Today marks the start of a new fitness program. I joined a gym, not a pretty girly gym but a ‘proper’ gym! It’s time, time to push my body, time to start the next phase of my life, time to shift fat, build muscle and get strong.
Yesterday marked three years since the mammogram that found my cancer, in that three years I’ve had chemo, radiotherapy and LOTS of drugs. I’ve had eight surgeries, boobs removed, lymph nodes removed and new boobs built. My Latissimus Dorsi muscles from my back were removed, along with tissue, fat and muscles and repositioned onto my front. I’ve been through a bit of shit.
Over the last eighteen months I’ve done Yoga and Pilates, I’ve lost 36 kilos…and put 10 back on, woops:-) I’ve loved both Yoga and Pilates but now I really need a shove. I need someone to push me, push my body, and I want to see what this body is really capable of. I’ve had it wrapped up in cotton wool, like a limping wuss I’ve shielded my body from working hard. I’m not ashamed of that, I’ve had to put up with a lot of pain and medical procedures so my body required some nurturing after all of that. Coming back from ill health takes small steps, but now I’m ready for a big one. A really big one!
I need to strengthen my whole body but especially my back, with those major muscles gone I find living a normal life difficult. A bone scan told me my bone density isn’t great, sure some bones scored high but there’s areas of real concern. The reason for this degeneration at a young age is the drugs I’m on, hormone blockers have me in a swift full blown menopause. The body isn’t a fan of it and it’s a shock to the system for menopause to happen so early, thin bones are only one side effect, you can read more HERE.
So I took myself off to 4D Fitness, signed up to an 84 day challenge and then had my body scanned and measured. Oh.My.Goodness! The numbers were frightening, some were huge (kinda like me), but now I’ve got a path and I plan to, well…follow the plan and make some changes. I’m going to do a weekly wrap up post, share about the fitness and food and how I’m travelling.
It’s not going to be easy, but anything worth something never is right? My trainer told me I’m gonna ‘hurt’, I giggled and told him I was a pro with pain…I can totally disappear into my happy place when the going gets tough. He also said I might spew while working out…the last time I spewed was with chemo. I don’t like spew so I told him he’d have no use for a bucket with me, hope I’m right!
One of the things I had to do was take before pics, you know…those ones where you resemble a Michelin man. Well I’ve done it, I feel as fat as a tick and the proof is in the pudding photos.
Today is day 1…83 to go. Let’s do this…
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
September 21, 2015 at 6:16 amOh go you! I look forward to your updates. You’re one tough cookie, there will be no spew for you! xx
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 6:26 amFingers crossed Sam x
Trish says
September 21, 2015 at 7:26 amI’ll be cheering you on. Such a big step after all you have been through , just look how far you’ve come already.
You can do it Jen.
Ps Have you considered Dragon boat paddling with Dragons Abreast ? I love it ! It does wonders for breast cancer survivors.
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 8:22 amThanks Trish, I love cheerleaders! I’ve read about dragon boat racing, who knows maybe even I’m feeling fitter and stronger I might look into it x
Bec says
September 21, 2015 at 7:28 amGo Jen!
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 8:23 amThanks Bec ?
Donna says
September 21, 2015 at 7:34 amJenni, your going to rock this!!
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 8:23 amThanks Donna, I’m going to give it a crack ?
Sarah @she writes says
September 21, 2015 at 7:42 amGood luck Jen! You will be so glad to have done this. It will make you feel even stronger and more powerful and give you back some feeling of control. You go girl!
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 8:24 amThanks Sarah, I feel a warrior woman rumbling inside ?
shannon @my2morrows says
September 21, 2015 at 8:06 amYay you! Hope you can hear us cheering you along from interstate! Xx
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 8:25 amI can Shannon, Thankyou! I love cheerleaders and am pretty sure I will need them x
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 4:30 pmThanks Carolyn I’m definitely buoyed by the support x
Carolyn says
September 21, 2015 at 8:36 amJenni, you are truly amazing; how cool to have such tremendous support from this group. Good luck with your 84 day challenge; you will blitz this!! Having a Trainer is just the best!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us all XXX
Lisa Grapen says
September 21, 2015 at 9:14 amI’ll be with you. Off to body pump this morning and in 2 weeks I am doing the 8 week I quit sugar program, to get my eting in check. Going to take some before shots today too!
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 4:29 pmOhhh you will love the no sugar challenge, it’s s great way to rediscover real food! Good luck x
Beth at AlmostPosh.com says
September 21, 2015 at 2:37 pmBest of luck with the challenge! The thought of working out until I spew puts me right off so I hope you can get through it without the bucket! Currently trying to find some kind of activity that is easy to access, affordable and enjoyable. Struggling.
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 4:29 pmI didn’t need s bucket! I love yoga and Pilates, this is something I need to do to help build strength and see what my body can now achieve. Try community centres for exercise classes, great on the budget x
Beck says
September 21, 2015 at 2:52 pmYou go girl, can’t wait to see you smash it x
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 4:27 pmThanks Beck, I can’t wait to see what my body can do too x
merilyn says
September 21, 2015 at 2:53 pmgood on you jen!
you have a strong resolve and determination!
go you! … you’ve got this!
love m:)X
Jenni says
September 21, 2015 at 4:26 pmThanks Merilyn, today was s tough one but I’m hoping the weeks get easier x
Lucy says
September 21, 2015 at 5:46 pmWhat a wonder woman you are, Jen! Your courage, your honesty and your gutsiness will get you thru the 84 ..oops! almost 83 days! We’ll be cheering you on. Some of us may even do our own 84 days of madness!!! Go girl! xx
Jenni says
September 22, 2015 at 8:29 amOh I hope a few do start their own challenge, I’d love to follow along ?
Deb says
September 23, 2015 at 5:52 pmAmazing! Go you. I wish I could find just half of your motivation. I look forward to hearing about it all, and I also hope to feel inspired to take on some changes of my own! Good luck, but you will rock it! xxx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
October 6, 2015 at 10:26 pmYou seriously never stop inspiring you incredible woman you xx
Jenni says
October 8, 2015 at 6:16 amThankyou gorgeous x