Facing forward - exercising again!
I've been going through my own "emotional roller-coaster" these past few weeks for various reasons: my cancer, my mom's death, my husband's job change, possible move to Germany, my children's fears, to name a few. Plus THE WEATHER!!! UGH! I need sunshine if I'm going to BE "sunshine!" But the worst seemed to be whenever a friend would complement me: "You look great!" "You're my inspiration!" (You have all heard those phrases.) And it occurred to me that I was prickly over those comments because I didn't feel they were true. So, I decided to make them true.
I went back to the gym a couple of weeks ago. I cried when I went home after my first workout because all I could manage was a 5 minute walk on the treadmill at a very slow pace and a few squats/lunges. (My typical workout pre-cancer was a 5-10 mile run or 4000m swim plus a 1 hour weight lifting session.) Needless to say i was very disheartened. Not to mention the comments about how great I look in my blue bandana head cover! Yeah right!
But I went back a second time...and did a little more. Then a third, fourth, fifth time. Each time I tried just a wee bit more than the previous workout. Yesterday I ran 2 miles and lifted weights for 30 minutes!!! I left the gym feeling like I had just won the ironman! Am I anywhere near what I was doing before my diagnosis? NO!!! But do I feel awesome? YES!!!
My point is...sometimes attitude is a choice. (Sometimes it's not!) But where we can help ourselves is to try and face forward and do something that helps us claim a piece of ourselves back...whether it's working out, cooking a favorite meal, painting a picture, reading a favorite novel, etc. Make a goal (however humble) and start there. It's up to us how we feel about ourselves. And as I was leaving the gym yesterday with a huge smile on my face, an 81-year-old man told me I was beautiful. And you know what? I felt it! :-)
Good luck my sisters in pink!
With love,
Pitt
Comments
-
Very inspirational!
This was extremely inspirational, Pitt. Thanks so much for sharing. I've been extremely tired! Like you, before diagnosis, I worked out everyday. I was very energetic and felt great about myself. I have slowly sloped downhill since chemo and have 'gone with the flow' sort of speak. I always worked out early in the morning before waking my kids up for school. In order to do that, I woke up @ 5am. Well, I've attempted on a few occasions to set my alarm for 5 and when it went off in the morning, I changed it to 6, convincing myself that sleep is more important. I feel if only one day I could wake up @ 5, it would turn things around because right now it's a vicious cycle. I don't have energy because I'm not working out and I don't work out because I don't have the energy. I hope I can get to where you are real soon because I know for a fact that it makes all the difference in the world~!
You sound wonderful and we all know because we've seen you in a scarf, you ARE beautiful! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. It's very motivating!
Mar0 -
Take baby steps...Marlene_K said:Very inspirational!
This was extremely inspirational, Pitt. Thanks so much for sharing. I've been extremely tired! Like you, before diagnosis, I worked out everyday. I was very energetic and felt great about myself. I have slowly sloped downhill since chemo and have 'gone with the flow' sort of speak. I always worked out early in the morning before waking my kids up for school. In order to do that, I woke up @ 5am. Well, I've attempted on a few occasions to set my alarm for 5 and when it went off in the morning, I changed it to 6, convincing myself that sleep is more important. I feel if only one day I could wake up @ 5, it would turn things around because right now it's a vicious cycle. I don't have energy because I'm not working out and I don't work out because I don't have the energy. I hope I can get to where you are real soon because I know for a fact that it makes all the difference in the world~!
You sound wonderful and we all know because we've seen you in a scarf, you ARE beautiful! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. It's very motivating!
Mar
Marlene,
Thank you for your post. I appreciate all of it. I want to encourage you to try and get started with exercising again. If you're already mentally there, why not try? Instead of 5AM, set your alarm for 5:30AM. Tell yourself that a few minutes of exercise is better than nothing...and start SLOWLY! You're right about the cycle being vicious. I am too exhausted to exercise today but my goal is to try again tomorrow. Every little bit counts. Good luck! PItt0 -
Pitt, it was really good the
Pitt, it was really good the hear from you. And, you are right, attitude is a choice. I have always been a very upbeat and positive person. I have tried to maintain that attitude throughout my treatments. At times, it hasn't been easy but I've forged ahead. I, too, have continued to exercise throughout my treatments. Some days are better than others but since the first of the year, I've maintained 5-6 times a week. I feel better and I firmly believe anything we do for ourselves and our attitudes, is well worth it!! Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your happenings. Take care.0 -
Great decision!
I love the fact that you DECIDED to make the compliments feel true, Pitt! That's a great attitude!
I've been feeling uncomfortable with my lack of exercise, too, and yesterday I attended my very first yoga class! I'm really excited about it--wow, am I ever inflexible compared to some of those people! Very out of condition.
Yet I loved feeling that I could do most of the exercises at least to some degree without feeling completely overwhelmed, that progress does appear to be a real possibility if I stick with it, and that I didn't come away hurting so much that I would give up immediately. LOL!
Certainly I have a long way to go to develop the strength and flexibility of some of the students, much less the teacher, and some of the more complicated positions may be forever beyond me, but I'm sure I can work toward the modifications and increase my strength and condition. What a good feeling! Plus I have the added bonus that when the weather permits, I can add aerobic conditioning by walking to & from class.
I know how very important exercise is to my mental condition, so I'm very glad that I finally got my rear in gear on this--BEFORE I get so tired from chemo & rads that I just give up entirely.
Sandy0 -
Thank you so much, Pitt
You
Thank you so much, Pitt
You may have read my post titled Meltdown, and your words have helped me a lot (as have those contributors on the meltdown topic). Tomorrow is my next chemo, and I am going to take your advice, let my body release its fears when it needs to, AND move forward every day. I had a big smile on my face when you mentioned the compliment from the 81 yr. old man. Probably has had some hard knocks along his path, and recognized true beauty when he saw it.
With love from Santa Barbara,
Sally0 -
Good for you!
And Thanks so much for posting this!
After I read it and before I even replied, I did a few Sun Salutations (Yoga routine for those not familiar) and it felt great!
Like Maureen and you, I've been stuck in the vicious cycle of too tired to feel like excercising even when I know that excercising will give me energy.
I hope this will insipre others to do the same, and I'm really glad to hear that you're able to accept the compliments you're being given. I know it's hard to feel beautiful when we see the changes in the mirror, but your beauty does come from within, so I'm glad to hear that you're able to feel that beauty now.
Take care,
Cindy0 -
♥ Pitt ♥cindycflynn said:Good for you!
And Thanks so much for posting this!
After I read it and before I even replied, I did a few Sun Salutations (Yoga routine for those not familiar) and it felt great!
Like Maureen and you, I've been stuck in the vicious cycle of too tired to feel like excercising even when I know that excercising will give me energy.
I hope this will insipre others to do the same, and I'm really glad to hear that you're able to accept the compliments you're being given. I know it's hard to feel beautiful when we see the changes in the mirror, but your beauty does come from within, so I'm glad to hear that you're able to feel that beauty now.
Take care,
Cindy
It is so good to hear from you! You have been missed! Your post is so inspiring to many of us. I hope that you know that! I exercised during rads and I found that it did help, even though I was exhausted. lol It just didn't make any sense, but, it did work. I am sending you lots of good luck and lots of very gentle hugs!
Love, Jeanne ♥</♥</font>0 -
PittJeanne D said:♥ Pitt ♥
It is so good to hear from you! You have been missed! Your post is so inspiring to many of us. I hope that you know that! I exercised during rads and I found that it did help, even though I was exhausted. lol It just didn't make any sense, but, it did work. I am sending you lots of good luck and lots of very gentle hugs!
Love, Jeanne ♥</♥</font>
Thank you for reminding us and sharing your accomplishments.I just want to add that by taking a simple 30 min walk every day when the weather is nice could make a difference. You do not obligated to go to gym. Everyone can start at home.
Sending you a big hug.
New Flower0 -
Pitt,
That is so uplifting
Pitt,
That is so uplifting and inspiring. I am so happy for you that you have accompolished this and while in the middle of rads. It is so true that attitude can make the difference. Not, perhaps, in making the cancer disappear but in our ability to deal with it. Having something that we love doing or that brings us satisfaction is so important. I am so glad that you did this for yourself. It is a huge step forward in your recovery. HUGE!! Way to go.
Stef0 -
depression as well as fatiguefauxma said:Pitt,
That is so uplifting
Pitt,
That is so uplifting and inspiring. I am so happy for you that you have accompolished this and while in the middle of rads. It is so true that attitude can make the difference. Not, perhaps, in making the cancer disappear but in our ability to deal with it. Having something that we love doing or that brings us satisfaction is so important. I am so glad that you did this for yourself. It is a huge step forward in your recovery. HUGE!! Way to go.
Stef
is not a choice. IThey are serious side effects of Chemo and Radiation. It is biochemical and hormonal imbalance of the brain. According to my oncologist Chemo drugs as well as hormonal therapy can cause changes brain chemistry. Along with physical activity and positive attitude drugs such as anti-depressants and other psychotic medications should be used.
Yes, everything what we love and enjoy will play a crucial role in recovery and moving forward, but for some of us medications will be needed too.
New Flower0 -
Love your post Pitt! It isNew Flower said:depression as well as fatigue
is not a choice. IThey are serious side effects of Chemo and Radiation. It is biochemical and hormonal imbalance of the brain. According to my oncologist Chemo drugs as well as hormonal therapy can cause changes brain chemistry. Along with physical activity and positive attitude drugs such as anti-depressants and other psychotic medications should be used.
Yes, everything what we love and enjoy will play a crucial role in recovery and moving forward, but for some of us medications will be needed too.
New Flower
Love your post Pitt! It is inspiring and so great to read how well you are doing! We can all have good lives, full of whatever we want if we choose to. Thanks!0 -
New Flower,New Flower said:depression as well as fatigue
is not a choice. IThey are serious side effects of Chemo and Radiation. It is biochemical and hormonal imbalance of the brain. According to my oncologist Chemo drugs as well as hormonal therapy can cause changes brain chemistry. Along with physical activity and positive attitude drugs such as anti-depressants and other psychotic medications should be used.
Yes, everything what we love and enjoy will play a crucial role in recovery and moving forward, but for some of us medications will be needed too.
New Flower
I don't think
New Flower,
I don't think that Pitt was saying that depression and fatigue are choices. I have seen in other posts by her that she recognizes that these are real side effects and they need to be addressed. I don't think she was dismissing the use of medication to help handle these.
I think what she was saying is that she is taking a proactive stance and becoming the person (well and strong) that she was before cancer. I have had problems with depression and used medication but I know that exercise and positive self reinforcement aid in this. She was talking about what worked for her and how it was helping her mood and mindset. Not all depression has to be treated with medication but certainly many do. Depression comes in degrees and cause and solution. Pitt was just telling us how well what she was doing was helping her. For those that are using medication, that is what they should be doing. In this journey we have seen how different it is for each of us and every suggestion that is give have some that will use it and be successful and for others a different suggestion or solution will work. I know you have your struggles and you are addressing them in the way that is working for you. Please don't feel that she meant to diminish your struggles. Pitt was just sharing what is working for her. My prayers are with you during this journey. It's a hard struggle and we each look for our own path. But I love that we all (including you) are sharing strategies for success.
And Pitt, isn't it funny how a little elderly man you don't know can make your day?
Stef0 -
Thank you for posting this.DianeBC said:Love your post Pitt! It is
Love your post Pitt! It is inspiring and so great to read how well you are doing! We can all have good lives, full of whatever we want if we choose to. Thanks!
Thank you for posting this. i am glad you are doing better and pushing forward. It came at a good time for me as I had a tough time in PT today realizing how deconditioned I have become and what a long road its going to be.I started to cry. I just finished chemo and it knocked me on my butt. I am very weak, your words inspire me. So happy for you keep up the good work!!!!0 -
Exercise!!DianeBC said:Love your post Pitt! It is
Love your post Pitt! It is inspiring and so great to read how well you are doing! We can all have good lives, full of whatever we want if we choose to. Thanks!
Pitt: Loved your post. I am about 8 weeks out from double mastectomy and 4 months out from finishing chemo. and finally started jogging and doing yoga again a few weeks ago. Like you, I can't believe how much better I feel. I saw the surgeon yesterday and she confirmed that exercise will accelerate the healing process and will improve long-term survival rates! Time to get the sneakers on! Jane0 -
Hi Pitt
I also don't like the compliments I know aren't really true. I know I look like I feel-not so great. Been really tired during the last 2 chemos, I'm glad they're over with. There's an elliptical collecting dust in my basement, I'm wanting to get back on it soon. I'm glad you're doing well and getting stronger. Keep posting.0 -
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Dear Pitt,
I was much inspired by your post, thank you! My journey is very different from yours ... but your attitude is one that I need to adopt. I'm an avid exerciser/weight lifter and I'm having a bi-lateral in a few weeks. Every time I go work out my mind goes to, "What if I can never do a push-up again, or bench presses again, planks again." And I get so sad and so depressed. Your post so encouraged me! I need to do what I can, be thankful for what I CAN do and not focus on the things I can't do ... at least for a while.
Thank you for posting, for fighting and encouraging your sisters!
Keep pressing on!
With Much Love,
dh0 -
I agree completely....
But, you need to consult with a person who knows recovery after breast cancer surgery...at least, as far as lifting weights are concerned.
My treatment center had a special program, led by the physiotherapist at the hospital, to teach us how to protect the 'special' arm, while resuming activities.
But, as far as attitude...I agree!!! We can choose to stay sad, which isn't much fun, or embrace living as a result of being reminded by cancer that our lives can be cut short...I chose living life! Sure, I have my moments. I was sooooo glad, for instance, that I hurt my other arm...it swelled in the fingers because a brace was too tight...can you imagine if that was my 'special' arm?
Thanks for your thoughts on this, I'm glad you are getting on with life!!!
BIG hugs, Kathi
And, hey, if you move to Germany, we'll be neighbors!!!! It's just a short train ride (or a medium car ride) from The Netherlands! I recommend Rosetta Stone software to learn German, if you need it. I used it, and my Dutch improved ALOT!0 -
Cheering you on!!KathiM said:I agree completely....
But, you need to consult with a person who knows recovery after breast cancer surgery...at least, as far as lifting weights are concerned.
My treatment center had a special program, led by the physiotherapist at the hospital, to teach us how to protect the 'special' arm, while resuming activities.
But, as far as attitude...I agree!!! We can choose to stay sad, which isn't much fun, or embrace living as a result of being reminded by cancer that our lives can be cut short...I chose living life! Sure, I have my moments. I was sooooo glad, for instance, that I hurt my other arm...it swelled in the fingers because a brace was too tight...can you imagine if that was my 'special' arm?
Thanks for your thoughts on this, I'm glad you are getting on with life!!!
BIG hugs, Kathi
And, hey, if you move to Germany, we'll be neighbors!!!! It's just a short train ride (or a medium car ride) from The Netherlands! I recommend Rosetta Stone software to learn German, if you need it. I used it, and my Dutch improved ALOT!
~~I think i hear my treadmill calling.....one day at a time.
Blessings~
Melanie0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.6K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 308 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 395 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 791 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 234 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 56 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.4K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 534 Sarcoma
- 719 Skin Cancer
- 646 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.9K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards