Post Chemo Spa & Shape Up

acgw

Carol you look fabulous!
Love the hair!

I weighed myself today, actually feeling bloated. (Could it be that high fiber Kashi cereal?) 145#.

Muscles are getting bigger, still fitting comfortably is size 8 so I think that I am doing just fine.

I hope rads goes well for you Mizsissy.

Casey

CarolRich

Mizsissy,
I have actually lost a couple of pounds the past few weeks (I have been working out like crazy) and am at my goal weight of 165. I may have to adjust the goal weight downward as I still have flab in places I don't want. Can you change my goal weight to 160?

And thanks everyone for the compliments on the hair. I am just so happy that I have some now I don't care what it looks like! Although I have had several people say they really like the short hair on me and I should keep it this way. But I think I will let it grow longer.

Carol

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Carol, you do really look good. I fixed your goal weight.

I've had a little success too. Hubbie & I decided to cut out evening cocktail hour and we've gone dry for three days, hooray!!! Despite the fact that I nearly had a total meltdown yesterday losing important dox right before our tax man arrived, and going crazy collecting medical records for a second opinion appt. tomorrow!!! I have had little time to exercise since the elimination of cocktail hour...been too busy, but I have lost one (1) pound in three days. That's better than gaining!!

I think it's really important to check in here and WEIGH IN, so let's do it, even when we don't feel like. Keep things going!!

I'm going to PM some of our non-posters!!!!

Mizsissy

Raye99

Carol, you do look awesome! Your hair is about the length of mine now. Just beginning to stick up on top. Congrats on reaching your goal weight, that is tremendous!

MizSissy, thanks for the PMing this non poster - I went for a run (if you want to call it that - I walked most of it) last night, ugh, how frustrating. I made it four miles, but oh boy, was it tough. I used to be able to run that far with no trouble, but I've got to remember the chemo and what it takes out of us. I almost got teary eyed and I am not a crier - just tears of frustration I guess.

Casey - size 8 - that is great!!!! Good for you. Keep up the good work.

Not sure about my weight, maybe the same - about 120ish. I need to keep my belly for my TRAM flap planned in the fall. Stinks, cause I wouldn't mind a 6-pack this summer, but I'd rather have a boob and I can't have an implant due to rads! heh.

Keep up the great work ladies!!!!
Raye

belindajo

Hello all,

I am feeling stronger this week after suffering a persistent cough from a head cold a couple of weeks ago. I am trying to get back into my weight training and am going a mile on my treadmill afterwards. Wow, that doesn't seem like much after reading Raye's post of going 4 miles! I am heading to Houston for onco appointment on Friday. I am anxious to get to the point that I am just doing checkups. I am not doing rads but want to get my port removed as it is uncomfortable, especially with my weight training. I also need to get nipple reconstruction (just one) so I feel like I have a couple of loose ends.

What are you gals going to do about swimming this summer with our bald heads? I am anxiously looking for new hair growth every day but I know it will take a while. I love the water.

I lost a couple of pounds but it is slow going. I hear that Tamoxifen can cause weight gain and I will be starting it next week. I am also in chemopause and that can also cause weight gain. Yikes! The cards are stacking against me. I gotta get busy, girls!

Jo

thomcat

Hi Ladies:

I've been wanting to join this thread for weeks and now I'm going to get with it. I went to an onco for a 2nd opinion yesterday and now I'm revved up to get into shape and stay that way! She said I needed to get 30 minutes of aerobic activity 5 x a week. I have been walking off and on since ending chemo but today I walked a full 30 minutes.

Mizsissy - here are the stats on me.

Name: thomcat
Age/Ht: 49/5'5"
Pre Chemo Wt: 135
Chemo Finish Date: 3/16/07
Post Chemo Wt: 135
Current Wt: 135
Exercise program: Walking, light weight training, water aerobics
Goal Wt: 130

How do I send a photo to you?

You ladies need to keep me motivated!!!

Cathy

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Raye, Belinda, nice to see you back!

Raye, that four miles was simply awesome!!!! I've been going one or so, and proud of it!!! When I went to see my new Radiologist Oncologist, she told me she doesn't like the idea of my doing so much running and wants me to back off...but I mean, it was no sweat!!! And I feel SO MUCH better now that I'm back to exercising. Michigan is one of the most obese states in the country, and I think the U.S. is now the obesity capital of the world, so what does that make Michigan? She's probably used to seeing people in a lot different shape than I am.

Belinda...www.chemosavvy.com has some very nice swim caps, they're kind of like rubber turbans. Some of you younger women look nice bald, but no one's seeing me bald (sometimes when it is hot at night and DH can't see I take off my scarf, but that's it!!!!).

I've had a frantic week and today was the first day I could sleep in. I've been spending the morning on the phone, in bed, on the computer, drinking tea. Chemo stopped March 5, should I still be this lazy????

Belinda...I want to know all about tamo, because I'm next!!!

xxx ooo Mizsissy

Raye99

Jo, number one - you are simply beautiful. Secondly, one mile is fantastic! I have been done with chemo for 3 1/2 months. When I first finished chemo and during chemo, one mile was tough!!! I also used to run almost every night before the bc. So hang in there, it will get easier, you are doing a great job! I love the water also and we have our vacation scheduled for July and I want to tan! ugh. Probably not the best idea, but I don't want to burn, what to do.

Jo, welcome. Good job on the 30 minute walk. That is terrific.

MizSissy, I am still so tired and unmotivated on the weekends. During the week, I've got to get up and go to work and I am fine, but weekends, oh so tired. So yes, you still should probably feel tired (not lazy *wink*). I am in Ohio and we are one of the most obese states as well.

Raye

CarolRich

For all of those worried about Tamoxifen, I have been on it since January 1 and have had no real side effects. I too have been in chemopause since last August. I have only had 1 or 2 hot flashes and haven't noticed any weight gain. Of course that is why I am exercising! I have noticed that I am carrying more weight (flab) in my belly and upper arms than I used to and don't know if that is related to chemopause or not. And wish me luck because I am having my ovaries removed next week and will be starting on one of the AI's (oh joy, another medicine with new side effects).

Are we checking in once per week with our stats?

Carol

acgw

I think I have Raye and Mizsissy beat for living in the most obese state. I think only Mississippi outranks West Virginia.

I would say that my female patient's, on average, are 35-50# overweight and I have come to view that as 'normal'.

Raye,
Sounds like your 4 miles was like my first one hour 'run'. It is frustrating but just like everyone told us from our diagnosis through our treatment, it does get better.

Welcome Cathy!
Good luck reaching your fitness goals.

Jo,
I've been taking Tamox. since December and have been in chemopause since October; I haven't noticed any weight gain in places I don't want it. That may be because I exercise regularly but I don't particularly watch what I eat. Having said that, I don't have much of a sweettooth (although I do like my square of dark chocolate around 4:00 each afternoon!). I'm convinced that you can keep your weight under control without too much effort.

Have a super day ladies!

belindajo

Raye, girl you are my very best friend! What a nice thing to say. By the way, yesterday I made 1.75 miles. Yea me. haha. I hope to one day make 4 miles like you, that's awesome.

Cathy, welcome to this board! Good luck with the beginning of your exercise program. I know I feel so much better exercising.

I will be starting Tamoxifen on Saturday after I see onco tomorrow. I am praying for minimal side effects.

Everyone probably knows this but at my first appointment with onco after finishing chemo, he said that the one thing I can do that is most beneficial and will reduce my risk of reoccurance is exercise. That alone is enough to motivate me to keep it up.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter! The weather here is predicted to be cool and cloudy with possible rain. Yuck!

Hugs to all and happy exercising!!! Let's go girls!

Jo

thomcat

Hello to all - how often are we suppose to report in? I took a walk this a.m. with a friend and we walked 2 miles!!!! I didn't think I was going to make it but we took it easy. Can't wait to pick up the pace.

Cathy

Raye99

Jo, you are doing great. 1.75 miles whoo hooo. I was supposed to have my first post chemo - 3 month visit with my onc today - but they cancelled it. Just as well; I am almost nervous to go back! Best of luck with the Tamoxifen, wishing you no side effects.

Woke up to snow and pretty fierce winds today! So much for spring! 80 on Sunday and 28 today. I want to get outside and walk/run/struggle/whatever you call it.

Have a Happy Easter weekend all!!!

Raye

Raye99

Cathy - just saw your post. Great job - 2 miles - tremendous! Not sure how often we are to check in, every few days I guess. But if you wait too long to check in, MizSissy will get you with a PM. She's keeping us in line! - and MizSissy, thank you for that.

Raye

acgw

Everyone is doing great!

I think Mizsissy deserves a standing ovation.

I 'ran' 3.2 miles today. Well, actually I did except for 2/10ths after 2 miles. It was on a treadmill and it was more painful then I would like to admit but I am proud to say that this non-runner finished in 32 minutes, 11 seconds. I now think I may be able to reach a 30 minute goal time when I do the Race for the Cure in May.

Keep rockin' ladies.

Spring will be back before we know it.

Myrajuc

My last chemo was just March 19th. I start daily rads April 11 for 6-7 weeks. I want to lose weight! I started walking about 2 miles 3x per week, and eating less. But I shouldn't be eating less while on rads? I gained 15 lbs. I want to lose it so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Hello All, Myrajuc, Thomcat...

Sorry taking so much time to get the chart updated, but I've had a frantic few days and DH is calling me to go to Good Friday services right now!!

Myra, welcome to the club, take a look at the chart (BC Spa Gals ) and send me your data. I think it's how healthy you eat, not how much. Focus on lean meats, vegetables. I have a hunger-loss diet above.

Hey..it's working for me. I'm not hungry and I'm not eating much either, though haven't had any time to work out for almost the entire week. I have lost 1-2 lbs...not much, but better than gaining!!!

xxxooo Mizsissy

acgw

Okay ladies, time to tell us how you are doing!

I've added jumping rope to my regimine for a little variety.

I now remember why my dad once asked how someone so graceful in the water could be such a clutz on land!

CarolRich

Mizsissy, you are too funny. I have been bad the past couple of days. Just tired for some reason (maybe it's the crazy weather) and don't feel like exercising after work. Because of that, I have gained a pound or so back. Part of it may be nerves because I am having an ooph on Friday and cannot stop thinking about it.

Carol

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Ok, I'm checking in. Can't weigh because battery has died on scale. How's that for a cop-out?!!!!!

I think I'm still down to 131 though. I wasn't great over Easter. Hubbie & I celebrated Friday night on Thursday night because I had gotten the days mixed up, and let me tell you, once I had our gin & tonic tray set up and the fire lit, I wasn't backing down!!!

Then Friday, of course, we had to celebrate Friday night with cocktails again!!!!

Can't remember what we did on Saturday, but on Easter morning I had some bad news about a nephew in a car accident. Ate very little of sumptuous breakfast laid out at church, but quickly downed half our bottle of Easter dinner wine while talking to relatives about the accident after church. So exhausted by it all I conked out midday, and felt like a chemo patient again for 24 hours.

The kid in the accident is going to be OK. Hubbie & I were still upset about the accident on Monday, so had another round of cocktails, THEN an old friend called suddenly, and asked us to come over for a drink, so we did that too.

Of course we were both exhausted on Tuesday after spending the evening out late, so we each had a beer last night.

I started rads for real yesterday, we're back on the wagon now, and hopefully I'll lose some weight!!! Winter's back too and I don't know if we're entering another Ice Age up here or what...but running outside has been very dicey lately.

Mizsissy

acgw

Mizsissy,
Your adventures with alcohol make me laugh.
Sometimes my life goes like that too. I just try and keep myself to a two drink limit 99% of the time. (Of course there was last Friday when we made dinner with some friends; we put some hurtin' to his wine cellar.)
I hope radiation is going well.

Good luck with the surgery on Friday Carol!

Have a good weekend ladies. If all goes well and the weather cooperates, I am going to the beach with my bicycle this weekend.

Casey

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

You guys probably think I'm an alcoholic, but I never drink more than 1 1/2 drinks...OK, maybe 1 3/4 drinks, and 2 glasses if it's wine...

But for losing weight, I think it's better not to drink at all!!

Raye99

Carol - good luck with your ooph on Friday! This weather has me soo tired too. Rainy and cold every day in Ohio. ick.

MizSissy - I am so sorry to hear about your nephew and glad to hear he is doing ok! 131 lbs, alright, good for you!!!

And you do not sound like an alcoholic. My, I used to drink a few beers almost every other night before my dx. I would work; run my 4.7 miles and go home and have a couple of beers! So refreshing! ah. Now I try to limit myself to drinking every few weeks. Although last week, I drank three nights. ha. Holidays, what can you do?

They are planning on doing my proph mast and TRAM flap in August or September. Upon hearing that, I rejoined the gym! I need to run (for psychological reasons as well) and as we all know, running outside is almost impossible. I guess I will have to drink beers after my runs, so I can keep my belly for my boobies.

Take care all.
Raye

belindajo

Hey girls!

One step forward, two steps back. I had lost several pounds but have now put a few back on. I have not been good since Easter. I have exercised twice this week but eating like crazy. Last week I started Tamoxifen and had a severe allergic reaction. Bummer. I went back to doctor yesterday and was started on the shots to shut down ovaries and Arimidex. I am worried about weight gain on that now. I had an appointment also to see surgeon to get my port removed but he got caught up in surgery and they cancelled my appointment. I now have to make another one and he is 75 miles from here, one way.

By the way, I don't know how I would have coped if I hadn't had my two glasses of wine each night. It helps relax me and fall to sleep without stressing over things. I also know that it is not good for me, but neither is overeating!

I will try to be better and start anew on Monday. I have to run out of town tomorrow to shop for daughter's prom dress so maybe I will get some walking in there. I will also start back on my eating healthy (or at least try).

One day at a time, right girls! Raye, if you don't have enough belly, just let me know and I will share mine with you! haha.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Hugs,
Jo

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Hello Future Dream Queens,

Enough of these excuses. That's practically all I (and some of you) have posted since we got started. It's time to toughen up. OMG, we're already in the middle of April!!! There is a lot of flab around my middle that I really don't need!!!!

I had a crazy Easter and terrible week driving over 120 miles every day to medical points at opposite ends of the map. For the next 5 weeks of rads I am cooling it. No more appointments except rads. No travel, no drinking except Fridays (and maybe not then). Getting in shape has to take priority, which means a calmer life style, and more sleep!!!

I am following the diet, and I am going to get exercise EVERY DAY, even if I have to shorten my stride a little. I AM GOING TO BREAK THE 130 LB BARRIER and GET INTO 120S TERRITORY THIS WEEK!!!

Sorry for shouting. We need a little discipline here. Let's get going, work on those abs, out with the flab! And one, anda two, and threee...

Mizsissy

thomcat

Hi Ladies:

I got in two days of serious walking and bike riding at the gym. I went to my breast care clinic on Wed for baseline bone and CT scan. On my way home, I got the results of my MRI of my good "boob" and have to have an ultrasound next week to investigate an 8 mm enhancement that cropped up. Needless to say, I need to exercise and get my mind off this stuff. I just finished chemo 3/16/07 and I want my life to get back to some normalcy!!!!!

Good luck to everyone and I'll report back later!

Cathy

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Yikes Cathy...we say some very special prayers for you today. You know, MRIs are infamous for showing lots of false tumors!!! Hope it's nothing!!!

You know, I got one of those too during chemo, and it turned out to be nothing.

Mizissy

Raye99

Jo - sorry to hear about your negative reaction to Tamoxifin. I hope the other works out for you! I have some belly, looks like white fish belly since we can't tan (darn); probably A cups! No Pam here.

Cathy - exercising does help me cope with the stress associated with all of this stuff. I will be thinking of you. That waiting is the worst. I agree with MzSissy, those mammograms aren't the best.

I ran 3.4 miles on the treadmill last night. Was tough. Was my first time this week working out. I am going to try and hit the gym again tonight.

Have a great weekend all. Maybe it will warm up soon!

Raye

acgw

Mizsissy,
You make me want to pee my pants!!!!

Jo,
I too am sorry to hear about the allergic reaction to Tamoxifen; can't a girl get a break? Don't forget to ask them about bone density. From what I understand, the AIs are tough on bone density and a supplement of some sort may be in order.

Cathy,
I will say a prayer that your 8mm finding is nothing to worry about.

Raye,
I like your new pic. I am impressed at how quickly you have increased your mileage. I wish you were right about the temperature, looks like it will be yucky through Friday.

Me; Didn't go to the beach once again. Decided that 3:30 on a rainy day was a good time to start cocktail hour. I rode on my trainer for an hour yesterday and am waiting for Cyclism Sunday at 6:00 so I can ride along with some hot looking guys in spandex. What I really need is for it to stop raining so that I can amuse myself by doing something besides making bread (oh, I love to knead bread) and stuffing it with not always such good stuff before I bake it.

Enjoy what is left of the weekend.

Casey

belindajo

Okay, mizsissy, okay! I need to eat right, exercise and quit making excuses. I pledge to exercise every day this week. I'm having the worst time getting any weight off.

Casey, my oncologist told me to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. I am not having any problems with the Arimidex. I am feeling some minor aches here and there which I guess is normal.

Raye, I love your new avitar. You are so pretty. I can't wait to have that much hair.

Cathy, you are being prayed for daily. Hang in there and let us know when you find out about the ultrasound.

Onward soldiers!
Jo