hi sue,
glad you're here. when i was diagnosed a little over a year ago, i had just finished a marathon, and was already signed up for a half marathon in the spring. i thought, 'oh no - i'll never feel like running again.' it was in the middle of winter, as well, and i just thought i'd never do it. my surgery was just a little over a year ago and i had no idea if i'd be able to do my march half. 3 weeks post op i started running/walking very slowly (i'm slow anyway). i was able, in subsequent weeks to build up to 10 miles and was able to complete the half very slowly. i was glad i had already signed up for it or i don't think i would have ever bothered. that said, it's not like you need to go sign up for some huge race or anything, esp if you're still searching for what treatment you're going to do and don't know the date. but trying to stay in shape before any treatment is very helpful. i think it helped my balance overall to keep running right up until surgery. i think if you try to do your 15 minute walk as consistently as you can will help your overall outlook and recovery in the long run. (that is, if it's been clear for you to exercise).
right now i'm trying to motivate myself to do something (jan - that 'something' will be shoveling, probably tomorrow - i'm so sick of it!!!) we're on snowstorm #3 in the last 2 weeks. i know some areas of the country, y'all deal with this every winter, but in the DC area, it all just stops and everyone freaks out for a while!
i need to take the dog out for a walk/run. that's my exercise goal for the day. if i don't do it, i'll be cleaning doggie poop in the house.
at least we have our power back on, which is very nice!
keri