Move Beyond Cancer

Four years ago today, I had my first surgery… an excision biopsy of a lump on my right breast. That procedure led to my cancer diagnosis, and it changed everything.

I found that lump myself.

Which is exactly why, on the 1st of every month, I stop and ask you to do the same.💖
👉 Feel your breasts. Both. All the way to your armpit.
👉 Notice any lumps, thickening, or changes in shape.
👉 Check the skin: dimpling, puckering, redness.
👉 Look in the mirror with arms raised.

It takes less than 5 minutes. It can save your life like it saved mine.

This April 1st is no joke. Feel yourself up! I mean it. 😉💕
Drop a 💖 in the comments if you’re doing your self breast exam today.

Today is World Lymphedema Awareness Day 💙

Many cancer survivors are at risk of developing lymphedema after surgery or radiation that affects the lymph nodes.

Early awareness and proper care can help manage it and protect quality of life.

As a breast cancer survivor and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, raising awareness about lymphedema is something I’m really passionate about.

If you’ve had lymph nodes removed, learn the signs and don’t ignore swelling to avoid its progression that may affect quality of life. Lymphedema is a manageable condition… early detection is key.

⚠️Early signs to watch for include:
• A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the arm, breast, chest, or hand
• Swelling or puffiness
• Skin feeling tight
• Reduced flexibility in the arm or hand
• Jewelry, clothing, or sleeves feeling tighter on one side

✨ If you know someone who has gone through cancer treatment involving lymph node removal, please share this post with them. Early awareness can make a life-changing difference.

Monthly reminder: 💖

Take a few minutes today to check your breasts.
No special equipment. No perfect timing. Just you… getting to know your own body.

Early detection saved my life.
And it can save yours too.

✔️ Look
✔️ Feel
✔️ Know what’s normal for you

If something feels new, different, or unusual… don’t ignore it. Have it checked.

Make this your monthly self-care habit.
Because the earlier we find it, the more options we have.

Tag a friend, a sister, a mom. Let’s remind each other.

First real gym session after more than a month, and it felt so good to be back!

I had to pause my usual strength training due to minor complications from a previous wisdom tooth extraction, which meant heavy lifting was off the table for a while.

Today wasn’t about maxing out. It was about listening to my body, respecting the process, and returning with intention.✨

And to my fellow survivors who didn’t get to “end 2025 strong”… that doesn’t erase your strength. Rest, setbacks, and pauses are part of the work too. We start again when we’re ready. 💪💖

First time training together in person after working online! came home from Japan and we finally trained in the same space, on the first Monday of the year!🥰

Today’s session focused on using the cable machines with movements intentionally selected based on her cancer and treatment history… prioritizing joint safety, spinal control, and progressive mechanical loading to support muscle hypertrophy and long-term bone integrity.💪

2nd photo:
She also shared her CA15-3 tracker with me. CA15-3 is a circulating tumor marker commonly used in breast cancer to help monitor disease activity and treatment response over time.

Her most significant decline, and the first time she reached her target range… occurred during the period she was consistently engaged in structured, oncology-informed strength training with me!✨

From a physiological standpoint, this is meaningful. Skeletal muscle acts as an endocrine organ. During regular resistance training, contracting muscle releases myokines that influence systemic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, immune surveillance, and the tumor microenvironment. These mechanisms are recognized as part of how exercise supports the body’s ability to regulate circulating tumor cells and maintain metabolic and immunologic balance during survivorship.🙌🏻

This is why exercise in cancer care MUST be specific, intentional, and individualized… not just movement for movement’s sake.

Very proud of her consistency, progress, and commitment to the process! So excited to her crush her fitness goals this year!💪

New year. Same life-saving reminder.✨

As we set our goals and intentions for 2026, don’t forget this simple habit: Check your breasts every month.🙌🏻

Early detection saves lives.
Knowing your body is an act of self-care.

Let this be one of the intentions you keep…not just for January, but all year long. 💖