Planks have been called “The Perfect Exercise” to change your mind, your attitude, and your mood. There is plenty of value to be found in so-called minimalist exercise. Planks are one variety of exercises that are both old-fashioned and highly-effective. This writing focuses on (a) the importance of core strength, (b) why planks are a useful core exercise, and (c) how to perform the “classic plank.” Let’s get to it! Where Is Your “Core”? First, let’s discuss what comprises yo

After cancer you have to Let Go and trust in the Lord. Just like this picture of Layleigh hanging upside down with NO FEAR! Easier said then done. I was reminded talking to a friend that had testicular cancer at 32 and he said the hardest part was the depression for him after treatment. Anyone that has been diagnosed with cancer and gone though treatment is a strong brave individual. Once treatment is over you have to find even More Strength and a New Normal. The best thing y

In January 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Nodulan Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma. I knew I would have to undergo chemotherapy, but I had no idea I would have to go through fertility treatment in order to preserve my eggs if I wanted a family one day. To say that the fertility process was an overwhelming situation was an understatement! It was a month long process of doctors' visits, blood work and ultrasounds, and injections before my egg freezing procedure. Since my insuran

In January 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Nodulan Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma. I knew I would have to undergo chemotherapy, but I had no idea I would have to go through fertility treatment in order to preserve my eggs if I wanted a family one day. To say that the fertility process was an overwhelming situation was an understatement! It was a month long process of doctors' visits, blood work and ultrasounds, and injections before my egg freezing procedure. Since my insuran

In the Summer of 2015 I found out I have the BRCA1 genetic mutation (like Angelina Jolie), that greatly increased my risk for breast cancer. I was put on a stressful, expensive, and time consuming monitoring plan that included regular MRIs, ultrasounds, and mammograms, and at one point- a biopsy that came back benign. Then in November of 2016 I had another biopsy and it did not come back benign. A few weeks later, at age 31, I had a double mastectomy and will soon be starting

It was a little stressful today but an exciting day at the same time. I was nervous because I have never been under anesthesia. At the same time, I was excited to get my egg retrieval over with. I woke up to some great news...the doctor and her team were able to retrieve 14 eggs! No words can explain the excitement I feel right now. Tomorrow, I will receive a phone call to let us know how many eggs were successfully fertilized. #teammaggie #teammaggieforacure #eggretrival #

From Jan to Dec. 2014 I battled cancer. Cancer does not just last through your treatment, it lives with you forever. Some great advise I received from my Oncologist at Northside Hospital was find something and immerse yourself in it. Well I did just that. In January 2016 I delivered a beautiful baby girl. What a blessing she is. In 2016 I became a Rise Athlete and I am headed to the NPC stage in 2017. #calming #donttakethesmallstuffforgranted #northsidehospital #youngad

Today is very exciting because I have 15 follicles growing and they're all around 14-16mm each! I was told that I'm getting closer to my egg retrieval. I can't wait to for it to happen because I feel very bloated. #cancer #chemoandinfertility #youngadultswithcancer #infertility #teammaggie #fertility #teammaggieforacure #cancerandinfertility #cancersurvivor #breastcancer #mastectomy #lifeaftercancer

I had a 7am appointment this morning to get an ultrasound and blood work. It was rough getting up because my mind wouldn't let me sleep last night. In better news, I have several follicles growing on both sides of my ovaries. My largest follicles are 10mm and 11mm. The rest of my follicles are at 8mm or less. The doctor changed the dosage of Menopur to a higher dosage and Gonal-f stayed the same. The doctor also added another injection to my fertility treatment called Cetroti

Today I went to get my ultrasound and blood work. The results demonstrated that I have plenty of follicles. As a result, the doctor instructed me to start the Gonal-f and Menopur injection in the evening and continue until Thursdayevening. Friday morning, I have another ultrasound and blood work . I'm very excited and nervous to see how many eggs I'll produce! #youngadultswithcancer #chemoandinfertility #cancer #fertility #teammaggie #infertility #stayfocused #breastcancer #t