I am also going to try and lose 6 pounds. I have lost a couple of pounds since winter - in February I was at an all time high, except during my pregnancies ;-) of 138. I am currently at 135 . . . but would really love to be under 130. Beyond the "normal" reason that it would be nice to weigh less - I actually have a medical reason to lose some weight.
As a result of some of my treatments for breast cancer, including surgery and radiation, I developed Lymphedema in my right arm. Lymphedema is a swelling of the soft tissues caused by a build-up of lymph fluid. The swelling can be accompanied by pain, tightness, numbness, and sometimes infection. Any excess weight can be the enemy of lymphedema . . . so losing 5-6 pounds should help with my arm.
In 2004, at the time of my mastectomy I had 13 lymph nodes removed, as a result of that - my remaining lymph nodes are not adequate to transport the lymph fluids through out my right arm. Although I do not have an extremely serious case - my right arm is at a minimum 1 inch larger than my left arm. I wear a compression sleeve most days. I am very thankful . . . actually I am extremely thankful, that my hand is not really effected by the lymphedema. Otherwise, I would have to wear a compression glove on a daily basis.
I am suppose to wrap it each evening. I have not wrapped my arm in months. Trust me - I had done it almost every single night for almost 5 years - and this last winter I just got fed up with it and decided that I would take a break. The wrapping should help reduce the swelling over the evening - but honestly - it doesn't make that much difference.
So my mission for the next 3-4 weeks is to lose weight - and use other methods to exercise. I was in my flower gardens for 5 hours yesterday and about 4 hours today. Plus today I biked for 10 miles - 8 by myself and 2 with my dog, Sophie.
My goal is to be 130 and maybe - just maybe 129 by June 1st.
I will keep you all posted.
