Welcome to Breast Cancer Conversations, the podcast dedicated to empowering those affected by breast cancer. I'm your host, Laura Carfang, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of survivingbreastcancer.org. In this episode, we're diving into a topic that resonates with many in our community: the role of exercise, specifically Pilates, in regaining normalcy after a breast cancer diagnosis. Our guests today are Nina Prol, Bev Breen, and Marie McGuire, who share their insights and personal journeys with Pilates. Nina, a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in adult medical oncology, is also a passionate Pilates instructor. She shares how Pilates, originally developed by Joseph Pilates, is a low-impact exercise that enhances spine flexibility, posture, and core strength, making it ideal for cancer patients. Bev, an executive assistant and breast cancer survivor, recounts her experience with Pilates during her radiation treatment. Despite the challenges of treatment, Pilates provided her with a much-needed mental and physical break. Marie, another member of our community, emphasizes the importance of movement in managing lymphedema and maintaining overall well-being. Throughout the conversation, we discuss the benefits of Pilates for those undergoing cancer treatment, including improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased strength. We also touch on the importance of breathwork and mindfulness as tools for stress reduction. As a reminder, while exercise can be a powerful tool in recovery, it's crucial to listen to your healthcare provider's advice and communicate any side effects or concerns.  We hope this episode inspires you to explore Pilates or other forms of exercise as part of your recovery journey.  Topics Covered: 00:00:03 - Introduction to Breast Cancer Conversations Podcast 00:02:12 - Discussing Exercise Post-Cancer Diagnosis 00:04:09 - Nina's Introduction and Pilates Journey 00:06:12 - Bev's Experience with Breast Cancer and Pilates 00:09:42 - Marie's Breast Cancer Story and Pilates Experience 00:14:18 - The Benefits of Pilates and Its Accessibility 00:24:59 - Discovering Pilates Post-Diagnosis 00:30:18 - The Mental Health Benefits of Pilates 00:33:09 - Importance of Communication with Healthcare Providers 00:35:38 - NCCN Guidelines and Empowering Patients 00:37:44 - Questions to Ask Your Doctor +++++++++++++++++++++ Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events +++++++++++++++++++++ SurvivingBreastCancer.org's  Mission: To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond.  About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity. +++++++++++++++++++++ Follow us on Instagram Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/ SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/ Support the show