Survivor! – by Michele

After

My story is less of a “success story” and is more of a “survivor’s” story. Christmas 2008 (at the age of 36), I was diagnosed with breast cancer… a very aggressive form. What a shock! I didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, ate healthfully, and exercised everyday. I wasn’t supposed to get cancer!

Fast forward a year: After a bilateral mastectomy and chemo, I was so weak and sick. I couldn’t even walk around the block, much less do a Cathe video. I was just devastated. So, I set a goal: to be able to complete a Cathe video again. As a former Catheite, I figured that Cathe had gotten me into shape after my babies, she could do it again. So, for months, I walked a little further each day. Last week, I bought Basic Step and Body Fusion, hauled out my step, and finished the video! I did it! For many, that video may not seem like much, but to me, finishing it made me feel like I had just climbed Everest!
I feel so proud for having met this goal.

Next goal video: HiiT. I know that Cathe can help me to get in the best shape ever.

For me, this isn’t about weight loss. (I’m pretty skinny post-chemo.) It is about being healthy, having fun, and living life! It is also about preventing recurrance. Exercise (moderate to intense) has been shown in several studies to prevent breast cancer from coming back. I know that I can count on Cathe to help me accomplish those lofty goals!

I plan to do Basic Step and Body Fusion for a couple more months and then try to ramp up the intensity. I’m sure I won’t have any trouble finding my next favorite video. Thanks Cathe, for being part of my recovery.

12 Responses

  • Hey Michele! I too was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 six weeks after my son was born (I had a 17 month old daughter too). It was inflammatory and aggressive ductal carcinoma, so I had a bilateral mastectomy. I am thinking of trying Cathe’s program (I am now 2.5 years out from diagnosis). Just wanted you to know that I am in the fight too… and God bless!

  • Congratulations, Michele. What an awesome accomplishment. Keep the motivation! My prayers are with you!

  • Michele,
    Thank you for sharing your story. You are a very brave lady and CONGRATULATIONS!! on your courage, determination and positive out look. The journey is on going and will inspire others for certain. It feels GREAT to have your energy and strength coming back. God bless you.

  • Another young survivor here, diagnosed six months before you, at age 33. My cancer was also very aggressive. I am now one year and four months out from my last chemo. You are not alone. I’ve been able to get back in shape with Cathe videos. And if I can do it… so can you!

  • Wow–to you Michelle and many of the others who left comments. You really bring perspective to my life. I have only to feel very blessed. All of you are such warriors and there should be some kind of special cathlete division for you! Amazing and keep it up. All of you are an inspiration.Thank you all for sharing.

  • Hi Michelle,
    Congrats to you about being a survivor, I am also a breast cancer survivor and loving living! Cathe’s workouts have saved me, I love to workout and see all of the amazing changes in my body. Not only my body image has changed, but my heart and soul along with it. Keep up the great work and you will become stronger and stronger!

    Kind Regards,
    Carol

  • What an amazing day, Michele, the day you popped that video into your player and worked out with Cathe! Wow — thank you so much for sharing. I love that — it’s tremendously uplifting to hear your story. Keep rockin’, and God bless you!

  • Michele,
    I’m also fighting the fight, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2009. Keep going strong and know that there are many of us out here to support and pray for you. You Go Girl!!!!!!

  • You go, Michelle! Your story is an inspiration. I’m so happy for you that you are healthy — our bodies really are gifts, aren’t they? Depending on the day, Basic Step and Body Fusion can both leave me winded! Congratulations on being a survivor. I

  • God’s Blessings to you Michelle. You are an inspiration. Keep getting stronger every day!!

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