...I used to never do it. A girl with big knockers could really hurt herself running, ya know! Well that was my excuse (invalid) anyway.
There was a study I read while I was in treatment that said a breast cancer survivor could reduce their risk of recurrence by 45% or more if they exercised in a manner that raised their heart rate for 30 or more minutes six days per week. Gulp.
I hadn't been working out for a while since becoming pregnant with Cooper (Oct.'07) due to the 19 weeks of strict bed rest (valid excuse) I had and then the extreme sleep deprivation once my little man was here - his first year was pure survival and it was exercise just staying awake and being functional (so-so valid excuse).
Anyway, I started changing my lifestyle immediately after being diagnosed. Purged my house of toxic chemicals (cleaning supplies, fragrance products, beauty products - anything that had toxic chemicals in it), switched over to organic eating, added vitamins and supplements, and much more. The exercise thing was on hold (except for some walks mainly for meditation and fresh air) until after treatment was over (doc-approved excuse).
Then I had more surgeries and exercise remained on hold for a few more months (valid excuse).
Finally I got into gear and joined a new gym and got off to a great start. Then sort of fizzled out because I was doing some traveling (invalid excuse).
At a recent follow up visit to the oncologist I told Dr.B that I had gotten started but wasn't going as often as I should and he said "exercise is the single most important thing you can do to work toward prevention of a recurrence." Got it. Enough said.
I've been running just about every day since then. I'm currently traveling and have dragged my butt to the gym every day since arriving. I happily handed over $25 for a week-long pass and as soon as Cooper starts his nap just before/around dinner time (time zone change has been a challenge for him), I grab my gym bag and head over to the gym. Yesterday I ran the longest time and distance I have ever run before - 45 minutes, 3.2 miles. It helped me get out my frustration and anger that I began to express on the blog yesterday. It helped me feel like I was taking back some control.
This is new for me, but it's the new me from now on. This is not some new years resolution that will go awry in a few months time...this is my life now. No more excuses. I run to live. And I will run to honor God and to fight for me and my sister warriors.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies
5 comments:
PS - Coop is being watched by my folks when I head out for the gym haha just in case anyone was wondering how I pulled that one off ;)
You are likely going to have to kick me in the a$$ to get me exercising more in a few months! I am so proud of you!
I had planned to start working out when my treatment was done too. My last herceptin was December 2nd. My last major surgery for a while was November 18th. I should be exercising - but I came down with a rotator cuff injury. I can barely breathe right now. :( It has been 18 months since my DX and I still can't do anything. I'm getting frustrated! I want to try hula hooping - sounds like fun! I am getting a cortisone shot Monday I hope, that should put me on the right track. Congratulations to you on making successful lifestyle changes. I know it's not easy!
I so identify with this, Julie! I've passionately hated running ever since they forced us to do it in Jr. High. But something about being able to do it now has turned it on its head. (Not having C cups bouncing around helps too.) As I run, I feel like I am beating the disease. Stronger, you know? Keep it up...maybe we'll be running the Race for the Cure very soon!
Julie, I don't know you, but I am so encouraged by reading your blog.
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer April 2009. I, too, am raising a young son. I, too, am discovering the great need to exercise more consistently. Yesterday, I had my first post treatment results given from the CT scan of last week. Clear! My team of oncologists are not willing or ready to state remission on my behalf. It is something about waiting two years-because...but I choose to believe in what Proverbs 3:5-6 says to me:
"Mary-Margaret, trust Me with all your heart. Do not lean on the knowledge of doctors. Do not lean on your fears. Acknowledge Me, Mary-Margaret. My Name. My Power. My Strength. My Love. I promised to direct your path and I have, This is the path I have led you to follow. Trust Me."
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