Motivation

Springtime

Joy YAY for Pony tails! Have fun watching the grandkids in the church play.

45 on the elliptical today! Too cold outside to bike... 

Harley44

Thanks everyone.  

My husband's boss made me a cup of tea with ginger and cloves on Thursday night.  It didn't taste very good, but ....   Saturday I started feeling better.  Of course, I AM taking anti biotics now.

Joy, I think I saw your post of FB about your hair and the ponytail!  YAY!!

Harley

dlb823

Finally back from a very long 6 days in Las Vegas... waaaay too much noise & smoke for me, but great to see some family, and my DH really loves all that rodeo cowboy stuff.  We were there a day earlier this year than we usually are, so got to witness the incredible Las Vegas Marathon! 44,000+ runners at night (they start at 7:00 p.m.) coming up Las Vegas Boulevard.  It's the only time they close that street off all year, and it was quite an awesome site!  

Joy, I'm so excited to see you're dating!  This should liven up our conversations here!  I'm going to pray that you find a real gem this time!

Harley, sorry you're sick, but it seems like you are either sick or just not feeling up to par fairly often.  I hope you can look for a good functional medicine doc, osteopath or naturopathic doc who can help you build up your resistance.  

Survivor, so sorry about the blow-out with H.  Have things been any better since then?  And what an angel you are for going with the young bc patient to her MRI.  I'm sure she apreciates you more than she can express.

And interesting (at least to me) that at least 3 of us here have A+ blood.  I swear, I am so impressed with how much better I'm feeling by following the A blood type diet (except for some lapses in LV) -- which, by the way, does not include all beans -- just some.  

And Spring, I just noticed something you mentioned a page or two back about your stress hormones being high.  That's something the integrative doctor I've been communicating with spotted in my hormone results, and he recommended that I start taking Sam-e, which I have, and I love it! Among other noticeable effects, I am sleeping incredibly well since I started using it.

Hi to Kate, Kari, Cath, and anyone else I might have missed!  I'd write more, but this post is already overly long.  It's just so nice to be back with you all after a week away!     Deanna 

kfinnigan

Hi Deanna!  Welcome back from crazy town! ha  Interesting about the Sam-e...when I was getting acupuncture, that's what the gal recommended I take.  Its pretty expensive, but sounds worth it!

Kmmd - I always imagine you doing yoga by firelight and I smile.  Sorry your LE is acting up though.

I'm finally back to brisk walking!  Leg is 95% better! YAY!  Tonight is yoga.

Cheers to ponytails, building up our immune systems, dating, smiling, exercising and friendship! 

Survivorwoman

Deanna- so nice to have you back! And thank you for your kind words.

Kari- it's great to hear your leg has improved. Stick to yoga for a while so it heals properly.

Spring - you are so amazing doing all that excersizing. Good for you! Kate -same goes for you, too.

Joy- Have fun with the grandkids ! At last MY hair is growing, so hopefully in three years I will have a pony tail too. It was encouraging to hear it. Thanks.

Harley- do you feel any better? I really hope you do.

By the way: SAMe is an amazing supplement. It is really good for elevating mood and also for osteoarthritis. It helps me a lot to counteract one of the nasty side effects of Herceptin : the knee/joint pain. It works for me really well. In fact, I have buy some more soon. I take about 400-800mg daily after Herceptin infusion.  And it works.

I rode my bike today for about twenty minutes. The weather is somewhat coldish, but I put on my long down coat and wrapped myself up well. I had a nice ride.

Harley44

Survivor,

thanks!  I am feeling better, but now I am left with a nagging headache.   I think I will go out for a walk later.   One of the issues I have been dealing with is just that I have so many errands to run, it seems like EVERY DAY...  one day, I just want to stay home and rest....   it's just that time of year, with Christmas coming up, I guess...

YAY! for you, riding your bike!  The SAMe sounds good.  I think I will try it.

Hey, everybody!  I just realized that I have less than ONE YEAR left on Tamoxifen!  WHOHOO!

Harley

dbdaze

Checking back in after WAAAY too long.  Stage 2B surgery in NOLA with Dr. S tomorrow morning.  I came thinking he was just going to tweak my left breast a bit but, as usual, he had that magic marker working overtime!  I definitely have a muffin top look at my abdominal site. Dr S decided to remove some skin and pull the incision lower, as well as, do a plication to tighten up my current pooch.  He plans to use ALL the fat removed while sculpting my hips and inner thighs to fill in my breast --hoping for an additional 1/2 cup size.  I know some folks, including Springtime, haven't been all that happy with plication.  I'm holding my breath hoping it goes well and I don't end up feeling the same.  Sure glad we have decided to downplay Christmas this year -- perfect year just to enjoy each others company and leave the stress behind.

After this surgery, I really, REALLY hope I can maintain a regular workout.  I'm well aware that even with all of Dr S's magic work, exercise and healthy diet are still very necessary.  I'm sure I'll look to you guys for inspiration and encouragement.  Great to see some familiar faces (Harley and Kari).

sobx

Ever have one of those weeks?? My pearl fell out of my ring, necklace broke and my ankle braclet, and my car wouldn't start this morning. And I leave tomorrow for Hatteras and then work 3 days and head for NMMonday, with a long delay in Phoenix. Also found out that my ex alsready took me off of the insurance and arimidex prescription is due in a few weeks. I'll figure something out after Xmas. I don't need to worry about it now.

I'll check back before I go to NM. Hope everyone is feeling better and doing the 10 minute rule!!

cdairth

Harley,



How have you found tamoxifen? I've only been on it about a month, but it makes me so darn gassy. Also, hard to lose weight. I have upped the exercise but I would swear the Tamox is giving me food cravings like crazy, or maybe that's just my excuse?



Cath

Harley44

Cath,

Well, yes, I have a lot of BLOATING...  but I was on Femara for awhile and found that the bloating went down, so I really do think it's the Tamoxifen.  I am doing the countdown, and can't wait til I can go off it...  

I had these terrible uterine polyps that developed after about 6 or 7 months on Tamoxifen.  I had to have a D & C to get them cleaned out...   It was NO FUN.   That was the WORST surgery I have every had!   

I think you will be just fine.  But, if you have any kind of side effects, or the bloating gets bad, just ask your onc about it.  I am going to ask whenever I see my onc again.  He is having some back problems and had surgery, but... I am supposed to see him next week...  Tuesday, Dec. 20th...  We'll see....   

Good luck, Cath.  

Harley

kfinnigan

Joy, that's awful about the insurance!  You've had a lot of negatives lately, but you remain positive, I love that about you!  Best of luck and hoping everything works out and you go on your vacation with peace of mind.

Survivor, you really do inspire me, I think of you often.  Hugs

dbdaze, best of luck with your Stage 2 surgery!

I did 75 min yoga class, some parts were challenging for me.  Have soreness today!  Brisk 30 min walk at lunch today and meeting girls from our Sacramento office downtown after work for some dish (gossip and gifts).  Meeting one gal early and we will have a nice dinner before meeting up with the others!! 

dlb823

db ~ Good luck tomorrow!  I'll be thinking of you and sending strong vibes towards NOLA for the very best outcome!  Let us know as soon as you can how you're doing!  

Joy have a safe trip, and good for you for not letting insurance concerns spoil your holiday!  I'm sure it will all work out.    

Sounds like a fun evening, Kari!  Enjoy!   (((Hugs)))    Deanna

dlb823

I just need to whine.  I have been so sick this week, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.  It started off with a horrible sore throat on Monday, which I still have, plus today it feels like the flu. And the worst part is, it's like a chemo flashback!  Being in LV the first week of December always sets me so far behind with Christmas decorating and shopping, and now this week I haven't gotten anything done either.  I'm going back to bed, but just needed to whine a bit...     

Harley44

Deanna

That is exactly how my crud started...    I got antibiotics and I finished them on Monday.  I was feeling REALLY GOOD yesterday.  But, today, I have had a setback.  I am having a nagging headache, too.

Feel better soon!   HUGS

Harley

kfinnigan

Oh no, what's with the sicknesses??  My DH has been sick for 2 weeks and on antibiotics since last Friday.  Luckily, I didn't catch it (knocking on wood), he is feeling better but still tired.  Deanna, you must have picked up a bug while in Las Vegas. UGH  and Harley, maybe you overdid it yesterday and still need some TLC.  Hugs ladies.

I was pooped last night in the midst of our girlie get together, it was a long day!  But fun and we did a gift exchange.  Today, while cruising through the mall on my lunch hour walk - my darling GDD Savannah was there, with the neighbors who care for her during the day.  Robin, the mom is a year older than me and adores Savannah.  I WAS SO HAPPY!!!  We took her to the Disney Store.  It was hysterical!!  I was able to spend 15 glorious minutes with her before heading back to reality.  I babysit after work tonight, I love reading her stories and dancing with her and rocking her to sleep.  So grateful to be a part of her life. 

Springtime

My FB statuses are full of strep and flu, watch out! I feel like hibernating!

Daze, hope all goes well! How are you feeling?

Deanna, let me know if the Sam-E helps with your stress hormone. I was on it for a while and stopped.

So tonight was 90 min yoga and last night 45 elliptical (before going out for a Christmas celebration where I ate all sorts of things I never eat any more, it was fun, for a change!)

Oh, my "chemo toe" is acting up again. It's never been right since chemo. Well now, I have an infection in the nail bed! I am on Cipro type antibiotic for 2 weeks, then recheck... UGH. At least I can keep exercising! 

Harley44

Hi dbdaze...  glad you found us!

Thinking of you today.  Hope your surgery went well...

HUGS

Harley

Survivorwoman

Hi Ladies - I am joining with a nasty cold too. I got sick again and don't know how. Stuffed nose. Dizzyness. Sore throat. I am supposed to go to my new job's X-mas party tonight and have to work tomorrow. I guess, I have to get some day-quil. Pronto. Asked H to get some, but he is useless and heartless again. We just had a fight about him smoking in the house while I can't even breathe. Sorry... I am venting.

Springtime

More sickness! Ahhhhhhh!!! 

Tonight is 45 on the elliptical. I have lost 4-5 pounds since Thanksgiving using myfitnesspal.com - it seems very easy. Just mentioning in case anybody else is in this "mode". Over the last 6 months and Thanksgiving, I put on 10 pounds! Too much happy eating!

Harley44

 sorry about all the sickness...  I am trying to get over this, but it wants to hang on.

Funny but....  the 1st 3 years or even 4, after my chemo, I didn't seem to pick up these bugs and  except for the usual Spring and Fall sinus infection, which was cleared up with z pak, I was pretty healthy...    Just this year has been HORRIBLE!  

I still have this lingering headache...

Hope everyone is doing great!

Harley

P.S.   I met with another primary care provider and I may switch to her...  I worry that she will either quit or transfer somewhere else... there seems to be a lot of that going around... 

dlb823

Slowly starting to recover, I think.  Might even try to get in a short walk later; we'll see.  So sorry so many others are dealing with this cold or flu or whatever it is.  Interesting, Harley, about it hitting you harder this year than in the past.  I wonder why.  Maybe your new PCP can figure it out.  (Glad you're looking.)  And survivor, that's just mean that your H would smoke around you when you're sick.  What's wrong with him?!  I hope he catches it and we'll see how he feels about smoking then.  And sorry about your DH, Kari.  Hope he's starting to feel better.

Spring, great news on the weight loss.  I'll have to check out that website.  I have actually found your tip on eating more protein really helpful.  In fact I think that (and eating ginger) have helped me a lot today. Or maybe it's the Oscillococcinum and Cold Calm I started talking last night. (I'm doing both because I couldn't decide if this is a cold or the flu.)  

Why did you stop taking Sam-E, Spring?  And I hope your toe clears up.  That sounds painful.

dbdaze, how are you doing????  Please let us know when you can...  Deanna

kfinnigan

More sickness here?!!!  UGH!  Maybe its with all the people out and about and spreading their germs!

Harley, don't worry about if your new doc might leave, can't live worrying about what hasn't happened yet.  Enjoy her while you can!!

Survivor, your H is just an ass.  My opinion.   Hugs girlfriend.

Spring, hoping your chemo toe heals up quick, glad it doesn't affect your exercising!

We just had our office lunch/gift steal game.  I got movie tickets!  My DD and GDD joined in too, since my DD used to come and wrap gifts for the agents each year, we invited her.  Little GDD was too cute.  After work we are taking DD and GDD to a birthday dinner.  I'm stuffed from eating things I normally don't eat also!  No exercise in my sights for today.  Will take the stairs a couple of more times to the restroom at least. 

sobx

Went to Hatteras on Wed and came back on Thurs. It takes about six hours to go 70 miles and 3 hours on the ferries. My kids say the girls are hard to get up and moving in the morning so I want to know who those girls were at 5 am this morning. lol. they were very cute in the church play last night.

The weather was great and had a really good time. Sorry to hear of the sickness on here. Hope everyone gets to feeling better before Xmas.

Springtime

Deanna, I was not sure I needed Sam-e. I read it was for depressed mood, and I generally don't run that way. It was also a very expensive one, and I take to many other supplements (that I feel I need, ha). I'm always scrutinizing... But let me know what it does for you...

I am supposed to be exercising and I am just not feeling it right yet... Where is my MOTIVATION!?? 

kfinnigan

I also need some motivation!  Too much playing and eating lately!  Sushi dinner last night, YUMMY!

dlb823

Spring... on the Sam-e... I'm using the one by Jarrow, and the box says it supports joint strength, brain metabolism, longevity, and the liver.  I know what you mean about not needing an antidepressant.  But, in truth, although I'm not depressed, I know my thought process is different -- not nearly as carefree as it was pre-bc, and that I now will forever have that added "track" going on in my head about the future -- not just for me, but for the friends I've made on this journey.  So it made sense to me that if my complete hormones test showed my stress level hormones needed help methylating 4-OH estrone (a bad form of estrogen related to stress levels), and also that my liver needs extra support due to the beating it took with chemo, that Sam-e would hopefully help with both.  So that's why I'm taking it -- not as an antidepressant; and, in fact, I haven't noticed any change in my mood -- just that I'm sleeping a lot better.

Kari, wish I could help you with the motivation, but I also need some -- even to get my tree decorated and my out of town gifts shipped.  I actually started feeling a little better yesterday afternoon, so I'm hoping for a productive day -- maybe even including a walk.     Deanna

Survivorwoman

I am at work so I have to be short. I am feeling slightly better and thinking of you all.  

Thank you all for your kind words.

I found this recent article in the NY Times to be very interesting. Hopefully, it will be motivating to us all.

The Benefits of Exercise After Cancer

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/the-benefits-of-exercise-after-cancer/

About SAMe: as far as I know it was originally prescribed as a nutritional supplement to pregnant women. However, it was also discovered that it had two side-effects: that it elevates moods and helps with joint aches. I don't take antidepressants b/c when I tried them I had worse results than was expected, so my psychiatrist quickly took me off of them. I thought to give SAMe a try and I do feel the difference in my mood. But most importantly in my joints.

Diagnosis: 7/26/2010, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, ER-/PR-, HER2+

Survivorwoman

I rode my bike home from work = 20 minutes workout.

Springtime

So I never got motivated last night and let myself off the hook. But today I stopped work early and got on the cross trainer for 45 minutes! Better! 

Deanna, my Osteopath checked my hormones, good vs. bad estrogen. let me know if this makes any sense to you. She says I have 0 (as in zero) bad estrogen. zero. The only estrogen I have is "good" estrogen. I was not aware you could get it to zero. i thought there was this 2:16 ratio thing? confused.

I do take DIM and I do exercise a lot, but still, I was not aware you could get it to zero? 

Survivorwoman

Maybe this will help all of us.