Motivation

Springtime

KMMD and Kari, good for you girls! Kari, so impressed you got up early to exercise! 

I didn't walk today, but I did have lunch with GF's and went shopping.

Kari, dear, I am so praying all these lumps and bumps and shadows here and there are nothing nothing nothing and certainly not the 'can0suh" as you say!!! You totally crack me up!

kfinnigan

lunch with girlfriends and shopping sounds like a winner to me!!  Screw the walking...the mental boost I bet you got was worth much more!!

Springtime

Kari is so dang smart!

pk0199

Hi all,

Hope everyone had a great painfree, physical activity full week.

Have a big question for all of you. I have been doing some research, so has my DH and just need more confirmation. With this PX90 thing we are doing, we need more protein in our diet especially in the morning. We have been eating eggs but with someone like me who needs to watch my cholesterol I think I am eating too many. So... we would like to do a protein powder but need to watch the soy (am pr/er+) would love to do the bars but almost all of them have soy. I can't so far find any reason why I can't do a whey protein. Does anyone have an opinion or suggestion on this. The PX90 is definately helping my physical fitness but I am starved on it and need some help to control the hunger as in two weeks of this, I have lost 1 lb. Lost more gained it back, getting frustrated so ate 6 big cookies last night! 

kfinnigan

Penny, I thought it was ok to eat whey protein.  I'm also er/pr+.  I always do a 50/50 mix of eggs, like this a.m. 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites scrambled and split between DH and me.  I have low cholesterol.   I was at Trader Joe's one day and read every protein bar ingredient...I think I found one that was soy free, but I didn't buy it and now I can't remember wha brand it was.  I will try and look again next visit there. 

OMG, yesterday I visited the allergist and he was trying to get that bump in my mouth to 'raise' so he went out and found a lemon and I literally had to sit there for 15 min sucking on this lemon...how ridiculous did I look??  haha...he thinks it is a saliva gland that's gone whacko, but he still wants me to keep my appt. Monday with the ENT...and he scheduled one of those scratch tests with him to test for allergies in Jan.  I have to admit, he started checkin really thoroughly around my neck lymph nodes to see if anything was swollen, and my heart rate shot up!  I got scared he would find something...and I wasn't scared when I went in there.  But all was fine.

Hoping to get some treadmill action in today as another big storm will be here shortly.  Last night we went to a fancy work party/dinner downtown in Sacramento.  It was pouring rain and so cold, but it was fun, have to admit that I'm pooped though, not used to the night scene!!

Everyone stay warm and safe and have a wonderful day of 'Moving It'!!

Springtime

I walked a mile today! Yay! 22 minutes. I cannot WAIT to have this surgical drain out, and then I may just burn this compression garment! Not yet though. patience! 

PK, the only reason I would not use Whey is that I try to avoid dairy. And soy. It is hard.

I also have had trouble getting enough protein when trying to do a plant based diet, and my osteopath told me it is "safe" to eat 6 eggs a week!!! I was only eating 2. But I guess if you avoid red meat (I eat some, but not much) then 6 eggs are okay. Just FYI....  

What is PX90?? You probably said somewhere, but I missed it.!

Hi Kari!  

sobx

Spring - are you happy with the cold weather?? It was 36 this am. If the wind would quit it wouldn't be so bad.

Sold hot chocolate and brownies at the Xmas parade this morning. Then they had a xmas walk for the old homes and Inns so I was pushing hot cider, coffee and cookies. I was pushing food all day. And then forgot about dinner!

And I even walked the Dd twice. She never gets left out. Got home last night and didn't play with her and she felt neglected but I was tired. then I was on the go all day. I am going out 3 nights in a row for Xmas parties this week. I never go out so I will be worn out by the end of the week. And I get to work 3 day shifts!!!

Have a great one and stay warm. tis the season. 

pk0199

Sorry all, it is P90X, it is an extreme workout system designed to make you look like Arnie  in 90 days. We are not following it super close as we don't follow their nutritional guide and supplement regime and we end up modifying the work out a lot.

Spring getting back to the whey thing, you said you are avoiding it because of it being dairy. I am not really concerned about the dairy as I am not drinking a lot of milk, I do enjoy my yogurt and munch on cheese now and again. I would say that I get one full serving of dairy a day. The eggs worry me due to high cholesterol so don't want to overdo it that is why I would like to do a protein powder. Can I assume you are avoiding dairy due to hormones in milk?

Joy good to hear from you, don't let yourself get too worn out! 

Springtime

Hi PK, yes then if you are ok with dairy, and if you are avoiding soy (there was new reserach out that soy is now good, I want to scream and pull my hair out! ahhhhhhhhhhhck!) then I would think Whey protein is your choice. 

Is there anything other protein powder besides Whey and Soy?

Yeah, I avoid dairy as much as I can (except I have some cheese, it is everywhere, and we eat a lot of Italian, let alone Pizza!, so I have said "Uncle" to some cheese!) but I drink rice milk, and no yogurt any more   It was the Dr. Jane Plant line of thought, Also the China Study, and other resources. 

Joy, is it not a miserable day in NC today??? rain and gray and cold!!!! blech!

OH ladies. I have decided to take a break from the daily "mile" for a few days. My last remaining "drain" is producing a lot of fluid, the plastic tubing is right between my pubic area and leg, in the crease there (which is really really uncomfortable, WHAT WHERE THEY THINKING??) so I need to see if I sit here inert if the fluid output goes down. I have to get this friggin TUBE OUT! It is about to drive me crazy!!!

I also put myself in an ultra tight compression garment! I hope another week. please God.  

Brendatrue

Hi, all--Another tough week but I decided to embrace the struggles (yeah, well, at least some of the time...) rather than moan & groan (although I did some serious twisting and shouting). I managed to work out every day since I last posted, and I think it saved my sanity--really, no fooling. I am very hopeful that next week will be more manageable, and I am trying not to get worried about my onslaught of migraines. I had migraines when I was in my early 20's and discovered I couldn't take b/c pills, then around 30ish before I discovered I really just could not take a difficult marriage any longer. I had been migraine free for about 20 years (and happily in love for most of that time), until a few weeks ago, when I started getting migraines again. (And let me add that I am still wildly in love with my husband!) Anyway, my internist thinks the headaches are back because of Tamoxifen. I am trying to stay calm and not catastrophize (you know, like, "OMG, I will lose my friggin' mind if I have those migraines attack me again!"). This morning I exercised in spite of getting the visual disturbances that precede the head pain, and the disturbances seemed to wane rather than build. I have had a mild (thankfully) headache all day but I am staying hopeful that I will learn how to manage these--perhaps with exercise and other interventions--as they subside and get the heck out of my life. Okay, okay, enough about me!

Flower, I'm glad to know that I am not the only compulsive one in the bunch. I do try to find some balance in my life--letting go of the compulsiveness that is hurtful and allowing compulsiveness that is helpful (keep that workout routine going, even if it is "just" stretching for 30 minutes). Kari, I am sorry that you did not get definitive answers about your back. I had a 'back episode" for about 7-8 months prior to my last ca diagnosis, and I just plodded away with various modalities until I improved. Now I avoid triggers of pain and, fortunately, maintain a good back routine developed by a PT working with a spine specialist. I hope you will get news that will bring relief about your "mouth bump." Believe it or not, I have had a salivary gland that swells and recedes for about 30 years, so I hope you will find that your bump will be a "minor thing." What will you be able to do to cope with the neck bone spur?

Ainm, and others--I have never gone to an AA meeting, but I heard years ago that one of their slogans is "Keep it simple." I have taken this approach to Christmas for quite some time, and this year it takes on new meaning. I am not putting up a tree but I have fresh greenery and other holiday decorations all around; I keep holiday music playing often, and I still sent out cards (but without feeling like I had to write a long personal message). I am cooking less and ordering more that is already prepared. Gifts are simpler, less expensive, and fewer; my family not only understands but is following suit. If I do something that feels like an obligation, I remind myself to do it with joy or at least peace in my heart about doing it. I hope you will find a way that you can embrace the joys of the season without placing too many demands on yourself! Joy, I hope your partygoing invigorates you rather than tiring you!

Spring--Thanks for the updates on your progress. And thanks to you, PK, and Meg for the whey protein info. Meg, it's great to see you pop in here! I'll check on your comments on the natural girls thread. I have thought of you and wondered how you are....Take good care all, and let's stay motivated to keep healing, moving, and finding joy!

Springtime

Meg, i am going to look for a rice or legume protein powder. I am thinking I need more protein and maybe a smoothie with this may help. I can also powder some of my vitamins and add, thus not needed to swallow so many pills!!! 

dlb823

Hi, everyone ~ Back from Las Vegas, where it was absolutely freeeezing, but lots of fun.  Between trying to get the tree up and house decorated, and dealing with another kidney stone attack today (DS), I haven't had time to catch up on all the news I've missed here, but I will.  In the mean time, I just have to tell any of you who are still struggling with post chemo & rads SEs, what a difference a year makes!  Last December, I couldn't keep up with any of the activities our family enjoys in LV.  In fact, I could barely climb the steps at the Thomas & Mack arena or stay up past 9:00.  So it was really an eye-opener this year when faced with the same steps, nightlife and other activities to see how far I've come -- and you will too. 

After a full week away from structured walking, I hope I can get back into it.  I also have a 6-month mammo & u/s tomorrow.  That should be interesting since I've had "work" done on both my Diep side & my "good" side since my mammo & u/s.  I really hate having to get zapped with radiation again, but I guess we just have to do it. 

Meg, I am so sorry we couldn't get together, but it was just one of those cases of so near and yet so far.  But I'm glad you survived what sounded like an extremely hectic week.    Deanna

AllieM22

Hi all--just a drive by. I got in this afternoon from a week long trip back east--whew, cold!! But so much fun in NYC and then up to CT to see my parents for a few days. Got to relive my childhood a bit--shoveled some snow with my dad, shopped with mom, baked cookies and wrapped some gifts. Happy to be home now with my DH and Dd. Joy--I put up a stocking for the Dd too!

Kari--sorry you are still having trouble with your back--grrrr!! Hope it's better.

Deanna-great that you are really seeing the difference a year can make in how you feel!

Spring-your drain location sounds awful! What WERE they thinking?? That's like when they put my IV near my elbow on my non-surgery side so both my arms were pretty inoperable the first day or so after surgery last year...hope they are out soon!! take it easy in the meantime--I'm sure you will be up and at it again soon.

Brenda--good luck on getting rid of the migraines--not fun.

Hugs all!

Allison 

kfinnigan

Did an aggressive treadmill workout on Sat & Sun...followed with a 20 min yoga routine on Sat and lots of extra stretching.  Bought some Glucosamine and started on that yesterday.  Last night I went a little too aggressive on the treadmill routine and got a dizzying headache and really tired.  Didn't eat enough and after eating felt much better.  Now that I know my back is ok through the xrays, I am determined to get my back in shape and joints and muscles toned and stretched.  I'm thinking my problems were from chemo and rads and all that sitting/laying around which my body was NOT used to.  And then throw in the Tamox and it was NOT a lovefest combo...BUT I will be OK, I just know it and feel it.

Spring, that drain sucks!!  Yeah, do what you gotta do to get that sucker OUT!

Meg and Deanna, bummer you couldn't meet up, but glad you had a safe trip and Allie, welcome home!  Thank goodness its warmed up around here this week!  I was a popsicle last week. 

Brenda, migraines - oh great, just what you need.  Glad you are finding something that may help you avoid a full blown one?!

Joy, you food pusher you...have fun with all your partying this week! 

Hugs to all 

Springtime

Good work Kari!!!!

kfinnigan

Bump in mouth - BENIGN!  Just a Mucous Retention Cyst - a blocked salivary gland caused by trauma the doc said.  hmmm...trauma?  oh well...she said she could cut it out, but I said no thank you.  It may just go away on its own.  Spicy / acidic foods seem to spark it, but not all the time.  Good good news!!  And I really think the glucosamine is helping already!  I can already tell a difference!!

Springtime

YAY Kari!!!  Thank you God!

AllieM22

Yay Kari is right! You have  too much going on there sister...glad it's nothing to worry about...

Hey and treadmill AND yoga might be too much. And...eat a sandwich.  

AllieM22

Spring--meant to say also--beautiful new pic!!

ktym

Kari, great news. 

pk0199

That is good news Kari!

New problem just developing in our home and I am just sick about it. Last night DS announced he is getting "plugs" in his ears! Now I have stood by while he got his ears pierced, then got the earing higher up on his ear and in the tragus (little flap in middle of ear) but this plugs thing...spent the night in bed crying! I just don't know how to convince him that it will be ugly and it could limit his future as some people just won't hire people with all that crap. Gotta go, gonna cry again and I have to get to work. Thanks for listening. 

Springtime

How old is he PK???   Sorry these things, sometimes, you just can't do anything. Good grief though, right? Ugh. 

Me? Still with the stupid DRAINAGE TUBE from surgery. driving me BATZ!!!! 

pk0199

DS is 17, 18 in April. Knows everything, guess we did too at that age. 

dlb823

Penny ~ I've been pondering your question today about your son wanting ear plugs, and finally asked my 27-year old son (who had his rebellious phases) and his 19-year old GF at dinner tonight what they thought.  First, they both assured me that plugs, as much as you and I may not care for them, are very much in fashion.  They also told me that there are flesh colored ones that people wear if they have a conservative job, so that you can't even tell they have them.  And lastly, they assured me that the holes can be sewn together if he outgrows the fad in the future.  Unfortunately, they didn't have any suggestions for keeping him from doing it, but I felt a little better knowing they can be stitched back together if fashion and/or his taste changes.  I guess this is one of those times when you just have to be thankful for all the far worse things he could be into and isn't -- that is, as long as his grades are good and he's paying for the plugs himself.

I just couldn't drag myself out the door to walk yesterday, but I finally managed a 2.9 mile run/walk this a.m.  It felt great once I was out there, but what an effort to get back to it after more than a week away from it.  I just really need to add some serious upper body strength training, as I can tell I'm at a point where I need more overall toning -- probably due to a serious estrogen deficit these days.

Tomorrow a.m. I'm meeting someone from BCO who lives in this area and is newly dx'd.  Will let you know how it goes, but in the mean time, please pray for her (Ellen).  She needs to have a mast 4 days after Christmas.    Deanna    

   

pk0199

Thanks Deanna, I appreciate you asking your son about this. One guy at work just had his "holes" sewed back up, it was a mess. My son is very handsome if I do say so myself and I just think it will look ugly. I know they are in fashion, but can't he just get a tattoo on his shoulder and be done with it. So far, partly due to my major melt down, he has agreed to wait until he is 18 and we will revisit the issue. DH says my meltdown actually made DS step back and think a bit so maybe...

Tell Ellen,one day at a time and we are thinking about her.

Spring how's the drain going?

Big hi to everyone. 

AllieM22

PK-so glad your son is re-thinking or at least delaying. Good luck!

Deanna--good for you in getting out there. Nice of you to meet with ellen too--I'm sure she will appreciate it! It's so overwhelming in the beginning...

I really need to go to the gym today but am dragging. Just got in from the wet dog park--luckily was more misting than raining but came back with a muddy dog that required a bath. I also need to start getting what few Christmas cards I am sending out.

On a completely separate note--I saw a blurb on tv about the making of the new Sherlock Holmes movie and I can't wait to see it! There are a lot of good ones out there although I won't be seeing any on Christmas Day--that's when they pen--that just seems wrong!  Also want to see the one with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin...

Have a good day ladies!! 

Springtime

My DD confirms that "guages" are in, and she knows a lot of people with them. Says you can start with piercing your ear and then "work into" the plugs or guages. Who knew!

The drain, I think is going down a bit today. I am hoping sometime within the next week i can take it out. I need 2 days below 20cc, which is less than a shot glass' worth!

I have named the drain PITA. Pain In The A**. ha!!  I didn't even leave the house today. Very sedentary. I cannot WAIT until this thing is OUT! it is red and sore, and I thought today I saw puss, maybe, a little . BLECH. My body HATES foreign objects!!

PK thanks for asking -- allowing me to VENT!!! 

Spring.  

dlb823

Oh, Spring, that drain sounds so painful and nasty!  Hopefully, it will just be another day or so and you'll be done with it and free again!

Penny, so glad your DS respected your strong sentiments enough to wait, and hopefully he'll have a change of heart. 

I'm kind of dragging again today, too.  DS is having serious kidney stone pain, nausea and vomitting again.  I just took him for a CatScan and I have a feeling he's looking at surgery as soon as his doctor gets the results.  He'd had great results with a naturopathic doctor over the past few months, but eventually went off the no animal products diet and supplement regimen she'd given him, and this week he's extremely sick again.  And I have nipple recon scheduled @ UCLA on Monday.  It's always something!    Deanna

Springtime

Oh Deanna, they didn't do the nipple along with your stage 2? Just to maximize the fun!!! It sounds like you are coming down with a little something. Take care, Vit C and a lot of sleep!! Maybe you can head it off at the pass....

dlb823

Spring, my PS didn't do the nipple w/Stage II because he wanted to let any swelling settle to ensure symmetry.  (I had a uni-Diep and part of my Stage II was a lift on the other side, and I was pretty swollen.)  But he does the nipple with a local anesthetic (thank God!), so I'm hoping it won't be too bad. Sounds like you had your nips done with Stage II?  How great!  You really are done!!!