I'm Ba-ack!

Maybe you've noticed (or maybe you haven't), that I have been MIA for several weeks. I'm not a deserter...I just needed a little time out for surgery. I am now home recovering.

I mistakenly thought that I would have plenty of time to complete the dozens of blog posts that I have started and taken pictures for, while "sitting around" recovering. Turns out that there is very little time left between PT, naps, visiting with friends who stop by and just taking care of every day activities that take me twice as long to complete. I'm not complaining...not at all! Those of you who know me well know that I had this same surgery exactly one year ago on the other side (total hip replacement) and it was a long, difficult recovery.

As I add this to my list of nearly 40 surgeries and procedures, I joke that my purpose in life must be to experience every medical procedure I possibly can. I now need to figure out how I can use those experiences to help others (while making a living). Anyway, I approached this surgery differently by putting together a plan for everything that didn't go as well as I would have liked, or I thought could have gone better with last years surgery. I discussed my plan with the Doctors ahead of time and got their buy in. Among other things, my plan included a different drug protocol before, during and after surgery as well as juicing for intense nutritional therapy before and immediately following surgery. Yes, I prepared my own fresh juice and Doug brought it to the hospital in a cooler.

Let me just say, "Woo Hoo!!" HUGE SUCCESS!! I feel great. I was able to get out of bed BY MYSELF just 15 hours after surgery. (For comparison, last year it was three days before I could get up and then with great assistance.) I felt wonderful immediately. It is still a lengthy recovery for my hip, but I feel good and have great energy. At three weeks after surgery, I would compare my overall strength and energy right now to where I was week seven or eight of last year. The whole experience has been 100% better and overall I am thrilled with where I'm at and the progress I've made.

My hospital experience was super positive. Just a quick shout out to the staff on the 3rd floor, orthopedic wing of Arrowhead Hospital in Glendale, Az. When I arrived in my room after surgery I was thrilled to find that my nurse and CNA were the same wonderful people that had assisted me last year. PT and OT were the same too. It's a good thing they were awesome and I was happy to see them, huh? I guess if they hadn't been so wonderful last year, it would have been a long four days. And my incredible husband, Doug, was beside me in the hospital the whole time. He may hold the record for most days spent sleeping in a hospital room chair! We just don't like being apart. We're still newlyweds...it's only been 11 years. I love that we love being together!


I actually asked my Dr. to take a picture of my hip as they replaced it. He did, and then emailed it to me. I thought about putting it in this post, but don't want to freak anyone out who doesn't have the stomach for things like that. I think it was quite interesting to see what had been causing all the pain.

I can't wait to get active again! Those who know me also know that I'm not the type to sit still for long. I love the outdoors and I crave activity. Even when watching tv I'd rather be walking on the treadmill or riding my bike on the trainer than sitting in a chair. I'm learning to accept that I won't be able to run any more. I'll have to walk/hike the mountain instead of run the mountain. I was training for a marathon when my first knee went out. Now I've had two hip replacements (consequences of a very active life and cancer drugs that destroyed my joints) and have to protect my knees as well. Right now I am working on being able to walk without crutches. That may take a while, but I'll get there. I'm faithful in doing my PT every day

I'm trying to wrap my brain around walking a marathon. Have you ever done that? When I think marathon, I think running. But I'm trying to get to the mindset that it would be just as great of an accomplishment to walk it. If you've walked a marathon, what tips or advice can you offer me?

I'm working on getting a few posts up before Fathers Day: quick and easy table decor and yummy homemade whoopie pies. But let me just say, if you need a killer dessert for Father's Day that never disappoints, try Almost Better Than Sex Cake; even guys who aren't crazy for chocolate love it! Another hit with the guys is Butterfinger Pie.  Mmmmm...good!

It's good to be back; with a little time, I'll be back stronger than ever!

The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Many of you have asked about my experience with breast cancer. I am preparing a series of posts in which I will share what I have gone (and am going) through and answer questions I have been asked. One of the most  important, yet sometimes most difficult (physically) things I deal with is exercise. Today's guest post is from Liz Davies; enjoy her insights on the benefits of exercise for cancer patients. Thanks, Liz!

The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

The vast array of benefits that accrue from regular exercise for cancer patients  is unquestionable. In the context of this article, physical activity refers to any sort of bodily movement produced by skeletal movement that requires an expenditure of energy. There are numerous general health effects of exercise that range from helping to control weight, maintaining health bones, muscles and joints, reducing risk of high blood pressure and diabetes and promoting psychological well-being. All of these general health effects would prove to be extremely beneficial for cancer patients in helping to maintain the foundational health of the body during intensive cancer treatments such as Chemotherapy, which can be very hard on the body.

However, the most important positive influence of exercise for cancer patients is likely the psychological benefit of improved well-being. This benefit is crucial because cancer is such an emotionally and psychologically demanding illness and as a result, the emotional/mental health of cancer patients often deteriorates and is neglected due to the overriding importance of keeping the cancer in check or in remission. Moreover, exercise has been shown to aid in improving cancer patients' self-perception of physical image, which often poses a problem due to side effects from chemotherapy and surgeries. From this perspective, exercise can help improve psychological well being which will help cancer patients confront depression, lethargy, anxiety and high levels of stress, which often occur as side effects of having cancer and undergoing traditional cancer treatment protocols.

To this end, recent research indicates that physical activity after a diagnosis of breast cancer may be beneficial in improving the quality of life, reducing fatigue, and assisting with energy balance. Exercise is especially helpful in bases of hormone responsive tumors, such as some types of breast cancer, since exercise has been known to have a normalizing effect on endocrine secretion and thus promote hormonal balance in some cases. One study found that women who exercised moderately (the equivalent of walking 3 to 5 hours per week at an average pace) after a diagnosis of breast cancer had improved survival rates compared with more sedentary women. These scientifically-validated findings indicate that exercise should be promoted as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients in light of the potential psychological and physical benefits that may ensue.

In order to stay motivated with an exercise program, cancer patients must make sure to stick to a regular plan that fits with their current physical capabilities so that it will be easy to incorporate into one's lifestyle. To this end, it is recommended that cancer patients embrace a simple routine that is specifically tailored to the contextual factors of their illness, such as moderately-paced walking a few times per week. This process would likely be enhanced by working with an accredited personal trainer and would thus help to maximize psychological and physical benefits. If in need of more psychological help there are many groups for people with all types of cancers like breast cancer, liver cancer and even mesothelioma support groups.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April. You can contact Liz at healthylizd@gmail.com