When Barb Gregory was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2000, she poured all her energy into regaining her health. Her treatment, though ultimately successful, sapped her strength, warped her diet, and padded her weight by 20 pounds.

In a bid to get fit, she bought a new exercise machine. When it wouldn't work, she assumed it was broken. It was only after participating in a Hutchinson Center exercise and diet study that Gregory realized the machine was not to blame.

"I had gotten so weak I didn't have enough strength to get it started," she said.

Gregory joined the Breast Cancer Weight Loss Study after reading a flyer at a breast-cancer support group meeting. The study, led by Dr. Anne McTiernan of the Center's Public Health Sciences Division, tested how well a six-month diet and exercise program produced weight loss in breast cancer survivors. Participants met with a nutritionist weekly and worked with an exercise specialist to design and maintain an exercise program. They also completed health questionnaires and kept an exercise log and a daily food diary, which Gregory said helped her learn "the basics of serving size and the ideal balance between protein, starch, fruit, vegetables, dairy and fat."

"I did it for my overall health...and to learn how to put a balanced meal in front of Madeline," Gregory said. She and her husband, Bert, adopted Madeline as a newborn just as Gregory was finishing her battle with cancer, fulfilling their dream of having a baby daughter.

While Gregory is grateful the study helped her lose — and keep off — 17 pounds, she's even more pleased that she's equipped to serve her daughter a nutritious diet.

"My life is no longer focused on breast cancer," said Gregory. "I have this wonderful gift of a child."

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