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!)

Cancer sure is Lifus Interruptus.

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!