Fitness Club Member Spotlight
Submitted by Fitness Club member Rose Marie Fife
I am a Survivor!
 My mother was diagnosed in June, 2000 with breast cancer, Stage IV. She died during her treatment and I always believed that she was not in a healthy state to help her withstand the treatments. From that day forward, I have made it a point to have regular mammograms, do self checks, and try to stay fit with exercise and diet. This led me to join the Fitness Club. Like many members, I would start a good routine of working out, then found I had all the excuses in the world to stay at home. My routines were not consistent all of the time, but I did my best to keep active.
My mammogram in October of 2006 revealed that I now had breast cancer. Thank goodness that I caught it early! After a complete mastectomy, chemotherapy, and reconstruction I am now a survivor, enjoying life like before, actually even better than before.
Being diagnosed with cancer is a scary feeling, but I immediately received the strength to get through it because of all of the support and love from family and friends. I did everything I could to remain active in my work, volunteering, and my fitness program. As soon as I would heal from each surgery, I began working out again, even if it was to walk. It takes a long time to get your full strength back, but I took it day by day. Being over 50 and the effects of chemo treatments I have been diagnosed with osteopenia. This news reminded me that I had another reason to be even more active and I added more weight bearing exercises to build better bones. I believe that my healing was easier than normal because of my commitment to stay fit. The staff at the Fitness Club have been great by watching over me and helping me to become a stronger, healthier woman. (I even survived the summer boot camp game this year). I know that every time I walk out of the Fitness Club, I am smiling and feeling wonderful knowing that I am alive and healthy!
Share Your ExperiencePlease let us know about your experiences at Woman’s Hospital so we can share your story with others.
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