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Introduction Text My oldest granddaughter (now 24) dubbed me "Ooma the wise and wonderful" many years ago during a viewing of "The Wizard of OZ". It stuck, and now my 7 other grandkids are convinced that I am a repository of magic, knowledge, and somehow vitally useful information -- I must admit I haven't done very much to discourage that view. During the past 25 years (post-menopause) I put on 60 extra pounds, stopped smoking after 40 years of puffing away on a pack a day, had major surgeries on both knees (culminating in two total replacements), spinal fusion L4-5, and stopped working full-time. Now I'm focusing on getting on with my life and trying to fix as many things that I've let slide as I can. I'm looking to set up a mutual support network with some like-minded people. In July of 2010 during a 'routine' exam, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer. In August I had surgery to remove the tumor and in September underwent internal (brachy) radiation to help ensure that it won't be coming back. Treatment went very smoothly, in large part because of the steps I had already taken to improve my total health. I went on long-term endocrine therapy to help prevent a recurrence, but side effects were so bad I went off meds entirely and am now trying to get my body back functioning smoothly. Several years my DH of 38 years was diagnosed with vascular dementia and was sleeping 14 hours/day and lost interest in virtually everything. I tried to stay supportive without giving up MY life in its entirety, but being a 24/7 caregiver takes its toll. He died last year and I'm now exploring being on my own for the first time in 50 years (no significant other or children at home), and am looking forward to what this next phase of my life will bring..

After losing the 60 lbs that came down out of the sky and dropped right on my hips, I regained some of it while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I want to re-lose that excess baggage and focus on strong, not skinny.

1. Being careful to track EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth 2. Adherring to a program of bike riding (stationary), walking, and swimming, getting in at least 60 minutes/day - NO EXCUSES . Put in time and improve performance paddling with my dragon boat team (all breast cancer survivors). 3. Get rid of whites - bread, rice, pasta, etc. and reinvent preparing healthy, balanced meals. 4. Eat real food - if it's ever been featured in a TV commercial, don't eat it.

My name is Carol - I've lived in Scottsdale, AZ for the past 36 years and LOVE it. I'm 69, retired, with an understanding husband and adorable little dog at home. I have 8 grandchildren and 1 great grand (6 live locally), and need to get serious about weight loss and body fitness. I had two total knee replacements 14 months apart (3/06 and 5/07 ) and my rehab started me on this fitness quest . In July of 2010 I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I underwent surgery and radiation and fully intend to live long enough to die of something other than cancer.

Don't have much time for TV, but am an avid reader (at least 2 books/week) and enjoy gardening a lot. Musical tastes run to classical and jazz, but like exercising to 60's rock. DH and I loved travel and really liked exploring our world. Since retiring, I've become a volunteer docent at the Desert Botanical Garden as a way of channeling my love of plants and gardening, and a few years ago joined a community organic gardening co-op. I paddle on a dragon boat team comprised totally of breast cancer survivors and compete with them - we win medals.

Add a Link Carol Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land amongst the stars. Nothing changes when nothing changes.
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