Hi there.
Thanks for dropping by and visiting my blog for the 2010 Mother's Day Classic.
I'm Simone McClenaughan - but my friends call me Sim. I'm 28 years old. I'm a writer for a women's weight loss, health and fitness magazine. And I have breast cancer. Yes, young, I know. But breast cancer doesn't discriminate. I was diagnosed with it in October 2009 - which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Within a week I had a masectomy, and since then have been undergoing treatment. My treatment will continue for about another year.
When I was diagnosed, I vowed that in 2010 and forever more, I will enter every single breast cancer charity race in my hometown of Sydney to help raise funds and awareness about the disease. I also wanted something to look forward to and achieve. I've already done one event in January, and the Mother's Day Classic is the next one I have my sights firmly set upon.
I used to be pretty active, exercising daily, doing all sorts of things such as walking, mountain biking, hiking, yoga and pilates. But since starting chemotherapy in November, that came to a grinding halt. The first batch of chemo was pretty toxic and made me quite weak. It was a struggle to even stroll round the block.
I'm halfway through my second batch of chemo and it's far easier to handle. So much so I am ready to exercise again. But after a couple months of no activity, all my muscles turned to mush, so I have to start from scratch. It's a weird feeling, because I've always been active and had good strength and fitness levels. To get me on my way, I've joined a gym and had a weights program written to help restore my strength. I've just finished my first week, going three times to work out on the weight machines. I was so sore after my first session! But it felt amazing. I felt empowered and like I was finally getting back to my old self. I'm also back walking, doing that three times a week too. I've managed to keep a good pace and go a little further each time. The hardest thing for me is being patient with myself and understanding that it will take awhile until I am back to the old Sim.
I guess that's just another lesson I have to learn in this little challenge called cancer.
Thanks for dropping by and visiting my blog for the 2010 Mother's Day Classic.
I'm Simone McClenaughan - but my friends call me Sim. I'm 28 years old. I'm a writer for a women's weight loss, health and fitness magazine. And I have breast cancer. Yes, young, I know. But breast cancer doesn't discriminate. I was diagnosed with it in October 2009 - which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Within a week I had a masectomy, and since then have been undergoing treatment. My treatment will continue for about another year.
When I was diagnosed, I vowed that in 2010 and forever more, I will enter every single breast cancer charity race in my hometown of Sydney to help raise funds and awareness about the disease. I also wanted something to look forward to and achieve. I've already done one event in January, and the Mother's Day Classic is the next one I have my sights firmly set upon.
I used to be pretty active, exercising daily, doing all sorts of things such as walking, mountain biking, hiking, yoga and pilates. But since starting chemotherapy in November, that came to a grinding halt. The first batch of chemo was pretty toxic and made me quite weak. It was a struggle to even stroll round the block.
I'm halfway through my second batch of chemo and it's far easier to handle. So much so I am ready to exercise again. But after a couple months of no activity, all my muscles turned to mush, so I have to start from scratch. It's a weird feeling, because I've always been active and had good strength and fitness levels. To get me on my way, I've joined a gym and had a weights program written to help restore my strength. I've just finished my first week, going three times to work out on the weight machines. I was so sore after my first session! But it felt amazing. I felt empowered and like I was finally getting back to my old self. I'm also back walking, doing that three times a week too. I've managed to keep a good pace and go a little further each time. The hardest thing for me is being patient with myself and understanding that it will take awhile until I am back to the old Sim.
I guess that's just another lesson I have to learn in this little challenge called cancer.
Yeah for you! I am so happy that you have choosen to write about your challenges publicly (so I can follow along.) You are an amazing positive woman and your words will help us all to be grateful for the small things and give a little more. Xxx
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you Sim. You are an inspiration to those of us lucky enough to call you friend, now you will inspire those yet to know you.
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M
Yes, inspirational is the word! I had the pleasure to meet last september and it amazed me how positive and active you were. So when I heard about your cancer I hoped it wouldn't get the best of you and changed your lovely personality. I'm so glad to see you are still the same happy and feisty woman! I'm 100% behind you in your challenge and will of course follow your blog regularly. All the best.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to read your blog. We are truly wowed by the thought of 3 times gym plus walking !!! Amazing. Keith, Scrappy and I will be avid readers. Take care positive thoughts winging your way. Petrea, Keith and Scrappy
ReplyDeleteYou are fantastic Sim - I'll be following your blog - YOU INSPIRE. Thankyou, Pete Izzard xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat an upliftng first post from an amazing person. How lucky we are to have such a positive, honest voice in Simone. I'll be running on Mother's Day and reading til then. Emma Stirling
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