Anyone Else Obese?

KJSUN

gypsyjo, sorry I haven't been on the site for a while. I think it's great that you are riding your bike! I feel so weak lately I haven't done much. I got down on the floor to fix a drawer yesterday and could not get back up. It took me several minutes to finally get on my feet. I have an appt. with a doctor on Monday. I hope he can figure out what is going on with me. I'm all puffy and have these funny stretch marks that appeared about a month ago. I am going to have him do some blood work. My oncologist still hasn't given me a date when my chemo will start. I am so frustrated! I may find out on Wens., if they don't change my appt. again! I already was out today but I will try to do something tomorrow. Keep up the good work with the bike!

hindsight2020

I am SO grateful to find this topic on here! I am 48 years old, 235 pounds and 5'3.5" which makes me obese. I have known this for many years now, but then to get a diagnosis of breast cancer, which really makes it a huge issue for me now. I want to lose some weight, gain strength, but also have to keep in mind the physical limitations that I have along with the fight I am battling with the cancer.

Thank you everyone for talking so openly about your struggles on here, it is giving me great hope to know that I am not alone! I am 9 years sober from drugs and alcohol, and went through treatment along with going to AA and NA. The biggest tool I have used since being diagnosed is knowing what I can control and what I cannot.

I can control what I put in my body, and what and how I exercise, so today I start and take charge!

Hugs and kisses to you all!

PatRN10

Hi Hindsight. I had just completed the workup for bariatric surgery for this summer when I got my dx. Out of the picture with rads def. and chemo possibly. Maybe next summer if all goes well.

MizMimi

Hi everyone!

I'm in the obese catagory. I am 5'5" and weigh 194. I crossed into obese BMI of 32 at 190#. I should be around 135-140.

I was a thin kid and young adult. I started eating my emotions in my mid twenties and yo-yo 45-50# every 2 yrs or so. I'm sure I've done a lot of damage.

I was at my healthy weight 2 years ago and here I am at the top again and a BC diagnosis. I want to just exercise to feel good, not to be at some ideal weight anymore.

So far I am doing about 4x week cardio for 45 min on my recumbant stationary bike and about 2x week free weights for strengthening.

I am trying to clean up my diet, but that is a slow process. I don't aim to be perfect or fanatic. Baby steps and low pressure or I will make myself obsessive. Not worth it.. life is too short.

So I just try to think healthy thoughts and about regular movement and that I am always a work in progress.

SweetHope

Hindsight2020, what a warrior you already are! Congratulations on nine years sober. Please make your dx and tx public so we can help with any issues that might come up.

MizMimi, Love your attitude.

Jackbirdie

MizMimi- I think your plan and attitude are very sound. It really resonated with me that you now want to exercise to feel good and not to hit some arbitrary wright goal set by society. You are healthier than you know.

Well thought out and well written. You have inspired me to try to alter my attitude and goals slightly in this obviously more healthy direction. Thank you.

It takes a long time to change any habits. We all know that. But we must truly internalize it and not beat ourselves up for temporary setbacks.

And Hindsight- indeed you are truly a warrior already. Brava for your many years of what I'm sure was hard fought sobriety. I am very inspired by your strength.

movingsoccermom

So nice to see fellow weight strugglers here. My issues started with a missed pregnancy diagnosis 14 years ago (10lbs), followed by uncontrollable bleeding, treated with BCP=20 lbs and hypertension dx. Off those and on Mirena, which controlled the primary issue, and added 20 more lbs. Menopause, deaths in the family, moves and other stressors added the final 40. What torques me is Docs not acknowledging their own culpability with their prescriptions, a source of many arguments with DH as he is a physician. I told my MO that when he prescribed an AI, he could also prescribe something for weight. Working on a plan for post RT, but just trying to hold skin together atm. Good luck everyone!!

dchavy

Hello all,

I am 40 years old and newly (12 days ago) diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, stage II.  Mastectomy is my only option for one breast and I am opting for bilateral mx due to family history.  I am obese (5'3" 308lbs) and very concerned with how my weight will affect my treatment and reconstruction.  I am always trying to lose weight but it is especially important to me now. The reality of my situation is just now setting in and my worry shoots in every possible direction.  I guess I am really just looking for general advice.  I am particularly concerned about my reconstruction options and trying to lose weight/diet while undergoing chemo, etc. 

Thank you!

Jackbirdie

Dchavy- first of all, welcome. I'm sorry we have to meet this way. But here you will find information, support and friendship. And never any judgement. Ever.

Having been where you are, I know your head is spinning. There is so much to take in. It would helpful, if you haven't already done so, to fill out your profile and make it public, so we can give you advice and support tailored to your situation.

I guess the most important thing I can share right now is an old joke that goes like this: How do you eat an elephant? Answer: one bite at a time.

I don't mean to make light of your very serious situation. But as you are finding out, you don't just have one problem, not just one decision. You need to break this up into pieces, and start dealing with it one day at a time. One issue at a time.

My advice is to focus and make yourself smart on your surgery and recovery, and all you can find out about reconstruction so you can talk intelligently with your docs. (I can't help you there because I decided to go flat). Don't expect them to spoon feed you. Make your appointments the most productive you can by doing your research and go in to those meetings ready. Loaded for bear.

Recovering from a BMX (from my own experience) is no picnic. But you are quite a bit younger, and may recover much better and faster. Everybody is different. Once you have surgery dates, chemo dates, rads dates, (if any of that becomes necessary) and join the groups that pertain to you. For example, I joined the March 2015 chemo group and those gals have saved my life. Over and over. Visit the groups and "lurk", read the posts, and find out what kind of preparations you will need, and get a good idea of the range of issues and what to expect.

Losing weight and becoming fitter is indeed important to all of us here. But I would put that on the back burner right now. Don't beat yourself up for past eating habits or lack of exercise. I would maybe try a little walking, start with maybe 3-4 times a week. If you can only do 5-10 minutes, than start with that. I'm suggesting this more for your head than your actual fitness. It can become a time when you clear your head a bit. You might find you like it. But honestly, no big changes can be undertaken just before surgery. Take the best care of yourself you can. Drink more water. Try to cut out sugary drink like soda, if you can.

Once out of surgery, you can pick up your walking slowly. If you have to do chemo, you will be told, and it is TRUE, that the best way to minimize side effects is 1) hydrate well; 2) eat small healthy meals throughout the day (this helps with nausea, among other things, and 3) exercise. My doc said to walk back and forth to the mailbox a couple of times a day to start. Anything helps. It doesn't have to be drastic. You won't change your habits in a day, or even a week. And just so you know, you oncology team will most likely tell you the they don't want you to lose one pound during chemo. That's a time when its important to stay stable, for many reasons, including dosage. But you can certainly use that time to eat "BETTER".

You truly have your hands full, and being only 12 days into it, I admire you for seeking out help. You are amazing for doing that for yourself. Get involved in a "just diagnosed" thread. There nothing like not feeling alone at a time like this. And feel free to PM me ANY TIME if you want to talk, or rant, or ask me a question you prefer not to share with everyone here. Though I will say, when one person has a question, and gets lots of feedback, it benefits many more people than just yourself. Some people are just too shy to start a thread, and just read and read and search topics till they find their answers. And that is perfectly fine. But I'm saying you help someone every time you put yourself out there. But right now, you need help. And you're going to get it. I promise.

PatRN10

dchavy I can't add anything else to Katy's excellent advice. Just welcome and take it one day at a time.

sandcastle

You...do not have to do everything at once.....it really is a lot.....you can put off some decision...like your Recon.....you can do that later if it helps your process....and baby steps with weight....you will get there....Liz

Sam2U

dchavy--so sorry you needed us but glad you found your way here.   This place is a great resource as you walk on the journey.  As the others have said, small baby steps are important.

As far as reconstruction, some of the treatment decisions you make now will effect your later options.  Meet with a plastic surgeon and have a discussion about your options with your weight, different surgeons have different thoughts.

 

daisylover

Dchavy,

I had BMX in Feb 2014. I am still not ready to consider reconstruction. This decision is extremely personal. I have read and been told that recovery is easier for those of us who choose not to do immediate reconstruction. However, you will most likely miss having breasts when you are recovering. I personally chose to focus on my treatment. I did not want implants, and the plastic surgeon did not want to have flaps radiated. In the end, I did not need radiation. There are many twists and turns along the way. I like my prostheses -- that is a positive. You will just need to make your best decision for your own situation. Trust yourself and your doctors.

If you start to exercise now, the recovery may be easier. However, you should discuss starting exercise with a doctor. We have a treadmill, which I used briefly after surgery. It caused me a lot of knee pain. So, I have lost weight through eating fewer carbohydrates and stationary biking daily -- nothing extreme. It may help you to get started exercising if you have equipment at home (no need to worry about judgement from others and easy access). I have both knee and back issues; so, I rely on my stationary recumbent bike (~$300 Schwinn at Sears -- they deliver for a fee - My bike is very similar to this one http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product_details.jsp?p... ). I CAN NOT ride a regular stationary bike (no back support) without pain. The stationary recumbent bike makes starting exercise less strenuous and allows you to sit while exercising, which for me has helped me to keep exercising through the tough times (fatigue and pain)... I watch TV while exercising. You can start with light pressure, slow speed and any amount of time. I would caution you to sit on and try any bike in the store before you invest. Maybe even make sure that you feel fine the next day? Then, you will not waste your money.

I know that there is no easy solution. Do not demand too much of yourself. Once you start adjusting to the diagnosis, which takes time, you will be in a better frame of mind to commit to exercise. Just love yourself.

Jackbirdie

Daisylover- great suggestion in the recumbent bike! I think i might try that. Had no idea so reasonable. Great post.

daisylover

Jackbirdie,

There are more expensive bikes, but I have used mine for years and it keeps going... You just need to commit to being frugal before you see the other bikes with all the bells and whistles... It really has made a huge difference in my life. As I said, try it out in the store to make sure that it's comfortable for you. Best

sandcastle

I...have a stationery Bike it cost about what you spend....got it some years ago...LOVE it...have a TV to watch and time goes by....I also go to Planet Fittness.....good to be in a different atmosphere and see people......I just keep on it.....Liz

dchavy

Thank you so much for all of the wonderfully kind words and great suggestions. I exercise regularly, walking 4-6 miles per day - I have a very high energy dog that requires a lot of varied activity - as well as some yoga a few days per week.  Carbs are my downfall! Although, I have gotten pretty creative with substitutions and limiting. 

I am somewhat concerned with not having recon right away, I don't want multiple surgeries, I simply cannot take that much time off of work, but I will discuss with the PS's I have consults scheduled with. 

angelia50

dchavy. I admire anybody who walks 4-6 miles a day. I know I need to exercise but I've had knee replacement and since starting Arimidex, either by coincidence or by medication, I've been having problems with even walking to the car.

Jesika63

SweetHope, i hear you. I am 63 and have also gained lots of weight. I need to lose at least 50 lbs. ( actually more). I am also ER+PR 95/90 therefore i need to take the als regardless. After 3 years of caring for my sister -she became an angel last Sept.- She had stomach and ov ca... I decided it was time for me to take care of myself. Had chest x-rays etc. Had regular mamo and boing there it was. So i actually never took a break. After my dx. and treatment i went for a hystermectomy. I am now 4 weeks post op.

Now i can't wait to feel a bit better so i can at least start some kind of exercise. That bike is catching my eyes. I know how to lose weight its just my situation at the moment. Also its so hard to try and lose weight when everyone else bring donuts and goodies and puts them on the table.

Veggies and fruits water and watching my carbs have been my best friend laterly. So i hope our pain subsides and we can real our goal at some point,

Anonymous

Hi everyone!


My name is Ashleigh and I am a member of Rice University's OwlSpark accelerator program. I was going through different cancer blogs and I came across this post. I am currently working on a project concerning nutrition and cancer and I would love to know how you all manage your diets? I would love to hear any feedback you all have!


feel free to respond to this post or send me a message. Anything helps!


Kind regards,

Ashleigh

tangandchris

I called my GP about the weight management program they offer there, I was told I could come in and talk with a nutrionist and if I wanted to he could write a script for Contrave...anyone heard of this?

queenmomcat

(waves hello) Another overweight "fun-sized" (thank you, Tempy!) noob to the boards. (5'4" and 198 on a good day) i had back surgery last September to correct a long-standing leg dysfunction/squashed nerves problem, and was just getting used to comparatively normal activity levels....when blooey--breast cancer. Stage 0, for now, so comparatively minimal treatment, but not looking forward to the (potential for) fatigue from tamoxifen/radiation. Swimming is my love and my primary activity, since walking is still awkward, so also not looking forward to the possibility of poor skin interaction between the chlorine and radiation aftereffects.

Sigh. But I want to live, so treatment it is.

Jackbirdie

Queenmom- "funsized". Lol made me smile. Welcome and we will get there!!!

queenmomcat

Can't claim responsibility for the term...but I'm using it! Thank you; I'm glad to find a community that is going through what I"m going through.

Bliss58

I've been lurking on the website for a while now and I'm glad to find this board. I hate the term obese, but that's just what I am. I was to start treatment TCHP July 2, 2015, but MO didn't get my echo report back in time, so now I'm rescheduled for July 9, barring any problems with my heart. I don't have any heart problems that I know, but I'm concerned because of my weight and that Herceptin/Perjeta can potentially cause heart problems. Anyone not able to take H/P because of potential heart problems shown on an echo? I hate all the waiting on tests!

PatRN10

hello new followers!

Monis

That term makes me feel so much better about myself - FUN SIZED!

5'4" 178 lbs.

Sunny_Girl

I'm joining the group! Obese and all!!

I was on HMR diet program prior to dx & tx in 2012. Had lost 40+ pounds, my sister who lives half way across the country had lost 100 pounds on it. They don't have sessions now close to where I live.

It's now been 3 years, this month when I found the lump. Taking Arimidex - and feeling like I have to get back on the weight loss wagon. Anyway, I re-started Weight Watchers last week - I liked the accountability of weighing weekly at HMR. I'm hoping and planning on taking the weight off and keeping it off.

I don't like all the guilt I have when I read information about breast cancer and obesity. I figured I just start back up and take one step at a time. I won't feel so bad about not doing anything

I'll let you know if I fall off the WW wagon and I wish you all the best and success which ever path you follow.

Patty

grammakathy

BC was the motivator for me to lose weight. I asmire those of you who have been successful at dieting in the past. My weight steadily and slowly increased over the years. But when the MO looked me in the eye and said that my extra pounds harbored estrogen, suddenly I was determined to lose it. I asked for a pedometer for Christmas and started walking around the block to reach 7500 steps a day. I cut out all candy, sweets and desserts. Finally I no longer crave them after 18 months. I made smarter choices about what I eat and didn't eat things just to be polite. And I didn't weigh myself for the three months we were traveling in our motorhome. I did have to buy new pants while we were gone and again when we arrived at home, so I knew some weight was leaving. Keep up the good work and it will happen. Hugs to you all

sandcastle

Grammakathy....That is the way to do it....SLOW and STEADY wins the race....not getting on the scale is good....one can become obsessed about it.......I just keep on going and you are right.....do not eat to be polite....Liz