There are different sets of challenges when you’re originally diagnosed under 40. One of those challenges is how being surgically induced into menopause rather than nature taking its course affects the mind and sex life. That’s what guest Rachel Walker, an invasive ductal (IDC) survivor, discusses in this episode. Take a listen to how she’s learning to cope with the frustrations of survivorship and relearns how her body functions and its limitations.
Greetings: Sister(s)/Warrior(s)/Over-comer(s)/Advocate(s)😇.In 2007 at the age of 46 I was living a very healthy life. Most people who didn't know me thought I was 10 years younger. Before my cancer diagnosis, I use to run 5-10 mile 3 times a week. I had a weight bench, stepper, treadmill and, an entire extra bedroom that I, and my husband converted into a gym. Yessss we were health, and wellness advocates/fanatics who definitely walked the walk😁. At 46 years old I was diagnosed with Triple Negative MBC that had metastasized. Aggressive chemotherapy put me into a quick unnatural Menopause. It took my body from a mountain down to a valley. I felt like I was in hell on earth😑. I remember having drenched down sweats every 20 minutes. Friends, and family, even complete strangers saying are you okay. I had to explain to friends, and family, but strangers I told them I had to do deep breathing to control a medical condition😒. When I had to leave my house back then I remembered I had a 20 minute window to get to my car, or an air conditioned building. This way the drenching sweat would be better. When I first went shopping for clothes I would break out in a sweat, and wet the clothing I was trying on.. The first time my friends saw this they said OMG are you okay.😥 I do thank GOD that my cancer wasn't hormone driven. I did soooooo much research on NHRT Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy, and found a natural cream, and capsules that really worked. I have no more sweats painful dryness in the nether regions, and no side effects, besides having my joyful life back 🤗 If I forget to take the NHRT cream, or capsule for a couple of days, my body will remind me by giving me a gentle warm misting🙃. I researched, and found trainers who believed you can still do weight training exercises, even if you have Lymphedema. I started using ace bandages to control the gradual compression I needed. I now have a 20-30 compression sleeve I purchased on the internet for $16. Sooooo nobody except GOD can tell me what I can, or can't do😳. Thriver(s) yessss I am now doing 2 sets of 35 which is 70 women's push-ups, 2 sets of 10, which is 20 men's push-ups, 2 sets of 35 dips, which equals 70 dips, and last, but not least 6 sets of 7 pull ups, which equals 42 pull ups. I have had people look at my upper body, and say is that a man or women. I smile and think I am, alive healthy, grateful, and strong😇. That cancer diagnosis 17 years ago didn't stop me from continuing to live a healthy/wealthy, and joy filled life. I was told I wouldn't live to see 2008, and that chemo, and radiation would buy me some time, a few months to get my arrangement in order😐. I am almost 17 years cancer freeeeeeeeee by GOD'S grace, and mercy😁.
You are sooo amazing, and thank you for telling your story! God is good! I like the fact that you never gave up! No matter what the doctors said, you pressed forward! My kind of girl! 🦾🦾🦾🦾
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