Declaration: It's Safe to Be Slender

I am Healing Seeker. I have already gone into remission from breast cancer. Hooray for that! For more information on the breast cancer I had (notice the past tense), please check out these links on AC:

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 1 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 2 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 3 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 4 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 5 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 6 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 7 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 8 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 9 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 10 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 11 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 12 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 13 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 14 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 15 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 16 by Healing Seeker

* Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 17 by Healing Seeker

As a quick synopsis, I was diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer on January 7, 2010. I had eight sessions of chemo between February 4, 2010 and July 1, 2010. I had a double mastectomy on August 11, 2010. I started preventative radiation treatments on September 15, 2010. I will most likely complete my very last radiation treatment on November 5, 2010. Then, other than taking the low-dosage chemo tablet for five years, there is nothing more that needs to be done. Doctors don't like to use the term cancer-free. They prefer to use the term "in remission." I prefer the first term since there is no more cancer in my body; however, we will be politically correct and use the latter term. Sigh!

From the very beginning, other than 9 pity parties, I have maintained a positive attitude and my sense of humor. I credit this all to God and the power of prayer. I had and have great doctors, a great treatment plan, and a wonderful and supportive husband, family, and friends. Thanks be to God for all that as well!

Chemo makes some people gain weight due to steroids or some other feature. It made me lose weight since I could not taste a lot of my food for almost six months. Both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist did not want me losing too much weight while still undergoing treatment. Once radiation is completed, my goal is to lose an additional sixty pounds the healthy way. I have lost 20 to 22 pounds so far, depending on which doctor's scale I get on. Before having reconstruction surgery late in the fall of 2011, I want to have lost that additional sixty pounds so that I don't have fake boobs attached to fat.

As for my husband per the double mastectomy, he did not care if I had two breasts, one breast, or zero breasts. He just wanted me healthy. He is a wonderful man! He also loves my body as it is right now. I too learned a long time ago to embrace my Rubenesque body; however, I feel it would be a good idea to lose these pounds to be more healthy and fit as I continue on in my fifty's. I am currently 52 years old.

I am a strong believer in the power of prayer, mind over matter, and positive affirmations. Some people have put forth the theory that you should affirm that you are regaining slender. That didn't seem to work for me due to the connotation of the word gaining. I finally realized that what works best for me is being aware that it is truly safe to be slender. I will work to continue to affirm that as I work through my food issues and lose some of this insulation that I have wrapped myself in for these past thirty years. I was a stick until the age of 22.

I want to lose weight the healthy way. I don't believe in going to diets as they spell out punishment and deprivation in my mind. I have watched too many yo-yo dieters who lose weight and then gain it all back plus more. I tried that route many years ago. I simply want to make life style changes I can live with, focus on portion control, strive to eat only when I am hungry, and work out frequently at the YMCA.

I joined the YMCA the first day of my radiation treatments. I went consistently for five or six days. Then I came down with a viral infection complete with hacking and coughing. I had to do three rounds of antibiotics for that. I didn't feel I would be doing anybody any favors at the Y if I went there like that plus I lacked the energy. Today, nearly a month later, I finally felt ready to resume my YMCA visits.

This was my work-out routine on 10-27-2010

Exercise bike for 20 minutes with the hill settings & level 15 resistance.

I went 1.6 miles and burnt over 130 calories.

Treadmill for about 13 minutes. Went an additional .6 miles and burnt over 70 calories.

Then I "played" on some of the exercise equipment. I especially am focusing on the equipment that will help me regain and maintain full mobility after having ten lymph nodes removed underneath my left arm. I previously had 14 sessions of physical therapy that really helped.

Final Words and an Invitation

I love the fact that they call this room the Wellness Center. That is a great focus to maintain.

So, that is enough for a first post. Please feel free to share your success stories and great lessons learned that might help me and my other readers.

Best wishes to you all,

Healing Seeker aka Debbie