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!)

All these names mean the same thing and not many doctors discuss it or perhaps not aware that it may be more common than they think.

I didn’t know any of these names a week ago, which is about 11 months post-mastectomy. All the informaiton I’ve since found mentions it by its medical name — no one describes it and why I thought I should talk about its symptoms rather than its name to help other people who may be suffering, too.

I just thought my armpit was in a different place and that it’s extremely stiff — the numbness extends to my chest wall and across the shoulder and down to my elbow.

I’ve been concerned about Frozen Shoulder Syndrome — something I had years ago and is very painful — I’ve been forcing myself to use my arm to avoid getting Frozen Shoulder again.

I still struggle being on the computer and using the mouse for extended periods. I have to take many breaks.

So it’s almost comforting to know it has a name (almost comforting)

How Did I Hear About Cord’s Syndrome?

I haven’t been getting any exercise since the mastectomy and decided it’s about time to get my derriere up and moving. Wellspring has cancer exercise classes and I had my assessment last week with a physical therapist. She is the one that told me about this condition and said she could fix me. How wonderful!

She also mentioned that Lymphodema typically occurs 12-14 months after a mastectomy and since I have cording, I could be at risk for it. Yikes! I thought I was in the clear at this point — I’m so glad I decided to get my butt moving now instead of waiting until the summer!

I had my first cancer exercise class yesterday and I asked her for more information since I couldn’t find “Cord Syndrome” doing a Google search. She gave me the alternate names and eureka, I found information.

As an aside, my arm already feels better after the first class — it’s a modified circuit training customized to me personally. So if you’ve been like me and have been afraid to do a lot of moving and exercising, get yourself to a cancer clinic if there’s no Wellspring in your area.

Here are some links for you to check out if you are interested in getting more information:

• Axillary Web Syndrome / Cording
• Rehabilitation Oncology for Physical Therapists
• Breast Cancer Discussion Forum
• Step-Up and Speak Out (Lymphedema)

Hopefully these links will  help in your own journey with this syndrome and the many other afflictions after breast cancer surgery — this apparently can occur in those who only had a lumpectomy, too.

Peace and happiness to everyone in 2010.

There’s been a lot of hype over the Swine Flu lately (also known as H1N1) and I knew I would eventually get the vaccination.

How bizarre it was just a few weeks ago when the majority of the news outlets would interview Joe Schmo and Plain Jane on the street that almost everyone intereviewed said they were not going to get vaccinated.

Fast forward four or five days later when the flu clinics opened their doors and droves of people were lining up in the middle of the night to get their H1N1 flu shot in Toronto.

The first thing I thought of is what did I miss? Was there some apocalyptic event that happened while I was sleeping?

After hearing of a local 13 year old boy who died within 48 hours of contracting the virus, I still didn’t become hysterical with the masses.  I’m in the burbs so decided to wait until Peel Region opened their doors. There’s a clinic quite close to me so when they opened at 9:30 a.m. that Monday morning a few weeks ago, I casually drove up around 9:15 a.m. and within a few seconds, just drove off as I saw people going hog wild in line.

I’m not panicking … I thought I would try again later that day around 4:30 p.m. when I thought most parents are now home with their kids and any babies would be napping.

Great … I get there the same day and the line up has definitely shrunk. When I get to the end of the line, a police officer sends me back packing as I had missed the cut-off by 1 or 2 people.

Peel Region finally gets their act together and puts up the wait times on their web site so I decide to watch that instead of wasting time and gas on trying to get to the clinic.

I finally get to a clinic last Thursday and was in and out within an hour.

My neighbour and her husband that went to the International Centre a few hours earlier called and said there were no line ups there. They were leaving for Florida for 6 months the next day, so there was some urgency for them to get their flu shot. I never did find out if she also got sick …

When I get home, I call her to let her know that I got vaccinated. She wasn’t feeling well and said she was going to call it a night and go to bed early.

A few hours later, I’m not feeling well either. Again, I didn’t want to be hysterical and think that I was having a reaction to the vaccine. By Satuday, almost 48 hours after getting the vaccine, I’m really sick.

I’m trying everything in my medicine cupboard to help with the various symptoms: the worst of them being a really dry cough and a chest that felt like it was on fire. Nothing is relieving any of the symptoms.

By Monday, I’m still quite sick and decide to call Telehealth Ontario to speak with a nurse (free access to a registered nurse 24 hours a day!). She tells me to get to a doctor within 3 or 4 hours as it’s likely the Swine Flu. I knew the vaccine would take approximately 2 weeks to become effective so my guess is that someone at the flu clinic already had symptoms and was infecting everyone … how nice of them!

I call my doctor and decide that it’s probably not a good idea to go into a waiting room full of  people and children with every orifice of my body leaking some kind of fluid … and although some jerk did that to me and others at the flu clinic, I was not going to reciprocate and do unto others …

I’m not a religious person, but I can’t help but think that I must have done some really bad things in a previous life and really hope that this life I’m living on earth today will redeem my soul for future lives.

How much more am I expected to endure …

While watching the news last night, it was a pleasant surprise to see that a new Angel organization has come up with a wonderful idea to help women with young children who have breast cancer … or are in the early stages of treatment for breast cancer.

There still seems to be a lot of restrictions on utilizing their services … but that’s another rant for another day.

It’s called Nanny Angel Network and their web site is at http://www.nannyangelnetwork.com/

Yes, the doctor at the Environmental Health Clinic in Toronto suggested I try face masks in public … um, no.

Other than cancer, I’ve also had some wacky health issues over the last 3 years and they have clearly altered my personality for the worse, probably due to the extreme sleep deprivation inter alia.

My family doctor, Dr. Ciara, after exhausting all other medical avenues and me seeing a number of specialists referred me to the Environmental Health Clinic at Toronto Women’s College Hospital which is the only one of its kind in all of Ontario.

The paper work they sent me was filled out and mailed sometime in July and I finally had my first appointment with them last week.

The appointment lasts at least 4 hours: the first 30+ minutes is spent going over the paperwork that was sent in, together with taking my blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate … everything well within normal range considering the long walk and long commute I had to get there.

The majority of the time is spent with one doctor and he was very nice and approachable — unlike the staff where the receptionist and intake RN are rude and obnoxious — my guess is that they are union employees and can’t be fired, but I digress …

I wasn’t sure what to expect during this appointment. The doctor said they don’t treat people at the clinic, they make recommendations to the family doctor.

The doctor thinks I have an overactive central nervous system and has made the following recommendations:

• Try a wheat-free diet;
• Try a vegan diet — that’s going to be very difficult for this old carnivore!; and
• Try anti-epilepsy medications.

Yikes! He wants to ensure that all toxins from any processed foods I’m eating will be eliminated from my body — to eliminate the possibility of multiple chemical sensitivities — I’ve done everything I can over the last few years to help me on the outside and now it’s time to fix me from the inside.

My family doctor will get the report in about a month, and I’m sure we’ll have much to talk about …

I think my legacy will be listed in the medical journals many decades from now … I’m not too happy about it, but my family doctor likes it as her name will be associated with this mystery disorder I’ve  been suffering through for many years.

Will let you know what happens after the report is completed …

I must be on some sort of Bloggers who like Publicists list as I received another contact regarding another site for us boobs … if you are a publicist, I am not as easy as I seem I check every site personally before placing the information on my blog.

The following is the information I received a few days ago … I normally try to post the information as fast as I get it, but Turkey and Pumpkin Pie interrupted me these past few days:

“I am promoting the Babes For Breasts events this month. Babes for Breasts are doing their cross country tour for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

http://www.babesforbreasts.com/index.php

Tour Dates:
http://www.babesforbreasts.com/shows.php

We would so appreciate some exposure or a link on your blog for the next couple of weeks if possible. The concept is female musicians helping women with Breast Cancer. Concerts  are heading to the West Coast, so any exposure would be a great help!

Let me know if something can be arranged.
Thank you! “

I had my one-on-one consultation with Wellspring’s Money Matters yesterday morning (thanks Ilene!) and was provided with even more information … at least I know I’m on the right track with CPP Disability and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) … whether I’m eligible or not is still an unknown.

I found the following page this morning as I’m sure I’m not the only one that finds all this information quite disconnected from each other: the Breast Cancer Network has a list of most of the places in Canada that offer financial assistance.

At least one (1) link that’s missing is the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation’s site: they offer a maximum of $1,000 up to four (4) times a year. Eligibility is quite stringent I’m told. This money is not a loan — it is emergency funding.

Ontario Works (previously Welfare) is also missing: OW has emergency funding and food available for those who earn less than $572 per month. Even if you are not eligible for OW, they allow anyone a “once in a lifetime” financial benefit. See “Definition of Assets” under Ontario Works Act.

Food Banks

Contact the Ontario Association of Food Banks for eligibility requirements in your area.

For a list of phone numbers in the Toronto area, see Social Planning Toronto’s web site for a listing of Food Banks.

I’m sure this information is still incomplete and if you are aware of any benefits or subsidies available for cancer patients not listed here, please let me and my readers know.

….

Site Launch October 6, 2009.

I received an email this morning letting me a know about a brand new site for women with Breast Cancer.

To quote:

“Rethink Breast Cancer just launched  www.TellHER2.ca the first online community connecting women affected by HER2+ breast cancer. Women can go online and actually share their experiences through video, photos, and words.  HER2+ breast cancer is very aggressive, so knowing that they are not alone can really be a source of strength.

Check out our SMR - http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Rethink-Breast-Cancer-1055514.html - and please contact me if you have questions. If you are interested, I can put you in touch with someone from Rethink.”

So thanks Sarah B. for the information!

A few days ago, a friend dropped by with a section of The Toronto Star’s “Women and Cancer” and I finally got a chance to read it over the weekend. I noticed an article by Elvira Cordileone entitled “When finances add to burden“.

I couldn’t find the link directly through The Star’s web site (I guess they don’t want people to find information easily) and ended up finding Elvira’s article at HealthZone.ca (okay, so it’s part of The Toronto Star, but I didn’t know that).

The woman who was the subject of the article, clearly resonated with me since Ms. McDowell’s story mirrors mine in many ways: I was (and still am in some ways) the sole caregiver for my mother who had bowel cancer 15 years ago (then Alzheimer’s for over 10 years before placing her in longterm care), she’s self employed as I am and she also refused chemotherapy as I did — due in whole to the worry of money and being able to pay the bills … or at least how to support yourself during a lengthy or permanent medical crisis.

The Women’s College Hospital has counsellors available to provide information and access to financial support. I called this morning and they are only open a few days a week: their number is 416-323-6400 ext. 4240. They are part of Wellspring and the name of the service is Money Matters — if there is a Wellspring near you, contact them directly as they may have Money Matters at that facility as well. The Wellspring in my area has a Money Matters which is much easier than having to trek into the city.

I’m making the presumption that the service is free, but won’t know until I’ve had a chance to speak to them …

… and what a coincidence that I have my first interview tomorrow morning regarding disability benefits: I don’t even know if I’m eligible because I’m self-employed.

I’ll keep you posted … wish me luck!

I’ve been a Neilsen household for 3 years now. I can say that because Neilsen was purchased by BBM in Canada and the equipment was removed from my house a few days ago. I don’t have to be sworn to secrecy any longer as they are no longer collecting data from my tv watching habits.

What has the Neilsen Ratings and cancer have in common? Not much really, but watching television sure helped my recovery as I sat in an almost comatose state for months on end in front of the tv while recuperating from surgery, gangrene and the myriad of other physical ailments that plagued me.

When Neilsen first contacted me, they were so excited to find a middle-aged woman, not only single, but also living alone in the suburbs. They told me that my statistics resemble at least 10,000 middle-aged single women. They also warned me that networks such as Global would pay me to watch shows like Prison Break … so I was very careful about not letting people know about the box with the red flashing lights next to my tv.

I sure hope those other 10,000 women didn’t get cancer like I did … that would be sad.

I wonder what the Neilsen Ratings think of my television watching habits … and apparently 10,000 other women just like me. You see, I like wacky reality television: from Survivor and Amazing Race to National Geographic to the best reality show ever, The News.

I got tired of series’ that would get cancelled (Quantum Leap, Dark Skies, to name a few) … or shows like The Sopranos that would start when the writers felt like it … and quite frankly, I really don’t care why Tony Soprano is a murderer … what was in his childhood or what formed his personality … don’t care! If I want plot and character development, I would read a good book to escape into the characters, not turn on the boob tube. So reality tv is great because I don’t have to care about plot and character development ever.

I think The Sopranos was the last time I watched any kind of series, and I didn’t watch their last season for the reasons I mention above.

So farewell to Neilsen … I hope BBM comes back to my neighbourhood and scouts for new homes … although I hear they’ll be using some sort of paging system that people have to wear … it doesn’t sound very practical to me.

If you ever wonder how the media claims that there are 20 million people watching the Oscars, now you know … not me  though: I and presumably the other 10,000 women like me don’t watch awards shows either.

See you on the flip side …