In March of 2011, after I had my annual mammogram, I received a call asking me to come back for a second one. It was quickly followed by an ultrasound and a biopsy. On April 5^th, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was small and we had caught it early. I had a lumpectomy and was expecting to follow it up with 6 weeks of radiation and get on with my life. Because I was only 47 years old and my mother had also recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, my oncologist recommended genetic testing. That testing revealed a BRCA2 mutation. This mutation put me at risk for further breast cancer as well as an increased risk for other cancers including ovarian, pancreatic, and melanoma.

This information changed my treatment plan and I had a total of 4 surgeries over 8 months. After my surgeries, I developed a frozen shoulder and lymphedema in both arms. The medication I take to help prevent re-occurrence caused me to have joint pain and stiffness, and I also developed osteoporosis. I was in pain regularly, and it was a struggle to find the motivation to exercise. I knew I needed to start being more active in order to become healthy, so I started by doing some walking and biking. And, when the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center opened in February of 2016, I started swimming regularly.

I was so happy when I learned that the LIVESTRONG program would be taking place at our Y. I had heard about the program before, but it was not offered anywhere close enough for me to attend. The program started off with an intake assessment to gather information and to determine the best program for me. The program was 12 weeks long, and we met two times a week for 90 minutes at a time. Each session included an aerobic warm-up, strength training, and ended with a group activity. We were able to try out some of the classes and activities offered at the Y, including yoga, Zumba, BOSU balance, cycling, water fitness, gym games, stretching, and some art therapy.

The supportive staff of theLIVESTRONG program provided me with instruction and follow-up with the weight machines and other unfamiliar equipment. They both encouraged and challenged us. They gave us individual support that allowed each of us to be successful at our own level. This was really important to me because I was fearful of doing anything that would aggravate my compromised lymph system.

The participants in the LIVESTRONG program formed a tight knit group. We worked together, supported one another, and celebrated each other’s successes. We laughed our way through challenges and came out smiling after each session. We had a lot of fun and became friends. I marvel at the strength of each of the people that were in my group.

I am always happy to share my experiences with the LIVESTRONG program because I know there are many cancer survivors out there who can benefit from this program. Through the LIVESTRONG program, I have learned to trust my body again. The exit assessment showed that I made gains in strength, balance, and flexibility. I have learned the safe way to use the equipment, and it has given me the confidence to join in some group classes outside of the program. I am so thankful to the Hale YMCA for making it possible.