Sorry that I haven't posted anything for almost 2 months now. Chemotherapy is over. Yeah!!!!!! I thought everything was going to get back to normal but then it happened. My arm and hand has swollen up to twice the size. The dreaded lymphedema struck. I went to the CTRC and they wrote the order for a physical therapist on May 20th. Didn't get to see one until July 6th. Apparently there is a shortage here in San Antonio of therapist that are certified from lymphedema massage on breast cancer survivors. The therapist did the massage and taught my daughter how to do it at home but unfortunately I haven't gotten any relief. It is still huge. Have two more appointments scheduled the week after next. Maybe after those the swelling will go down. Sigh!!!!

Went to the oncologist today. Had to use my cane because of the bone pain. Apparently it is a not so common side effect of the chemo, Paclitaxel that I receive every week. Wendy, my oncologist's PA and a great friend, has suggested that I keep working out but take an Ibuprofen before my workout and at bedtime. I will give this a shot since I want to continue on my workout journey. Tomorrow, I have to see the surgeon about making my scar more aesthetically pleasing so I will have to wait until Friday before I can try the Ibuprofen/workout plan.

I have become obsessed with cute little exercise bras,tank tops and camisoles. I couldn't wear them when I had boobs because my boobs were always too large. Now since I am flat as a board, the sky is the limit. There are so many colors and styles. Walmart,Target and JC Penney all have great selections. I think I will treat myself to a new one every week. Shopping for them has become pretty uplifting. You have to do whatever keeps your spirits high while dealing with cancer otherwise you may fall into a deep depression.

Ok, something is going on with this new chemo. My workout wasn't that hard but I suffered from extreme bone pain all night. Got no sleep. Guess I have to wait until I talk to the oncologist on Wednesday and not work out at all. Man, I hate that.

I was going to sit today out but I decided I had to do something.  So I did Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown. It was hard but I was able to complete it. Not feeling too bad. Hopefully I won't be using the cane tomorrow.  I see my original surgeon on Thursday.  He is going to refer me to a plastic surgeon so that they can make my scar more aesthetically pleasing.  I want  to lose some weight before then.

Exercising on Friday backfired.  The workout was great but later I had excruciating pain in every bone in my body.  Not usual muscle pain that is normal after a workout but extreme bone pain, especially in my legs.  Had to use a cane on Saturday to get around.  Things are a little better today.  I am walking on my own but I extremely fatigued. Probably won't work out again until I talk to my oncologist on Wednesday.  Not giving up, just being a little cautious.

Started exercising yesterday.  Before surgery, I had a large protruding stomach.  It wasn't a big deal because I had humongous boobs to overshadow it.  But now that I have a flat chest, it is horrible.  I actually look like a pear or a fatter bowling pin.  Changes must be made if I am going to get my self esteem back.  Just have to keep motivated and not fall back into the cycle of depression eating.  I probably am the only person that has gained weight during chemo.  Well, enough talking about it.  Off I go.  On the bright side, at least I don't have to worry about my boobs hitting me in my face while I'm doing jumping jacks.