Any rock climbers?

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

Just curious to see if we have any rock climbers here?

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  • climbergirl
    climbergirl Member Posts: 116
    edited September 2007

    l82jem,

    Hi There,

     Nice Av....

    I have been climbing since last year and was diagnosed in Oct 2006. Am almost done with my chemo (2 more taxol) and have had 2 Lx with a pos sent node and am heading for radiation but am looking closely at maybe doing a Mx on the left to avoid all the rads and it's effects on heart. I  am thin, am hesitant to do plastic and do not have alot of body fat for a rebuild. Also not too keen on giving up any core back muscles for obvious reasons. Have been trying to climb on my off week of chemo and this past weekend went to North Conway to participate in the Women's Sterling Rope climb that they have every year which is great fun.  Lot's of cool people and support. My climbing has no doubt taken a back seat in the last 4 months. I also have a serious yoga practice that has helped me a bunch and have kept up with classes for the most part. I am going to start rowing as well I think when things get back on track.

    It is frustrating not having the same strength that I had last year but that will come back.  How are you doing with your climbing in all this?

     Cheers,

    ~climbergirl 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2007

    Finally! I knew there had to be at least one climber out there :)

    Way, way back in the late 80's/early 90's when I lived in the NC mountains I did a lot of climbing. Just before my diagnosis I had decided now that my kids are a bit older that I would try to get back into it. Then I was diagnosed, had 2 surgeries including a mastectomy w/SNB on the left.  Then chemo, which I finished in May. I waited about a month and then started climbing. It was much more difficult than I thought at first, but I have been pleasantly suprised at how quickly I've improved (not that I'm any good at all yet). It gives me great motivation to do other workouts too. I think this has really helped me regain my strength.

    I really struggled with my reconstruction options and used all of my chemo time to do lots of research. Implants are not for me and I was worried about muscle loss with a TRAM or something similar. I'm planning to have DIEP in January.

    Have you looked into DIEP or SGAP? With either procedure you would not loose any muscle. One of the doctors I met in Charleston told me that she learned the DIEP/SGAP procedures because so many of her patients were altheletes and didn't have the body fat to do TRAMs, etc. I got the impression that they've been very sucessful in that area. Discovery Health also had a plastic surgery show on a few months ago where they followed a woman who had SGAP - she was very active and very thin and seemed to be completely satisfied with the results.

    OK - I just realized I am starting to sound like a sales-pitch from the DIEP cult. Sorry about that!

    I'm looking for more ways to strengthen my arms/shoulders for climbing. Right now I try to climb once a week (at http://www.usnwc.org/) and work with fairly light weights about 3 times a week. Any suggestions?

    Nice to "meet" you! 

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  • climbergirl
    climbergirl Member Posts: 116
    edited September 2007

    Hi There Jan,

    Nice to meet you too!   I like climbing because it takes all your concentration and you do not have to think about anything else. I think that a yoga practice where you are doing a lot of down dog and sun salutation flows will help you get your shoulders and arms stronger.....I swear by my  Iyengar classes and my arm strength has held up, pretty well. Not as strong as last Dec but what do I expect! I think the opposing action of the arms away from the floor with yoga is a nice balance to all the pulling that is in climbing. You already know that climbing with long arms and using the bone makes you stronger than the chicken wing thing. My long legs are both a Boone and a bother with climbing. High stepping leverage can be really weird.

    I am in the process of going to see a plastic surgeon and will look at all the options, even though I am leaning away from it right now. Now that I seethe end of chemo my Onc really wants me to reconsider the Mx.  I may just stay on course with my rads at this point because I want my life back.

    I hope that your surgery is super successful and look forward to see how you do. you have given me tons to think about. BTW I have 17 yo twins and one of them does climb so it is interesting. 

    Keep in touch and take care! 

    climbergirl

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  • yarrowfern
    yarrowfern Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2007

    Yeehaaaa   I love to rock climb.  I've been lurking for about a year after my diagnosis and it was rock climbing that got me to post!

    I had grade 1 stage 1 0/5 node involvement.  I was diagnosed at the age of 42, just  1 1/2 years after my mom.  For me I didn't have to do any chemo.  But surgery (lumpectomy, setinal nodes) was really hard,  I think I was more scared of the anethesia then the surgery. 

    Afterward I got to thinking of all the things I wanted to do but thought, hey I'll do it after collage, working, marriage, having kids.  ect.   I was really really angry.  so I decided to take up rock climbing.  What a great place to do it,  I live in Colorado and get to go to places like Eldorado, Clear creak ect.  and of course I drag my kids along too!  I too love the absolute focus when climbing, one of the few times that breast cancer doesn't sneak into my thoughts.  I'm to busy thinkin:  OMG  why did I ask to lead this 5.10d?!   Geez what a run out!,  Am I going to deck?  When can I go out again?

    of course, I worry a little about lymphodema, and the scar tissue under my arm and in the breast area needs constant stretching but it feels good now to stretch it.  I am taking tamoxifen and overall its been O.K.  but let me tell you climbing in the gym, more than once I've had a mild hot flash on the wall (not fun when trying to really stick a move!)

    Glad to hear there are some other climbers out there!  Any Colorado climbing gals?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2007

    Welcome yarrowfern! Glad we pulled you out of lurking!

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  • judd_IV
    judd_IV Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2008

    Hey guys, I'm a climbing instructor based in scotland, would love to share bc experiences with you.



    Take care



    Love



    J

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    Hi J

    I've always wanted to travel to Scotland. It's first on my wish list of places to go.

    I had reconstructive surgery (DIEP) 6 weeks ago. I can't wait to start climbing again. I'm afraid that I've lost most of my upper body strength in the last 6 weeks (the little that I'd built up after chemo). I'm trying to regain full range of motion in the arm on the reconstructed side. Hopefully that will come soon. 

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  • judd_IV
    judd_IV Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2008

    Hi Jem



    Are you worried at all about lymphodema at all? Outdoor climbing is off my books for now :o(

    I'm so unfit at the mo, and have piled on the pounds boo.



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    I was lucky enough to only have 4 lymph nodes removed so my surgeon tells me I only have a 5% chance of getting lymphedema. However, I do worry about it. I've tried to build up my arm strength gradually and in the evenings on climbing days I always make sure to prop my arm up for at least an hour. My climbing has been limited to an outdoor climbing wall. I went to a real rock once since chemo and it was a complete struggle for me. It will probably awhile before I try it again.

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited August 2008

    Other climbers!



    I've been climbing for quite a few years and was just beginning to climb again after a total hip replacement in April when I was dx with multicentric cancer. So far, I've had a lumpectomy, excisional biopsy and SNB. I was ready to start radiation (no chemo) when the radiation oncologist wanted me to get a MRI, to check for the extent of the disease. (my medical oncologist doesn't like MRI;s - too many false positives) Anyway, I agreed and now there are four more suspicious spots to biopsy. Radiation oncolgist started talking about a mastectomy, but I won't decide w/o biopsy results. However, I have been thinking about a mastectomy - trying to convince myself that it could be good for my climbing as I am busty.



    I'd to hear how bc has affected others climbing, longer term, especially if you decided against reconstruction, For me bc dx coincided with the recovery from my hip replacement, but I am climbing again and it feels good,





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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited August 2008

    Hey!

    I climb, mostly in the gym. I started about 4 years ago, in my late 40s. I love the sport. I'd get outside more, but don't have a reliable, experienced partner for that.

    I had bilateral mastectomies with implants done Oct 2007. I was climbing about 7 weeks later. Physical therapy with someone who knows climbing really helped me strengthen the right muscles. I had my implant exchange done April 2008. Back climbing again after 6 weeks, again with PT first. And now I'm doing regular strength training and Pilates with my climbing trainer, and it's all helping.

    I love the sport. It's so much fun. I'm glad you're back at it after the hip replacement. If you have further breast surgery, I wouldn't anticipate any problems.

    Climb on!

    Anne

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited August 2008

    Anne,



    If you lived around here, it would be fun to climb with you! I am flailing on 5.8's and 5.9's in the gym now. I haven't climbed outside since my hip surgery, mostly because the climbing season at the local areas (Pinnacles National Monument) is spring and fall. I sort of missed this year.



    I am glad to hear you're climbing again after your mastectomies& reconstruction. I find it enouraging to know what other people have been able to do. Before I had the hip replacement, I talked with other climbs and knew if they could climb again I could too, But it is harder to find climbers who have had mastectomies to talk to. Right now I am leaning towards not having reconstruction if I have a mastecomy because it is a simpler sugery. Anyway, I'll know soon if one is recommended - I get results from the biopsies on Monday.



    Cheers!

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited August 2008

    Hi, Lisa,

     5.8s and 5.9s are my current level for leading sport inside. I will toprope 5.10s, but not very successfully! I would love to climb at Pinnacles. We usually have a group of girls go up to Wild Iris in Wyoming, but this year it just didn't happen. I miss that comraderie and camping and climbing!

    I found climbing to be good for stretching out my post-implant muscles once I got strong enough. And I think that being a little weak in the chest and back forced me to use better footwork and core.

    Good luck in your decision about surgery. If you don't want to reconstruct, you can change your mind later. That's the beauty of it.

    Anne

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited August 2008

    Anne,



    You are lucky to have a gym where you can lead 5.8s and 5.9s. The easiest lead routes at our gym are 5.9 and you have to be climbing 5.10s to take the lead climbing class.



    The Pinnacles is a wonderful place to climb, although a bit nerve wracking do the nature of the brachia. You can tell a Pinacles climber because they every hand hold or foot hold. The popular routes aren't too bad, but some of the routes that are infrequenly done are loose.



    A friend who climbed in Wild Iris said it was a wonderful place, a lot of varied climbing! Have you climbed a lot around Boulder? I would like to climb the Flatirons some day.



    Climbing has been good pt for my hip; I am not surprised to hear it would be good for you after your mastectomy. If I have one I know one of the critical questions I will ask the surgeon is when can I start climbling again.



    Cheers!



    Lisa









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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited August 2008

    My surgeon cringes everytime I mention climbing--he does a lot of hand surgery!

    I have climbed the 3rd Flat Iron. It was so fun, and mostly like 5.6 trad. I followed. But there's a double rap off the back side that got my adrenaline pumping!

    I've done a bit of climbing in Boulder Canyon and Eldorado State Park. We're hoping to go down to Shelf Road (between Co Springs and Pueblo) this fall, but my main climbing buddy is pregnant now, so I'm not sure she'll go. And her fiance is the one I used to climb a lot with outside...I need to find new buddies!!

    But, she and I are climbing in the gym tomorrow. I can't wait. My hands are getting tender!

    Anne

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited August 2008

    Anne,

    I don't think surgeon's like climbing, on general principals.  My hip surgeon doesn't totally approve, but I told him climbing is not a high impact sport unless you take a lead fall.   

    I know what mean about needing to find new climbing partners.  I climbed with my friend John for several years before he decided to stop climbing a while ago.  I think his wife, also a friend was jealous.   I climb with other folks, but still miss climbing with John.  He was always up for going to the Pinnacles.  Also, he liked to teach and was a timid leader.  That meant our objectives were were a good match.

    I got the biopsy results on Monday and one of the areas was an additional IDC.  So, I will have a bilat mastectmy.   I am leaning towards not having reconstruction now, which surprises the oncologists.  I talk to my surgeon on Moday.  It will be interesting to hear his views re about reconstruction.

    Hope you had fun at the gym.  I am going to go tonight. 

    Lisa 

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  • Alexis111
    Alexis111 Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2008

    lisa-e,

    You are right, a surgeon typically does not advise you to rock climb....however....

    I was diagnosed in September 2006 with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, with minor lymph node involvement.  The original biopsy said that I had DCIS only, but in multiple quadrants. Had a mastectomy (on the right) and a SNB at the time of surgery...Sept 21, 2006. (Pathology discovered the invasive component After the mastectomy.)  I decided on NO reconstruction, and have always felt that it was the correct decision.  (Simply wanted that area to heal, without any complications, and decided that reconstruction was not a good choice for my body.)

    To make a long story short:  I have been climbing for many years, but was able to climb quite soon after my mastectomy. (Four weeks after). They were easy routes...5.7 & 5.8 range, but was able to lead.  Chemotherapy is what (later) made climbing very difficult.  Was able to only get out approx. twice per month....that being at the very end of a chemo cycle.  Chemotherapy was excruciating.

    I was told not to climb by numerous well-meaning individuals. However, it gave me a sense of purpose and strengthened my right arm.  Hiking outside and climbing provided a truly healing environment.  Getting my arm muscles to work properly and aquiring a full range of motion came quickly after my first few days out climbing.  It does take a long time for that area to heal, and to feel comfortable again, but it does come. Also, I never had lymphedema....even after alot of climbing.  With that said, I would be careful....You know your own immune system and your own personal strength.  Have someone lead for you perhaps, and then you can relax on top-rope.  Falling probably isn't such a hot idea so soon after surgery :)

    Just wanted to let you know that I was able to climb, and without any complications from surgery.  Am just now considering having my other breast removed (wish I had done it in 2006) as I am always worried about IDC coming back. 

    One note about not having reconstruction and leaving one breast....You will likely feel quite lop-sided.  My shirts do not fit properly, and people Do stare.  It is human nature....we must be programmed genetically to notice anything deviating from that which is visually "normal."   

    By the way...when is your surgery scheduled?

    Good luck to you!!

    Alexis

    ps.  Feel free to e-mail me at alexisdeanscott@yahoo.com

      

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited September 2008

    Alexis,



    I am glad you were able to climb after your mastectomy and you found it healing!



    I am having a bi-lateral mastectomy on the 25th of this month. There is not question about a it being a bi-lateral because 1) I have multicentric idc in the right breast with the last tumor only being dx after a mri to check for extent of disease and 2) I am busty and would be way too lopsidded. I decided against reconstruction because I am uncomforatble with the idea of putting foreign objects between my pecs. I think it would effect the functioning of those muscles.



    My breast surgeon is pretty loosey goosey about restrictions. After my inital surgery (lumpectomies and snb in 6/08) he said I could start climbing again as soon as got my drain out, using pain as a guide. He said movement would help things settle down, so I don't think he will object to my climbing after this surgery.



    I dont anticipate too much trouble starting to climb after the mastecomy. I had a total hip replacement in April of this year, just before my initial bc dx. I started climbing about six weeks afterwards, with a break for my first bc surgery. Currently, I am mostly climbing in the gym - about 5.7, 5.8. But considering my pre-hip injury range was 5.8-5.9, I am happy. I haven't been climbing out doors much yet, as time pressures make it hard to get out. Hopefully, I will be able to plan some trips next spring.



    I haven't started leading again and don't know if I will. I woory about lead falls and dislocating my hip. I am much more cautious right now, not even wanting to fall on top rope.



    You mention people staring - I would probably stare at some one who is obviously one breasted too. Heck, now I find myself staring at breasts all the time right now. I wonder if people will stare at me if I don't wear forms. (I don't like the idea of wearing them when I am climbing or exercision - seems like it would be hot and sweaty.)



    Cheers!



    Lisa



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  • Alexis111
    Alexis111 Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2008

    lisa-e,

    Good luck with your surgery on the 25th!  I have it marked on my calendar :) 

    Get outside and experience nature as soon as possible after surgery....it will help heal your body (and mind) as you already know.

    Alexis

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited September 2008

    That's coming up soon, Lisa-e! I'll be wishing you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery. Gym climbing has been a godsend to me for rehab--of body as well as soul.

    Maybe we bc climber gals should meet at Red Rocks Rendezvous next March for some fun climbing clinics and comeraderie??

    Anne

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  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 1,710
    edited September 2008

    Hi Ladies

     This weekend I was with my teammates training for the 36 hour Berryman adventure race that is next weekend.  After we were done training we crashed at one of my friends house.  They got out 3 climbing videos for us to watch.  It was totally amazing to see what people could do, sometimes they were only using one or two fingers.  I take my hat off to you ladies.  With my adventure racing that I just got into last year I do some rope work (repels, traverse & zip lines) but I would love to try the rock climbing stuff.  After my big race next weekend I'll get my exchange surgery and than later on a lift and small implant.

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited September 2008

    Alexis and Annie, thank you for the good wishes.  I am both nervous about the mast and looking forward to getting it over.  Anne, I think the Red Rock Rendezvous sounds like fun!  Is there anything on the web about this years Rendezvous yet?

     Rockwell Girl, If you want to try climbing  the Red Rock Rendezvous would be the perfect thing for you.  They will have clinics for beginners.  Red Rocks is beautiful in the spring and the climbing is wonderful.

     Lisa-e

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited September 2008

    I don't think they open registration till January. The event is toward the end of March. I went 3 years ago and had a blast. Met some cool people, took some fun clinics, and in general had a grand time. I didn't camp, but stayed at the Bonnie Springs hotel.

    I'm serious about getting a group of us together then!

    Anne

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited September 2008

    Anne,

    I've stayed at the Bonnie Spring Hotel when I've gone to Red Rocks.   I 'd much rather stay there than at the strip or the Red Rock campground.  But my sister moved to Vegas...her large, four bedroom house is only 20 minutes from Red Rocks. :)

    I'd seriously like to go to the Rendezvous.  I usuially go to the desert every spring to hike and/or climb.  Last year was the first time I didn't in many years, because of my hip replacement. So  I think it would be a great idea to have a contingent of us go!

     Lisa 

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited September 2008

    Were the noisy peacocks at the Bonnie Springs when you were there? I swear, they make more noise than cats in heat!

    When it's time for registration to open up, I'll be sure to post about it so maybe we can have a gathering there. I can see us in tee shirts that say something like "climbing 4 survival" or whatever.

    Anne

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited September 2008

    Yep, the peacocks were there.  They didn't keep us awake though. 

     For tee shirts, how about  "Pink Off, Climb On" or one with a slogan like "You climb with your feet, not with your boobs."

    So my climbing buddy Jen and I were trying to figure out what I should do with my bras after my mast.  We came up with the idea of a bra burning party (I think someone on bco has an avatar where she is burning her bra), using them to tp someone's house, writting notes on them and sending them off to folks who I am not in regular contact with & making a quilt with them.  Any ideas?

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited September 2008

    Are they big bras? Might make good slingshots for water ballons!

    I really like the "Pink Off, Climb On" idea, since I'm not a big fan of the pinkness associated with bc. That said, I saw the coolest hot pink rope the other day that I covet!!

    Anne

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  • Alexis111
    Alexis111 Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2008

    lisa-e,

    You have been on my mind much of the day.....

    Though we do not know each other, I spent some time today sending you positive surgery energy :)  I hope Everything went very well, and also hope that you recover quickly. 

    Take care of yourself once you are home!

    Alexis

    ps. Funny about the bra idea.....I haven't worn a bra since 2006!  You certainly won't "need" them anymore. However, there are many pretty alternatives....

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  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 819
    edited September 2008

    Hey Alexis, thanks for the good wishes! I got home from the hospital today, The surgery went well, but it took a lot longer than my surgeon anticipated. I had a lot of trouble with nausea from the anesthetic. Other than that I feel pretty good.



    I had climbing dreams in the hospital - a good sign, I think.

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited September 2008

    Glad you're doing okay, Lisa! I hope in your climbing dreams you were always moving upward successfully, and never took a fall. Or, if you fell, your belayer caught you before you decked!

    Climbing is a metaphor for life. I read that somewhere. It can be about the journey OR the destination.

    Heal quickly,

    Anne

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