eDiets Success Stories
Beating Breast Cancer: Karen's Story 3
Email PageI am still struggling with not looking back at what I've been through and where I was before, with getting discouraged at not being able to do what I used to be able to do, struggling with the idea that it's all out of my control anyway. I liked what Janet wrote about this being a fresh start. That's what I need to do too. Make a fresh start.
Today I am going to start logging my food and will develop an exercise plan that I know that I can keep up with at this moment in time. It doesn't matter what I used to be able to do or what I might be able to do next month, what matters is what I can do now AND that I do it now. This is my new beginning.These days, Karen is happy again. With the help of Raphael Calzadilla, eDiets Chief Fitness Pro, and her friends on the Exercise and Fitness Board, she's now able to focus on what she CAN do and not what she used to do, though the gap between the two narrows regularly.
Karen has refocused on her nutrition and shedding the few pounds off that she gained while going through treatment. She's back on her bike and can confidently ride 20 or 25 miles without fear of being too fatigued to get home.
She's gotten back much of her strength, and is lifting near the same weight she had been before she got sick. She's even doing some high intensity interval training on her NordicTrack ski machine. Her confidence has returned, and she's living life and thinking about all that she will be able to do as she continues to recover and heal.
One final thought from Karen: "When it comes to my life or a few pounds, I'll definitely take life over the extra weight. I feel healthy now, especially with exercise back in my life! I'm ready for anything!"
Editor's Update 10/2009: Since we spoke with her last year, Karen has been working at coming back strong! She's taking the weight off and back to exercising regularly! Right now she's working out with eDiets Best Body Boot Camp, but she most recently trained for and completed the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, raising more than $4,500 for breast cancer research! From tiring from a walk around the block to completing 60 miles...THAT's a comeback!
Of that weekend, she writes, "I spent some time in the remembrance tent where they had pictures of some that had passed from breast cancer. It was a very moving and emotional time that reminded me once again of the reason that over 2,500 people were walking 60 miles in this event. Looking at the pictures of those who lost their battles and reading the memorials that walkers had written for their loved ones, I realized once again how very lucky I am to have had such a positive outcome with my treatment and recovery."
And we're lucky to have Karen here to lead the way and show us how much hope there is. Click here to read more about Karen's 3-Day experience.
Comment by 
said... - January 23, 2009 3:36 AM
I just read through Karen's story and am humbled and impressed. It goes to show that when we work to better ourselves physically and mentally, that it doesn't give us any guarantees. We have to do it because it makes us feel good. I have a very stressfull job and if I didn't exercise regularly and watch what I eat, I would be literally be a basket case. Ediets has helped so much with answering so many questions that I wish I found it sooner!
Good Luck Karen and keep pedaling!!
Margaret
Comment by said... - February 28, 2009 5:15 PM
I too was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of '07 and completed all of my treatments in March of '08. Since the chemotherapy put me into "chemopause," however, and I must take Tamoxifen for the next 5 years, I've gained 30 pounds! I have never been fat and I can't stand the extra weight. I signed up for eDiets meal deliver service tonight and am so hoping that it will help me to regain my once petite figure.
Debbie
Comment by said... - March 11, 2009 11:16 AM
Debbie,
No fear ...
I was also diagnosed in June 2007, I'm also in chemopause, and coincidentally i also gained 30 lbs. what hurt me was not having the energy do do the stuff i once could, persistence is the answer, i've since lost 20 lbs so far and really i'm trying with the last 10. it took me longer because of my health but i'm gonna get there and so are you.
Angeline.
Comment by said... - January 14, 2010 5:52 PM
I had a simialar experience. I was overweight my whole life and out of shape. I lost 40lbs in one year and was the best shape of my life. Doing an hr of cardio and lifting weights. I was on cloud nine, til I found out I had Breast Cancer. I remember feeling the same way. I did all this and got cancer, whats the use. But I found out that my recover from surgery was quicker, Dr.s treated me with more respect and I didn't want to give up everything I worked so hard for. I still work out every day and kept most of the weight off, through 5 surgeries in 2yrs. Life as a fit healthy person is worth it! Every minute of it.
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