Saturday, August 16, 2014

Check your boobies!

On Wednesday August 13th, I hopped in the shower and was singing along to Avery Sunshine. I was determined to have a great day. I was singing "Shine" and lathering up. I am a jerk. I don't care if any one else in the house is sleeping. I sing loud and off. So...while singing and lathering, I found a lump in my right breast. My day immediately went downhill. I thought of my mother and her fight with breast cancer (despite the fact that we had no genetic connection) and leaving my kiddles and then I snapped back to reality. I thought about who I could talk to. The answer was: no one. I was worried but would anyone else be? And does anyone else need to worry besides me? I thought and thought and decided not to talk to anyone. I went to work and called my ob/gyn's office and requested an appointment. I was scheduled for September. I share an office with one of my ob/gyn's nurses who is also a friend. She jumped into action emailing the doctor and then scheduling me for a mammogram and ultrasound for the next day. I was relieved to have the appointment and that someone else knew and was also concerned. I had my first mammogram on the 14th of August (1 day before my 39th birthday and 1 year early). I had heard terrible things about mammograms. It wasn't as bad as I had heard. I was a little embarrassed at how much the young lady struggled to smoosh my tiny little boob onto the plate. I imagine that if I were perhaps a cup larger it would be easier but , alas, my girls are wee little things. After the mammogram, I waited in a little room watching HGTV and eating snacks with an older lady who was VERY talkative for what seemed like hours. Finally, I was taken for the ultrasound. I watched the screen as two masses appeared. "Oh" she exclaimed "There are two here". She examined them and took pictures and then explained that she thinks that they are just cysts and that she will send them to my doctor who will contact me. The doctor has not contacted me yet so I am going with "no news is good news". My nurse friend said that they would contact me immediately if there was a concern. I am now very hopeful and thankful for the quick response.
Sometimes I ignore ailments for fear of of the unknown or because I don't want to look silly for complaining about something that is minor. This situation reminded me that I am in control of my health and I need to be vocal about whats going on and my needs.  Just wanted to remind everyone else to check your boobies and be your own advocate for your health. You're the most qualified person to do it!!!
 
                                               

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Free yoga: Tried and Tested

Over the past few weeks, I have frequented as many free yoga classes as I could. The common theme has been the setting. They are always outdoors. There is something perfect about the combination of yoga and nature. I found that many of my balancing poses were done in the grass; and not on my mat. I felt grounded and connected and powerful. Every single outdoor yoga experience has been unique and amazing.

I went to Moonshine Buzz with two friends. We practiced at night under the full moon. Despite being bitten by 1.2 million bugs, it was an awesome experience. There was a great turnout and the energy was high. I learned how to improve my revolved chair pose.

I went to yoga at the Art Museum a few times. The instructors were warm and friendly and eager to assist. There was a variety of fitness levels at the last class I attended and the instructor worked hard to cater to all participants. I also received special help after the class on my upward bow or wheel pose. I have not been able to straighten my arms completely but she gave me great pointers to help work on it.

I went to Northcoast Namaste on Tuesday evening. Yoga on the lake is exactly as you would imagine it. It was serene and perfect. While there were a lot of yogis practicing, there were not a lot of non-participants in the area to drown out the sounds of nature. The only sounds we heard were sea gulls, waves crashing, our own breathing and the instructor. The sun was warm but the grass was cool. The atmosphere was calming. It is a most perfect location for yoga.

I also practiced at Edgewater Live on the beach on Thursday. While this is another great location, the atmosphere is not so serene. There are throngs of people. It is very noisy. There are many onlookers. This location is accessible to a variety of people and they are exposed to yoga in a relatable manner and given the opportunity to try it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the free yoga and plan to continue, but I know that it is time for me to consider finding a yoga home. I am beginning to feel changes in my body and my abilities and I need to find classes that foster growth in my practice. I have begun looking…