Stage IV MBC Fitness
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Thank you Katy. This is beautiful.
Jenn is right- Z would have loved this
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absolutely love it! Precious idea for a precious woman. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for skiing, she would definitely love that.
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I don't post much but I'll jump in in honor of Z. I always hear her voice in my head: "Keep moving, ladies."
This winter I've been doing lap swimming. I'm also taking a class to improve my strokes-it kicks my but but I feel like I am getting stronger. I also take aqua exercise once a week. For anyone who has not exercised in awhile or ever-I recommend the aqua exercise. It's very gentle on our bodies and I found I could do things in the water that I struggle with on land b/c of the bouyancy. Both of these classes are from my park district and cost next to nothing.
I've been a certified yoga teacher for many years and was depressed because my poses got so bad after the cancer. But I've been practicing again for over 2 years and am slowly regaining some of the things I used to be able to do. I just have to be really patient with myself and keep trying. I am finally going back to normal classes. I was too embarrassed for a while because my body looks so different and I am no longer graceful and strong. Maybe I will be again at some point but now I don't care what anyone else thinks-the yoga helps me. I only go to teachers that I am comfortable with.
I also try to walk every day. I'm so grateful that I can still get outside and walk and simply experience the joy of being alive.
So thanks Z for all your inspiration-I"ll join the crowd of ladies who "Keep Moving!"
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Really nice tributes to Z, Katy and illimae. I'll join others in dedicating a walk or a workout to her. Before I read the BCO posts my thoughts were with Z. I was hoping she just hadn't gotten around to syncing her Fitbit. But I realized the trend showed it was probably not a technical oversight. She somehow remained connected to us through the Fitbit though and was still reminding us to Keep Moving. Thanks for doing the research, illimae.
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I agree Heidi, the low step count has had me concerned for some time. Still inspiring, still motivating.
Keep moving 🏃♀️
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I was very sorry to hear about Z. Like others on this thread, I was encouraged to increase my exercise by her sharing her knowledge of the benefits for us stage 4s. I bought a Fitbit to join the group and have deliberately increased my steps, if nothing else, as a consequence, and I will be forever grateful to her for this. I have nothing but admiration for her dedication to research and fearlessness in undertaking her own complementary treatment, whether it be diet/fasting, exercising during infusions, hot yoga, treatment in a Japan!!!, oxygen therapy etc. Wow, what a woman! Truly inspirational. Thanks Z.
This last week I did 2 cycle classes, 1 Pump, 1 Pilates and 2 Tai Chi, less than usual. But I’ve started pelvic floor Pilates in a small group class with a physiotherapist, and have been very surprised at how much improvement I’ve made in my pelvic floor strength in just 3 weeks of kegals several times a day. It won’t improve my posterior wall prolapse, which I was horrified to learn I had, but it should help my symptoms (along with other interventions). When I next see my Onc I’m going to ask for vaginal oestrogen to help prevent my prolapse worsening. It’s a quality of life issue for me. Keep moving folks. And happy International Womens Day
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I had a Fitbit for almost a year before I started using it regularly because of Z. Now I can't live without it. Lol. It will remind me of her.
https://www.breastcancer.org/community/podcasts/exercise-metastatic-20190222
More on how exercise is good for us, just to keep Z's spriit alive. I like the three exercises recommended by cancer exercise specialist Sami Mansfield for everyone as excerpted below:
I think there’s really three things that are really key to exercise and where I feel it’s safe and effective when we have the right stimulus. Number one would be some form of a chair sit-to-stand, also known in the exercise world as a squat. Because everybody is going to need to use the toilet, get out of bed, you know, get their socks and shoes and pants on. So having the ability to have those muscles strong is really key, and no matter where the metastasis locations are it’s still a very safe and effective exercise.Improving the core or the center of the body is another really important and underutilized exercise and can be done as simple as sitting at the edge of your chair, throwing a timer on, and saying, “Ok, I’m going to sit here for 20 to 30 seconds at a time, using my muscles. I’m not leaning on the back of the chair, but I’m really engaging the center of my body.” That’s going to help everything from walking to turning a corner or carrying a purse or a child.
The other thing that I really encourage people to do is to continue to be able to lift their arms all the way overhead to a full extension. That’s of course known as a shoulder press in the exercise world, but it’s really important for activities like washing your hair, or putting a coffee mug on the top shelf, or being able to reach your arm in full extension if you’re reaching around the seat of a car, etc. So a great way to do that is to sit on a chair if that’s more comfortable or stand against a wall, put your arms at 90 degrees, and then work on stretching your arms all the way overhead, so that the inner part of the arm is close to the ear. And you’ll realize that maybe you have compromised posture or haven’t been working those muscles due to surgeries or treatments that those muscles get really tight and then lead to a lot of other concerns orthopedically like shoulders, etc.
So no matter where your location of metastases are, those three exercises done even every day, will make a huge difference in mobility and function, and anybody can do them safely.
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Oh no. I am so sad to be logging back in after a few weeks to read this news...… so, so sad. I don't know if any of you remember, but this thread was originally (2013 or 2014 maybe) by another very inspirational woman, Nancy... who I absolutely loved. Like Z, she was amazing and encouraging, posting pictures of herself running half marathons and climbing mountains...I think it was Mount Adams in Washington. I was devastated when she passed away. I almost continued this thread myself - calling it something with her name in it in her honor, but before I did Z jumped right in with her incredible original post, full of hope and information. I have missed her all these months but like everyone else, just assumed she was taking a break and time for herself and her family. I will do something in her honor tomorrow.
xo
Andrea
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I also want to mention Anko who started the Stage IV Fitness Club in 2012. It is sad to think of all the inspiring women on these threads who have passed away.
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keeping it moving....
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how can I join the Fitbit group that Z started?
Thanks
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Chemokaze, I’m not sure exactly but I’ve been thinking about it lately. There were too many people for challenges, so Z and another person (Dana) each invited some. I’ll reach out to Dana and report back 😀
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so, it looks like I can add a member to the group, I think. Please PM me your email and I’ll give it a try.
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HI Everyone! It has been awhile since I last checked in as I've been something of a sloth this winter, and I am so very saddened to learn that Z is gone. She was such a great inspiration to so many of us, and her attitude was fantastic. My heart goes out to her family and all who knew her.
I know she would be proud of me today. I got in 13,000 steps after many moons of not much activity, and I started doing some strength training including kettle bell swings, planks, squats, and push ups. I'm going to do my best to keep it up in honor of our friend Z.
llmae - I used to get invited to the Fitbit challenges, but somehow got off the list. I'd love to get back on board as it did really help me to get motivated and out of my chair. That would be awesome if you can add me back in to the next one.
As Z would say, keep moving ladies! You are all awesome.
DeAnn
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good morning/afternoon friends!
I haven’t posted in a little while here - life has been good and busy. Celebrated my 42nd birthday yesterday as well as my 2 year cancerversary. I’m celebrating all month!
Had a great bday which ended with going salsa dancing. Was SO fun!!! I haven’t been out to the clubs in so long. I REALLY love it so much - it is one of my lifelong passions and loves. Dancing heals my heart like nothing else! I had a couple amazing dance partners and one in particular that was the most memorable last night.
I felt pretty energetic the whole time and was so thrilled at my salsa stamina and muscle memory of all the fun moves, despite it being so long. I am thankful to all the exercise I do (Zumba, cardio kickboxing and tai fit and abs etc) for my body’s ability to do it!
I’ve been going to this club for about 15 years now, and it feels like home to me. I got to see so many friends and dance partners that I haven’t seen in so long.
It’s not the most exciting and brightly lit video, but here is me dancing last night with a very gentle lead and handsomely dressed partner last night that my friend took, if anyone is interested. (I have to turn my phone brightness all the way up to see it clearly.)
I felt like I was my old self again!! Inspired to keep this up! I used to go out 5 nights a week!! I will be happy if I start going out one night a week :-) it is what I am aspiring to do now.
Keep on moving my friends!!! Z will always be in my heart and my mind as a reminder to keep moving!!! 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
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The salsa video was wonderful! You go girl
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Way to go with the salsa dancing! I love to dance too, but I mostly just jam to my own music at home. I really should explore more dance opportunities. It’s such a fun way to get exercise.
So far I have done about 75 minutes of vinyasa flow yoga today and will teach a yoga class later this afternoon. I also did a couple miles of walking. My husband and I also took some garbage bags and did a litter cleanup by some pathways and roads near our house. The snow has melted away and revealed all the junk that was buried beneath it. We filled up three garbage bags! So. Much. Plastic! Ugh.
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Philly! That was amazing! I am so impressed. It looks like SO much fun, and great exercise at the same time! I would love to learn, but the range of motion in my arms is so limited that I am pretty sure I couldn't do those twirls! Happy Birthday! You are just a spring chicken!
DeAnn, how did you go from being a sloth and not moving to teaching a yoga class in the span of about two days? That is very impressive...
I'd love to be in the Fitbit group too. I am really trying to get 10,000 steps in, but I am constantly pulling out my phone and looking at it, so a Fitbit and all of you for inspiration would be a lot better.... and I would think of Z while I was doing it. I did run 3.5 miles on Friday, did Hot Power Fusion yoga and 5K steps yesterday, and then walked with a friend today - almost 5 miles. Of course, tomorrow is Monday and I have a crazy work week.... so really going to force myself to take breaks and if nothing else, walk up and down the 15 floors in our building. I think I am getting a teensy weensy bit better at yoga, so that is encouraging. Now if I could just force myself to get in swimming pool, I'd be in business.
Hope everyone has a good week!
XO
Andi
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yay, illimae. Philly, great video. I could see your smile from here. Happy Birthday! DeAnn, thanks for the clean up work. It is one planet we have. All that bending counts for exercise, too.
Andi, I am getting better at yoga as well. I try to incorporate it into my regular workouts. Not sure it can still be called yoga that way but at least I'm doing something.
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You are all so inspiring! A friend and I decided to hike all 18 trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park and knocked out four today doing 6.2 miles. I had to come home and lay down!
Four more to go...about 7 miles. It's funny because an army base is across the road from the park. They blow reville (sp) at noon and I expected Dudley Doright to come riding up the path.
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Andi - haha! I guess I haven't been a total sloth, but very nearly. However, I am definitely feeling the muscle effects of all the walking, those two hours of yoga,, and all the bending down to pick up trash. My legs muscles are pretty sore!
I did get out for a walk yesterday and got in my goal of 9000 steps. Today it won't happen but my legs will appreciate the break. I'll try to get some yoga in though tonight.
Wow lwrite! Talk about inspiring! I love that you've just decided to do ALL the trails.
DeAnn
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hi everyone! Love hearing about your inspiring movements! Even if it is getting out of bed and to the bathroom and back, it’s good!!!
I went to tai fit and abs yesterday - we do sort of a cardio kicking boxing / dancing kinda movements while holding a 3 lb weight in each hand. The dancing movements are interspersed with upper body weight lifting movements. All to fun house music - which is great for keeping the rhythm! We do the cardio for 45 minutes and then 15 minutes of an ab workout. Good stuff!!! I love it!!
My teacher, he is a bit older than me and we have gone on two dates now and on Sunday we are going to see some tap dancing 🕺🏽 so date number 3. He knows my health history and seems both supportive and unphased. He’s seen a lot in his life and recognizes the presciousness of each and every moment. I’m working to be cool with the age difference. He’s quite physically fit. I don’t know if my vagina works anymore!!! Sex counts as exercise, right??!!! 😂 😉
Today I took about a 5 mile walkabout around the city of Philly and visited some friends. So there were breaks about every 1.5-2.0 miles. It was a crisp and cold and beautiful sunny day. The fresh air felt amazing and I felt a bit tired!
Check out this cat I met today!!
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Love those kitty eyes. Good for you for stepping out with this teacher. So glad to hear you are enjoying yourself in so many different ways!!!
Gumdoctor
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thanks Gumdoctor! I am trying to pretend that I am relatively “normal” whatever that means
I am grateful for the energy that I have right now and I hope it continues for many many years!! Hope you are feeling as well as can be?
Aren’t those cats eyes beautiful? Funny funny creatures!!
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I love that you are feeling so normal! I love kitties but that one is truly unique!
I just drove to a 3-day dental conference and back. I could do 1/2 days in classes but figured that was better than no days...and I told myself I was pretending to have some "normal" days...did alot of walking every day at the huge conference center.
Had CT Monday and will get results in 1 week...hoping for the best.
Gumdoctor
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did you learn anything interesting at the conference?
I’ve jumped into your pocket to hang out with you while you wait for the CT scan results. No matter how calm we may think we are (or others think we are) there is always a line of tension and stress with this waiting period. I hope you are finding good ways to distract yourself! Big hug!!!
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That is so kind of you!!! You are welcome in my pocket any time!
Yes I am working on my house and doing a little gardening, as much as I can accomplish in small spurts of time. Kitties are committed to helping...funny though, much if what I have to clean continuously is from them...kind of ironic...hahaha.
Amazingly, one of my favorite people from the Army is retired and is a renowned oral pathologist and orofacial pain specialist. One of the reasons I wanted to get to this particular meeting was because she was a scheduled presenter. 6 of my 9 continuing education hours were with her.
I got to visit with her for about 10 minutes total and it was really great to catch up. She was unaware of my bilat stage 3 BC from 2014 (but symptoms from 2011...) and of course had no idea about MBC. Now she knows. Given her specialty and extensive experience with teaching and consulting, she immediately knew what this all meant. She asked me great clinical questions, had some suggestions and expressed heart-felt compassion.
It was great to see her. It was great to have 3 kind of "normal" professional days. It was great to get dressed up like a real doctor. And absolutely I learned alot from my Army buddy. She talked alot about the importance of visually evaluating our patients before we ever get inside their mouth. She put a great spin on ut all that I have never heard before in my long career.
Thank you for asking!!!
Gumdoctor
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Hi All -
No news when I say this but I sure miss Z...
Want to share something about my struggle toward increasing activity...I have a very painful foot of all things. It took over 3 mos for the Army to arrange for me to get imaged and evaluated. Presumptive diagnoses were stress fracture or arthritis in a specific foot joint. They had me in an air cast for 6 weeks and I am now out of the cast. Pain is certainly reduced but still there. CT was done due to continuing symptoms and now they are saying it is NOT a stress fracture but arthritis.
Pain is significant enough that it is interfering with any simple activities like even walking. Arthritis means this may get a bit better at times but it is a chronic condition...forever...very upsetting. I had a stress fracture before in the same foot but a different place. It took over 2 years for it to heal.
After pondering my current options...here is my plan:
1. Talk it over with ONC next Monday at scheduled monthly treatment appt.
2. If ONC approves, schedule steroid injection (at least I need to try this and see what it can do to help me).
3. Set up walking plan.
4. START WALKING!!!!
Hoping you are all doing well with your movement activities for as Z and others tell us - KEEP MOVING!
Gumdoctor
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Gum doctor, so sorry about your foot pain. I have a coworker who had similar issues and she found that gabapentin was helpful in reducing pain as well as really focusing on hydration, but the steroid injection sounds like a good thing to try. So hard to get exercise when your foot is in pain, I have neuropathy in one foot and it is always present but I’ve just had to learn to ignore, but pain is an entirely different thing. Hope you can get some relief.
DeAn
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Andi, if you want to PM me your email, I’ll add you to the Fitbit group.
Keep moving 😀
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