissy
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  • thomcat
    thomcat Member Posts: 356
    edited April 2007
    Hi Ladies:

    I went for the biopsy last Friday and have an appt this Wed for results - hopefully, they will be done because they said to allow 5 business days and that's only 3.

    Meanwhile, I've been trying to stay sane and not let my mind run wild....I'm such a worrier!!!! I have been walking - did 3x last week. Started the week off with a 2 miler this a.m. I bought a pedometer and I get about 5400 steps out of 2 miles. I'm going for 10k a day! Walking has helped clear my mind of any negative thoughts.

    Thanks to everyone for the positive thoughts and prayers!!!

    Cathy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2007
    Cathy, we're praying for you. I had a lump too in the other breast during chemo, but it turned out to be nothing. Just keep in mind that it would be highly unlikely for you to get a tumor while in treatment, and even if you did, it's getting treated and is so early and localized, it would be very treatable!!!

    I've got the new chart up in Google, and we can all be collaborators, so you won't need me to do your updating.

    I'll need everybody's email address to sign you up.

    Mizissy
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  • StefH
    StefH Member Posts: 97
    edited April 2007
    Ah, here's where my Dec chemo girls are! Cathy, I'm thinking of you every day and I hope you get very good news on Wednesday.

    What information do I need to give you in order to join the shape up group? I got really scared after my diagnosis, went on a no white flour/no white sugar diet, exercised like crazy, and lost 20 pounds prior to chemo. I didn't gain any weight during chemo, and I've lost 3 so far. I'm in rads right now, and exercise is really helping with the fatigue. I do an hour of cardio every Tues and Thurs, and I do yoga every night to help me sleep. I'm working on getting two more days of cardio in, and eventually strength training.
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