It’s not every day that one receives affirmation that what they are doing is not only necessary but that it is making a difference.
I received an email recently from Erica N. from Illinois who has been working with Pink Ribbon Instructors at Equinox Fitness. I was so moved that I immediately asked if I could share her story and she agreed.
I can only hope that Erica’s story inspires someone to exercise their way through to recovery!
-Tanya
I am a three x breast cancer survivor. I had a double mastectomy and tram flap surgery/reconstruction 6 years ago. I had really struggled physically and emotionally until I came to Equinox and met Angie and Nicole last year. They have changed my life, really. Pilate’s has saved me.
I had breast cancer the first time on the left side and went through a lumpectomy and they took 18 lymph nodes, chemo and radiation. Several years later I had it in the right breast and had a lumpectomy and radiation and my sentinel node removed. A few years later, three times was a charm and I had the double with a tram flap. Because of all the radiation, implants would not have held and they had made so many advancements on the tram that I was a perfect patient for it.
I was told I would never be able to sit up from a lying down position on my own post-surgery. Guess what, now I do. I saw my oncologist last week and he remarked on what a difference Pilate’s has made for me. He was amazed. Post-surgery, I had back pain and walked around with my shoulders folded in almost protecting myself. The only exercise I did was walking because I kept injuring myself. I went to physical therapy several times but never overcame my disabilities. I couldn’t lift because I had no core and kept pulling muscles in my chest and that in turn created tennis elbows. I had given up and I had gained weight which also caused problems.
Nicole and I worked together and she was taking advanced Pilate’s training and studying very hard. She convinced me to just try Pilate’s and see if I felt any different. Well I did. I had no sensations in my stomach after surgery. After 6 sessions I started to feel touch and tingling and over time I felt muscle strength start to develop. I am now taller, standing up straight with my shoulders back. I feel more positive about life and have more confidence. My friends even remark how much I have changed.
Today in my Pilates, I did front splits all by myself. (Well Nicole never left me, but I swear it was all by myself! I couldn’t stop laughing because it was so cool. ) I found balance, something I have been working hard on.
I am always amazed as I go to Pilates tired and leave smiling laughing and dancing! I can’t live without it.
While raising my children I did a lot of volunteer work in the community including getting a non-smoking ordinance passed, working on referendums, working on the New Trier Township Prevention Counsel, etc. It was during those years I was also going through breast cancer and treatments. When my kids started high school I returned to the work force; I was working for a not-for-profit for 3 years and felt that I was contributing. I was just saying today I wanted to make a difference and find something I was passionate about. So yes, if I can inspire other survivors please share my story.
I am very lucky to have come to work at Equinox and be taken in by the Pilates girls. They have taken me under their wings and coached me through my fears straight into their Pilates and Pink Ribbon Program. Now all we need is insurance to cover it – right! Our next mission.
Thank you Pink Ribbon Program. You have made a difference in my life.
Erica
