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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

    Vivre, you power woman! :)

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited April 2009

    Ok, went to the Gyn yesterday after work and I had gained 1 pound!  for heaven's sake...now the office ladies are treating us to pizza today... She said I can wait to get a mammogram after June 17th, she also said if I experience bad hot flashes she can prescribe Prozac at a lower dose than used for anti-dep.  I said oh I'm not having bad flashes, I do get the night sweats though, but I don't want to take any more pills!!!! Tamox is bad enough.  She doesn't think my period will return either but my onc will recheck my levels again in a few months.

    I did walk and ride my bike last night, it was a hot one, but it did cool down to 87 or so when I went out, then at 2am the wind blew in and it got chilly!  here we go again.  I see it warming up in the midwest/south.  I did do some slow counter push ups!!  About 10 and stopped.  did a few crunches and leg lifts, stretches...Thanks for the advice girls!

    I was watching my taped Biggest Loser last night, and they had a quiz show competition and one of the questions was "if you own a pedometer how many extra steps do you get in each day?"  Answer was 2,000!  WOW...I better check one out soon.

    Wish we were all going to Lisa's Zumba Fest!!

    Have a GREAT day!!!!! 

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2009

    Spring ~ About the day you had 1500 steps on your pedometer... My DH wore one to work one day and said at the end of the day he had 70 steps on it, which I guess was from the parking lot to his desk? 

    I know I'm reporting my walking progress weekly now, but I have to say I feel like I broke a mental barrier this a.m. by totally changing my route again and doing 8685 steps, which I think is the most I've done in one one-hour-ish walk.

    And, Kari, what exciting news about your daughter's engagement!  So nice to have young love in the air!       Deanna

         

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

    Go Deanna!!!!!!!!  About the hubby with 70 steps, it just goes to show you how blobbly our lifestyles can make us if we are not proactive!!! I was at 1500 wearing a pedomoter, and Kari says just wearing one gives you 2K more steps a day.

    so before pedometer, I was -500 !!!! LOL!!!!!

    giggles!!! but oh so true!!

    Spring...

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  • debisongbird
    debisongbird Member Posts: 275
    edited April 2009
    Hi girls, went to doc yesterday about my big toe "Toby." He's acting out again. Infected. It is soooo sore and doc gave me some antibiotics. I don't understand why they don't send me to a podiatrist. I've had this problem since I finished taxol. But they said well, if it's not bothering you too much, then it's just cosmetic. But it is bothering me because I can't exercise - and it hurt to walk on it. Oh well, I see my Onc on May 14th. I can ask about it then, I guess. In the meantime, try to heal and do upper body workouts. Been also have trouble sleeping through the night. Might be the AI I'm taking Aromasin. Anyone else on that? - But it's not too bad. Very impressed with everyone's dedication. Hoping it will rub off on me (and Toby Smile) Have a great day! - Debs
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  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited April 2009

    debisong-Have you considered that he big toe problem may be gout? My husband has this problem. It is very very painful. You should go to a podiatrist and stop waiting for the other docs. He can ask for a blood test that will confirm if it is gout or not, and prescribe medicine if needed. To help gout naturally, eat lots of cherries and celery,cut out red meat and alcohol completely.

    I am still waiting for someone to offer how to get my pedometer programmed. Any takers???

    It finally warmed up here today, but only to about 60 which was wonderful for yard work. I guess we are headed for the California heat wave in a couple more days. We go from March to June in the midwest. Too bad, I use to really like May.

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  • debisongbird
    debisongbird Member Posts: 275
    edited April 2009

    No Vivre, it is definitely not gout. It is a side-effect (very rare 2%) of the chemo (Taxol) I was taking. It discolors your nails, in some cases turning them black, and eventually, nails fall off etc... All my toenails turned discolored, but only my big one, turned black, then got infected - but it didn't fall off. The onc didn't want to have it removed because he was concerned with my WBC count at the time. I've been dealing with this (situation) for several months now. It was feeling better (but still discolored), but someone stepped on it at my sister's funeral. So, that ishow it got infected again. I know of other women that had similiar experiences with their nails on Taxol, but like I said, it is rare.But, I'm on antibiotics so hopefully I'll be walking hard and fast and even use my pedometer.

    But this Aromasin. Is anyone else on it? It does make you feel fatigued. Weird. Hopefully, that's the worst of it Smile. Really want to change and get my body, mind and spirit healthy. Patience and persistance are things I need to work on.

    Weather here in Northern CA was/is beautiful today. Not so unbearably hot like the last few days, but very pleasant none the less. The garden is calling. Peace out, Debs

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

    Toby! I am cracking up here Debi! Perhaps just go to the pediatrist yourself. (I vote for that move).

    Virve, it was gorgeous here today, our walk was so wonderful! However, we are getting Deanna's heat this weekend. 90's!!! I think we'll have to change our walking schedule...

    Reporting in: today 8700+ steps so far. Not bad! 3.7 miles again...

    Spring. 

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  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited April 2009

    EEk, debi, I am so sorry to hear about your toe! That sounds really painful! I had an ingrown toenail one time and I thought I was going to crazy with the pain. I sure hope you can find a doctor who can help you! Does swimming help? It was the only thing I could do when I hurt my toe. The water really took the pressure off of it.

    I got all my roses and shrubs pruned today and then did my regular rebounding/wts during Survivor. It was great. One of the arrogant guys got blindsided and voted off! LMAO!

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited April 2009

    Debs ~

    You've asked if anyone is on Aromasin twice now & I'll tell you that I am. Tomorrow morning's pill will make it exactly 9 weeks for me, starting the day after I finished Rads. I haven't had any SE's so far except for the HOT hot flashes & VERY cold flashes as well. I've never been one to sleep good at night anyway so I wouldn't know if this bothers me or not. Someone said in another post a while back that Tylenol PM was their friend & it's mine, too, if I need it!!

    I have found that since I started exercising more, that I am more tired when I go to bed & I sleep better. These gals have really motivated me to get off my butt & do something, anything to get exercise. If I need a kick in the rear, I just come here!  :D

    I didn't really want to take the AI, but I'm too afraid not to.....I am 100% ER/PR positive.

    Hope you do well on the Aromasin.

    ((hug))

    Val

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited April 2009

    Kari I wish you were coming to Zumbafest too!  Did my usual hour last night with my class and then came home and worked on more choreography. Tonight is the Zumbafest and everybody is so excited.  My girlfriend is flying in from Michigan this morning so she can be here!  It's going to be a great time. 

    The weather is supposed to be gorgeous this weekend.....couldn't get any better.  We are having our first official cookout tomorrow...now we just need to get the pool open and ready for our short summer season! 

    I'll be getting more workouts soon with getting the garden ready!  Time to till the land!  LOL 

     Make it a great day ladies...

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  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2009

    Just Checking in...

    Zumba-On! Lisa! Sounds like a blast.

    Debs, so sorry about your toe.  I think I would have to make a bee-line for the podiatrist.  I broke my big toe once and it was painful to walk for 6 weeks.  I can't image what it is like to go for months with toe pain.  Have they done any scans to see if there is an infection in the bone itself?

    I have been a good girl and doing my combo of the gym and kickboxing.  Yesterday I had such a bad day at work that I went straight to the gym and did 60minutes full blast on the elliptical.  Don't know if I was running away from my troubles or chasing them away from me.

    Last night we had a guest bartender night at a local restaurant for the American Cancer Society.  I was not a bartender but I definitely supported Cancer research.  Cancer sux.

    Okay, now that I have gotten that off my chest....have a lovely day!

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

    PT you go girl!

    I have almost changed digits on the scale! have to keep going! 

    ValJean, I get the cold flashes too. Odd huh?

    Spring

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited April 2009

    Hi All!

    So yesterday I saw my PCP about the neck/low back/hip pain....she said the muscles are really tight up in my neck/shoulder area and then she said it sounds like sciatica bothering my right hip.  Then she freaked me out!!!!!!  She said her mom died of bc at 50 and had been complaining about hip pain on one side and when she finally looked into it, it was bone mets...ok thanks for sharing! She ordered me down to xray for 2 xrays of the hip, she said she didn't want to take any chances and wants to see a clean xray.  I don't know when I will hear the results...I did leave and cried a bit and then tried to remain positive.  Geez...it just brought me back to a place like I was in last summer.  I don't want to go there again!

    Anyhoooooo....I got home and made a pot of veggie soup with whole wheat pasta and then on the treadmill for a variable hill program.  I was tuckered out!

    Debs, sorry about the big toe.  I was lucky on Taxol, still have some numbness in a couple fingers/toes.  Keep us posted on Toby (I love it)...Can't comment on the AI, I'm on Tamox, I too get the hot/cold flashes.

    Lisa, I tried the sample yesterday, it was delicious!  I was pretty tired yesterday from not sleeping well the prior night, but it did seem to help for a couple of hours. Have a TERRIFIC time with your girlfriend Zumbaying!!!

    Deanna, an hourish walk!  wow!!  good job and PT! wow 60 min. on the eliptical!  and Springie, you're always "wow" to me, always doing a good job with soooo many steps!

    Vivre, I will watch Survivor tonight, can't wait!  glad you got some pruning done, we did that a couple weekends ago, it feels good!  

    Enjoy the nice weather, at least those of you who are getting it, saw a lot of storms through the midwest out there.  We are rainy and 10 degrees below normal today!  We are being taken out to lunch today to a new mexican restaurant...oh nooooo!!!!!!  LOL!!

    As Lisa said, Make it a GREAT day!

    Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can - Author Unknown 

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

    Kari, I hope you are okay! CAll for those results!!! Spring.

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited April 2009

    Kari- hugs! Hope it won't be too long for results. Like doc said- she's just being careful---tight muscles can be from so many other things like treadmills and exercising!

    Hoping for nice sunny weekend for all.

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  • debisongbird
    debisongbird Member Posts: 275
    edited April 2009

    Thanks everyone for you comments on "Toby." He's doing better today. As far as the podiatrist goes, I'm not going against anything my Onc says, (at least not now...we'll see.)

    Val, I have been on Aromasin for a week now. Not too bad. Well, I also don't sleep well, so it's hard to say if it's the drug or just me not sleeping well. If it gets bad, I can always take an ativan to help me sleep. Thanks for your input. The main symptom is fatigue, so I'm switching the time I take it to dinnertime. Hopefully, that will work out just fine.

    Kari - Oh, I'm sorry to hear you are going through this waiting. But, hip pain (as others said) can be anything. When I had my bone density test, my scan showed arthritis (not cancer) in the hip. Probably the ballet I tried to do when I was youngerTongue out. And, the doc said ALOT of women get this arthritis in the hip. Keep us posted. You know I am sending you good, healing, positive, loving thoughts right now!

    And all you women who exercise - keep it up. You are my motivation! Love, Debs

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  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 423
    edited April 2009

    Lisa, I hope your Zumba event went great today!

    Kfinnigan- why would she tell you that?  Your body has been through hell and you have altered your posture and sleep habits to accomodate the changes and pain.

    My gym progress today: ran on the treadmill again, little more this time.  Worked my legs out on the machines AND did chest presses and flys.  I am trying to stretch my skin before my next appointment.  The ps says I am too tight for more fills.  I am hoping if I work my chest, my skin will be loose enough that he will change his mind!

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited April 2009

    Kari....think positive...you are going to be fine!  I don't know why your doctor would say that! 

     We did three hours of Zumba last night and I just got home from teaching my hour class this morning.  We had a blast last night and raised over $2500......

    Now I'm going to go soak in my detox soak!  LOL

    Kari...glad you like the energy drink...I love the fact that it is made from green tea...another way for me to get more green tea in my system!

    Rock on ladies and make it a great day!

    Lisa

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited April 2009

    Good morning all!  Thanks for your nice messages.  So I emailed my doc yesterday asking her when I would know my results of the xray, and she emailed me back "maybe next week"....I tried calling when I got home yesterday (we were offsite at work yesterday all afternoon) and the radiology office was closed.  I don't understand why it is taking so long to read an xray.  Also, I forgot to tell you all this...I was telling my hubby last night and he was mad (also mad about having to wait for the xray results).  I was asking my PCP about arm exercises and lymphadema risk etc. and she turns to her computer and says "you can do a google search for arm exercises...here let me go on webmd and type in arm exercises...ok here is a link to the arm workouts Michelle Obama does"...and she printed them out and gave them to me.  I was so stunned I just sat there like a dummy, I threw them away when I left.  I need to change PCP doctors I think!

    We had our luncheon yesterday at the new mexican place and I had grilled fish tacos, yummo!  Chilly this a.m. here, 40 degrees we will bundle up and take our walk now.  Should warm to 71 lovely degrees later. 

    I'm thinking of you all today and you all continue to inspire and encourage me.  Lisa, GREAT job at the $$ raised!! 

    Enjoy life today!!!

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited April 2009

    Lisasayers, good for you, I was wondering hwo the zumba went.  I'm going through workout withdrawl with the restrictions from my PS since the exchange, just like I knew I would.  Thanks goodness the weather has been good enough to go out and walk or I'd be losing it

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  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2009

    Hi all

    Kari, your doctor needs to be hit upside the head.  Lisa, nice job fund raising.  kmmd tell me again when your exchange was....i can't remember and i am toooooo lazy to scroll back.  I remember hating those darn restrictions.  I did do the elliptical without the arms fairly soon after my second exchange surgery.  I figured it was smoother than walking on the pavement.

    I had to take a 40 minute road trip (80 minutes round trip) to my oncologist office because I was getting very paranoid about some neck pain I was having just below my ear.  I have a lymph node that has been enlarged for years but over the past 3 weeks it got really really big and my neck was very tender.  So of course paranoia set in and I called my doctor.  They squeezed me in yesterday and guess what they think it is?  An ear infection..... go figure.  She gave me an anti-biotic and told me to call her in a week.  Is it always going to be like this?  Is this our new reality? I just paid a specialist copay and drove out of my way for an ear infection when my PCP is 2 miles from my house.......sheesh! 

    Kari.... I am hoping that you get B9 results too.  And then I would find a new PCP.

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited April 2009

    Exchange was day before yesterday,

    re: ear infection, ouch, but glad you got some help for it 

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited April 2009

    Just checking in Ladies.  Way to go Lisa no one can keep up to you. Congrats on the fundraising. Keep up the good work ladies.

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2009

    Kari ~ My jaw literally dropped when I read the Michelle Obama comment!  What was she thinking?!?!?!?!  I'm also praying that your tests results will be totally B9.  From personal experience, it seems like every time there was something concerning re. one of my tests, I would hear from my BS the same day.  So, hopefully, they haven't seen anything concerning enough to pick up the phone.  But it's too bad they can't be more empathetic, and not make you wait over a weekend.  Surely, a couple of x-rays can't be that difficult to read.

    Lisa ~  Great job on the Zumbafest. It sounds like it was a lot of fun.

    PT ~  Glad your neck pain appears to be nothing more serious than an ear infection.  I think you were wise to have it checked where you did. You may not have had total peace of mind hearing that same dx from your PCP.

    I hope everyone's been able to get out and enjoy a beautiful weekend ~   Deanna

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2009

    Kari, hi!

    Just wanted to jump in here and give you a couple of references for arm exercises and lymphedema:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Exercise_and_lymphedema.htm

    and for lymphedema risk reduction practices:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

    You might even want to pass that information along to your PCP, so that the next woman who asks that question will get some answers she doesn't have to toss in the nearest trashcan -- <sigh!>Tongue out

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited April 2009

    Thanks for the comments and advice and links to good info!!

    I'm really believing this darn pain has to do with sciatica, cause when I walk too long, etc. the pain goes down my leg, just like sciatica does and it all stems from my low back, which years ago i had xrayed for the same thing.  I have a massage schedule for tomorrow night after work, that should help!

    PT, glad its an ear infection and you are getting treated for that!! 

    Have a great day!

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited April 2009

    Good Fabulous Morning Ladies!

    I'm sure many of you get the Breast Cancer Wellness magazine in the mail...but if you don't, you can download it from their site, and there are a couple great articles in this issue:

    Plant Estrogens:  Are they Good or Evil, by Dr. Christine Horner

    Happiness is Essential for Healing, by Beverly Vote...and interview with Marci Shimoff

    Making Integrative Medicine a Reality for You

    There are other great articles...check it out

    http://www.breastcancerwellness.org/

    Heading out to do some raking...we have been having record breaking temps here the past few days, but that is about to change!  Need to enjoy the weather while I can...then it's off to Zumba this afternoon!

    Make it a great day!

    Lisa

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2009

    WooHoo!  I just finished my longest a.m. walk since my dx -- 9289 steps in 1 hr. 20 mins.  That makes a total of 18.515 miles for the week.  I didn't walk Sat. or Sun. (very windy here), but I've really picked up the distance I'm doing each day.

    I figured out how to use the Body Mass thing on my scale, and was shocked that I am almost 10% above the recommended reading for my age.  And I wear a size 6.  I guess size can be deceiving.  Just thought I'd share this, especially for those of you who are also foregoing Tamox or an A/I.  I was extremely surprised that I have as much estrogen-making fat as I do on my small frame, and I now feel an even greater urgency to keep exercising!    Deanna

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies!

    I was away for the weekend at a women's church retreat. BOY have I changed the way I eat. I even signed up as a vegeterian, and the choices were difficult! But I didn't eat any processed meat, or any meat at all, since it was all processed!!! 

    Glad to be home. Took a nice long walk yesterday, about 65 min, not as many steps as Deanna! That is great Deanna!  I also did 18.5 miles last week!!! My exercise is paying off in a healthier looking body apparently, my friends all said I looked healthier, the healthiest I've ever looked!!! Must be all this good eating & living!!! I am feeling great...

    DIM - I just started taking it, and was wondering if 150 or 225 would be better. .... Any thoughts?

    Spring...

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