I never gave it much thought. Perhaps it was denial. Perhaps life just got too busy. Again.

A few weeks ago I received an email from La Vie en Rose asking if I would like to try their new Muse bras specifically made for us breast cancer warriors. I watched the video and was excited to see that someone was thinking of us as women, not just cancer survivors.

La Vie en Rose sent me 2 gorgeous bras: pastel blue with lace and all things frilly and sexy … just like I used to have before losing a breast.

Even better is that these beautiful sexy bras come with lightweight fillers which almost replace the heavy prosthetics that cost hundreds of dollars more — I say “almost replace” because there will probably be times when I’ll need to wear my regular prosthetic. The lightweight bra, as sexy as it is, still doesn’t quite look as natural as the prosthetic so I found myself adjusting the Muse bra frequently — but how wonderful that it’s so lightweight that it’s barely noticeable. My regular prosthetic is about 8-10 pounds and lugging that on my chest day in and day out is never going to happen.

I had forgotten what it’s like to feel like a woman — although I’ll always be a tom boy that prefers playing sports, it’s fabulous to know that I’m all woman underneath all that cotton.

Some of the questions I asked of the Muse bras were all answered — one of the more important questions I had was if these bras are covered by extended insurance similar to the post-mastectomy bras, and the answer is:

“So far the bras are covered by Quebec and Nova Scotia’s government health care programs. As for private insurance,
because our receipt doesn’t say post-mastectomy, we advise our clients to simply submit an request by email or phone for
proof that the bra is indeed a post-mastectomy product through our customer service dept.”

I’m back at Wellspring as of a couple of weeks ago and brought one of the bras there to show the other women — and they were a great success! They are not only beautiful, but at under $60, they are very affordable — and at that price, you also get both fillers that are removeable, just like the pricier post-mastectomy bras.

Allison, one of the therapists at Wellspring, made a great suggestion — I’m back playing tennis and I’m very self-conscious about running around with one lump on my chest (it’s a large lump!) — she suggested that I wear the Muse bra underneath a regular sports bra so that I have the illusion of 2 breasts — genius Allison, genius!

If you want to feel like a woman again, I strongly recommend checking out these Canadian made Muse bras — and bask in lace once again!

Take note Richard Simmons … this is one DVD that really should be made.

I started Cancer Exercises (hence the term Cancersizing) a few weeks ago and it has been fabulous! My spirits are high and the mini-physio treatments I get after exercising have also been a great help to my bruised and battered chest and shoulder.

Yesterday was exactly one year ago that I had my surgery and until I started the Cancersize program (that’s not what they call it by the way), I was still very much limited in my mobility with one arm.

I’m not a gym person — I much prefer sports but am still unable to participate to the extent I want — meaning that I’m really competitive and hate feeling limited.

I was a bit skeptical about joining the cancersize class, but have to say it’s one of the most non-threatening and non-judgemental places I have ever been part of — it’s a free 10-week program provided by Wellspring.

There’s approximately 10 of us in each class and it’s a modified interval/circuit training. Each of us were assessed one-by-one before starting, and each session is specifically made for each individual. After 3 weeks, I’m already doing intervals-within-intervals.

I tried Curves once and it was not for me. I’m already a fairly strong person (physically) and found their circuit training too light and they didn’t offer any cardio — that was about 3 or 4 years ago and I’m not sure if they offer it now or not — I remember asking if they have cardio and they said no. How do they expect women to burn calories if there’s no cardio? It was not something I found very useful … and what’s totalling irritating is that as I soon as I figure out how to use a piece of equipment, it’s time to move on to the next piece … and there are nasty women who will breathe down your neck if you don’t move fast enough … but I digress …

Back to Wellspring. There’s also at least 2 or 3 trainers in each class plus 1 student physiotherapist who shadows the trainers. The trainers are also physiotherapists: one of them mentioned that she had completed 7 years of university as her credentials. I looked her up online (of course I did!) and she’s apparently highly regarded in rehab oncology (a guru methinks). You can read more about cancer rehab through Cancer Rehab Inc.

A few days ago I felt a mild migraine coming on and almost didn’t go to the cancersize class … what was my inspiration to get up and go? Miggy on The Biggest Loser. I watched her the night before walk 13 miles 24 hours after having an appendectomy … I thought if she can do that, I can do a few exercises with a little headache … and man, I’m glad I did! I felt much better within a few minutes.

I started watching The Biggest Loser last season, initially because there was nothing else on (um, no tennis probably) and am becoming quite hooked on it. Hmm, I wonder if they accept applications from a cancer bitch such as myself I also received my acceptance for the Cardiovascular Risk Management Program. I don’t have any heart problems: it’s more of a vascular intervention for me and my apple belly … why is it that songs are written about apple bottom women, clothing lines are named after apple bottom butts, but never any apple bellied women? We get no respect!

I’ll have access to dietiticians, nutritionists and exercise programs … I have my first stress test in early March … wish me luck!

Both these programs are free: in Ontario, Canada at least. I recommend asking your doctor about these programs.

PS — yes, there are men in the Wellspring classes (a big wave to Tony!)