Warrior Mode Activated

 Last night, I graduated from my Cardiac-Oncology Rehab Program (CORE) at NHRMC! I have learned so much from this wonderful program started here in the Cape Fear region by my cardiologist. I really wish it could have continued on for another 6 weeks or so, but I have gotten a lot out of the last 12 weeks. My goal is to continue with what I've learned, create a plan, and keep on keepin' on. I feel better but I am not done by any means. This weekend I intend to sit down and make an intentional plan to continue strengthening my heart through exercise. It is a bit daunting knowing that I now have to take responsibility for that myself. I am not normally very self-motivated, to be honest.  I will be going back to Physical Therapy for my arm beginning next week. Out of one program and right into another. As a reminder, I have lymphedema in my right upper arm and side due to lymph nodes being removed during my double mastectomy in 2018. It is hard to believe that it was over 2 years ...

 I am now halfway through my Cardiac Rehabilitation! Thankfully, the good days have outweighed the bad ones. *Note to self, do not take the blood pressure medicine that lowers your already low blood pressure just before exercise!! I take that med only because my Cardiologist says he NEVER wants my blood pressure to be high. I don't think that is going to be an issue any time soon. I have never had high blood pressure. It is always stupidly low! (Last week 84/60 after taking the medicine just before exercise...oops!). My "normal" is usually around 98/65. Anyway...another lesson learned.  They are ramping things up now and it is definitely getting harder. Last Thursday, I did 25 minutes on the treadmill at 3.3 mph. Thought I was going to fall over and fly off the back of the treadmill, but I survived! After that, we did the weight machines. Wow am I a weakling now, but I enjoyed it. Lastly, we did a bit of relaxing with some Yoga. I nearly fell asleep during this part. I fe...