CARDIAC REHAB PERSON OF THE MONTH
As the person of the month, I was asked to write up my story. Here it is:
I have never had a heart attack.
“So, why are you in cardiac rehab?” you might well ask.
In 2003 after breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation on the left side, I started on Tamoxifen. Less than a year later, I learned that I had endometrial cancer, fortunately not a metastasis of the breast cancer. A complete hysterectomy followed, and I was very relieved that this cancer had probably not spread. My breast cancer preventing medicine was changed to Arimidex.
Over time, I learned that chemotherapy, radiation and Arimidex could all damage my heart, and perhaps bring on a heart attack. Arimidex also tends to deplete bone calcium and sometimes causes arthritis. In fact, scans to measure my bone density have shown a significant decrease in the last few years. Exercising is a great way to build up one’s body, encourage bone growth, tone muscles, and strengthen the heart. Exercising by myself worked to some degree, but I often found myself “too busy” to follow a daily exercise routine. Basically, I needed help.
After finding a doctor who would prescribe it, I started attending Cardiac Rehab at Rapid City Regional Hospital in February 2006. The warm supportive atmosphere immediately encouraged me. The staff is great, always cheerful and helpful. It is comforting to know that professionals supervise our activities and that medical help can be immediately available.
Exercising with a super group of friendly people is a real plus. Some are an inspiration through their determination and hard work. Others help keep the mood light with jokes and stories. We are all on a mission to live healthy lives. On the days when I do not feel like going, knowing that I will be among friends motivates me. At the end of each session, I always leave invigorated, cheerful and limber.
Another great benefit we have in the Cardiac Rehab program is our weekly cardiac yoga session with Karla. Yoga serves to calm and center my thoughts through relaxation techniques and to increase range of motion through gentle stretching and a variety of poses.
Hopefully this exercise, weight lifting and yoga routine will help lengthen my life. Certainly, it adds to my quality of life every day. No one can ask for more than that!
I have never had a heart attack.
“So, why are you in cardiac rehab?” you might well ask.
In 2003 after breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation on the left side, I started on Tamoxifen. Less than a year later, I learned that I had endometrial cancer, fortunately not a metastasis of the breast cancer. A complete hysterectomy followed, and I was very relieved that this cancer had probably not spread. My breast cancer preventing medicine was changed to Arimidex.
Over time, I learned that chemotherapy, radiation and Arimidex could all damage my heart, and perhaps bring on a heart attack. Arimidex also tends to deplete bone calcium and sometimes causes arthritis. In fact, scans to measure my bone density have shown a significant decrease in the last few years. Exercising is a great way to build up one’s body, encourage bone growth, tone muscles, and strengthen the heart. Exercising by myself worked to some degree, but I often found myself “too busy” to follow a daily exercise routine. Basically, I needed help.
After finding a doctor who would prescribe it, I started attending Cardiac Rehab at Rapid City Regional Hospital in February 2006. The warm supportive atmosphere immediately encouraged me. The staff is great, always cheerful and helpful. It is comforting to know that professionals supervise our activities and that medical help can be immediately available.
Exercising with a super group of friendly people is a real plus. Some are an inspiration through their determination and hard work. Others help keep the mood light with jokes and stories. We are all on a mission to live healthy lives. On the days when I do not feel like going, knowing that I will be among friends motivates me. At the end of each session, I always leave invigorated, cheerful and limber.
Another great benefit we have in the Cardiac Rehab program is our weekly cardiac yoga session with Karla. Yoga serves to calm and center my thoughts through relaxation techniques and to increase range of motion through gentle stretching and a variety of poses.
Hopefully this exercise, weight lifting and yoga routine will help lengthen my life. Certainly, it adds to my quality of life every day. No one can ask for more than that!
posted by Denim Genes @ 9:24 PM
1 Comments:
At November 10, 2007 at 8:26 PM ,
melonkelli said...
That's great, Mely. I've really enjoyed going to prenatal Yoga. It's relaxing and fun! Maybe I'll continue if I have time -- it helps to have a scheduled class!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home