Waking up from surgery, Eve found out she had cancer and a radical mastectomy had been performed. In 1955, it looked like her dance career was over and she went straight to Joe to begin her recovery.
With her permission, I’m sharing Suzanne’s story to offer some encouragement this Breast Cancer Awareness month.
She recently wrote, “I owe you big time!…You instilled in me the importance of continuing to practice and move correctly.”
Suzanne has been practicing Pilates for over 18 years now.
That foundation really helped her recently.
A mammogram earlier this year showed a few scattered calcium deposits and after biopsies, Suzanne had to have a mastectomy. Thankfully, there wasn’t anything in the lymph nodes and all cancer removed.
The incredible thing was that 6 weeks after a mastectomy she was back to class and had full range of motion!!!
Suzanne said “I think it was because I was in good shape before the surgery. And thanks to you teaching me the importance of movement everywhere will pay off in the end! So true for me.”
Suzanne is healing well and taking medication but fortunately didn’t have to have chemo or radiation.
Suzanne also said she “will keep up her Pilates practice hopefully another 18 years because as you know, when you rest you rust!”
As a cautionary tale, Suzanne strongly advises not to skip your annual mammogram. Her spots happened in less than a year.
I hope Suzanne’s story encourages you to take care of yourself with regular checkups and to stay active and keep moving! It might pay off in ways you couldn’t have expected!
To celebrate, the newsletter is highlighting a couple of articles about “Pilates: The Man and The Method” and some of his inventions that you may never have heard of.
Wishing you a Happy Pilates Day ~
Every Day!
Pilates: The Man and The Method
Did you know that Pilates didn’t call his exercises Pilates? To find out what Mr. Pilates called his system, check out the article here.
Mr. Pilates thought his work was 50 years ahead of its time. And that proved to be true.
Pilates Day and the Lost Equipment
Even if you have practiced Pilates for a while, you may not have ever used a “breath-a-cizer” or a head harness.
Did you know Pilates even invented a bed!
If you would like to check out some of the more rare pieces of equipment, please read this short article here.