Friends and family know that exercise is a big part of my life. After I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1993, I decided to take control of the pain through exercise. I found over the years that, for the most part, I can control the fibro episodes through regular, rigorous walks and light to medium weights. My weekly goal before-cancer was 3-5 days a week, walking 30-60 minutes followed by sit ups and weights. This helped me keep the fibro under control and keep my weight where it needs to be.
After my mastectomy, I got back to my walks as soon as possible. The frustration I've had is not being able to make a lot of progress. Even one day off causes a backslide in endurance and strength that I find frustrating. Long walks cause muscle and nerve pain across my chest that sets me back, and then the fibro will kick in just to make things a little tougher the next time. Argh!
The Avon Walk is now my push to get my walks back up to where they were before surgery. Walking 39 miles will mean lots of short and long walks between now and July. So, with the help of a friend and my girls, I'm working to add more walks to my week and to build up my strength and endurance. In fact, this week I've already logged almost 10 miles on the treadmill with almost no pain.
Onward!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Taking a walk with some friends
Right after the New Year I called my friend, Kelley, to ask if she'd like to take a walk with me. She agreed to fly up from San Diego to join me. And then, a week or so later, my friend Carole and her family came to dinner and she saw a pink flyer on my refrigerator. She'd thought about taking the same walk in the past, but never did. This year, she's coming with me. And then, another week or so went by and I talked to my friend, Clare, in Indiana. She's decided to come out for a little walk with me as well.
The thing is, the walk is in July and is about 39 miles long, over 2 days. And we'll be walking with LOTS of other folks!
The ads for the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer emphasize the power of so many walking and raising funds together to show support for and give to research to help friends, family, and sometimes themselves, against this disease. The t-shirts in the promotional videos show the names of those for whom people are walking. I'm not sure what I'll write on the back of my shirt. If I list everyone I know who is battling or has beaten breast cancer, I won't have much shirt left!
But I do know, I have three friends who will be joining me for a little walk. Join us if you can!
More to come on this....
The thing is, the walk is in July and is about 39 miles long, over 2 days. And we'll be walking with LOTS of other folks!
The ads for the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer emphasize the power of so many walking and raising funds together to show support for and give to research to help friends, family, and sometimes themselves, against this disease. The t-shirts in the promotional videos show the names of those for whom people are walking. I'm not sure what I'll write on the back of my shirt. If I list everyone I know who is battling or has beaten breast cancer, I won't have much shirt left!
But I do know, I have three friends who will be joining me for a little walk. Join us if you can!
More to come on this....
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Bravery
This morning while I trotted along on my treadmill, I watched a perfect example of what bravery and taking back what breast cancer takes away can look like.
As you may or may not know, Robin Roberts, one of the hosts of "Good Morning America", was diagnosed with breast cancer last Summer. I learned about her diagnosis at the same time that I was having my first biopsy. Ms. Roberts has been very open about her treatment, which included a lumpectomy, then chemo, and radiation that will start soon.
Today, she was the first of the GMA hosts to take her turn in a set of dares that all of the hosts will take part in. Her dare? To strut the catwalk in a real fashion show during New York's Fashion Week, happening right now. This morning, Ms. Roberts joined a bevy of professional models in the Issac Mizrahi show. She was spectacular.
When asked about the experience, she clearly articulated that one of the reasons she took on the dare was because breast cancer and its treatment have left her feeling far from beautiful or feminine. From what I've gone through and heard from others, her experience is pretty universal. There is nothing like losing your hair and/or having your breasts removed to destroy any sense of femininity you may have once had.
Well, she stood up and was an example for anyone facing breast cancer, or really, any health challenge. She walked out as the woman she is now, strong, beautiful, and bald. And my was she beautiful. See for yourself - http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/popup?id=4257319
Please share Ms. Roberts' story with every woman you know who is dealing with breast cancer or any issue that has made her feel less of a woman. It is an inspirational act that, I hope, inspires others to bravery as well.
As you may or may not know, Robin Roberts, one of the hosts of "Good Morning America", was diagnosed with breast cancer last Summer. I learned about her diagnosis at the same time that I was having my first biopsy. Ms. Roberts has been very open about her treatment, which included a lumpectomy, then chemo, and radiation that will start soon.
Today, she was the first of the GMA hosts to take her turn in a set of dares that all of the hosts will take part in. Her dare? To strut the catwalk in a real fashion show during New York's Fashion Week, happening right now. This morning, Ms. Roberts joined a bevy of professional models in the Issac Mizrahi show. She was spectacular.
When asked about the experience, she clearly articulated that one of the reasons she took on the dare was because breast cancer and its treatment have left her feeling far from beautiful or feminine. From what I've gone through and heard from others, her experience is pretty universal. There is nothing like losing your hair and/or having your breasts removed to destroy any sense of femininity you may have once had.
Well, she stood up and was an example for anyone facing breast cancer, or really, any health challenge. She walked out as the woman she is now, strong, beautiful, and bald. And my was she beautiful. See for yourself - http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/popup?id=4257319
Please share Ms. Roberts' story with every woman you know who is dealing with breast cancer or any issue that has made her feel less of a woman. It is an inspirational act that, I hope, inspires others to bravery as well.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Kicking Oncologist Booty....Almost
The 3-month checkups for my friend and myself didn't go quite as expected. Kathryn's mammogram hit a glitch that required another biopsy. The same biopsy that I had last August and that resulted in my bi-lateral mastectomy decision.
When the mammogram didn't go very well, Kathryn was naturally devastated. This was only her second mammogram. The first one showed cancer, and now the second one showed cellular changes that warranted a biopsy. I wasn't surprised at her reaction. She had every reason to be upset.
What did surprise me was my reaction. We had originally scheduled for me to go with her to the appointment, but because of some sick-child issues, I stayed at her place while she went alone. After she called to tell me the news and then came home, I went back to work, and completely lost it. I'm not sure if it was the utter unfairness of it all, or my being too raw about the whole breast cancer issue, but I was so sad and so angry and frustrated for my friend; and suddenly scared to death of my own oncology visit the next week.
I learned that I am very lucky. I have amazing friends who talked me down from my own fear and helped me to get past my own issues to be there for my friend. Thankfully, after a long oncology visit and a very uncomfortable biopsy, my friend got a clean bill of health today and doesn't have to go through the mammogram ordeal again for another 6 months.
In the midst of Kathryn's scare, I kept my oncology appointment.
I like my oncologist because he is very straightforward. I dislike my oncologist because he is very straightforward.
When it comes to my bloodwork and treatment options and prognosis, I need to talk with someone who gathers a ton of facts and then tells me in a very clear, concise manner, what my options are. However, when it comes to dealing with the deformity that is now my chest wall, I'm not yet ready to deal with all of the options.
In short, my appointment went fine. In the words of my oldest friend, I "kicked oncology booty" and I don't have to deal with it again for 3 months.
As for the rest, my oncologist thinks I should talk to some plastic surgeons. I'm not so sure.
I did manage to go into the prosthetics shop. The woman was very nice and helped fit me into a bra and prosthetics. Through this I learned that going back to a "C" cup won't happen. Prosthetics are heavy! I wasn't ready for anyone to see my chest yet, so I only got fitted over my tank top. I did get the sizes and styles written down so I can start from there next time I work up the jujus to go into the shop again.
I mentioned the visit to my sister and told her that, even if I get prosthetics, I can't imagine wearing them all the time. Maybe they'll be for special occasions. Her response was to suggest I just get "DD" prosthetics and call them my party boobs!
Party Boobs....hmmmm there might be something to that!
When the mammogram didn't go very well, Kathryn was naturally devastated. This was only her second mammogram. The first one showed cancer, and now the second one showed cellular changes that warranted a biopsy. I wasn't surprised at her reaction. She had every reason to be upset.
What did surprise me was my reaction. We had originally scheduled for me to go with her to the appointment, but because of some sick-child issues, I stayed at her place while she went alone. After she called to tell me the news and then came home, I went back to work, and completely lost it. I'm not sure if it was the utter unfairness of it all, or my being too raw about the whole breast cancer issue, but I was so sad and so angry and frustrated for my friend; and suddenly scared to death of my own oncology visit the next week.
I learned that I am very lucky. I have amazing friends who talked me down from my own fear and helped me to get past my own issues to be there for my friend. Thankfully, after a long oncology visit and a very uncomfortable biopsy, my friend got a clean bill of health today and doesn't have to go through the mammogram ordeal again for another 6 months.
In the midst of Kathryn's scare, I kept my oncology appointment.
I like my oncologist because he is very straightforward. I dislike my oncologist because he is very straightforward.
When it comes to my bloodwork and treatment options and prognosis, I need to talk with someone who gathers a ton of facts and then tells me in a very clear, concise manner, what my options are. However, when it comes to dealing with the deformity that is now my chest wall, I'm not yet ready to deal with all of the options.
In short, my appointment went fine. In the words of my oldest friend, I "kicked oncology booty" and I don't have to deal with it again for 3 months.
As for the rest, my oncologist thinks I should talk to some plastic surgeons. I'm not so sure.
I did manage to go into the prosthetics shop. The woman was very nice and helped fit me into a bra and prosthetics. Through this I learned that going back to a "C" cup won't happen. Prosthetics are heavy! I wasn't ready for anyone to see my chest yet, so I only got fitted over my tank top. I did get the sizes and styles written down so I can start from there next time I work up the jujus to go into the shop again.
I mentioned the visit to my sister and told her that, even if I get prosthetics, I can't imagine wearing them all the time. Maybe they'll be for special occasions. Her response was to suggest I just get "DD" prosthetics and call them my party boobs!
Party Boobs....hmmmm there might be something to that!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
