cancer survivors

I am not a cancer survivor, but do work with them. There are some great exercise and wellness programs out there for survivors. If you haven't heard of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, it's worth a look: http://www.livestrong.org/What-We-Do/Our-Actions/Programs-Partnerships/LIVESTRONG-at-the-YMCA

I've heard great feedback from survivors about these programs and how helpful they are to them , especially getting to exercise with other survivors. They seem to find it really rewarding.

I had a malignant tumor removed from my thyroid when I was 5 months pregnant with my 3rd child. He will be 18 in October. I was so excited to have been "cancer free" for 15 years when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I had my radical hysterectomy December 27, 2009...and was in the hospital for a week due to losing a lot of blood, sent home with my cathiter.....and my wedding was 3 months away...

After the surgery I gained 30 lbs....was so depressed, even more so when 2 weeks before my wedding I finally admitted that I wasnt going to fit my wedding dress and changed that at the last minute...so I didnt feel my "best" on my day...

I go every 3 months to my oncologist to have my lymphnodes checked and the last two exams have shown abnormal cells...I've already had laser procedure done twice since my hysterectomy...

I've been struggling with my weight since then...up and down ...and being only 5'2" every pound SHOWS. But some days I just don't care....

so instead of being so thankful that having survived cancer twice...never needing chemo or radiation...I'm so depressed over my weight...which between the weight and the "procedures" done every 3-4 months really puts a cramp in the romance department since BEFORE the wedding.....ugh..

oh, and my husband telling me this week....and I KNOW he thought he was encouraging me and being sweet... says to me when I make a negative comment about myself ... "I've come to accept how you look sweetie".

This coming from a man who is very fit because his job is phyical and he must have the metabolism off the charts!

so if this is the motivation I need, so be it...what ever works, right.....

I too had thyroid cancer when I was pregnant with my third son. Thyroid totally encapsulated (size of a golf ball). Had a total thyroidectomy (16 years this December) followed up by radiation at three months post-op, 12 months post-op, and again at 2 years post-op. It was persistent, but I do believe I have it beat now. Living without a thyroid makes many things in life difficult, but weight loss seems insurmountable. I had my fourth son at 43 years old (I will be 45 next week) and the weight just will not come off. I hate the insensitive remarks such as "You can't help it, you don't have a thyroid", or "you look just fine to me". It's not about how we look to others, but rather how we feel about ourselves...and I don't feel so spiffy at my current weight (45 pounds over ideal). Glad to hear you beat the cancer twice. I truly hope you have it beat. Good luck with attaining your weight loss goals.

Hi Missy, I had Stage III endometrial cancer 12 years ago. For some reason, I became much more sedentary after my treatments. Well, I guess it's because the radiation made me really sick and weak, and I never quite got back in the swing of things. Joined MFP in June, and I've been getting steadily more active. Don't have a whole lot more weight to lose, but my main thing is I want to get even more active and work on being really fit, and toning up. AND lose more, of course, since it's all concentrated in my midsection. Add me if you're looking for more friends! Good luck!

Hi -- Yes! I had breast cancer 6 years ago. This past year was the fist time since then that I really took it seriously to lose weight for my health. Everyday I wonder if the cancer will come back. I hope that losing weight will help!

Nine year survivor of Stage 4 throat cancer. Lost 55 pounds during/after treatment, then gradually put on ~5 pounds a year, until I was getting kind of chubby again. Joined MFP to drop 10 and I have dropped 24. That weight loss has contributed significantly to a 2 minute improvement in my 5K time (most recently 25:43)
Now dealing with a Prostate cancer diagnosis.
Ran 10.5 miles this morning, training for a half marathon in six weeks.

I had breast cancer (and a mastectomy) just before my 21st birthday. I'm now 54 years old, over 33 years cancer free! I was fortunate not to need radiation or chemotherapy. And I was able to breastfeed my two children (not twins!) a few years after surgery. I count my blessings but continue to go for routine tests.

My weight problem stems from a different health issue.

I was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma in April. I feel incredibly lucky that it was caught early, but it was the wake up call I needed to get healthy, lose a huge amount of weight, and really enjoy life.

I am not a cancer survivor. However, cancer has certainly touched my life. But I just want all of you to know how amazing that I think you are for sharing your stories and I am in awe of the strength and courage it took for you to fight this terrible terrible disease.

You motivate me and remind me that life is too short to be concerned with the small stuff.
Thanks for your posts!!

My husband is a 12 year survivor this October. CML (leukemia) when he was 19 years old and wasn't suppose to live past 2 years. He's still taking chemo pills everyday but we live one day at a time! It's why we started running half and full marathons to remind people you can do anything you put your mind to! Congrats on beating cancer!

My mother has CML (Leukemia). She just found out.