Weight Watchers...Start the recovery process with us!

Bold

ChelevI am so glad that you had a good time. I am looking forward to pics of the events.We deserve to have a good time. It has and still is a challange.

 I am looking forward to Paris in April. I hope to be at least 20 pounds thinner by then.

 I see my new onc in an hour and a half. Gulp. I guess I  am not looking forward to the the new chemo room. I hope they can do a good job with my veins etc....

 I lost another pound this week.  Not going very fast but going........ How is everyone else doing??

barbiedahl

Hi Fellow losers!

Just back from a week in Maine. Very rustic, but still able to find a corkscrew for the wine! My DH and I went with a couple of friends. I ate really well, salads, yogurt, lots and lots of broiled seafood-mostly lobster. Even with the alcohol (which some days started at noon) I lost weight! I can't believe it. My DH gained 5 pounds, but he ate fried stuff and had dessert. 

Chelev-great job in NYC so many temptations but it seems we are learning a new way of eating that will follow us for life - a long, long life! I want to see pics and did you have a fun time at the makeover???

Bold keep the nutrition info coming! Wow I'm so into anything that might help and it's apple picking time here in fact the whole world is apples in New England right now. Lucky me.

I've added Chia seeds to my diet and kelp sprinkles. Gosh I feel so darn good all the time, maybe it's just that I'm not being poisoned or having deadly radiation beamed into me.

It could be that my jeans feel loose and I'm feeling very positive about the fact that I might have a waist again. I remember when I wore belts, ha ha For awhile there I would have looked like Santa. Happily I'm moving away from the Santa shape.

Have a good eating week everyone. Remember one step at a time!

aoandrews43

Hi,

I've been lurking here for awhile and realized that if I'm serious about losing weight I need to 'out' myself. I was 15-20 pounds too heavy before my dx (I had just lost about 9 pounds prior to that). I managed to keep my weight pretty consistent through chemo , but I'm on Tamoxifen now and I actually feel more bothered by the Tamox than I did during chemo. I can't really fault the Tamox for me not losing any more weight, I think I've been eating more and just not paying attention (okay, giving myself permission to just not pay attention!).  I do a fair amount of exercise, but I really need to reduce portion sizes and not snack so much.

I also live in New England and find that as winter comes on, my desire for carbs and snacky foods increases dramatically.  I have an exchange surgery revision on Tuesday so I won't be able to do heavy exercise for a few weeks, but I still have control of what I eat so I'm determined to be better about it!

It has been great reading all your posts, thanks.

carolinachick

I'm down two pounds and feeling good.  Nine more pounds to go - hopefully I'll be there by Thanksgiving.  Then I'll just try to maintain during the holidays...oh, how I love all those yummy holiday foods!

Unfortunately my DD has been diagnosed with a Morton's neuroma in her foot and may have to have surgery, so I will be walking with her instead of running the Race for the Cure this Saturday.  But exercise is exercise, right?  I'll be thinking of all my bc sisters as we walk together.  Hopefully she will never have to experience this - we need a cure!

Keep up the good work, ladies.  You all encourage and inspire me!

hrf

The Cancer Centre where I received my treatments is running a pilot project for bc women who have recently completed tx so I agreed to be part of the study. Today we had our first Nordic pole walking lesson. While we didn't walk very far today, I could tell that you use a lot more energy by using the poles instead of just walking without the poles. I'll let you know how it goes. Is anyone else a Nordic pole walker?

barbiedahl

aoandrews43 Welcome to the nicest bunch of losers you'll ever know! Good luck with your surgery, make sure to get lots of protein to help your body heal. I agree with the New England diet problems, plus you can sort of hide in warm bulky clothes. Read Bolds post about apples. You know it's all about apples in NE in the fall!

Carolinachick Good job! I wish I only had nine pounds to go, at some point I will too I guess. I belong to a womens gym and the motto for the holidays is "Proclaim to maintain" It's considered a great success if you just don't gain during Nov and Dec when food seems especially tasty and dangerous!

Hrf I haven't ever done Nordic pole walking, but I do use pole when I'm snowshoeing, but not really in any rhythmic way, more to keep my self upright over hill and dale.

Have a great weekend all. We are having a big dinner party here tonight so I'm off to clean and prepare. My vaca seems ages ago, I need to get some rest! 

aoandrews43

I'm all about the apples! I've been buying them at the orchards by the large bag. Today I made cider-apple butter (just cider, apples, and spices cooked until it becomes thick like jam) in my slow cooker and canned (in jars) so I can have some fresh apple all winter long.  Glad that they are good for us bc girls because they are so yummy this time of year.

Have a great weekend all!

Anonymous

ooh, that sounds really good!  I bought apples at the farmers market yesterday and made apple crisp, and I had it with two scoops of low fat vanilla ice cream, which I swore off of, but it was so good!  Just forgot to take the skin off the apple, so we're eating it last night, pulling apple skins out of our mouths.  attractive!

Bold

Remember that its the peals that have the real appeal. That is where the benefit is.

http://www.lef.org/abstracts/codex/apigenin_index.htm

http://veganrd.blogspot.com/2009/04/reducing-risk-of-ovarian-cancer-eat.html

http://www.allergizer.com/50226711/flavonoid_apigenin_could_protect_against_asthma_and_other_allergies.php

a little somethin somethin. Even more info.

I have continue to lose at a very slow rate but still losing.

This weekend was Octoberfest in out town soooo there was consumption of beer and brats and a half of pretzel

Today back on the clean food and not much of it. Big work out day too..

http://www.raysahelian.com/apigenin.html

http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/apigenin_why_fruits_and_vegetables_improve_patient_response_chemotherapy

carolinachick

The Race for the Cure on Saturday was amazing.  Over 14,000 walkers and runners came out to support breast cancer research and awareness.  It was a beautiful morning in Charlotte and my "Saving Second Base" team walked with our huge inflatable bats and pink ribbon baseball hats.  It was inspiring and awesome to see all the survivors that were there.

Didn't weigh myself today - probably a good thing after some bad weekend eating!

Bold

Thanks for participating and helping with the cure!

barbiedahl

Last weekend was the anniversary of my diagnosis. Yes, what fun to find out you have breast cancer during "breast cancer awareness month" This year I'm not crying in stores when I see all the pink ribbons or feeling the fear or apprehension I did only twelve months ago. What a long road, but so far it's a smooth one. Carolinachick, I love the saving second base-what a great idea! I think of all the efforts to beat this stinking BC and I know we've come such a long way. Thank you and your team.

Only a pound this week, but that's fine. Feeling like I have a long way to go, and I do, but I also feel like I've turned my life around. Eating apples, celery and avoiding sugar and diet drinks that spike the blood levels. I've learned so much about a cancer free diet, and I try to put it all into action. Every day I do well I feel like I'm adding time to my life. I'm traveling again on and off the next few weeks so I'm going to have to work hard to keep the exercise in my day.

I saw that weight watchers has an app for IPhones how cool is that? I'm thinking of getting a new phone for Christmas and I'm so excited about all the cool apps available.

Eat well, and have a happy week!

Anonymous

Well, happy anniversary Barbiedahl!!!  It definitely is a better year for you this year!!

We did our health screens at work today and I am down another pound.  Not much, but making slow progress, which is probably better.  Haven't worked out this week, fighting that cold that seems to be going around - DH has been sick all week, and my DD last week, people at work, and while I don't seem to have everything, it seems to have gone directly to my throat and ears.  Urgh.  Going to go home and work from home until my med onc appt. this afternoon. 

Lose, lose, lose, everyone!

carolinachick

Barbiedahl - Congrats on your anniversary!  I agree that October would be a tough month to be diagnosed.  I hope you celebrated - if you're anything like me you are wondering where the year went.  I'm looking forward to my "one down, four to go" cancerversary in January.

Chelev - Hope your appointment went well.  I know that any doc visit brings apprehension for me these days.

Back on the healthy eating bandwagon this week, and heading to the gym soon.  I'll be in Boston next weekend, so I'm sure that I won't lose any weight this week.  No more travels are planned after that, so hopefully the weight loss will be a little easier!

Bold

I was actually DXed on Election day But I had my mam. in Oct. I will see my breast surgeon this month for check up and MRI.

I am not perfect on the exercise and diet yet. But it will be a forever thing and I will get better and better, I am still suffering from fatigue. Am I the only one? I have a very low WBC, And Hemaglobin is at the lowest end of normal. GRRRR. Doctor told me that it takes up to 2 years to recover. 75% of women feel normal after the first year and the rest up to 2 years. I had Carboblatin which plays havoc with the bone marrow...... I ache all the time in my hips and lower back even my neck and shoulders. I still have pain in my breast. My taste is still yuck from the herceptin (only four more to go) even the inside of my nose is sticky from it. It slows hair growth. fI am not complaining about that as it does not hurt. I get winded and feel my heart pounding. I so much want to forget about this whole thing but symptoms bring my mind back to BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. I have a positive attitude 99% of the time. I do feel like I have beat it. But even when I say that (or type) I get a little rush of fear. Oh what a world what a world. If I can live the first two years from DX I have a much better chance of truly beating this beast. I pray everyday for all of us.

On a more fun note I have the iphone and LOVE it. I use the WW app and about 30 other ones. Toooo much fun and it does everything except my house work. I listen to music from anywhere in the world. I can name an artist and it will play them and similar genre. Tooooo cool!!  Great work out tool too. They have motivation apps. I use it to sleep sometimes as they have a deep sleep program.So much more but I get no commission.

I am fighting a cold and DH has it. With my low blood count its scary. I will work out anyway. Then Decorate for Halloween. BOO!! Have fun today and eat right. Everything we eat is a choice!!

Anonymous

Carolinachick - yes, I know what you mean.  My blood pressure was up from this morning (we had health screens at work today too) just from going to the onc's office, but I really love my new onc and her staff - the leave no stone unturned.  My bloodwork from the last visit is perfect - tumor markers at the baseline low, great Vit. D levels, liver enzymes low, etc.  We did the genetic testing bloodtests today and discussed doing an MRI with contrast in December instead of a mammogram, which I am all for, especially still sore from rads.  Then, a mammo /ultrasound because I have dense breasts.

I was weighed and from my last weigh in, I have lost weight, so far since end of July, a total of 8 lbs!!  I was at 181 right after rads and now am at 173.  I really want to get down to at least 150, but eveyrone can see the difference already, and that's great.  Yay!!!!!

Nurse said a glass of red wine is fine for us too - helps with the cholesterol, and I told her I helped myself often! 

katsOK

Hi everyone, I go for my first weigh in tomorrow with WW.  I was trying to do WW online but decided I needed the weigh-in so joined a local group last week.  I have put down every bite in my online points counter which is something new for me to do.  Hope it helps with the weight loss.  I will see tomorrow!!  I start the Arimidex in a month or so and know it slows down weight loss or so I have heard.  I hope to have good habits before then and hope I can still lose on it.  I plan on reading this site for inspiration.  

Bold

Welcome Kat43! Congrats on making the first steps to being fit. I believe the body uses calories the same whether or not you are on a horemone blocking therapy. If you stay within your points you will lose. It is slow and steady. At first you get all motivated because of the the four or five pound week then it slows to 2 pounds then real slow at only one...... But it is still going down and that is what we want. It would be great if it were faster but this is the healthy way to go. We are doing it and will continue to do so. I have 28 more pounds to go and I am going to get there. Not only that but eating more fruits and veggies will lower out chances of recurrence and make us feel better. We are with you sistah!

katsOK

To Bold, I had to laugh at your description of four or five pound loss at first then down to two... I used very few of the extra points this past week, recorded everything I ate and exercised each day for three to four points AND I lost 1.6 pounds the first week.  I hate to see what my slow down will be.... maybe 1/4  to 1/2 of a pound per week.  When my WBC and RBC gets back up to normal maybe I can up the intensity of my exercise and slow loss is better than no loss at all.  I plan to lose over 50 pounds so it will take awhile to get to goal.  At least I am eating healthy and getting the exercise I need to get and I will get there (better BMI); it just may take awhile.  I am older (66) and I think being older slows down the weight loss also.  I hope you are right about the Arimidex and it will not make weight loss impossible.  

barbiedahl

Off for the weekend, I'm packing my good foods for the trip and plan to eat well, okay I know I'm going to have a few wonderful cocktails. We will rendezvous with our sons in NJ this weekend. My husband is being honored by his old prep school and the kids are flying in. I can't wait. It's been six months since I've seen them (break between chemo and rads) Both sons are musicians, #2 son was preparing me for his long hair " I look like a Beatles" I told him I look like a lesbian. I'm soooo not a short hair girl! Plus absolutely no curl, just as straight as it always was- happy to have hair, happy to have hair(just wish it would grow faster!!!!!)

Bold you are right about the slow weight loss, but really when you think about it isn't that how we put it on? A pound here, a pound there and suddenly yikes! I have to say theTamox doesn't seem to be affecting my weight loss, but I'm being very vigilant about portions and exercise. Tons of work this week, so I missed my regular yoga classes. Maybe I'll get up early and do some in the am before we leave (or not....._)

Chelev so happy that all your signs are good and you are feeling well! I will be having a mamo and MRI soon too. Also dense breast that's why all my mamo's missed my breast cancer Who knew I had "dense" breast??????? I'm now telling all my girlfriends to ask at the mamo and if they have dense breast talk to their doctors about MRI or ultrasound. My surgeon said if if I hadn't felt the lump and come in a mamo wouldn't have found it for years!!! Very scary since I was DX 2B with lymph nodes, can you imagine what a few years would have meant???

Kat43 I belong to a womens gym I've see so many success stories over the years of every age. it's not age that holds us back.  You can do it!

Off to bed ( so I can wake and do yoga???)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bold

No it does not seem slow to put it on!! LOL I swear I could smell food and gain weight.

I found a great tool for losing. The Swine Flu!! My DH and I both have the flu. I do not know if it is the N1H1 or not but it has the same symptoms. The Uvula (punching bag in the back of your throat) is sooooo swollen that it feels like razor blades when I swallow. Ugg. High fever diarrhea and extreme body aches. OH BOY JEALOUS? Any way I lost 2 pounds. Now your jealous .

Anyway just had to have some company for my misery. This too shall pass.

katsOK

  Sorry to hear about your swine flu; as much as I want to lose weight I do not want to do it that way.  At a WW meeting the other day a lady said she had lost 7 pounds with it in the past three days and I just kept thinking I hope you are well and not spreading it to the rest of us.  I guess I will take my slow and steady approach over the flu.  

  I agree with you it comes on MUCH faster than it goes off and I sometimes think just thinking about fattening food makes me gain.   

carolinachick

Bold - so sorry to hear about your flu.  Hopefully you'll be back to yourself soon - hang in there!

I'm finding that if I even step off the bandwagon for a day that I gain weight.  While I definitely feel better when I'm eating right, I would like to be able to enjoy some "bad" eating every once in a while without seeing an immediate difference in the scale.  Two steps forward, one step back!  Maybe that step back should be me backing away from the chips and salsa!!  LOL!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bold

Hi my friends. I am still sick as a dog. No voice, body aches, cough, and very stuffed up. I am going to call the doctor today as I do not want this to go to pneumonia. My husband is very ill too. This just so sucks. I have a low white count as of my last visit that the Onc did not seem to be concerned as I was with and now this. GRRRR. I want to get better soon I have had enough of being sick to last a life time!!!!!!

Fat and coughing

carolinachick

Wow, you've had it rough, Bold.  I hope you and your DH start feeling better soon.  Good to go and get it checked out so that it doesn't progress.

Another weekend of bad eating, as we were in Boston and it's hard to pass up Mike's Pastry Shop.  Once again, heaving my puffy self back onto the healthy eating bandwagon and hoping not to fall off.  No more travels until Thanksgiving, so that should help.

Anonymous

Bold, oh brother - you poor thing!!!  And your DH too.  Please go get it checked and hopefully started on some meds so it doesn't progress.  and, you're not fat - it's all the phlegm or something!!

Feel better soon!!!  I'm sending you some virtual fat free chicken soup, nice and hot.  Feel better now?

Carolinachick - it is so hard to pass up good bakery, isn't it?  Wasn't too terrible this weekend, but we've been eating a lot of whole grain fresh bread, which I know is good, but it's just soo flipping good!  Made myself walk/jog yesterday morning and that cleared out some of the fog and hopefully fat.  Trying to get back into the groove this week, now that I am not dealing with traveling and then getting sick also. 

barbiedahl

Oh Bold, I hope you are feeling better (your DH too!). I used to be fairly tough about illness and aches and pains but I find that I have no patience for not feeling 100%. That low count can get you. Get well hugs!

I had a great weekend with friends and my kids, it is so good for the heart to laugh and hug. I ate very well, which  sort of surprised me. I really didn't want any fatty foods because I'm finding that when I eat high fat stuff now it just makes me feel sort of yucky.

Okay, here is a sure sign that you've lost weight, your underwear is too big! My husband laughed at me the other morning and when I realized how huge the undies had gotten I was doubled over. I've just sort of been pulling them up. I just bought a few new pairs to get me though, I intend to lose a lot more weight so this may be a regular thing (hoping).   

I'm finding that if I overwork my arm where they nodes were removed my breast gets sort of sore, anyone else notice this? I try to be careful, but it's a fine line between working out that side and babying it. Finally after almost a year I don't have weird nerve pain in my elbow. Healing, healing, it feels so good.

I did spend the weekend explaining my short hair to people (no one has ever seen me with short hair) It was okay and people were really supportive, but I'm looking forward to the day that BC and I aren't so connected.

Bold push fluids and Vit C. Hope you are better!

Bold

Thank you for all you well wishes!! Still fluish. I did not get tamiflu within the first 48 hours so I lost the benifit of a preventative med. We are both a little better. I have started to straighten the house more and keep adding to the Halloween decor. I have obligations starting at on Thursday. I hope that I can go and not infect anyone. My back and hips hurt so much it insane. I never had this prior to chemo and hope that it abates as time goes by. I am sorry for all the whining lately. But it is where I am at but not where I am going to be. I seem to have got the diarrhea under control. A cough and diarrhea do not mix. TMI huh?

I was in the market yesterday and spoke to lady who's hair was a short as mine and said we have the same hair cut. She too was recovering from BC. What a world. I look forward to tomorrow feeling and looking better. I have not lost the weight that I thought I would from being sick. I have gained one pound. GRRRRRR

I hope everyone is enjoying there day.

lisalisa

Hi all,

I'm starting my life over tomorrow!  I have an appointment at my gym (gym membership has been on hold throughout treatment).  I'm starting a 10 week program called Cancer Wellfit.  We'll have a few trainers get us back into working out....stretching, weights, cardio.  We meet with the trainers 2x a week for 10 weeks.  It's FREE!!!  and its a group of cancer survivors.

I'm so excited!!

And, I'll get full access to the gym for the entire 10 weeks in addition to the 2 sessions per week.

So, look for a healthier, fitter me soon!!!!

Lisa

p.s.. Bold, hope you're feeling better!  the flu is no fun!

carolinachick

Barbiedahl - I've also found that high fat foods make me feel sluggish and make my stomach hurt.  I was LOL thinking of the huge underwear.  Maybe a trip to Victoria's Secret is in order? 

Bold - Glad that you're feeling better, slowly but surely.  I'm impressed that you have Halloween decorations out.  I've got to get up in the attic and get mine out this weekend.  Hopefully the rain will stop by then!

Lisalisa - Your program sounds wonderful.  I would love for our YMCA to offer something like that to cancer survivors.  I'm thinking of trying a Zumba class tomorrow night, as I'm getting very bored with the treadmill.

Have a great day, ladies!

Jennifer