Reach to Recovery

I finished volunteer training with the American Cancer Society, Reach to Recovery Program. This is to talk to women going through the breast cancer experience who need a sympathetic listener ,or more information ,or just know that others have gone through similar things and came out OK.

Sisterhood of breast cancer athletes

At the time of breast cancer diagnosis there is much uncertainty, including about the future of competitive sports. When, what, and how much exercise post surgery depends on extend of surgery, reconstruction or not, post surgical recovery, adjuvant treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy, complications (lymphedema etc), age, fitness level, type of sport.

Recommendations from the medical field are very general and thus of limited use for athletes. This was my motivation for this blog: what is possible over time? At not yet 8 weeks post surgery it is still early in the game, what will I be able to sustain? Where will this path lead me?

We can take inspiration from others who have been there and have made different choices. It becomes clear that breast cancer affects women from many paths and that my first reaction "Huh? Me?"  is common. We are on this road together.

Courageous women athletes:

Jen Hanks, professional mountain biking (diagnosis age 35):  http://athletefightscancer.blogspot.com and her recovery path (http://athletefightscancer.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-little-update.html)
Leanda Keahi-Bevans, weightlifting (diagnosis 52): World Masters Weightlifting Championship 2018 medals

Novlene Williams-Mills, track and field (diagnosis age 30):  http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/blog/post/14729/competing-olympics-even-cancer
Sonya Byrd, bodybuilding (diagnosis age 38): Confidence and bodybuilding, Winning competition

Ellyn Robinson, weightlifting (diagnosis age 43): Robinson Weightlifting
Dianne Chellew, marathon kayak (diagnosis 45, mets at 64): Breast Cancer Australia Newsletter 2000(page 8) and Masters Games (last 2 pages)

Linda Elstun, Crossfit (diagnosis age 50):  http://wwmt.com/news/local/breast-cancer-survivor-credits-crossfit-with-saving-her-life
Shanna Nasche, yoga (diagnosis age 54): Finding my lost dog: yoga after a mastectomy
Karyn Marshall, weightlifting and Crossfit  (diagnosis age 55):  TedX: Shattering Records and Glass Ceilings
Team of athletes: Dragon Boat racing

There are many breast cancer blogs, written by creative women, not about athletes, but with a wealth of information: The Accidental Amazon, The Daily Breast, Invasive Duct Tales, The Breast Blog in the World, But Doctor I Hate Pink,  regrounding.me, or more: Blog roll or stories

New experiences

In the gym I saw a Tai Chi and Qigong group class and decided it is time to try something new. So I went to the beginners class. To my surprise there were other math people in the class who kindly welcomed me J  Although I have no idea how to do the arm movements, the leg movements work well. I have balance. It comes in handy in weightlifting!

I also reflected on how quickly the usual work activities have caught up, needing to plan for work trips, and more. And so the feeling that I am always behind is back. That has to change! It is important to enjoy more time with family and friends!

Looks

Before surgery I looked at photos of brave women who posted their chest photos on the internet to make sure I (and my husband) would be prepared for how I may look afterwards. Not a pretty sight! However a nice husband like mine will tell you that it is much better to have you well without breasts than for you not to be there.

Reality check: after surgery I looked down my chest and thought: "I am going to like this."  I could move my shoulders, had good balance when getting up, and had a "leaner" look from the side. Love it! Many athletes don't have large breasts anyway, so I will fit right in.  Actually, most people don't notice anyway.

The first time after mastectomy meeting my friends they did look at my chest at least once. Curiosity. I would be, too. I was waiting for it.  I did think about confusing them by wearing a  breast form that comes with the postop camisole. But I will save that for my male colleagues when I get back to the office.

It is such a delightful thought that I don't have to wear bras anymore. For special occasions there are breast forms ("props"). Time will tell.

There are suggestions on the internet about clothing for the new you:

• colorful, swirly designs, busy patterns
• darker colors
• scarves
• vests or blazers
• jewelry and ornaments

Women choosing no reconstruction http://breastfree.org  or http://www.flatandfabulous.org

Normal daily activities

You will have been told that you can return to normal daily activities 2 weeks post mastectomy.
Hopefully you will also have been told to abstain from carrying laundry baskets or vacuuming.

If you have help, use it!  Asking for help can be a great learning experience. It is not easy (for me)!

Normal daily activities can be more challenging than doing deadlifts in the gym (which you are told not to do so soon). However I found that exercises in the gym including strength training are carefully controlled movements while normal daily activities can be complex movements (cleaning) and may involve heavy weights (grocery bags) that are not necessarily appropriate.  Be realistic!

Showering did not happen for me until a week post surgery. Wash cloths and baby wipes work, and a hair wash in a salon feels great. 

Walking can be painful and wasn't comfortable until almost 4 weeks post surgery. Go easy.

Having cleaning help is a blessing.

Chopping carrots (or other hard vegetables) can be a strain. Directing your teenage son to chop various kinds of vegetables for a vegetable korma dish is a great learning experience for him.

Allowing others to help can make them feel good about themselves. Asking for help can be a great learning experience!

Talking to friends and family

I am so very, very grateful for family and friends.  Weightlifters, cross fitters, yoginis, meditators, researchers, health care professionals, my teachers, and my sisters, all have different perspectives. I love them!

I got inspired to try to get an appointment at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for mastectomy instead of having it done in Michigan. Lots of phone calls need to be made to get the doctors and health insurance company all on the same page.