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!)

Axillary Syndrome. Webbing. Web Axillary Syndrome. Cord Syndrome. Cording.

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.