Motivation

SingaporeChris

Hi Girls,

Welcome back Springie! Glad everyone has had a good easter, I have been a little bit bad, is that possible or is bad, bad? Anyway who cares, I am back on track. Today I walked the dog for half and hour, swam 10 lenght, I wanted to start slowly, but intend to increase it slowly.  I also went to yoga, so I am feeling virtuous.

kari, I am originally from England, but have spent 34 years living in other countries, and 14 of those years have been here in Singapore. We were here for 12 1/2 years, then living in Holland for 5 and then came back to Singapore almost 2 years ago. I love it here, but we will probably be on the move again in just over year.  My husband works for an oil company and is international staff. It's a great life, if the stress of it all didn't give you cancer!  You are right, it is very hot here, so it makes exercising outside a little more difficult as you have to do it early in the morning or in the evening.

EBW, I loved your quote, nothing like being honest. How are you managing on a daily basis, do you have any pain and do you have good support around you? I have a close friend here who is stage IV and she looks great, but does get a lot of aches and pains.

I went to my yoga/mediation/guided imageary lady today and she said that we need six things to beat cancer.

No sugar,

digestible protein (meat is not easily digestible)

lots of oxygen, (deep breathing)

you must be able to cry, (every time you cry you live an extra day)

you must journal by writing down your thoughts (these boards do that for me)

Express your anger in a respectful way.

I am still working on the sugar thing!

Mumayan, I have had a head massage a couple of times, give it a go, it stiumlates hair growth and makes you feel good too. I am sure all your working out has made you more muscular, the weight will take care of itself. Just keep going and all will be well.

Hay, you girls without a photo, we want to see what you look like, I feel like I know you girls better if I can see your face.

Have a great day and night. Singapore Chris x

Springtime

Chris, I like those 6 things!!! They make sense too.

OK, confession. No exercise yesterday! I was back to work after a week off on holiday, so I figure that will be my day off. Today must walk or cross-trainer, and tomorrow is Yoga! 

Springie....

kfinnigan

Hi Ladies,

Confession time here too.  No exercise yesterday, too pooped from the weekend and working through lunch (fellow staff gal was off).  Back to it tonight, but 10 degrees cooler and winds up to 40 mph...I may blow away! LOL

EWB - a neighbor said the same thing about the midlife crisis and I replied "no its called surviving bc - cause life's too short"!!  I'd also like to ask how you are feeling?  We're here for you girl. 

Singapore Chris - wow, what an exotic life...living in different countries, I think its so cool!  Makes me want to travel!!  Does the weather ever cool off there?  I bet the swimming feels good.  I bet that swimming is so good for healing your body from all this treatment too.  My sister in law took a teaching job in Abu Dhabi, and it gets really hot there as well.  Lots of talk of camel riding and sand camping...I have to laugh when I read her updates!   I would like to see others photos as well.  

Mumayan, hang in there!!  A fellow bc survivor said her onc says it takes a year after treatment for you to be rid of its effects.  

Springie, you did a lot of exercise while on vaca - you deserved a day off.  Back at it today girl.

Have a wonderful day! 

Springtime

Kari, and all,

I was back at it today before the thunderstorms hit! 50 minute walk during lunch break from work. Not bad I thought! Back on my eating and recording diet.   Don't blow away!!! ha!!

kfinnigan

Springie, I remember when I lived in N.C. and getting caught in a thunderstorm while on my walk.  Boy did I look like a drowned rat! LOL  Good thing you made it back to work in time!  AND GOOD JOB - WOW 50 min!! 

Went to read in my car and eat my lunch, it is cold and very very very windy!!!!!  But there were 2 other girls out walking so I have no excuse tonight!  

Springtime

Kiri, report back so we know you did not blow away! I keep picturing "Piglet" in "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day"!!!!

EWB

Spring- what kind of work do you do? My goodness you are always on the go, I have to admit that I am a bit envious.

Wow, I can't keep up with all of you. I'm excited when I do my restorative yoga (15-20 mins) and some walking. I did find a watch style pedometer but haven't figured out how to set it up...guess I need to give it to my dd.

Kari- thanks for asking...as far as the cancer goes, the meds are keeping everything stable, infact primary mass is hard to find on physical exam and the back doesn't really bother me much. Biggest problems are related to meds...night sweats, joint/muscle and occasional bone pain, and fatigue. A lot of stuff no one talks about relating to AIs...very frustrating. Onc, the entire cancer center actually, is really supportive so that helps.   I just keep my fingers crossed that the drugs continue to work, its been about 2, 2 1/4 yrs now since dx. In my head I am mostly ok, have LOTS of help, support and love at home for which I am extremely grateful. I was able to retire last yr and that has also helped a lot.

E'nuf about me...happy moving to all.

kfinnigan

Springie, I had to laugh at picturing Piglet!  I always refer to people's personalities as "Eeyore, Tigger, Pooh", etc...LOL!

I will make sure to report in that I didn't get blown away to Oz or somewhere fun or far away!

EWB, Good to hear the meds are keeping everything stable and glad the back isn't bothering you too much.  Tamoxifen I think is the culprit to my newfound achy hip/leg and night sweats as well. It makes a big difference to have a supportive onc and cancer center!  Thank goodness for the support and love at home too!!  Yoga and walking are GREAT too!!  We do what we can.  

Springtime

all - POSTED A NEW pic with short hair Wooooo!!!! (That is 5 months out from last chemo, Nov 08)

EWB - I work at home with IBM, am a Human Factors Engineer (Web site usability) for IBM software site. 

Kari, report back! Piglet was in trouble in that movie!!! LOL.

Spring...

kfinnigan

Spring, LOVE the photo and the new "do"!!!!!!!!!

Springtime

easier for exercise!!! LOL.

EWB

Love the new photo! You look Fabulous.

In response to your job...huh ? Sounds very inpressive and complicated.

dani42

Springtime,

I love the photo!  I actually like it better than the previous one!  You look fabulous!

On a side note: death was ever present today.  It seems there are times when it is coming from every direction.  Such a sad day but a day to remember that the hustle and bustle of life is not what is important but the quiet moments and the people around us.  God bless all of you and all those that are suffering.

dani42

dlb183

I have always had a problem with swelling fingers and hands when walking any distance.  I don't know why it happens but it can get pretty bad.  I once walked 12 miles for the March of Dimes and couldn't believe the size of my hands.  I was walking with the Mayor of our City at the time, who was an avid runner and he told me to keep my hands upright.  Looks pretty silly but it keeps the blood from flowing downward. 

dlb823

LOVE the new avatar, Spring!  You look so fresh, healthy. and pretty!

Chris ~  Thanks for sharing the information from your yoga/meditation/guided imagery lady.  About oxygen and deep breathing...  Has anyone ever done those oxygen bars?  I'm wondering if they'd be beneficial now.  I don't think we have one around here, but I know I see them when we're in other places.

I saw my PCP yesterday, and was relieved to hear her take on A/I's, which, like vivre, I am seriously considering foregoing.  She ordered about 20 different blood tests, including thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, and Vitamin D levels, and she told me to add both curcumin/tumeric and green tea capsules to my regimen.  I feel like she really heard my concerns about an A/I and QOL, and I think she'll help me make an informed decision.

Glad to learn I'm not the only one whose hands swell when walking.  That greatly eases my mind!  Thanks to all who commented on it.    Deanna

lisasayers

Springie you look FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Just got home from my hour of zumba...I worked their little tushies off!  That is what they get for eating Easter Peeps! LOL

Valjean

Springie ~ LOVE the new photo!!!!!! WooHOO as you would say !!!

Still using my stepper for my exercise, couldn't get outside today to walk 'cos it rained.

Sounds like your vacation was wonderful & you got lots of walking in, it's not easy walking in the sand.

(((hug)))

Val

SingaporeChris

Hi girls,

Love the hair Springie. Glad to see everyone is doing well with their exercise.  I walked the dog today, but didn't do my dance class as my ankle hurt a little bit and I didn't want to overdo it. I am good at doing too much and then not being able to do anything!

Take Care everyone, Singapore Chris

PT63

Hi everyone

I actually tried to post here yesterday and my computer nixed it.  I gave up and went to work.  Now I can't remember what I had to say but I am sure it was profound!

My tattoos are healing nicely but I can't say that I like them yet.  They are a little too dark for my taste although the PS says they will fade.

I got back on the elliptical and tried not to sweat. HA!

Spring - I love the new photo!!!! 

Gotta go to work soon but will check in later with my profound thoughts!

mumito

Cris take it easy its not worth hurting yourself.  I did a aerobics class yesterday and last night my kknee was starting to act up so today I will stick to a walk outside inthe beautiful spring weather.Keep up the good work ladies.

Springtime

I have to skip Yoga tonight, I think I was blocking it out!!! I am on a liquid diet today as colonoscopy prep, and need to drink the glop that makes you "go" starting at 5PM!!! So I'll have to do a Yoga make up next week or so.

This is my first colonoscopy. I am hoping to lose 6-8 pounds. LOL!! There must be a bright side to this mess!!! lol. That would make me leaner.... Maybe I will try to maintain that loss!!

Any colonoscopy thoughts/hints?

Spring... 

kfinnigan

Reporting in...I seriously almost got swept away in that darn wind last night!  It took my visor cap off a few times and literally pushed me backwards and other times pushed me forward into a jog!  Was hilarious...was kinda spooky in a way too.  Seems hardly anyone was around yet trash was flying through people's yards, etc, sky was dark and eerie...never did rain though just wind!  Gusts over 40mph.  This a.m. over 20mph winds and chilly, geez!!!  80 degree weather is headed our way in a couple days.  But I walked 30 min, then the leg started to ache.  Have a massage tonight!  can't wait!!  

Springie, I had a colonoscopy a few years back, the prep part was the worst!!!!!  They had given me that glop, which was really horrible to me, and had me do an enema, geez, I was going all night and dropped some pounds (which on me, if I lose one pound it really shows...NOT good), but the weight came back as soon as I started eating solids again.  So I don't know about being able to keep it off...Good luck!!

I see my PCP and gyn next Wed.  Deanna, interesting about your PCP.  Why add the tumeric and green tea capsules?  I'm curious as to what she said.  I'll ask mine about that too and also all the different blood tests.  I wonder if I should email mine and ask.  I have to get my blood work done after work today for my Avastin treatment tomorrow.  Then she'd have the results for our appt.  I did write to my Gyn and ask if she would check my hormone levels, but she wrote back "I can retest your FSH, but as high as it was I am pretty sure it will not rebound.  I don't usually check estrogen levels because it is not helpful in managing patients, and will be low if your FSH is still high".  My onc checked my Estradiol and FSH a few months ago...FSH was 84 (postmenopausal women are about 85).  I'm really confused by all of this...

Have a wonderful day! 

lisasayers

Kari, have you read the book Waking The Warrior Goddess, Harnessing the Power of Nature & Natural Medicines to Achieve Extraordinary Health, by Dr. Chrisine Horner.  She explains the benefits of turmeric and green tea, as well as many other natural substances! 

Back to Zumba.......

kfinnigan

Thanks I'll make a note to check that book out Lisa, thanks!

dlb823

Kari ~In addition to the book Lisa recommended, which sounds excellent, here's an article about curcumin:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_2_1x_A_Cancer_Treatment_in_the_Spice_Cabinet.asp

There's tons of information on the internet about the antioxidant benefits of green tea, but I would not have taken it in supplement form until my doctor suggested it.  She's board certified in both internal medicine and dermatology, so I know she sees a lot of melanoma in this area.  When my DH had a little pre-cancerous spot on his nose a couple of years ago, in addition to prescribing a topical med, she told him to drink high quality green tea.  So, I figured the advice to get it in high quality capsules was an increased belief in its benefits -- or maybe a belief that I would benefit from more than just drinking it.

Well, Kari, I think you sent us the wind today!  I just returned from my walk, and it's blowing so hard, I had to take my cap off to keep it from blowing away.    Deanna

kfinnigan

Deanna, thank you so much for the info.  I will read the info now and will certainly talk to my PCP about it next week!!  Re:  the wind - HOLD ON!!!!!!  

Springtime

Deanna,

Did you find green tea and turmeric capsules?? Supplements? Please share, I think I missed this.

Spring. 

(I am STARVING! A friend had me for "lunch" and we had broth and green jello! I had seconds on the jello. I'm now starving again. She sent me off with pop-sickles!)

dlb823

Spring ~  After reading some research info' like the link above, I'd bought tumeric capsules back when I was first dx'd, but had not taken them regularly.  I got mine @ Sprouts (their own brand), but I've since noticed it in several brands at various health food markets.  I believe the research has been done with 475 mg., which is what mine are.

Yesterday, I bought Green Tea capsules.  There were quite a few to choose from.  I got the ones by Paradise Herbs because I liked the potency and purity info' on their label.  

My bathroom cupboard honestly looks like a health food store, but I don't think I want to stop any of the basic things I've always taken, and I'd already added D3, Biotin, I3C (or DIM).  Now the 2 above...  It's kind of crazy...      Deanna 

Springtime

Deanna, I am going to see if I can find those things on the Web. Thanks. (I had to get Biotin on the web!) You'd think Raleigh NC is like at the ends of the earth. Well, it may be compared to California, I guess! lol.

Spring.

vivre

Spring-I didn't really lose any weight with my colonscophy. My doc did tell me that I won the prize for having the cleanest colon! I guess it was all the green tea I was drinking because I hate all that jello and gatorade crap they tell you to drink.

I walked all over Chicago today after attending one of the tax day tea parties. It was a lot of fun. Thousands of people showed up to protest peacefully. The revolution is just beginning, wait and see!

I also stopped a great little tea shoppe near the train. They told me that white tea actually has the most antioxidants-something I had also read before. I got a magnet with these directions for steeping:

Type                        water heat                 steep time

white/green              just to boiling                1-3 min

oolong                     just to boiling                3-5

black                        boiling                          3-5

flavored black            boiling                            3

flavored green             just before boiling          3

herbal                         boiling                          5 or to taste

rooibos                      boiling                           5-7

yerbe mate                boiling                            5-7