gentle exercises for a week

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

My doc told me no strenuous exercise for the next week so I might do some gentle toning starting tomorrow since that just stresses my muscles and doesn't make me sweat. I don't have a lot of videos to choose from right now, mostly step aerobics but I do have some yoga tapes and Sansone's Walk the Walk Firm Walk. and other guys might not to read this next part.... I've said previously I'm a breast cancer survivor who had a mastectomy 2.5 years ago. Well, I finally had the last part of my breast reconstruction done today! It was totally cosmetic and no big deal, I had the reconstructed nipple tattooed to match the natural side (no I didn't get a butterfly or any design, just had the areola and nipple match the other side). It was something I really wanted to do and finally, as a Christmas gift to myself and, since the kids are in school and I wouldn't have inconvenience anyone with babysitting, I got it done! Anyway, I have a dressing on it for the next week. I can't shower until Thursday morning and I can't sweat for a week since it might cause an infection. That's why I'm thinking might work, it challenges me but doesn't usually make me sweat and since I haven't done it in a long while it will probably be a nice challenge. I'm probably going to take today off altogether though. I'm fighting a cold and really tired, just want to relax for the next 2 hours, until the bus brings my little one home from kindergarten.

Breast cancer soapbox: I had just turned 37 less than a month before when they found cancer during a routine baseline mammogram. I had to have a mastectomy but not chemo or radiation. It was a long recovery and my left arm (it was on the left side only) is still significantly weaker than the right (always was because I'm right handed but is more so now). I'm hoping consistent (when I get there) upper body toning will bring back my strength. The point of this though is to gently remind you that if you're 40 or over and haven't had your yearly mammogram, please schedule it today. If you're 35-39, consider checking with your insurance regarding a baseline mammogram. It literally saved my life. Most do cover it I'm told (just one until you're 40 if it is normal). I have NO family history of breast cancer either. If you schedule yours today, please send me an email telling me you did, it will make my day! :-)