We have been in the fitness business since the 1980s. We have owned and operated three fitness centres, the most recent facility, Elite Muscle and Fitness, was featured in Flex magazine as the host facility of the 2004 Canadian National Bodybuilding Championships.
We have a vast clientele of individuals ranging from elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts and people just wanting to drop a few pounds. We have won every level of competition in Canada in the three physique categories, with four athletes turning professional under our expertise.
Being competitive bodybuilders, we understand the necessity of good nutrition. We believe that 80% of successfully reaching your individual goals is achieved by proper food and supplements. Our nutritional programs are based on individual goals, health and wellness, and desire for success.
Over the years we have had the opportunity to give numerous lectures and seminars for various groups. The range of information delivered during these seminars varies from nutrition and exercise, gender equality in sports, to motivation. We have the pleasure to speak at numerous school; the Catholic School Board, Grant MacEwen College, fitness facilities, live radio, and television programs
WHAT IS NEW!!!!
What would life be without challenges? Challenges in life help us to grow and become stronger individuals. Brian and I have been faced with a challenge that has taken us on a new path to learning about ourselves.
In October of 2010, I found a lump in my breast and scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. The lump was along a scar line from a previous surgery so we weren’t too concerned thinking that it was some scar tissue. October 17th the lump was removed and as originally believed, it looked like fat and scar tissue. We didn’t give it another thought. We were anxiously waiting for the birth of our 2nd grandson, so the happiness of waiting for him was all consuming. On October 28th, our daughter went into labour and we made the long drive to Kelowna to welcome our new little guy. We returned home on November 1 and had only been home a day when we received a call from the surgeon’s office asking us to come in immediately. We knew the news was not good. The lump was cancerous and in stage 2. My doctor had me booked into a mammogram and ultrasound the following day. November 4th was the longest day of Brian and my life. The most horrible thoughts go through your mind; it was sheer torture waiting for the appointments the following day. The ultra sound and mammogram went well, they believed that the cancer had not spread but I needed to have another surgery; a lumpectomy and lymph nodes needed to be removed to make sure the cancer was contained in the lump. Waiting for the next surgery to be done on November 17th felt like years away. The surgery went well and I was sent home to recover. We were scheduled into the numerous courses and support groups through the hospital. Another 2 weeks of hell was to be endured as we patiently waited for the final results of the biopsies. November 30th was the beginning of our fresh start, the cancer had been contained in the lump, there was good clearance around the lump in surgery and all 7 lymph nodes were clear. We had another chance at a long an healthy life together
It was determined that my cancer was an aggressive growing cancer, placing me into a category 3, I was scheduled for 4 chemo therapy treatments as well as radiation. Chemo treatments are scheduled every 3 weeks. On March 3, I will find out how many radiation treatments I will have, but have mentally prepared myself for 25 – 30 treatments. These treatments occur 5 days in a row for 5 weeks.
The good part of all of this is that we have learned a lot from mandatory courses through the hospital. Our lifestyle has prepared me for a much stronger ability to fight. Foods that we consume are the recommended choices to fighting this disease. Doctors have determined that clean carbohydrates, higher protein, low fat and low sugar are crucial for recovery and good health during cancer. Exercise and cardio is highly stressed to maintain muscle mass and to help keep the body energized during chemo. Fatigue could be a big part of the side effects during treatment. Exercising during fatigue will help to minimize this side effect. A strong mind and positive will is the greatest asset of all.
I have had 2 rounds of chemo to date with absolutely no side effects. My oncologist believes that my lifestyle is going to pay big dividends for me. Our eating habits, exercise and strong mental will is going to make this task easier to endure. I haven’t missed one day of exercise since I recovered from surgery. The photos are at the Cross Cancer receiving my chemo and then at the gym 2 ½ hours after chemo.
The only side effect which has occurred, and which most people already know, is hair loss. 14 days after chemo my hair started to shed. Brian gave me a sexy brush cut to about ½ “. Unfortunately about 5 days later, tufts of hair were starting to fall out rapidly so I decided to get a new cut to the scalp. It was difficult watching the hair fall as I received my buzz cut but I have purchased a few wigs which still make me feel pretty. If I have to wear a wig, my thought is that you might as well have fun doing it. I didn’t realize how much I looked like my brother until my head was shaved, wow he is a handsome dude! A day doesn’t go by where I don’t do my makeup and dress up as nicely as possible. Looking after the outer body image is going to help keep a strong and positive mind frame.
My goal is not to become a “victim of this disease”. Brian has been at my side for every minute of our new challenge. Having the love and strength of others pushes you harder to be strong. It is important to me to be strong for those around me and maintain a normal, healthy and happy life. We believe that there is a reason for everything that happens in life. We accept this challenge and will continue to learn and grow. We had set up goals in 2010 for 2011 that we continue to work towards. On January 3, 2011 we started a strict contest diet that we had planned for in July of last year. I make sure that all my meals are eaten even when my appetite is decreased. The clean calories will be beneficial in my recovery. Nothing will get in the way of our goals or discipline.
Brian and I would like to thank our family and friends for their love, prayers, cards, best wishes and flowers.
Your continued support is appreciated.
2nd Chemo: Exercising 2 1/2 hours Later!!
Many thanks to Melody at Mi Salon and Day Spa for her hair cuts and special pampering!
One more chemo session down, one more to go..... March 22 is the last chemo treatment day. The weeks are speeding by and I am feeling awesome. I am looking ahead to each new step towards a clean bill of health. I am overjoyed that each treatment has left me feeling healthy, happy and positive to enter the next stage. It really goes to show that a healthy lifestyle is more important than anyone realizes. Keeping a positive outlook really is crucial to feeling good. I can really say that there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t gotten up and focused on what a beautiful day it is.
Brian and I met with the radiation specialist. Radiation treatments begin a month after the last chemo treatment. Radiation occurs daily, 5 days in a row for 5 weeks. The treatments are only a few minutes long each time. Radiation will kill any microscopic cells that may have been left behind after surgery. People that get radiation have a 5% chance of the cancer returning. I like those odds. I am game for anything the doctor’s want to throw at me....
I have been waiting for the final dates, you all know me... I live by the calendar lol... by the end of May I should have all my treatments done. I am aiming for the end of November beginning of December for reconstruction surgery.... 2012 is going to be a new year, a fresh start. We are looking forward to planning a few trips back to Mexico next year. It is going to great to be able to see the grandkids in person. My oncologist recommends not being around little ones while the immune is low. Luckily Skype keeps us in close contact with our family.
Many thanks to family and friends who continue to send their love and good wishes. An extra hug to my close friend Susan who keeps me entertained on those days of “house arrest” and the many hours at the hospital during treatment. Of course, where would I be without the love, support and guidance of my best friend and loving husband. Brian, you are my rock.....
Stage two of treatment has begun... I am in day 3 of my radiation treatments. I originally was scheduled for 25 treatments which would take 5 weeks to complete at 5 treatments per week. On my first scheduled appointment I was shocked to find out that I was now scheduled for only 16 treatments. After the CT scan my doctors decided that 16 treatments would be all that I would require. what a pleasant surprise. 3 weeks instead of 5 is much better. Mid May I will be done all my treatments and life moves on.... Side effects of radiation are burning of the skin similar to a bad sunburn and fatigue. I can't see that fatigue is going to be an issue since I didn't have fatigue during the chemo treatments. Following a rigid schedule everyday helps to alleviate fatigue. If you keep moving, you feel much better. My treatments are at 8:00 in morning, by 9:00 I am back in the gym.
We have posted a link on the bottom of our email address for team members and donations for the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 2, 2011. We are hoping to get a large team together to walk or run for this cause. To join the team. go under team Logue on
www.runforthecure.com . We will be hosting a table at the Donna and Brian Logue Provincial Bodybuilding Championship on June 25th at the Winspear Theatre in Edmonton with donation information and T-shirts sponsored by Roland Radu, Re-zistex .
Many thanks to the emails received from the members of the Alberta Bodybuilding Association. We are hoping to see many members of the association donating back to the community on October 2, 2011.
May 16, a day of mixed emotions. 16 radiation treatments complete, all treatments done. I’m healthy and on my own now. I thought I would be leaping with joy as I walked into the Cross Cancer for my last radiation treatment but I didn’t feel the elation that I thought I would. It was a feeling of the entire past 7 months hitting me all at once; the shock of discovering I had cancer, the anxiety of waiting for results on whether the cancer had spread, the stress of wondering if I’d be sick and trying to stay strong and positive for my children, husband, family and friends. It was over.... I made it! I struggled mentally some days with guilt on how good I felt, today was especially hard as I waited with anticipation for the last treatment. My appointment ran late as a young girl was brought into my ward on a stretcher. Her poor face was swollen at least double the size from chemotherapy drugs , she was very weak and couldn’t walk. The doctors and nurses lovingly called her beautiful and princess.... my heart fell. I realize how lucky I have been to go through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation without a problem. I am proud of the strength Brian has shown over these past months. He supported me through each and every step never missing one appointment. Every journey we have travelled since 1989 has been together: bodybuilding, boxing, business adventures, our car hobbies, now cancer.... what one does, the other does. That is the strength that allows you to survive and flourish during hard times. I look forward to the next stage of this incredible journey. With the love of my family and friends I know that each day is going to be sunny and happy ..... Our prayers go out to those that are still going through their treatments. Stay positive!
LAST TREATMENT
TRAINING ONE HOUR AFTER THE LAST RADIATION TREATMENT
Information from Donna and Brian Logue Provincial Bodybuilding Championship
33 new participants for the CIBC Run for the Cure signed up and $2,100.00 was collected at the show. We would like to thank ABBA and John Dirks for their generous donation of $1,000.00 and everyone whodonated at our booth as well. We currently have approximately 53 participants for the walk, we are half way to our goal of 100.
We were interviewed by Regan Schiller and Ken Park of Executive Muscle for information on our story. To view their interview coverage of the CIBC Run for the Cure Gala, Provincial Bodybuilding Show and a personal perspective, be sure to visit their website at
www.executivemuscle.com for the interview footage.
For up to date CIBC Run for the Cure coverage on facebook, be sure to visit the following link:
Donna and Brian Logue Provincial Championship - June 25, 2011
The CIBC Run for the Cure booth - Team Logue
September 14, 2011
The final stage of my journey has begun. August 31 began stage 1 of reconstruction. It has been a long couple of weeks with recovery, but everything has gone very well. An expander was put into the left breast. Every few weeks saline solution is injected into the expander to stretch the area. Radiation damages tissue, so to allow a breast implant to be put in, the area has to be gradually stretched. It is a somewhat uncomfortable procedure but I have to focus on the end all. It will probably take a few months before the second surgery can be completed to put in the proper breast implant.
I have been "wig free" for about 6 weeks now. My hair has grown in curly and a totally different color. I am getting used to my short hair, and really enjoying how easy the morning hair do is. Hair is about an 1" long, and I am really considering that this will be my new "look" for now. I still haven't been to the salon but looking forward to my first hair cut to reshape and give me a style.
We are very excited about the October 2 walk quickly approaching. We have over 80 participants so far, very close to our goal of 100 individuals to walk. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the registration at 8:00 A.M. Fingers crossed for excellent weather for the walk!
October 2, 2011
Team Logue kicked cancer's butt ! From the bottom of our heart we want to thank our family, friends, clients and ABBA athletes who fund raised and participated at the CIBC Run for the Cure. We registered over 94 individuals and raised over $ 15,000.00 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. An amazing accomplishment for our first year. Team Logue has already registered for September 30, 2012 so we look forward to working towards an even great number of particpants and funds raised.
Team Logue ABBA Competitive Athletes
Daughters, Son in Law and Grand children Mom, Dad, daughter and close friends
.JPG)
Sister Marsha, Jenn and her mom Grandma Donna and Evan
December 30, 2011
It is hard to believe that a new year is already upon us. 2011 was a difficult year but we persevered, cherishing a brand new and exciting 2012. We learned a lot about life; what is important and what we take for granted. We wake up with a positive attitude each day thanking God for giving us one more.
On December 23 I had stage 2 of reconstruction. My expander was removed and the permanent implant put in. I will have another surgery in approximately 6 months to clean up some scarring and tissue damage. My doctor has been wonderful but it has been a challenge for me, I won’t lie. Things will never look the same again, something I have to deal with. Luckily I have a wonderful husband that doesn’t see any imperfections in me. He reminds me of what is important when I am not confident, I feel so blessed. I remember his loving words of encouragement when I feel down. His encouragement means more to me than he will ever realize, keeping me strong and positive.
In 2012 both Brian and I have vowed to step our training up, regain some of our size and strength, a goal both of us are excited about. It will be nice to have more focus in the gym this year. We hope to do more travelling again, something we missed in 2011. Once again we will dedicate time to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for the Run for the Cure. Team Logue is registered for 2012.
We thank everyone for their support in 2011. We look forward to what life brings us in 2012. We wish everyone a very Happy New Year, health and happiness in 2012.