Jamie Martin:
Welcome to Life Time Talks, the podcast that’s geared toward serving to you obtain your well being, health and life targets. I’m Jamie Martin, editor and chief of Expertise Life, Life Time’s complete life well being and health journal.
David Freeman:
And I’m David Freeman, director of Alpha, one in every of Life Time’s signature group coaching applications. We’re all in other places alongside our well being and health journey however it doesn’t matter what we’re working in the direction of, there’s some important issues we are able to do to maintain transferring within the path of a wholesome, purpose-driven life.
Jamie Martin:
In every episode, we break down numerous parts of wholesome dwelling together with health and diet, mindset and neighborhood, and well being points. We’ll additionally share actual inspiring tales of transformation.
David Freeman:
And we’ll be speaking to specialists from Life Time and past who will share their insights and data, so you’ve the instruments and knowledge it is advisable take cost of your subsequent steps. Right here we go.
Jamie Martin:
Welcome to Life Time Talks. I’m Jamie Martin.
David Freeman:
And I’m David Freeman.
Jamie Martin:
And on this episode, we’re recognizing that October is breast most cancers consciousness month, and we’ve got two friends with us who’re actually excited to speak about how they grew to become breast associates as a result of we all know that while you’re going via a difficult time in your life you want assist and these two discovered one another.
David Freeman:
So, we’ll kick off with our first famous person Becky Attard. She truly labored for Life Time for nearly 24 years and through her time there she was a gaggle health performer, an artistry award successful studio supervisor, after which when Becky was recognized with stage 4 breast most cancers in June of 2020 her complete life modified. After 22 rounds of chemo, 43 periods of radiation, seven surgical procedures, a damaged neck, Becky was being handed funeral papers. She now could be in remission, and she or he intends on remaining there. Becky is married to the love of her life Fred, and so they have two stunning kids, Marco and Giano. Marco being 11, Giano being six, and since Becky has now left her full time function at Life Time, she at the moment sells properties together with her husband in Southeastern Michigan. She plans on returning to the studio to show yoga now that her therapy and surgical procedures are prior to now.
Jamie Martin:
And likewise with us is Jayme Zylstra. She is at the moment the chief producer of livestreaming and on demand for Life Time. For the previous 29 years, Jayme has made a profession at Life Time by her inspiring, motivating, and main members and group members in numerous roles. In February of 2023, Jayme was recognized with invasive ductile carcinoma, stage one breast most cancers. After listening to all of the fields of listening to you’ve breast most cancers, she made up her thoughts to make this like one other problem that she has skilled for.
All of the hours of understanding at Life Time, dwelling a wholesome lifestyle and being a job mannequin to her two daughters made all of the distinction in her months of therapy. Jayme is married to her greatest supporter Ken and his two superb daughters who’re her world, Zoey who’s 22 and Ruby who’re 20 and they’re superb. I hope you’ll be able to discuss them a little bit Jayme. Should you don’t see Jayme understanding on the membership, she is instructing, strolling exterior, or doing handstands in addition to saving as many canine as she will be able to as a foster mother. Becky, Jayme, thanks a lot for being right here with us. We’re so excited.
So, as I discussed on the prime of the episode, October is breast most cancers consciousness month and that’s an initiative that many people have heard about. It’s actually been round for fairly a while, and it’s meant to advertise screening and prevention of the illness, which impacts one in eight ladies in the USA yearly and two level three million ladies worldwide. So, as we shared in each of your bios, you had been each recognized inside the previous few years, and we need to simply acknowledge every of your journeys in having that analysis occur to you. So, let’s begin with you Becky and speak a little bit bit about what was it like to listen to the analysis of you’ve breast most cancers and the way did you get there? What occurred that led you to discover what was occurring in your physique?
Becky Attard:
Simply to rewind actual fast I used to be right here at Life Time after I was 19 years outdated. Met my husband there, had two youngsters, was a studio supervisor for 20 plus years after which that led me to March of 2020 and also you guys bear in mind what March of 2020 was. That was COVID and every thing shut down. All of us got here house and that was March, April, after which Could occurred. So, I used to be 39 in Could, flip 40 in June. So, proper earlier than my 40 birthday. Did an ideal exercise in my basement as a result of my husband and I had been like we’re going to capitalize on the chance to work out, eat proper, simply all of the issues. received in the very best form. Did exercise. Took a bathe and I used to be within the bathe and I used to be like wow that enormous lump protruding from my chest was not there yesterday and I confirmed my husband and he’s like wait a pair days and see what occurs.
I used to be doing pushups a pair days later and I used to be like wait a minute, I do know sufficient in regards to the physique to know if I like did one thing huge to my chest I wouldn’t be capable to do these pushups proper now. Went in, received the analysis June 23 of 2020 and I’m unsure in the event you guys know this however there was every week in June the place the Michigan golf equipment had been going to reopen. So, I went again to work for every week, and I used to be at Life Time in Studio 2 after I received the decision. I received the decision, I’m sorry to let you already know your assessments got here again constructive. You could have breast most cancers. Referred to as my husband, referred to as my sister, after which I referred to as my normal supervisor and he was like the place are you and I’m like I’m studio 2 and he got here, and he was the primary particular person I noticed. I used to be like hyperventilating and I used to be like we’re in the midst of COVID. No person even is aware of while you get up within the morning in the event you can go to the grocery retailer, proper, and now I’ve breast most cancers. I simply stored saying I don’t need to do that, and he very calmly checked out me, ____00:05:51, he checked out me and he stated however it’s a must to and that was like one of many first powerful love moments that I had as a result of so many occasions it’s a must to do issues in life that you just don’t need to do and I used to be like breast most cancers. Please, like somebody get me off this prepare, proper. like I don’t need to do that.
So, we went into August 12, had a double mastectomy. Had a publish op an infection, so I used to be within the hospital for every week. Had one other surgical procedure after I was there. Went into 4 rounds of chemo. Throughout chemo I froze my scalp. I did one thing referred to as chilly cap remedy. So, my scalp was frozen, so my hair thinned considerably however I used to be not bald. It was superior. Went into 28 periods of radiation and radiation is like alleged to be the simplest a part of your most cancers journey however mine was not as a result of I needed to maintain my breath. As we study in yoga go to your breath. Properly, I couldn’t go to my breath. My breath was taken away from me. So, that was attention-grabbing. So, completed up radiation. Had two breast reconstruction surgical procedures after which that took us to September of 2021 and we thought we had been finished as a result of that was stage two.
And it was like have you ever ever finished a exercise and it was a horrible exercise. You had been drained. You had been interrupted 10 occasions and also you’re like let’s simply fake that exercise didn’t occur, proper. Let’s sweep that below the rug and we’re going to get up tomorrow and have exercise. That’s what that breast most cancers journey was. It was like 15, 16 months of surgical procedures, therapies, let’s get again to actual life and transfer on, after which quick ahead to March of 2022 having neck and again ache. Was getting adjusted by a chiropractor. Wasn’t enhancing. My husband is such as you’re not enhancing as a result of I used to be like I couldn’t fold ahead and I couldn’t flip my head. Depart it to the individuals you like to love inform you the reality. My husband is such as you’re not enhancing. I used to be like sure I’m. He’s like no.
Sought out a bodily therapist who had been on my employees at Life Time for 15 years. Referred to as her up and I used to be like I received to return see you. Not doing properly. And I used to be third session. She stopped, she’s like one thing’s not proper. you’re not responding the way in which you must. Despatched me to the ER and I got here house from the ER August 26 of 2022 I had a damaged neck. So, the most cancers was in my bones. It broke my C1 vertebrae and my C2 vertebrae, T10, L1, L4 was all cracked. My pelvis was cracked and my femur was on the breaking point as a result of the most cancers was all down my femur. So, got here house from the hospital, had a damaged neck, stage 4 most cancers and funeral planning papers.
So, we received into 30 days of an emergency frenzy of blood work, scan, scan, spinal biopsy, docs’ appointments, it was loopy, and we ended up September 30, which tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of my cervical fusion. I needed to have my neck stabilized, so the neurosurgeon who’s a member consider this or not, screwed a plate to the bottom of my cranium after which there’s two titanium rods that screw into C4. I bear in mind I used to be laying on his desk in his workplace damaged neck, neck brace, ache capsules, he walks in and at the moment I imply we had been handed the funeral planning papers, the oncologist was like most individuals in your scenario have six months and the dialog I needed to have with individuals. You all the time hear like what would you do and what would you say to individuals if you got six months to stay. I imply I used to be there. I needed to inform my mother.
Throughout that point, I used to be like mother if I don’t make it you’ve received to be robust for Fred my husband and the youngsters and my mother was like how are you going to say that to me. You realize what I imply. These conversations I had with my husband, my mother and father, it was unhealthy. Excuse me. So, September 30 we had the fusion after which we went into 18 rounds of chemotherapy and that was a month later and I used to be not even near being recovered from the fusion and I needed to begin 18 rounds of chemo, and in the course of the 18 rounds we needed to do 5 periods of hip and femur radiation. We did that. Received via the 18 rounds and we ended therapy in April, April of this yr.
So, like virtually six months in the past and it’s a miracle and everybody’s prefer it’s a miracle the therapy labored and the most cancers is gone however all my docs are like no the actual miracle is that you just’re not paralyzed as a result of I used to be strolling round for a damaged neck for some time. And so, right here we’re, we’re grateful and I am going again to the oncologist on Monday. I’m there on a regular basis and so they’re going to signal my return-to-work type and I’m instructing my first yoga class on Tuesday October 10.
Jamie Martin:
That’s superb.
David Freeman:
I imply simply to recap and unpack all these issues for one, I imply simply that’s an expertise that while you share this can be a film, proper, and so that you can undergo and climate that storm, it simply places issues a lot in perspective after we rise up every day and possibly one thing so simple as one thing not going our method and what we complain about and what you simply defined so far as the battle, the resilience, and simply the grit of a person and the issues that actually, actually, actually matter, the neighborhood that you just’re round, the people who assist assist you and get via all that however the one widespread denominator is you in all this and also you not giving up and believing and understanding all of the issues that you just need to battle for, stay for, I imply simply kudos to you, inspirational no doubt and I can solely think about while you educate that first yoga class, man, man. I can solely think about the journey you’re going to take them on.
Jayme Zylstra:
I’m going to that class rattling it. October 10, I received it on my calendar.
Jamie Martin:
Okay, Jamie, I used to be simply saying so Jamie as we talked about in your bio, you do livestream. Like how do I get livestream into that studio the place Becky’s going to be instructing so that each one of us for breast most cancers consciousness month too it may be there. Anyway, that’s a complete facet dialog and risk however Becky actually, and really as I used to be listening to some different podcasts that you just’ve been on, and we’re going to return again to this too, however I believe, you already know, you shared in different podcasts about like David used the phrase perspective and the way totally different occasions alongside your journey you had been sort of given totally different views alongside the way in which and I believe that’s going to get into our mindset however I believe that’s simply such an essential factor. It’s a actuality verify for all of us, proper.
So, let’s transfer over to you for a second Jayme. We’re going to return again to perspective and mindset in a little bit bit, however Jayme let’s speak a little bit bit about you after which we actually need to get into how the 2 of you’ve identified one another in addition to simply the way you grew to become breast associates. So Jayme, let’s discuss your analysis journey.
Jayme Zylstra:
So, as I’ve to observe Becky’s story, proper, I sit right here with…I’m so honored and humbled to be right here as a result of Becky’s story is so totally different than mine which is a lesson for everyone to know is each breast most cancers journey story is so totally different from each other. You’ll be able to’t put them in the identical. And so, my story is certainly totally different than Becky’s is, and after I first heard breast most cancers the primary particular person I thought of was Becky, however my story is nothing like hers. After I assume again to it too, it sort of begins in 2022 the place I simply wasn’t feeling myself, you already know, and I’m 56 years outdated and I used to be like oh my gosh this getting old factor is de facto exhausting on me and I don’t need to be stepping into this new part of my life the place I used to be going via menopause, and I snicker at myself as a result of I all the time thought I used to be higher than menopause. Like I might by no means undergo that as a result of I work at Life Time. I care for myself. I exercise 5 days every week. I do yoga.
So, I wouldn’t undergo menopause, I’m so significantly better than that, which is such a silly guess, however it was my actuality. So, I did undergo the menopause, and I used to be feeling all of the feels of that after which in 2022 I truly went and had a mammogram and so they discovered a lump on my proper breast and I bear in mind they referred to as me again in and so they stated we discovered a lump in your proper breast. We have to do an ultrasound. So, I went in and I bear in mind, you already know, praying earlier than I went in, speaking and simply ensuring that this can’t be breast most cancers and having all these offers that you just do in your ____00:14:57 like oh please don’t be it after which they stated oh simply dense tissue. Don’t fear, it’s only a cyst.
So, I walked away from that going Jayme don’t do this to your self once more. It’s only a cyst and I went on with my life and nonetheless simply not feeling nice all through that 2022 after which in January 2023 I simply wasn’t snug with what I…I’d gained some weight and I used to be similar to okay I simply received to get down again to my complete 30 consuming and every thing and I misplaced eight kilos sort of fast and after I misplaced the eight kilos once more I felt that lump in my proper breast, and I bear in mind after I touched it I sort of like drew my hand off of it like pretending I didn’t really feel it and strolling away like I didn’t really feel that. No, I need to not have felt that, and I did that for 2 weeks the place I used to be like no, no, no and I didn’t even discuss it. I didn’t share it with my husband. I didn’t share it with anyone till for some loopy purpose I went right into a Pilates class and I used to be like at present is the day I have to go and get this checked.
So, I referred to as to get it checked, to get a mammogram. They stated it’s a must to go to your normal physician. We will’t simply do a mammogram and I bear in mind Jayme you simply had a cyst there. After I went and noticed my gynecologist she stated I’m glad that you just got here in. Sure, you undoubtedly have a lump there. Went and had a mammogram the following day. Once more, after I had that mammogram, they stated there was nothing there. It was simply that cyst. We’ll do an ultrasound simply to verify. So, they did one other ultrasound, no Jayme, it’s only a cyst you don’t have to fret about it, and I stated please don’t assume I’m loopy, however I’ve this vitality this vibration that I can’t even sleep. There’s received to be one thing there. Can we please do extra. And he or she stated properly I can schedule you for a biopsy and I’m like no can we do this at present. I simply received to sleep. I simply have to know what it’s, and I shouldn’t say this publicly however I’ll, I didn’t know what a biopsy was.
So, I used to be like okay let’s do a biopsy. So, we did that and proper after that the lady she hugged me. She’s like I’m so glad that you just requested for this biopsy and I’m like why what does that imply, and she or he stated I’m simply glad you probably did and then you definitely received to attend. So, everytime you do issues like that it’s a must to wait, and I needed to look forward to 4 days to get my outcomes and that’s simply ready. You realize, you’ve the nervousness. You could have the fear. You could have the worry after which after all my husband he’s the most important competitor and he used to say it’s okay, every thing goes to be advantageous, and I bear in mind behind my head going after all you’re going to say that, proper. So, I’m a caretaker too. I take care of my mother, and so, on February 13 after I was at my mother’s caring for her, I received that decision and it was the final name of the day.
It was round 4 o clock within the afternoon that I received that and after I noticed the quantity I bear in mind I walked away from my mother as a result of I knew what the decision was as a result of they advised me if I get the e-mail it’s nothing but when I get a name it’s going to be one thing. So, I received the decision and I bear in mind I needed to hold it collectively as a result of I couldn’t present my mother, you already know, what was going to occur. So, I simply received a chunk of paper and a pen and I began writing down this totally different language as a result of if I didn’t know what a biopsy was do you assume I’m going to know what estrogen progesterone constructive means or HER2. I don’t know any of this. That is all a brand new language, however I took 5 pages of notes, and so they had been telling me my analysis that I had, and so they had been telling me who my surgeon was going to be, who my oncologist was going to be, what appointments I used to be going to go to in two days.
So, your life modifications like instantly and so they don’t actually speak to you to love ask questions as a result of I’m the 4 o clock telephone name. They need to get off work I’m assuming. So, we simply had the 5 pages and I took it and I sort of put it to the facet and I had to return to my mother. I’m very emotional. I cry simply however I bear in mind simply holding again the tears as a result of I needed to be robust for my mother. So, I did that after which I needed to have surgical procedure and I truly slept on it going I don’t know if I need that oncologist, I don’t know if I need that surgeon. Who’re they. And I knew I needed to construct my very own group and so who do I belief and the particular person I belief is that one person who I see yearly and that’s my gynecologist. So, she helped me construct a group and she or he helped me construct a plan, and she or he was superb, and I didn’t share my information with many individuals as we’ll inform you in a little bit bit, however I didn’t share my information with lots of people as a result of I had a number of disgrace as a result of I used to be wholesome. I used to be bodily match and I assumed…once more, I didn’t assume I’d undergo menopause. I undoubtedly didn’t assume I used to be going to have breast most cancers.
So, I had a few of that and I didn’t share my story with lots of people. I shared it with my twin sister who all the time takes all my ache. I imply she does every thing for me. She would undergo the ____00:20:01 machine for me however she couldn’t care for my breast most cancers. So, I needed to undergo this on my own. So, I needed to construct my group and we did that. I did find yourself doing a lumpectomy as a result of my surgeon was telling if it had been to return again she needs the most cancers to return again in my breast tissue. So, we had a lumpectomy on February ninth. Sadly did discover most cancers in two of my lymph nodes. They took 4 out however two is best than 4. So, I’m going to be okay with that. Then it’s a must to look forward to the ONCO rating and we did that and I’ve surgical procedure once more.
Like I stated, I had surgical procedure in April, April sixth and the explanation I waited till April sixth for that too was my husband had an journey race that he was occurring and it was one week I needed to wait and I actually wished him to do this as a result of I wanted a little bit little bit of time on my own, a little bit little bit of time to replicate and do that journey on my own for a little bit bit. And so, that’s why we waited. So, April sixth is after I had my surgical procedure, and we had the lumpectomy with the lymph nodes eliminated after which I ended up having to undergo 18 rounds of radiation which I’m so blessed that once more with my care group I received to undergo fast radiation, and I didn’t should have any chemotherapy. So, I used to be so pleased with that as properly and now I’m on my highway to restoration, however I’m excited to share my story.
David Freeman:
As soon as once more, admire you strolling us via that journey, and such as you stated in the beginning, two totally different journeys however on the identical time dwelling in the same area and to know each other and lean into each other, the ability of empathy. The query I need to throw at you each is how do you come about now supporting each other as a result of as soon as once more you’re in the same area, and I do know what tends to occur with associates that is likely to be going via one thing that’s related however but totally different is we often share our expertise to sort of say hey you already know that is what I did or that is what I went via. How do you now champion like listening if you’ll and offering perception to be sure that they’re heard versus making the story about you. I do know that’s exhausting and that’s why I’m extra curious than something as a result of while you consider being a supporter and breast associates on this situation, I believe it’s tremendous key for listeners to know when any individual is coming to you in a weak state find out how to actually activate the listening and actually be there for that particular person? Are you able to all stroll us via that?
Jayme Zylstra:
Becky, can I begin that as a result of I need to share with what you probably did to me after which you’ll be able to say the why, okay. Becky and I snicker about this as a result of you already know once more I didn’t share my story straight away however Becky was all the time behind my thoughts as a result of Becky and I spoke in January as a result of I used to be following her on Fb of like oh my gosh what are you going via and I believe again to how I talked to her and the questions I requested and the issues I stated I’m like oh my gosh, if I used to be that particular person I’d be so mad at me as a result of I requested actually silly questions. And so, then after I shared my story, and this was in April, I put it on the market on social media that I need to doc my journey and Becky’s response to my publish all in capital letters in the event you can attempt to visualize this, all in capital letters with a number of exclamation marks on the finish, we’re speaking this week and I may hear her say it to me, we’re speaking this week.
There was no possibility that Becky was not going to return into my story. Straight away I used to be like I received to speak to this lady as a result of I knew Becky earlier than too. I knew that she had not all of the solutions however the greatest attribute that Becky had was she was going to hearken to me, and she or he was going to calm me down as a result of after I was not sharing my story the toughest factor I had was I couldn’t discover my breath. I used to be like attempting to catch that inhale and exhale, simply looking for that was my hardest half. So, Becky, now you’ll be able to inform them why you reached out while you did.
Becky Attard:
So, similar to Jayme stated, we had talked what January, February and then you definitely posted in April, and I bear in mind I used to be laying with my daughter. I used to be placing her to mattress and I used to be scrolling via Fb and I used to be studying Jayme’s publish of her announcement of her breast most cancers and I sort of was mad as a result of I used to be like why didn’t she name me first. I really feel betrayed. So, I wrote that within the remark. I am going we’re speaking this week exclamation level after which I went downstairs and my husband goes I simply learn what you posted on Jayme’s publish babe. He’s like what’s flawed with you. I am going it’s advantageous. We’re speaking this week. I believe what’s is such as you…it’s similar to anything in life, like till you’ve gone via it and till you’ve skilled it…and I received to be trustworthy with you, there was lots of people who gave me a number of recommendation who’ve by no means been via most cancers and also you’re like oh you’ll be able to’t do that, you already know what I imply, however when you’ve had that decision and also you’ve gone via the therapy and also you’ve finished the exhausting stuff, like there’s only a degree of understanding with each other that’s simply priceless.
Jayme Zylstra:
Isn’t it true too like even your family members will sit there and inform you it’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay and also you’re like how have you learnt however then Becky was prefer it’s going to be okay and I’d be like okay, I do know it’s going to be okay, and that might drive my husband loopy as a result of he’s like I simply advised you that. I simply advised you that. It’s like I do know however you’re not Becky. As I adopted Becky’s journey as properly, there’s issues that had been so like I may see that she was so hopeful. She was so encouraging. She had empathy. These are all issues that I wanted however didn’t know I wanted. Like I do know individuals had been attempting to inform me and assist such as you’re robust however I didn’t want to listen to I used to be robust as a result of I wasn’t believing I used to be robust as a result of on the very starting you’ve this panic, this worry, this anger that’s within you and the gorgeous a part of having this and I’ll hold saying your breast pal, your bosom buddy, no matter you need to name them was she understood the place I used to be at at the moment.
Jamie Martin:
So, let’s speak a little bit about that as a result of Becky your preliminary analysis was about three years previous to Jayme’s and also you each knew one another via Life Time, proper. So, when this occurred, clearly colleagues by way of Life Time, associates on social media, all of this, as soon as Jayme had her analysis too how typically did you join and the way did that strengthen your bond and relationship?
Becky Attard:
So, I’ll have Jayme communicate to this as a result of we spoke the opposite day and she or he was sort of going via issues that I had like texted her and issues…I forgot about that. I forgot about that. So Jayme, inform them what occurred.
Jayme Zylstra:
Okay. So, as quickly as she reached out to me too, I advised her a number of various things about what steps I used to be in however ____00:27:50 after I was going via mine it was round Easter time and she or he stated it was round this time she stated don’t take into consideration any of this most cancers. It could wait till tomorrow. I like you after which that’s when she stated she was my breast pal, however I like that phrase. It’s like you already know what most cancers can wait as a result of rapidly my world was all about most cancers. You realize you concentrate on that as like what’s your identification. I had a totally totally different identification up till February 13. Now my identification was going to be about breast most cancers and I didn’t understand how to do this, so what Becky did is she knew what phases I used to be going via and so she had various things too when all this time I used to be getting ONCO rating she would verify in and earlier than I may name Becky Becky would name me or she received actually sensible as a result of she’d speak to any individual youthful and would go away me voice textual content messages, we’re each laughing as a result of we didn’t know find out how to do it.
It could change the topic the place I used to be like how do you do this however she would go away me these voice messages and with the voice messages I might play them again in all probability 10 to fifteen occasions as a result of after I was scared I might play the voice message again from Becky. Once more, she doesn’t know I did all that, however I did and all it did was it gave me occasions the place I knew any individual was caring for me. I knew that she knew what I used to be going via and my favourite one which she had was after I needed to begin radiation and radiation once more I didn’t know what the heck I used to be going to do. You need to sort of do a apply spherical and so they discuss tattoos, and I used to be like going I might by no means get a tattoo after which she’d inform what the tattoo was. It wasn’t actually a tattoo, however the hardest half is laying on the desk.
And so, after I laid on the desk she says that is what I need you to assume Jayme, I need you to say a mantra or a prayer and I need you to say that again and again. Don’t do anything. Simply lay there and calm down, and that was in my head so many occasions as a result of I had such a tough time as a result of I had worry and fear. So, I might get myself so anxious about what’s to return that I didn’t even know what it was to return, and people phrases come to me is like all you bought to do is simply lay there, calm down, pray, say a mantra, however these phrases had been so vivid in my thoughts. So, I like that. The one factor too I need to say about Becky as a result of one in every of my docs, I hold saying this I’m emotional about every thing, and so he’s like you already know Jayme I actually assume that you just want a breast care counselor.
Like you must go and speak to somebody, and I am going no, no, no, no, no, I’m good. He’s like however Jayme you’ve a number of emotion and also you need to speak to somebody and I stated no I’m good, I’ve Becky and he’s like oh and who’s Becky. I’m like Becky is my breast pal as a result of Becky gave herself that title, so I used it. I advised him all about Becky and the way she’s such listener and the way she’s empathetic and she or he has this vitality about her, and my physician simply smiled at me and he goes everyone wants a Becky and I’m like they do, they do. He was nice. To at the present time Becky I nonetheless have your voice messages. I nonetheless have your textual content messages. Yeah. They simply imply the world to me.
Jamie Martin:
Becky, while you had been beginning your journey did you’ve a breast pal who helped you thru or was this one thing you realized like, you already know, alongside your personal journey that you just wanted?
Becky Attard:
No. It wasn’t till I used to be in all probability six months into my journey that I had different individuals reaching out to me saying I used to be simply recognized can we speak. I used to be simply recognized, can we speak. So, I now have this clan of in all probability 10 plus ladies that I talk with that both had been simply recognized or in therapy proper now or have completed therapy. It’s loopy. Sure.
Jayme Zylstra:
You bought that job with out even understanding it. You didn’t even have to use for it.
Becky Attard:
Sure, I’ve this new job title of like most cancers cheerleader. So, yeah, simply at present I’ve a pal stage 4 and she or he has a scan. Simply despatched her a textual content. I used to be like hey your scan it’s in a pair days. Go kick some butt. She’s like thanks. You realize what I imply, like simply…and she or he stated to me one time she’s such as you’re the one one who will get it. She’s like no person else in my life has any concept what that is and that’s and scans and chemo and I’m like I do know. It’s simply that relatability issue, you already know, that’s so comforting when you already know any individual has felt all of it.
David Freeman:
That was an ideal segue so far as Jayme Z saying, you already know, you ended up getting a job. I imply no pun meant however let’s go into Life Time, and I name like as a substitute of a job a spot of ardour, no matter it’s that you just do, you already know, you discover pleasure in. How would you say at Life Time how has it performed a job on this journey? I do know that you just each clearly helped impression so many alternative lives from like instructing however then on the flip facet of that doing courses or being round only a wholesome atmosphere, a wholesome lifestyle as a complete. So, are you able to inform our listeners a little bit bit about how that atmosphere performs a giant function in all this as properly?
Becky Attard:
Simply sort of choosy backing off of what Jayme stated, she stated there was a number of disgrace and David I inform individuals like I spent my complete life, 40 years, understanding, water, no alcohol, no medicine, natural meals after which rapidly you’re like most cancers, however the good factor is I bear in mind I used to be like in the midst of therapy and I’m one to love not even contact a Tylenol after which rapidly you’re being pounded with poison, chemotherapy, and one of many issues with most cancers that lots of people like don’t perceive is that your physique having the ability to tolerate the therapy is big as a result of it like decimates your ranges after which it’s a must to get bloodwork earlier than you get the chemo and in case your physique hasn’t recovered from the final spherical you’ll be able to’t get the following spherical.
So, having the ability to make it via the therapy and I bear in mind I used to be so mad, you already know, as a result of I used to be like having a match in the future with one in every of my finest associates Vanessa who teaches at Life Time and I used to be like how may I’ve spent my complete life dedicated to the wholesome lifestyle and then you definitely get most cancers and she or he simply flipped it round and she or he was like Becky, she goes have a look at how you’ve been pounded with surgical procedures and therapy. She goes have a look at the way you’re tolerating it. I imply after I was within the ER with a damaged neck, they had been like do you want a wheelchair and I used to be like no. The docs are like your C2 is instantly linked to your respiratory, the docs had been like scratching their heads they’re like are your respiratory okay and I used to be like yeah. I believe so, you already know what I imply. After which so far as Life Time goes you discuss neighborhood.
Within the 30 days of darkness between after I was handed the funeral planning papers and the cervical fusion there was so many members that wished to return over and one in every of my finest associates Teresa who’s taught at Life Time for 25 years she goes Becky the members need to come over and sit with you and I stated I actually admire that, I stated, I do however I’m not house. I’m like I’m on the hospital each single day. I’m like I’m not sitting on my sofa proper now watching cleaning soap operas. I admire that. So, the members they arrange a meal prepare for me and thru months members, properly associates, household, and members introduced meals over. One of many members that I grew to become superb associates with she has a employees of individuals and she or he despatched me a textual content and she or he was like hey I simply need to let you already know that my ladies will likely be at your own home each week to scrub your own home from prime to backside and she or he simply despatched her individuals over. My neurosurgeon is a member. I imply I may go on and on, so it’s simply attention-grabbing how Life Time has simply weaved its method via my story and my journey and now that it’s over I’m heading again in every week.
Jayme Zylstra:
I do need to say too I keep in mind that was one in every of my posts and Becky you all the time responded to that too as a result of like Life Time ready me for this. I by no means knew the why. I might exercise as a lot as I wished to and I actually by no means knew why I did ultimate savasana. Do I actually have 5 minutes to put right here. Why did I actually get into yoga as a result of I like yoga now and after I went via this journey the reply was so clear for me. Like I’ve been doing all of this coaching, all of this preparation not for an occasion, not for a race, however to battle this battle and that’s what I took it as. I took it as a problem and I…I like 30-day challenges. I discovered it sort of ironic too that it was marvelous Could after I went via radiation as a result of every thing occurs in Could, however Life Time actually did and the explanation that I went via it so quick, and so they remind me of this on a regular basis it’s like Jayme since you had been so wholesome you get to do such a therapy.
So, that proper then David in the event you had been to ask me a couple of mindset after I hear I get to as a substitute of I’ve to I used to be like yeah, I can do that, and I took these issues. You realize, prefer it was attention-grabbing for me too to listen to various things in yoga once they’re like discover your breath and I bear in mind them saying that pre most cancers going discover my breath, what the heck after which I used to be utilizing that like yeah I received to search out my breath or how life is about opposites, proper. you already know, we get the selection of getting that worry and nervousness, actually the way in which I took it was I used to be going to search out the hope and the enjoyment versus continuously being caught in that worry.
Jamie Martin:
I do know David you might be enormous on mindset. So, we talked a little bit bit about that, however I did allude to perspective earlier and I do know Becky as I used to be alluding to I heard you communicate on a number of different podcasts, you already know, you stated there have been moments while you had a very exhausting time after which one thing would current itself in entrance of you and sort of wake you up. So, let’s speak a little bit bit about that. Like the attitude after which the mindset shift that might occur while you would have these perspective sort of awakening moments.
Becky Attard:
So, this was fall of 2020 and my hair throughout COVID I’m going to be trustworthy with you it was like the very best hair I’ve ever had in my life, and I sat with my oncologist. It was like lengthy, and I’ve a ton of hair, however I had grown it, and I used to be sitting at my oncologist and my tears…Jayme you already know when your tears are like, you’re like not even crying. The tears are simply falling out of your eyes. I believe I used to be making my oncologist uncomfortable, and he goes okay we’re going to do 4 rounds of chemo and I’m sobbing, and he stops and he says are you okay like why are you crying so exhausting. I am going do you see my hair. I’ve breast most cancers able to enter the chemotherapy and what do I say I am going have a look at my hair. I am going that is the very best hair that I’ve ever had in my life. He goes no, no, no, you are able to do the chilly cap remedy.
So, I ended up slicing my hair like shoulder size which was advantageous and I did the chilly cap remedy however my hair thinned considerably, and I went to go get it trimmed on day as a result of despite the fact that I used to be in chemo the hair that I had was nonetheless rising and I went to go get my hair trimmed in the future and I received within the automobile and I checked out it and I began sobbing. I used to be mad. I used to be like I had the very best hair I ever had in my life and now my hair is like shoulder size which was advantageous, however it was skinny, and I used to be simply indignant. Like Jayme I’m certain you’ll be able to relate. Like you’ve these moments of like anger the place you’re like oh, you already know, and I used to be pulling out of the hair salon and there was a father and his son and you already know while you’re like in a parking zone and also you bodily should cease your automobile as a result of persons are strolling in entrance of you, you already know, and the son was about my son’s age and you could possibly clearly see he was in the midst of chemotherapy.
He was bald and pale and I’m simply standing there in my automobile pondering to myself okay I’ve my hair. It’s skinny. You’re advantageous. Recover from it. Right here’s this baby. And I bear in mind after my first spherical of chemo I received within the automobile…that’s why when Life Time does the fundraisers for kids’s most cancers and Youngsters’s Miracle Community it pierces my coronary heart as a result of I received within the automobile after my first spherical of chemo and I checked out my husband and I used to be a little bit bit out of it, properly so much out of it as a result of these medicine wipe you out, and the one factor I stated to him and the one factor I may consider is how do youngsters do that. How do kids do that, and I imply childhood most cancers is a complete different topic, however I imply simply the attitude of such as you’re advantageous, get it collectively.
Then only one thing more is I used to be at PT, bodily remedy this morning and I’m doing my workout routines like a rotation. We’re doing all this loopy stuff at PT for my neck and I had a second of anger, a second of simply uh and there was a person that walked in entrance of me and he had half of a leg. He had the prosthetic leg, and he was strolling out and the again of his shirt stated embrace the suck and I’m like right here’s a person that has one leg and he’s carrying this t-shirt that claims embrace the suck and I used to be like you already know what that’s life proper there. Like there a lot of life that simply sucks and there was a lot of the previous three years that simply sucked however I learn one time that any individual stated life will be actually horrible and unhealthy and actually nice at the very same time and also you don’t have to decide on one or the opposite and that was like enormous for me.
Like sure, I’m struggling via these therapies and sure I’m struggling via these surgical procedures and no matter and it sucks however there’s a lot different life proper now that’s so nice I don’t have to decide on to have this horrible perspective as a result of all this unhealthy stuff is occurring as a result of in the event you wait to your circumstances simply to be clear to be glad you’re going to be ready like a very very long time. I believe I went off on like 10 tangents there Jamie. I’m sorry.
Jamie Martin:
Properly, I used to be going to say while you simply described like holding area for each the nice and the unhealthy, I simply bear in mind Glenan Doyle like years in the past had a phrase brutiful, life is brutiful. It’s brutal and it’s stunning and they are often on the identical time, and you already know I went via a tough factor with my nephew a number of years in the past and I simply bear in mind pondering okay what can we see as stunning on this actually brutal time in our lives and it’s a earlier than and after. It’s all this stuff however how will we maintain area for all of it as a result of that’s life and in some unspecified time in the future, and I believe I meant to say this in the beginning, it’s like we’re human so we’re all going to face challenges or scary well being analysis or losses which are surprising and like we want our individuals there for us in that and we have to maintain area for one another in all of it. So, anyway, that was simply my little addition there as a result of life is tough however it’s additionally stunning.
Jayme Zylstra:
I all the time use that, and I thought of this too the phrase endure, like am I really struggling as a result of I do know I’m not. There’s any individual that’s struggling a little bit bit extra, and never that I need to evaluate that I need any individual else struggling, however I felt that I used to be being not grateful sufficient of understanding the place I used to be going you’re okay Jayme. There may be somebody struggling extra. You realize, there have been a number of occasions after I was in…I bear in mind the primary time I used to be in radiation with my daughter, she was with me and I used to be being all robust together with her and I am going sit down subsequent to her nonetheless attempting to be as robust as I may after which I simply misplaced it and she or he’s like mother what’s going on and I’m attempting to inform her I’m not crying for myself. I’m crying for all of the individuals right here. Like there are lots of people which are going to chemo then to radiation or there’s individuals right here which are with their mother and pop doing the chemo, and what I discovered my most pleasure in is I might carry these little tokens with me as a result of I wished to carry pleasure to totally different individuals as a result of I may. And so, after I noticed any individual who I assumed was struggling a little bit bit greater than they need to have been I might give them a little bit token. It was just a bit one thing they may put of their pocket or one thing. I stored attempting to assume I received to carry pleasure to this case. So, that was my little factor I might do.
Becky Attard:
David, you requested the query about just like the assist system and I really feel like I bear in mind it was after the fusion and I used to be within the chair, I believe it was like spherical three or 4, and I bear in mind I stated to my husband I stated I can see how individuals going via this who don’t have assist system I can see how they let go of the rope one hundred percent little question, after which we talked about like find out how to assist any individual going via one thing traumatic, and I bear in mind there was a time period the place we might exit and about to church, to my child’s college, no matter, the grocery retailer and there was individuals that might not acknowledge what was occurring and it will make me mad after which there can be individuals that might ask me a thousand questions and I might be like okay I’m at my son’s basketball recreation proper now, like I don’t need to do the most cancers factor proper now or I’m within the cereal aisle on the grocery retailer like I can’t do that proper now.
I bear in mind I had like a freak out in the future and my husband was such as you get mad when individuals say issues to you about it and also you get mad when individuals don’t say issues to you about it and right here’s my massive recommendation, and so they’ve come as much as me and so they’ve stated particularly throughout therapy they’re like I don’t know what to say to you and right here’s my recommendation for individuals. I had a woman come as much as me, a pal of mine Diana, she stated hey, she stated I need to acknowledge what’s occurring, however I do know you need to discuss different issues and I stated sure. So, if somebody goes via one thing traumatic or has been via one thing traumatic, they need you to acknowledge what’s going on or what has occurred, however they need to discuss actual life issues, you already know. After I’m on the grocery retailer or wherever, like I don’t need to do the most cancers factor within the meat aisle. Acknowledge it however discuss actual life.
Jayme Zylstra:
Such good recommendation too. You realize, the opposite factor too that’s so good is like, and Becky you probably did nice at this too, however I additionally had a neighbor that went via most cancers as properly and understanding what I wanted earlier than I did, like giving me that present basket earlier than I had radiation with the lozenges and the lotions and having all that at the beginning I used to be like what’s all these things after which after I wanted it I used to be like thank goodness I had this. So, possibly it’s a must to perform a little analysis to search out out what they want once they undergo the totally different steps is de facto good, however I believe additionally understanding is understanding any individual when it’s sufficient. Like there’s some that might attain out to me and once more they simply stored prying into different issues the place I wasn’t prepared to speak about it.
I wasn’t able to share my full story but or they may have had a unique perception and I believe Becky you talked about this too is like I’m actually into extra of the jap facet than I’m the western facet however that’s not going to kill the most cancers, proper, or some individuals consider it’s however no matter my perception is how I used to be going to treatment my most cancers I didn’t want to listen to their perception at the moment. That was actually exhausting for me as a result of there can be individuals calling going I believe you’re doing the flawed factor or I might do it in a different way and that was actually exhausting for me as a result of that’s like you already know what I’ve to place the belief in my care group that I did select and I’m going to belief them. I don’t want anyone to inform me one thing totally different proper now as a result of I’ve to remain centered and that was in my plan. I’ve a plan, I’m going to remain centered, thanks however don’t hold going.
Becky Attard:
Yeah. Yeah. I had individuals beg me to not do the chemo and I used to be like I don’t have that sort of time to do experimental issues proper now. Like I don’t have time for that.
Jayme Zylstra:
And I believe the opposite factor too is simply you already know simply exhibiting up. Don’t ask me if it’s okay to return over. Simply come over. You realize, like if I’m there I’m there. If I’m not, you already know, however I didn’t know what the precise factor was both so like after I had somebody present up and oh I like chocolate and so they confirmed up with chocolate I used to be like thanks for simply exhibiting up as a result of I might say don’t fear about me. I received it. I’m good however they did and that was nice.
Becky Attard:
Or present up with a meal. I all the time inform individuals probably the most useful factor via the surgical procedures, via the therapy, is individuals exhibiting up with wholesome meals, cooked meals. That was the very best factor ever, probably the most useful factor.
Jamie Martin:
Properly, what I’m listening to from each of you is de facto that we want the assist group that understands like the 2 of you being that your breast associates, however you additionally want that sort of subsequent layer of assist of individuals to be there and likewise sort of know that there are particular, you already know, boundaries our guardrails to concentrate on and to only acknowledge. So, I believe that’s actually essential. Like we want our individuals, however we additionally have to know and respect the boundaries of every particular person and what they’re snug with too. Properly, I do know we’re like developing on an hour and we may simply hold going and going and speaking which I like, that is such an ideal dialog, however I need to offer you each simply an opportunity like earlier than we log off is there anything that you’d need to make certain our listeners learn about your expertise or belongings you’ve discovered alongside the way in which after which we’ll head over to David’s mic drop second.
Jayme Zylstra:
You realize, my greatest factor is as a result of I discovered my most cancers and I’m so extraordinarily grateful that I used to be my advocate and that I stood up for despite the fact that they stated I’m advantageous I knew I wasn’t. So, my recommendation to everyone although is pay attention and know your physique as a result of no person is aware of it higher than you do, so in the event you really feel one thing do one thing about it and if they are saying it’s nothing and you are feeling it’s say one thing. Like I stated, you simply received to maintain being an advocate for your self.
Jamie Martin:
As you had been speaking earlier Jayme, I wrote down self-advocate. So, I like that you just simply put that in right here and that’s what all of us should be on this world.
Becky Attard:
I had a dialog, it was like proper after therapy ended and I had a scan, and I had a dialog with one in every of my docs and he’s like can I speak to you and I stated yeah. I all the time inform individuals like I see my docs continuously. I’m a really quick leash proper now nonetheless which is okay, however I very not often have actual life conversations with them, and he stated can I speak to you. I used to be like yeah and he stated I need you to do the issues in life that you just need to do, and I stated you’re scaring me. He stated I don’t imply to scare you, however he stated however it’s a must to perceive he stated our society thinks…he goes everybody in society thinks that they’re going to stay till 85, 90, 95 years outdated and he stated it’s merely not true.
He stated please do the issues in life that you just need to do after which he stated this, he stated as a result of I work with most cancers sufferers every single day and when the therapy isn’t working all of them say the identical factor. All of them say I want I might have after I had the chance and now it’s too late. I used to be speaking to Jayme earlier and I stated, you already know, the entire life is brief, you already know, stay your finest life prefer it’s a cliché and generally I hear these issues now truly after my journey and it makes my pores and skin crawl a little bit bit however actually like do the issues in life that you just need to do whether or not you’re 25 or 75, you already know, as a result of actually life is brief and also you by no means know what’s going to occur.
Jamie Martin:
All proper David, you get the ultimate query.
David Freeman:
Okay. Mic drop second goes to be share accountability. We stated the phrase life so much at present, yeah, so it’ll be an acronym. First phrase that involves thoughts or your response to the phrase that I say for L. I’m supplying you with all of the tidbits now.
Becky Attard:
I’m nervous.
David Freeman:
It’s nothing to be nervous about. So, life, I’ll provide the acronym study, encourage, fearless, empower. So, the way in which we’ll go is I’ll go in ABC order Becky, go along with B. Study, first phrase that involves thoughts or normal assertion that involves thoughts after I say the phrase study.
Becky Attard:
Study to care for your self. Self-care. Study to self-care and care for your self.
David Freeman:
Adore it. All proper, JZ, encourage.
Jayme Zylstra:
Encourage. I’m going to make use of the phrase encourage by saying is, you already know, most cancers was nothing that I assumed one thing constructive would come from however I’m hoping that via this podcast, via me sharing my story that I encourage different individuals to be constructive it doesn’t matter what negativity will get into your world. If it’s a most cancers analysis, if it’s damaged leg, no matter it’s discover the positivity. Take the constructive facet versus the detrimental. Take the sure versus the no. Take the I’m going to stay versus I’m going to die as a result of it’s only a higher technique to do it. So, that’ll be my encourage.
David Freeman:
Becky we’re at F for fearless.
Becky Attard:
Jayme do you need to take it?
Jayme Zylstra:
No, go forward.
Becky Attard:
I learn one thing the opposite day and it was about so many individuals are such as you’re so courageous, you’re so robust. You’re a warrior and the worry that comes with that is indescribable however it’s all about like being brave is feeling the worry and doing it anyway. You realize, there’s actually no such factor…like I sort of hate the phrase fearless as a result of I don’t actually assume there’s…I don’t know, I simply assume it’s feeling the worry and nonetheless placing one foot in entrance of the opposite and doing it anyway despite the fact that you’re so afraid.
David Freeman:
That’s why that phrase was for you. Have a look at that. Final however definitely not least JZ you bought empower.
Jayme Zylstra:
Empower. I believe that my empower simply goes again to once more taking possession of your physique and getting there and you already know while you do take the possession in addition to I once more advocate for myself to say sure I do have one thing inside me. I need to get it out of me. I additionally didn’t take the ideas of the surgeon and the oncologist. I did my very own analysis to search out out who I wished on my group, who may I belief as a result of it’s a must to straight away belief individuals that you just’ve by no means had a relationship with earlier than and while you get the analysis it goes actually, actually quick. So, take that empowerment of pausing and being snug along with your selections which are about to return and have an effect on you for a very very long time. So, be empowered.
David Freeman:
Superior stuff.
Jamie Martin:
And I hope everyone takes away from this episode simply listening to what these two ladies have been via and the way in which that they’re each from the place I’m sitting it looks like thriving as survivors proper now and simply we’re so grateful. I truly received up this morning and I do know we’re not exhibiting just like the video of this however my shirt I’m carrying at present says right here’s to robust ladies and I put that on very deliberately as a result of I knew we had been having this dialog. Right here’s to robust ladies. Could we all know them. Could we be them. Could we increase them. So, I simply need to say thanks to each of you for being right here with us. I do know we need to level individuals to the place they will discover you on Instagram or elsewhere, so Becky, individuals can discover you on Instagram at what’s it?
Becky Attard:
@kulkaattard, my maiden title. Kulka Attard.
Jamie Martin:
Nice. And the way about you Jayme?
Jayme Zylstra:
You’ll find me on Instagram JZylstra52067. That 520 is my birthday so sure you can too ship me birthday playing cards.
Jamie Martin:
I find it irresistible. I find it irresistible. Properly, we’ll hyperlink to each of you within the present notes to be sure that individuals can discover you however thanks once more for taking the time with us and I don’t know David any ultimate log off right here?
David Freeman:
I simply heard the entire day she stated every thing occurs in Could. Now all of it is smart.
Jayme Zylstra:
Yeah. Birthday, anniversary, mom’s day and now it’s going to be my anniversary to rejoice this. So, marvelous Could.
David Freeman:
There it’s. I admire you all sharing your all’s story and empowering the world along with your journey.
Becky Attard:
Thanks David. Thanks, Jamie.
David Freeman:
Thanks for becoming a member of us for this episode. As all the time, we love to listen to your ideas on our dialog at present and the way you strategy this side of wholesome dwelling in your personal life. What works for you, the place do you run into challenges, the place do you want assist.
Jamie Martin:
And when you’ve got subjects for future episodes, you’ll be able to share these with us too. E mail us at [email protected] or attain out to us on Instagram at @lifetime.life, @jamiemartinel and @freezy30 and use the hashtag Life Time talks. You can too study extra in regards to the podcast at Expertise Life.Life Time.life/podcasts.
David Freeman:
And in the event you’re having fun with Life Time Talks, please subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, or wherever you hearken to podcasts. Should you like what you’re listening to, we invite you to price and evaluate the podcasts and share it in your social channels too.
Jamie Martin:
Thanks for listening. We’ll speak to you subsequent time on Life Time Talks. Life Time Talks is a manufacturing of Life Time wholesome lifestyle. It’s produced by Molly Kopischke and Sarah Ellingsworth with audio engineering by Peter Perkins, video manufacturing and enhancing by Kevin Dickson, sound and video consulting by Corey Larson and assist from George Norman and the remainder of the group at Life Time Movement.
David Freeman:
A giant thanks to everybody who helps create every episode and supplies suggestions.
