My Story

THIS IS...MY STORY

Sometimes you don't realize how precious life really is. Sometimes it takes a major event to happen to you to remind you to appreciate the things really matter most. You see, I was diagnosed in December of ’06 with Stage IIIb breast cancer. My world was turned upside down. I am fairly young and those who have had cancer in my family typically were in their late 60s, 70s, and even 90s.

A biopsy of the removal of a lump discovered the cancer. Since I was fairly young (mid 40s), it was decided I would have aggressive chemotherapy treatments immediately. My treatments were every other week, eight in all. Yes, I lost all of my hair, (I had some really cool wigs though) had a very small amount of stomach upset (thanks to the new anti-nausea drugs), and had bad days and good days. With the wigs and some very wonderful natural mineral based makeup and skin care products, it was hard to tell I had cancer.

Chemo treatments were followed by a mastectomy. Then the next stage of treatment was to have radiation. The cancer had spread into my lymph nodes and some of the skin. I had 33 treatments total and went five days a week. It was almost like the radiation was harder on me than the chemotherapy.

It was about this time that I really was beginning to see and feel what a toll cancer and the treatments had taken on my body. My energy was low and I didn’t feel like doing a thing. Needless to say, during and after radiation, I gained about 25 pounds. Not good on a 5’4” body. I started looking for ways to get my body healthy and back in shape.

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The first thing I did was to get on a vitamin and mineral regimen. An friend of mine introduced me to Usana vitamins. I absolutely would not go without them now. I take the HealthPak 100 plus extra CoQ10, Vitamin C, grape seed extract, and BiOmega 3. My family loves them as well. Here is the link if you are interested http://healthnenergy.usana.com.

My next step was to find some type of exercise program and that is when Zumba entered my life. I had heard of Zumba about 6 months before. I knew of an assisted living facility that had an instructor come in once a week to teach classes. I also heard how much fun it was and I decided to check it out. First, I found a website that sold the DVDs. However, with the release of the new Zumba Fitness® DVDs, that company no longer carries the set. (The new set is fantastic!) It looked like so much fun. I loved the music and the steps didn't look that difficult. I thought I would love it so I ordered them and started my own fitness routine at home. Next, I looked for a class that I could join. I found that my local YMCA offered classes so I put on my workout clothes and I enrolled. I LOVE IT! It’s not only fun but an excellent workout. Boy do I sweat! I love Zumba SO much; I have attended two Zumba® Instructor Workshops and can now teach Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold! I am also a member of ZIN (Zumba Instructors Network).

I also workout on exercise equipment to help tone my muscles. The machine I have uses my own body resistance depending on whether I want to tone or build muscles. The mastectomy left my one arm very weak, out of shape, and with limited ability. I have to be careful of lymphedema, (which is swelling of the affected part) due to lymph nodes being taken from beneath my arm. This is a very sensitive area and I try to be careful that I don't overdo it. My energy level is improving every day. I believe all the things I am doing is benefiting me. I am getting into better health and better shape every day. I will keep you updated on my progress.

On a brighter note, be looking for my Zumba Gold classes to start soon. I am currently working on a program and will post a schedule as soon as I have it finished. I am very excited about my new venture! I hope you find my website informative and helpful. I would like to think that I have gone through all this to be able to help someone else. Finally, I want to thank my family and friends for their endless support, prayers and for being there when I needed you most!

Update: Cancer is a funny thing. After all I have been through, it has returned. The cancer now is in the skin in the area of the mastectomy and can only be detected visually. I am on a treatment plan and am keeping the cancer under control for now. Reconstruction at this point is not an option unfortunately. I am still trying to keep up my "healthy living" plan. Hopefully, I can live with this diagnosis until there is a CURE!

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