Breast Cancer.

[Crankin]

I have no personal experience with this, but I have known several people who had active lifestyles like yours, who pretty much continued doing everything they did, throughout their treatment and after. They listened to their bodies, so if they were exhausted, they walked instead run, did slow rides, switched to swimming for awhile, and many added yoga/meditation to help deal with the mental aspect. The only true physical limitations were around weight training. Many years ago, I knew a couple of people who continued teaching at the gym during their treatment. Of course, they took some time off, but they did not stop.
Personally, I think the more you continue doing what you're doing, it will help you make the decisions that are right for you. Good luck dealing with your options.

[azfiddle]

I would add one more thought - mostly for later on, as your journey passes beyond the treatment sphere. My husband is a cancer survivor and found that after the medical professionals were no longer updating him on a regular basis he became more depressed than while actively receiving treatment. One of the routes that he and many cancer survivors take to combat the sense of loss of control over your destiny is through physical activity. It also helps with mental health in general, as I'm sure you know. So as you are finding your way back to the new normal, that will be an important part of keeping your spirits up. Hang in there.

Sharon

[ny biker]

From others I know who've gone through breast cancer treatment, I think you may ending up changing your workouts or taking a break from them during the treatment -- it will be important not to overdo things if you're feeling tired or have to let things heal. But exercise will be an important part of your recovery, especially if you end up having the mastectomy.

Re: Sharon's comments, one of my neighbors has been involved with a support group and sports activities for breast cancer survivors through the hospital where she had her surgery. There are probably similar support services in your area. And, he may have cheated at cycling, but Lance Armstrong started his foundation to help cancer survivors deal with the type of problem she mentions, as well as others (such as financial or insurance issues). They also have some materials to help keep track of treatments. Many people have found their services to be helpful, so it might be worth looking at their website if you haven't already.

Best wishes to you and your family as you go through this.

[Raindrop]

I really, really appreciate each of your answers and support. I'll return and post when I know more about what is the result of the new areas of suspicion and what my plan is. Yesterday it was actually sort of warmish and dry so I got out on my bike. Wow....so much better that riding on the indoor trainer.

Weight-training is my workout of choice so losing that ability, even for a little while will be difficult. But, as I've told my clients, when your body is attempting to heal, it isn't trying to grow muscle at the same time. I just wonder how chemo will affect that.

Anyway, thanks again so much for your support and suggestions.

[snapdragen]

If it's any help, I was able to do very light workouts in between chemo sessions. I work with a trainer, she was able to tailor our sessions. Sometimes they were only 1/2 an hour, but that was enough to keep me feeling good.

Now my big wish for you is that you end up with a very simple procedure and no chemo/radiation/etc. Prayers and blessings to you.

[shootingstar]

Best wishes and hugs for simple procedures and if possible no chemo/radiation. You will find your exercise path because already you live how much it benefits you.