I've been an athlete since the age of 6 when I first started Taekwondo, earned my first degree black belt by age 9, and over the years played basketball, indoor and outdoor volleyball, racquetball, surfed, amongst other sports, and then in college I became a varsity athlete for the UW-Madison's Women's Rowing Team.  In 2009 I was gearing up my training for Ironman number two.  I felt out of balance by only swimming, biking, and running, and knew a fourth discipline would be necessary in order to keep my body, a lined, and injury free.  At the age of 35, I knew I needed to start treating my body with more respect while training for such grueling events.

Through friends I heard about Inner Fire, and their Hot Yoga class, and decided to try the two week trial.  In April 2009 I took the intro class to Hot Yoga and fell in love with the discipline and the heat!  During the two weeks I tried all of the classes, including Joan's Yin class.  I knew this place was meant for me!

Totally unexpectedly on May 14, 2009 I was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer.  My world went upside down.  June 9th I underwent surgery which included a bi-lateral mastectomy, 15 lymph nodes removed under my left arm, and Phase I of reconstruction.  It would be a minimum of a month before I would be allowed to do anything active, and was told that I now and forever would be at high risk of lymphedema (major and unsightly swelling due to lymph fluid retention in the arm).  I would need rehab to gain range of motion and loosen painful newly developing scar tissue, and connective tissues throughout my entire left arm and into my left and right pectorals.

On top of the rehab work, the doctors prescribed a very intensive chemotherapy schedule due to the highly aggressive nature of the cancer; which includes 2 months of bi-weekly, and 3 full uninterrupted months of weekly chemo treatments.   Additionally I volunteered to participate in a clinical study which would add another month to my chemo regimen.  Upon completion of chemo I would then undergo 5 ½ weeks of radiation.

After enough time passed from surgery and rehab was complete, I felt the best chance I had to stay strong during my cancer fight was to fight with my Inner Fire.  In July I began to walk, and by September was walk/jogging, had weekly acupuncture and began taking Hot Yoga to help detoxify, and work my muscles despite the effects of weekly highly toxic chemo.  I used Yin as a way to balance my monkey mind, and lengthen and loosen my tightened, and war beaten body.

Through this integrative approach I've found a way to train for a marathon which I'll participate in 2/21/10 - National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer!

I'm currently in radiation treatment and all signs point to me winning the cancer war!  Thank you to the instructors and my classmates at Inner Fire for your support and encouragement through this extremely difficult time.  Inner Fire has been a house of healing for me, and I'm grateful you're in the community, bringing light in a dark time.  In the present, and looking forward I'm excited to continue a new life practice, to heal through the power of yoga!

Carmen moved to Madison 20 years ago from Virginia, after her father retired from the Military. She has spent all of her childhood moving from military base to military base, giving her the ability to chat and joke around with anyone. She brings to Inner Fire Yoga a successful track record and experience in Customer Service and Management, having managed several Madison businesses.

Q&A with Carmen

Do you practice yoga?

Yes, I've practiced yoga off and on for the last 10 years, but I really took an interest in it after surviving a near death experience in 2005; I had a heart attack and a blood clot in my heart. After that I needed emotional and physical healing, so, I signed up for yoga class at MATC.  I was hooked.  I find that yoga helps me to relieve tension, anxiety and improves my overall well being.

What did you do before Managing Inner Fire Yoga?

That one is hard; it is more like what haven't I done. I started out as a cosmetologist, then a cosmetic counter manager.  I then managed a downtown bar across from Camp Randall for 8 years. I later went back to school at MATC and received a Small Engine degree, then went through their Mechanical Design Program. I even apprenticed to be a Funeral director. But each time I went back to customer service and management. So, I decided to quit fighting it-I've gone back into management, and I can say that I finally feel like I've found my home.

Why do you like being part of Inner Fire Yoga's community?

Well, it was important that I worked for a business that gave back to the community and I am very impressed with the commitment that IFY has not only for the yoga community, but also for the community as a whole. I am constantly amazed by the generosity, friendliness and acceptance that I see here at Inner Fire Yoga.