Akron

Member Since April 2008

My Story
In April 2006, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I had 2 lumpectomies in May 2006 and underwent 8 treatments of chemo (and lost all my hair from August 2006 through March 2007), I had 33 radiation treatments and 14 Herceptin treatments. I also developed lymphedema in my right breast. I was a mess and I weighed 257 lbs.

In June of 2007, the lymphedema was almost unbearable. I went to back to my breast surgeon to see what could be done and he suggested a mastectomy. I decided to get a second opinion, so I went to another well respected breast surgeon in Buffalo, and he actually saved my life. He couldn't do anything for my lymphedema, but he told me to lose 30-40 lbs and it might relieve some of the pain. He also asked me if I knew why I got breast cancer. I told him I didn't know since no one in my family ever had it, and he told me that it was because I was fat! Yes, it wasn't a pleasant thing to hear and I almost cried because I put my husband and son through Hell just because I couldn't control my eating and I wouldn't exercise. I learned that estrogen will store itself in fat cells and I definitely had a lot of fat. I went home and decided I had to do something for myself and my family. I started walking. I also started to eat less food and focused in on the amount of protein I ingested in a day instead of just calorie intake.

By April 2008, I was down to 198 lbs. and felt great, but my weight loss had stalled. I was driving home from work and was waiting at a red light and saw the Curves sign. Right then and there, I decided I was going to join. I NEEDED to. I pulled into the right lane and turned into the parking lot. I walked into the club and was greeted with a "Welcome to Curves" shout from the members and knew this was the place for me. I have been going ever since - almost every week day. I love Curves and I tell everyone about it. The women are great. They are beautiful, they are supportive and all are considered my friends. I would do anything for them. Tricia Calabrese is the owner and she is OUTSTANDING. She has organized stretching classes, weightloss classes, many food drives and even had a chef come in to show us some healthy cooking tricks. I owe a lot to you people at Curves, but most of all, I owe my new body and my health to my friends and co-horts at the Clarence, NY Curves who encourage me every day.

I am now down to 136 lbs. Yes, I have lost 121 lbs in 2 years. I will eventually need a tummy tuck, but I can't afford one right now. Because I work out at Curves, my stomach is a little flabby but not a hanging mass of skin. I think I look good - my friends say I look great. Thank you to Curves for having a place where we women can work out and have fun. I will be a member for life!