Having worked for the last 12 years in Oncology, I did regular self exams and even requested a mammogram from my doctors as early as age 39. Keeping it up with my annual mammogram, I was shocked to learn at the age 50, I did, in fact, have breast cancer. Having seen so many women have to fight the battle, I truly believed I would not survive the next year. Doctors had told me that had I NOT done the mammogram, the tumor would not have been detected for another 8 years, and by then, would have been too late to hold on to a glimmer of hope. So I underwent surgery and received radiation. Upon completing the treatment, I decided I would take a more aggressive role to try and improve my lifestyle. After joining two other gyms and finding they were not for me, my daughter asked me to join Momentum. As they say, the rest is history. I love every minute of every class (well, maybe not every minute). The first class I ever took was BodyPump. I felt so good after the class, I wanted to definitely continue with it on a regular basis, but I have struggled with lymphedema in my right arm, and I experienced swelling after partaking in the class. My doctors and therapist suggested I not do the class, but I insisted they help me find a way to do it and, along with the girls at Momentum, I have been able to BodyPump and many other workouts in almost any class I want. The staff has helped me modify all the programs I have wanted to do!
Last year, when I cut my hours back at work, I left my cleaning lady and hairdresser go, but I kept my membership at Momentum. I found someone to cut my hair for half the price and I get exercise doing the cleaning of my own house now which is a win/win for me. I have become a “Cansurmount” volunteer working with other cancer patients and their caregivers. I feel this is a way I can give back for all the support I received during my cancer treatment. I also have 4 year-old twin grandsons that make life just wonderful. I plan on having many more years to enjoy them! I need to keep myself healthy, so I can see them grow up! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy going to Momentum. Thanks to everyone for helping me get back on track and keeping me there! With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, please keep up-to-date on your self exams, and do not reschedule or put off doing a mammogram. - Lana Forconi
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