We're so honored to spotlight Darlene, a true embodiment of resilience and strength. At 66 years young and a two-time breast cancer survivor, Darlene inspires us all with her beautiful spirit and commitment to her health. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate her incredible journey and the strength that keeps her moving forward every day.
I am originally from Quincy, born and bred, divorced with one son, age 26. In January of 2023, I sold my family home ( which I still lived in with my son) and moved to Weymouth which I love! The house was too big for me to run on my own and it was time for my son and I to separate and let him spread his wings!
So a little more about me is that I turned 66 last week on my birthday and actually also retired that day from my career. It wasn’t time (but actually it was time) since I’ve always had some type of job from 14 years old; modeling when I was younger, to my 28 year career at Delta Air Lines (Boston ticket offices, in-flight scheduling, Operations Manager). I was able to take an early-retirement package in 2005 but since I was only 47 and my son 7, I needed to find a new career path. That eventually took me to MGH where I was a Practice Manager for a program where we solely did neuropsychological testing for children. It was a big change but one I loved - I loved working with the kids!
I had some twists and turns in between when at age 49, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the first time. Needless to say I was shocked and scared, but always was one who believed in early detection and to this day, still believe it saved me. I underwent a lumpectomy and 7 weeks of radiation and although I was going to be tracked every 6 months for the next six years, I continued with my life. I can definitely say I was shook to the core though; however, when I realized my prognosis was “good”, I like to say the flood gates opened, the “poor me” mentality kicked in and I ate my way through treatment.
My medical oncologist, a gentleman on the older side and the only man on my team, at one of my last appointments with him, brushed my hair away from my face and whispered in my ear - kindly - “ you need to lose weight, cancer likes fat and with your family history of heart disease, it’s the best thing you could do for yourself”. My dad had died at 71 of congestive heart failure and my older brother, at age 55, in the Milton Hospital parking lot of an apparent heart attack (he was obesely overweight as an adult).
I cried - I did this to myself and I was the only one who could fix it. On my last day of my radiation treatment, which also happened to be on my 50th birthday, I joined Fitness Unlimited in Milton, hired a trainer and a nutrition coach (even though I couldn’t afford it being out of work). I did not return to work until in my mind, I was healthy. I topped out at 195 at that time and by the end of 5 months, I weighed 148lbs - lower than I was prior, but a little too low for me to maintain on my own when that little thing called life: work, activities, schoolwork kicked back in.
Sidebar: I was always average weight wise, far from athletic, but always exercised because I knew I needed to, but always hated it. When I had my son, I was having trouble managing it all, and didn’t let myself go purposely, but I sort of did. Toddler meals and fast food kicked in. The gym offered babysitting but all my son did was cry there so eventually something had to give and as a lot of working moms do, their nutrition and “me” time takes a backseat. So in 2008/2009, I dedicated the time to me. I did it and was proud and believe it or not, was featured in an article in the Patriots Ledger about training for cancer patients. As I said then, it wasn’t the point of fitting into clothes that I loved anymore, it was to be healthy and to be there for my son for many years to come.
Fast forward going back to work - I held my own for awhile. Then the “kick your ass” schedule kicks back in. I would promise myself if I skip this day, I’d go twice on the weekend, but slowly 5x a week went to 3x then to 1 to none! Making and bringing your lunch and snacks to work quickly dwindled and if I sat and did homework with my son and made his lunch, I was doing good!
I actually do well in group settings and need to be held accountable - I know what to do and how to eat but for some reason, I need someone to check on me. There was an advertisement for a new CrossFit gym looking for 8 women to participate. At age 57, and the oldest in the class, I joined at 184 lbs and finished at 162 pounds - my comfort range. It actually was a fun time for me although there was a lot I couldn’t do there. CrossFit was unrealistic for me and honestly, I didn’t like to work out with sweaty men and too self conscious there (are my legs shaved? My armpits?)
But as life is, and with many checks and appointments since my diagnosis in 2008, I received a bad mammogram and a dreaded callback. I’ve been called back before but I felt in my heart, this time was different. It was COVID February 2021 and I was subsequently diagnosed with a different form of breast cancer on the same side as previous. I was shocked and devastated and admittedly pissed off; my mother had passed and it was only my son and I and he already went through this as a 10 year old. I even had thrown myself a “cancer free“ party at 11 years with my best friends - normally, the all clear point. Since the breast was compromised from previous treatment, my only option was a mastectomy and not the kind that most think it is. My breast could not hold an implant but instead I underwent a 7 hour surgery called a DIEP Flap where they use your stomach fat to reconstruct a breast. I wasn’t getting new “perky” boobs which a lot of people think. It was a terrible time with COVID, going into the hospital alone, having only 1 visitor but I made it through. The breast shall we say, is what it is; I’m thankful it’s there (although not a pretty sight) and I’m thankful I’m all clear but still closely monitored every 6 months. I wanted to remove both - I didn’t want to live with the stress of it all anymore but at the recommendation of my Dana-Farber team, I didn’t have enough belly fat to make two - can you believe that?… lol, and with my age (63), it’s a long and traumatizing surgery. But I made it through!
The reconstruction has caused me a lot of problems - 3 rounds of physical therapy, more reconstruction and after the last one - still during COVID, I said I’m done with that and didn’t continue with any further cosmetic surgeries.
With COVID, surgeries, and back to the “poor me” attitude, I again found myself creeping up and up on the scale. The clothes didn’t look right, the bras hurt and tops didn’t fit, and the oh well attitude returned.
I had cancelled my membership at Fitness Unlimited during COVID and my surgery and knew in my heart, I would never be back. First, I had moved to Weymouth and second, my days of Spin, boxing classes and Zumba were over. I dabbled in online zoom classes but again, I need structure and to be accountable. The arm and breast still wasn’t right and I just said F it - this is my new norm I guess.
Then perusing Facebook last Fall, I came across KFIT, looking for seniors for a small group mobility and strength training. I never heard of KFIT but it sounded like my type of place; I said to myself this sounds like something I need and something I can do! The extracurricular offerings inside the gym are amazing; girl nights, PT, nutrition coaching, social offerings, beauty and shopping, what else could a girl want
I’m a firm believer, things happen as they are suppose to; I came to class and met Kara, so kind and welcoming, and Janet, another first member. I felt so comfortable and loved every minute of it (even though complaining as I go!). The structure of the class and the way Kara introduces exercises to us incorporating all of our needs/injuries is amazing. She puts quite a bit of thought into the areas we need to work on explaining scenarios - ex: if we fell and needed to find a way to push ourselves up etc, or carrying groceries (yes, carrying - not Peapod!). It’s fun, social and goes by fast and she works us! I thought I’d be doing a few bicep curls and maybe a squat or two! Kara provides a full body workout - one she knew we could manage, even though we didn’t believe we could. We have a great group, a great team of ladies, and great camaraderie, and I’m thrilled to be back on track to a healthier me.
The weight - it’s still a work in progress. During my three rounds of PT, for lymphedema concerns and breast pain, my therapist said to me that groin pain your feeling is your hip. I wasn’t convinced - I was afraid something else was wrong. But at her urging, I got it x-rayed and she was correct - a full arthritic bone-on-bone hip which needed to be replaced. I did the hip replacement surgery last January and was anxiously waiting to be able to return to class. Kara immediately incorporated hip stretches and exercises into our class for me. I slid a little back to my “poor me” attitude after my hip replacement but if there is one thing I learned from that recovery is that your strength in your limbs is very important and I didn’t want to lose the momentum I built from the class previously.
I’ve been proactively using My Fitness Pal again to track my calories, protein etc and when starting was back to my 2008 first diagnosis weight unfortunately but have lost 6 lbs in 6 weeks. It’s a little bit harder to lose at this age with not being able to do much cardio, but I feel much better and definitely much stronger!
Thank you KFIT for speaking directly to women like me and being the kindest, warm and embracing group I have ever met. We’ve had the chance to work with other coaches within the team like Kristen and Allie and all have been great too!
I love seeing the new Mom postpartum class and the “tweens” class. It’s awesome to have these offerings for the new Moms and the young girls! I say every week if the new moms can get themselves there sometimes with their babies in tow, I can get this 66 year old body moving!
Thank you for inviting me to participate and in spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness month upon us, I still firmly believe in early detection and have promised myself since 2008 if I can walk, I will walk and plan again to walk this year. Please consider donating to help raise awareness and save lives. https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=informational&fr_id=108774&sid=210546&name=event-details
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