I finally got the official word in the mail today that my diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound came back normal. I cannot tell you what a relief that is. Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me while I waited to hear what was next. I'm glad to know that what is next involves nothing more than a routine mammogram next year.
I survived the 2011 3-Day Walk with flying colors. I am working up a write up of the event, but the highlights are as follows, my teammate Nancy, Rocks!!! She outwalked me and made it possible for me to do more than I could have done alone.
I walked a total of 51.8 miles. I swept 2.2 miles on Day 2 and then we took the SAG bus after lunch on Day 2 back to camp, skipping the last 6 miles that day. The other two days, we both walked all the mileage!!!
I did not get as emotionally drained this year, nor was I as physically exhausted after the event, which was nice. I was able to pretty much return to my regular routine when I got home.
I'm already getting donations for the 2012 walk!!! Yup, I'm signed up for a third year and you can help me get there by donating now at http://www.the3day.org/goto/margie_dowens and clicking on the bright pink "Donate to Margie in 2012" button on the left hand side of the screen. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who support my walks financially and who support me with your kind words and encouragement.
(11/15/11) Fundraising 2012: $35, Total: $295.00
(11/14/11) Fundraising 2012: $60, Total: $260.00
(10/21/11) First Donation to 2012 walk: $200.00, Total: $200.00
Friday, November 25, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Still No Real Answers
I had my followup diagnostic mammogram and a follow-up ultrasound today. The technicians are not allowed to tell you much of anything, but my ultrasound tech did say that she didn't see anything to immediately be concerned about, but that the radiologist would look at the pictures she took and if more testing (i.e. biopsy) is needed the radiologist would contact my doctor and my doctor would contact me. So I've sort of got good news, but it's tentative and I'm really back to the waiting game. I'm hoping that someone calls me with the official results in the next couple days. I dislike this waiting.
In the meantime, I'm trying to get packing done and settle everything around the house before I leave for San Diego on Thursday.
(11/13/11) Training: 7.3 miles in 2 hours 40 minutes
Total miles this year: 208.5
(11/13/11) Fundraising: $30, Total: $2,600
(11/11/11) Training: 4.0 miles in 1 hour 15 minutes
Total miles this year: 201.2
In the meantime, I'm trying to get packing done and settle everything around the house before I leave for San Diego on Thursday.
(11/13/11) Training: 7.3 miles in 2 hours 40 minutes
Total miles this year: 208.5
(11/13/11) Fundraising: $30, Total: $2,600
(11/11/11) Training: 4.0 miles in 1 hour 15 minutes
Total miles this year: 201.2
Friday, November 11, 2011
It's Probably Nothing
I had my annual mammogram last Friday. Yesterday, less than a week since it was done, I got the call that sends fear into most every woman's heart. They want me to come back in for a second set of films on one side and probably a follow-up ultrasound. I know that this happens all the time. I know that many women are called in for additional screening that turns out to be nothing to worry about. But this is kind of like making it to the second round in a contest you don't want to win. You didn't want to even be a contender. You wanted to wait two weeks and get that letter that tells you that everything is "normal". I have had mammograms at this facility before, so they have to be seeing something that's changed from my last one.
My mother has a history of cystic breasts. Almost every time she had a mammogram, they did a follow-up ultrasound for her. I'm probably just finally at an age where that is starting to happen to me. But I have to wait, not knowing, and that is no fun. Let's talk about the waiting thing for a minute. I don't get why they don't have an express lane for people with unusual mammograms. I'd pay extra to have had it done yesterday. The first appointment they had was not for TWO WEEKS. Yes, you read that right, two weeks! Luckily, I know enough to schedule that appointment and then ask them to be put on the cancellation list. If someone cancels their appointment, they call and get you in earlier. What I was impressed about was that they called back within a couple hours, and instead of two weeks, I now only have to wait until Monday. That's still four days from the time I got the notification that I need to go back in. Four long days.
My mom will go with me on Monday and most likely I'll come back and report that all is fine, and I'm trying not to think about it otherwise.
(11/3/11) Training: 7.1 miles in 2 hours 31 minutes
Total miles this year: 197.2
My mother has a history of cystic breasts. Almost every time she had a mammogram, they did a follow-up ultrasound for her. I'm probably just finally at an age where that is starting to happen to me. But I have to wait, not knowing, and that is no fun. Let's talk about the waiting thing for a minute. I don't get why they don't have an express lane for people with unusual mammograms. I'd pay extra to have had it done yesterday. The first appointment they had was not for TWO WEEKS. Yes, you read that right, two weeks! Luckily, I know enough to schedule that appointment and then ask them to be put on the cancellation list. If someone cancels their appointment, they call and get you in earlier. What I was impressed about was that they called back within a couple hours, and instead of two weeks, I now only have to wait until Monday. That's still four days from the time I got the notification that I need to go back in. Four long days.
My mom will go with me on Monday and most likely I'll come back and report that all is fine, and I'm trying not to think about it otherwise.
(11/3/11) Training: 7.1 miles in 2 hours 31 minutes
Total miles this year: 197.2
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Random Things I Keep Thinking About on Training Walks
If I had time, I might take some of these topics and create a separate blog post. Instead, here's several random thoughts that continue to go through my head as I'm out on training walks. Welcome to my rather schizophrenic mind.
1) October is breast cancer awareness month. Don't forget to do you self-exam and if you're due for it, schedule that mammogram! Wear Pink! (Um... Margie, you need to get yours scheduled. You're overdue.)
2) Based on the training I've been able to get in, my goal is to walk a minimum of 10 miles per day on the 3-Day. The fact I did 11.1 miles today (and could have kept going had it not been blazingly HOT), makes me think that I may be able to do more than that!
3) When walking, you actually should consciously alternate between using your right and left feet to step up on curbs. Last year on the walk, I noticed one knee was starting to hurt. When I realized it was on the leg that I had continuously used to step up on curbs, I started using the other one and that pain stopped.
4) I need to go over my packing list and figure out what I still may need to get to be ready to pack next month. Don't forget that there is a one-bag, 35lb limit on what you bring with you to camp!
5) I got my first donation for my 2012 3-Day Walk AND it is from someone who's company does a 100% matching gift. I've already raised $400.00 for 2012!!!! If you have donated to my walk, make sure you've checked to see if your company does matching gifts! More information on matching gifts can be found at: http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Matching_Gifts_2011
6) It's not to late to send me mail that I will receive in camp. Send letters (no packages) to:
3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: MARGIE DOWENS
P.O. Box 722485
San Diego, CA 92172
Must be postmarked by November 8th.
If you really want to be cool, send one to my teammate as well: Same address, ATTN: NANCY SPRINGER
7) Don't forget earplugs if you're packing to stay in camp. People snore (I do!) and there's lots of noise. Also, at night, be sure to ease the door of the port-o-potty closed. No one appreciates it when it slams and wakes them up.
That's all I can think of for now! Keep that training going!
-------------------------------------
(10/22/11) Training: 11.1 miles in 4 hours 7 minutes
Total miles this year: 190.1
(10/21/11) Training: 4.3 miles in 1 hour 29 minutes
Total miles this year: 179.0
(10/17/11) Fundraising: $40, Total $2,570
(10/16/11) Training: 6.7 miles in 2 hours 25 minutes
Total miles this year: 174.7
1) October is breast cancer awareness month. Don't forget to do you self-exam and if you're due for it, schedule that mammogram! Wear Pink! (Um... Margie, you need to get yours scheduled. You're overdue.)
2) Based on the training I've been able to get in, my goal is to walk a minimum of 10 miles per day on the 3-Day. The fact I did 11.1 miles today (and could have kept going had it not been blazingly HOT), makes me think that I may be able to do more than that!
3) When walking, you actually should consciously alternate between using your right and left feet to step up on curbs. Last year on the walk, I noticed one knee was starting to hurt. When I realized it was on the leg that I had continuously used to step up on curbs, I started using the other one and that pain stopped.
4) I need to go over my packing list and figure out what I still may need to get to be ready to pack next month. Don't forget that there is a one-bag, 35lb limit on what you bring with you to camp!
5) I got my first donation for my 2012 3-Day Walk AND it is from someone who's company does a 100% matching gift. I've already raised $400.00 for 2012!!!! If you have donated to my walk, make sure you've checked to see if your company does matching gifts! More information on matching gifts can be found at: http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Matching_Gifts_2011
6) It's not to late to send me mail that I will receive in camp. Send letters (no packages) to:
3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: MARGIE DOWENS
P.O. Box 722485
San Diego, CA 92172
Must be postmarked by November 8th.
If you really want to be cool, send one to my teammate as well: Same address, ATTN: NANCY SPRINGER
7) Don't forget earplugs if you're packing to stay in camp. People snore (I do!) and there's lots of noise. Also, at night, be sure to ease the door of the port-o-potty closed. No one appreciates it when it slams and wakes them up.
That's all I can think of for now! Keep that training going!
-------------------------------------
(10/22/11) Training: 11.1 miles in 4 hours 7 minutes
Total miles this year: 190.1
(10/21/11) Training: 4.3 miles in 1 hour 29 minutes
Total miles this year: 179.0
(10/17/11) Fundraising: $40, Total $2,570
(10/16/11) Training: 6.7 miles in 2 hours 25 minutes
Total miles this year: 174.7
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Training and Fundraising Update
Low on time, so here's just the rundown of my latest training and fundraising activity! You can see I've met my minimum to walk, so I'm super excited about that!!! My training is where it is, and I will finish what I can of the 60 miles at this point. I'm not going to over-do, but I'm going to have a blast over those three days.
(10/12/11) Training: 4.3 miles in 1 hour 28 minutes
Total miles this year: 168.0
(10/7/11) Training: 7.3 miles in 2 hours 36 minutes
Total miles this year: 163.7
Fundraising: $60, Total: $2,530
Fundraising: $120, Total: $2,470
(10/6/11) Training: 2.5 miles
Total miles this year: 156.4
(10/5/11) Training: 3.4 miles in 1 hour
Total miles this year: 153.9
(10/3/11) Training: 4.2 miles in 1 hour 25 minutes
Total miles this year: 150.5
(10/2/11) Training: 7 miles in 2 hours 22 minutes
Total miles this year: 146.3
(9/25/11) Training: 6.4 miles in about 2 hours
Total miles this year: 139.3
(9/24/11) Training: 5.2 miles in 1 hour 46 minutes
Total miles this year: 132.9
(9/10/11) Training: 3.3 miles in 1 hour 14 minutes
Total miles this year: 127.7
(9/9/11) Training: 3.0 miles in 58 minutes
Total miles this year: 124.4
Fundraising: $50, Total: $2,350
(9/5/11) Training: 2.5 miles in 58 minutes
Total miles this year: 121.4
(9/4/11) Training: 5.2 miles in 1 hour 58 minutes
Total miles this year: 118.9
(8/14/11) Training: 2.8 miles in 62 minutes
Total miles this year: 113.7
(8/11/11) Fundraising: $75, Total: $2,300!!!!! I'm official to WALK!
(8/10/11) Training: 1.1 miles,
Total miles this year: 110.9
(8/10/11) Fundraising: $120, Total: $2,225
(8/8/11) Fundraising: $100, Total: $2,105
(8/3/11) Fundraising: $60, Total: $2,005
(8/2/11) Fundraising: $25, Total: $1,945
(10/12/11) Training: 4.3 miles in 1 hour 28 minutes
Total miles this year: 168.0
(10/7/11) Training: 7.3 miles in 2 hours 36 minutes
Total miles this year: 163.7
Fundraising: $60, Total: $2,530
Fundraising: $120, Total: $2,470
(10/6/11) Training: 2.5 miles
Total miles this year: 156.4
(10/5/11) Training: 3.4 miles in 1 hour
Total miles this year: 153.9
(10/3/11) Training: 4.2 miles in 1 hour 25 minutes
Total miles this year: 150.5
(10/2/11) Training: 7 miles in 2 hours 22 minutes
Total miles this year: 146.3
(9/25/11) Training: 6.4 miles in about 2 hours
Total miles this year: 139.3
(9/24/11) Training: 5.2 miles in 1 hour 46 minutes
Total miles this year: 132.9
(9/10/11) Training: 3.3 miles in 1 hour 14 minutes
Total miles this year: 127.7
(9/9/11) Training: 3.0 miles in 58 minutes
Total miles this year: 124.4
Fundraising: $50, Total: $2,350
(9/5/11) Training: 2.5 miles in 58 minutes
Total miles this year: 121.4
(9/4/11) Training: 5.2 miles in 1 hour 58 minutes
Total miles this year: 118.9
(8/14/11) Training: 2.8 miles in 62 minutes
Total miles this year: 113.7
(8/11/11) Fundraising: $75, Total: $2,300!!!!! I'm official to WALK!
(8/10/11) Training: 1.1 miles,
Total miles this year: 110.9
(8/10/11) Fundraising: $120, Total: $2,225
(8/8/11) Fundraising: $100, Total: $2,105
(8/3/11) Fundraising: $60, Total: $2,005
(8/2/11) Fundraising: $25, Total: $1,945
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Gear, Gear, Gear
As we get closer to the event, I find that my mind keeps turning to the gear I will need for the event and for camping.
For anyone else who is also thinking about this, the first two resources I would point you to are
I hope by now that you have shoes. Shoes are to me the most important piece of gear for this event. I love my shoes because they kept me blister free even in the pouring rain last year, and I am still trying to find a replacement for them as that model has been discontinued and these will be too worn to use on this year's event. I could write a whole post on shoes, but for now I'm going to leave it as, get fitted at a real running store. Walk in them. If they don't work for you, get something else. Remember they should be comfortable from minute one of wearing them. There is no "breaking them in". Anything that bugs you now, is going to bug you way more on mile 17 and probably cause injury or blisters by mile 57. Spend time, spend money. Get good shoes. Socks are important too. You don't want regular cotton ones, but the moisture wicking kind.
November in San Diego was cold by this thin-blooded Southern CA-girl's standards. If you are from parts of the country where you get real snow in your cities during the winter, you have my permission to laugh at me now, and you will probably find it a nice warm change of pace if you're coming to join us in San Diego. Last year at night it was probablhy in the low 40's or so. During the day it was probably never much warmer than about 70 (and on the two days it rained, definitely seemed colder). While walking, the cold was not a problem and I saw lots of people walking in shorts. I was quite comfy in long workout pants, short sleeved shirt and a sport jacket which I could remove when I got warm. I wore a hat and sunglasses as well. The rain of course also meant that I had a rain poncho on day 2 & 3 and gloves for the beginning of the day when my hands were still cold. I'm hoping for no rain this year. A lot of the walking is also near the coastline, stunningly beautiful, but it means there was often a lot of wind.
The best way to know what will work best for you for gear you will carry on you, is to try it out on training walks. I'm providing links here to items I have found that I liked using last year. I am not paid to endorse any of these items, just including them because they worked for me. However, everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you, so keep trying things out during your training until you find what you like.
For hydration, there are lots of options. I do not like to carry anything in my hands while walking, so having something to hold my water/sports drink was important for me. The three main things I saw people with were
I also carried a lightweight cinch bag kind of like this:
I saw lots of people who had very minimal gear on them as they walked. I probably carried more than I needed, but I used most of it, so I was OK doing it. A few things that I think are a must that you probably should find a way to carry with you as you walk are
I have trouble drinking too much of any drink with lots of sugar in it, so I also carried my own packets of the low-calorie version of powdered Gatorade and added it to one of my two bottles every time I refilled it.
Not everyone stays in camp, plenty go to hotels in the evening. Whatever you choose to do is fine. I actually surprised myself that I really enjoyed staying in camp, and I am not someone who has ever been a real camping type. You should read up in both of the guides I posted above for more comprehensive info on what you will need for camping. I'll briefly mention some of the things I used or brought that stood out as being very useful to me.
I had a sleeping bag rated down to 30F and was perfectly comfy in it. I used a self-inflating camp pad underneath it and slept pretty well. I debated back and forth between this and an inflatable matress and decided that this was easier. I didn't need to bring the pump or worry that if it did get a hole in it that I'd be sleeping on the ground and I also didn't have to worry that the matress would take up more than my share of the tent. Earplugs were a must for me for sleeping. Without them, the wind would have kept me up all night that first night and the rain the second night. Plus, not everyone goes to sleep at the same time, so there can be lots of noise around the area. Your tent mate may snore or the folks in the tent near you may!! I was excited that I found pink earplugs! I also had a headlamp flashlight that I picked up at Target. This made lighting my way when walking around camp after dark easy, and it was perfect for that middle of the night trip to the porta potties (remember, there are no lights in the porta potties). I liked that I didn't have to worry about dropping it in there and it kept me hands free. And trust me, if you've hydrated well, odds are you will have to make a middle of the night trip to the porta potties.
I had flip flops that I wore when I showered and crocs that I wore with comfy socks in the camp at the end of the day. Once I'd showered, I changed into thermals with sweats and a comfy sweatshirt to go to dinner and to hang out in the camp main street and dining tent.
I highly recommend purchasing the towel service during your online check-in so you don't have to deal with wet towels after showering.
A reminder that you have to fit all your gear into a single bag and it has to be 35 lbs or less. Last year I had a large black duffle that I used and I took pink multi-colored yarn and just wrapped that around the handle multiple times to be able to quickly pick it out. I'm going to see if I can pare things down a little more this year, and am hoping to be able to use a slightly smaller wheeled duffle I own instead. Wheels would have been nice last year, but it should be OK even if I use the same duffle this year.
My bottom line is to remind you that the more you plan ahead for your gear, the better off you'll be. Train with what you plan to use on the event, so you can work out any issues ahead of time and replace anything that isn't working for you!
I'm getting excited about November!
For anyone else who is also thinking about this, the first two resources I would point you to are
I hope by now that you have shoes. Shoes are to me the most important piece of gear for this event. I love my shoes because they kept me blister free even in the pouring rain last year, and I am still trying to find a replacement for them as that model has been discontinued and these will be too worn to use on this year's event. I could write a whole post on shoes, but for now I'm going to leave it as, get fitted at a real running store. Walk in them. If they don't work for you, get something else. Remember they should be comfortable from minute one of wearing them. There is no "breaking them in". Anything that bugs you now, is going to bug you way more on mile 17 and probably cause injury or blisters by mile 57. Spend time, spend money. Get good shoes. Socks are important too. You don't want regular cotton ones, but the moisture wicking kind.
November in San Diego was cold by this thin-blooded Southern CA-girl's standards. If you are from parts of the country where you get real snow in your cities during the winter, you have my permission to laugh at me now, and you will probably find it a nice warm change of pace if you're coming to join us in San Diego. Last year at night it was probablhy in the low 40's or so. During the day it was probably never much warmer than about 70 (and on the two days it rained, definitely seemed colder). While walking, the cold was not a problem and I saw lots of people walking in shorts. I was quite comfy in long workout pants, short sleeved shirt and a sport jacket which I could remove when I got warm. I wore a hat and sunglasses as well. The rain of course also meant that I had a rain poncho on day 2 & 3 and gloves for the beginning of the day when my hands were still cold. I'm hoping for no rain this year. A lot of the walking is also near the coastline, stunningly beautiful, but it means there was often a lot of wind.
The best way to know what will work best for you for gear you will carry on you, is to try it out on training walks. I'm providing links here to items I have found that I liked using last year. I am not paid to endorse any of these items, just including them because they worked for me. However, everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you, so keep trying things out during your training until you find what you like.
For hydration, there are lots of options. I do not like to carry anything in my hands while walking, so having something to hold my water/sports drink was important for me. The three main things I saw people with were
- Waist packs: they come in lots of different types and if this is what you want you just need to shop around until you find one that is comfy and easy for you to use.
- Hydratation back pack: Lots of people love these. I decided that since they like you to drink both water and sports drink during the walk, that if I had this, I'd still need to carry a second water bottle for the gatorade, so I opted not to go this route. Some folks just alternate water at this stop, then the sports drink at the next.
- Regular back pack or cinch back pack. I tried this during training last year and the biggest downfall for me was it was hard to get at my waterbottles on the go. I'd have to stop to open them up and that would have gotten annoying during the walk.
I replaced the water bottles that came with this waist pack with these rubbermaid water bottles.
I really liked how easy they are to drink from on the go, and they have a nice wide opening that made it easy to refill on the event.
Because I knew we were getting rain, I mostly wanted more mobile storage for some of the extra things I carried, and on Day 3 I tossed my crocs (which weigh almost nothing) in there to change into as soon as the closing ceremony was over.
I saw lots of people who had very minimal gear on them as they walked. I probably carried more than I needed, but I used most of it, so I was OK doing it. A few things that I think are a must that you probably should find a way to carry with you as you walk are
- sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- body glide or equivlent (I think mine is band-aid brand because that's what the store I went to had)
- ibuprofin and any other medications you may need
- blister care supplies
- any feminine products you may need
- tissues (I'm a cryer!)
- driver's license and medical insurance card
- a little cash
- rain poncho
I have trouble drinking too much of any drink with lots of sugar in it, so I also carried my own packets of the low-calorie version of powdered Gatorade and added it to one of my two bottles every time I refilled it.
Not everyone stays in camp, plenty go to hotels in the evening. Whatever you choose to do is fine. I actually surprised myself that I really enjoyed staying in camp, and I am not someone who has ever been a real camping type. You should read up in both of the guides I posted above for more comprehensive info on what you will need for camping. I'll briefly mention some of the things I used or brought that stood out as being very useful to me.
I had a sleeping bag rated down to 30F and was perfectly comfy in it. I used a self-inflating camp pad underneath it and slept pretty well. I debated back and forth between this and an inflatable matress and decided that this was easier. I didn't need to bring the pump or worry that if it did get a hole in it that I'd be sleeping on the ground and I also didn't have to worry that the matress would take up more than my share of the tent. Earplugs were a must for me for sleeping. Without them, the wind would have kept me up all night that first night and the rain the second night. Plus, not everyone goes to sleep at the same time, so there can be lots of noise around the area. Your tent mate may snore or the folks in the tent near you may!! I was excited that I found pink earplugs! I also had a headlamp flashlight that I picked up at Target. This made lighting my way when walking around camp after dark easy, and it was perfect for that middle of the night trip to the porta potties (remember, there are no lights in the porta potties). I liked that I didn't have to worry about dropping it in there and it kept me hands free. And trust me, if you've hydrated well, odds are you will have to make a middle of the night trip to the porta potties.I had flip flops that I wore when I showered and crocs that I wore with comfy socks in the camp at the end of the day. Once I'd showered, I changed into thermals with sweats and a comfy sweatshirt to go to dinner and to hang out in the camp main street and dining tent.
I highly recommend purchasing the towel service during your online check-in so you don't have to deal with wet towels after showering.
My bottom line is to remind you that the more you plan ahead for your gear, the better off you'll be. Train with what you plan to use on the event, so you can work out any issues ahead of time and replace anything that isn't working for you!
I'm getting excited about November!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Send Me Mail!
Want to support and encourage me for the cost of a postage stamp? Send me mail that I will receive on the event. It doesn't need to be a long drawn out letter. A quick note of love and encouragement can really boost a tired walker. I really enjoyed reading the notes I received last year, so consider sending me one again this year. You can mail it now if you wish. It must be postmarked no later than November 8th to reach me on event.
3-Day for the Cure Post Office
ATTN: MARGIE DOWENS
P.O. Box 722485
San Diego, CA 92172
Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than November 8th in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office. This address is not the actual location of camp, but a PO Box for mail delivery only.
(7/31/11) Training: 2.1 miles in about an hour
Total mileage walked this year: 109.8
3-Day for the Cure Post Office
ATTN: MARGIE DOWENS
P.O. Box 722485
San Diego, CA 92172
Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than November 8th in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office. This address is not the actual location of camp, but a PO Box for mail delivery only.
(7/31/11) Training: 2.1 miles in about an hour
Total mileage walked this year: 109.8
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