Trying hard to lose the pounds!!!!!!!!!

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Hi Janet and Pat,

I didn't think to ask for another MRI. I did have one last year when first dx'd. I just thought of the ultrasound. Amazing how we should be the one's to be thinking up which tests we should be doing.

Once this benign thing was dx'd as benign no one cared anymore. It's benign, see ya. That didn't do too much for my peace of mind. Could it be that I don't trust their lyin eyes? If only someone sat me down to explain what this benign thing is maybe I wouldn't still be dwelling on it. I'll ask my surgeon when I see him this month about getting another MRI done, since they do see something.

Pat, since it was the ultrasound that found the tumor in the first place, why wouldn't they want to do another one? That's almost nuts on their part. They are way too dismissive of us and very cavalier. I guess we need to get very proactive.

LJC · May 2005

I totally forgot about the MRI's, I'm not sure my insurance covers this, but it can't hurt to ask about this the next time. After this fiasco, I'm sure my onc wouldn't be opposed to this idea.

An ultrasound was not considered. Not sure why. With my dx, I had the mammo, saw something suspicious so dr. requested a 'compression' mammo, still saw something, then requested the ultrasound. I went through this same routine back in 1999 and that turned out to be a cyst. This time I was referred right to the surgeon after the mammo. The radiologist indicated on the report that

Quote:

There is an oval mass seen in the left breast. There has been no significant change since the previous exam. Impression: Mass in the left breast is benign-negative

Now mind you, there was no mass seen on the 2004 mammo - so how could there be no significant change???? How can he determine that it is benign????

Now 2 drs have looked at these films and neither of them see the mass. So what the h*ll?? This whole thing really stressed me out especially since I had just got word of the kidney mass on top of dealing with the hep c dx. I hope to find out next week what the other radiologist reports. ARGHHHH!

Is this what happens when you get 'old'??? Seems like when I turned 50 my health has gone drastically down hill. I've never had any health issues until now.

O.K. I'm done ranting. Yes I agree the MRI's should be a standard for those who have had bc and are of higher risk.

cowgirl · May 2005

IT is official I have lost 22 lbs in one year. I lost weight before coming to WW and so when I weighed in the nurse came in the room and said we need to check your weight. Because apparently when a weight has flucuated over a certain amount they ask you! So on the same scale last year I was 22 lbs heavier! Yay so happy!

NYJanet · May 2005

Cowgirl: Congratulations. 22 lbs. is a great weight loss. You should be proud of yourself! Way to go!

beachcottage · May 2005

Way to go cowgirl!! You are doing GREAT!

ladies....I have to go to my nutrionist today and I have not lost one pound! I am having a rough time !! I am sure I will get the lecture.....LOL!!

Lois how are you doing? Will you hear some news this week? Keeping my fingers crossed>>Sending lots of comort your way...........And prayers....

Janet,Pat and Rosemary how are you all doing? Did everyone have a Happy Mother's Day?

beachcottage · May 2005

OK I bit the bullet...Went back to nutrionist and she chaned my eating plan around a bit and I am ready to do this....I have a great recipe to share...My friend made this and said it was delicious and low in calories...I am going to try it out over the weekend....

Grilled Shrimp Salad
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup orange marmalade
3 large garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 pound large shrimp, about 16, shelled and deveined
4 wooden skewers
1 ripe avocado, peeled and quartered lengthwise, fanned out onto 4 plates
1 orange, peeled and sectioned (all pith and membranes removed)
Fresh cilantro sprigs

Instructions
In a medium non-reactive bowl, whisk together the lime juice, marmalade, garlic, cilantro, 7 tablespoons of the olive oil, soy sauce and dried hot red pepper flakes. Using a measuring cup, remove 1/2 cup and set
aside, refrigerated. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to combine thoroughly with the marinade. Refrigerate for 30
minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place the skewers in a shallow tray and cover with hot water. Set aside until you are ready to grill the shrimp.

Preheat a grill or broiler to medium heat.

Place the shrimp on the soaked wooden skewers. Lightly pat dry with paper towels and, using a brush, lightly coat the
shrimp on both sides with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until
shrimp are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Place the shrimp on top of the fanned avocado slices and
season with salt to taste. Top with the orange segments then divide the reserved dressing evenly among the 4 plates and
garnish with the cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.

LJC · May 2005

Cowgirl, congrats on the weight loss. I was there back in October and seriously I have gained every pound back.

Patti, I'm more than a two stepper!!!!! I need to be slapped and slapped hard! It's Monday and I'm going to try again. I got a call from the surgeon on Friday (he called me on my cell phone while I was driving home - wasn't expecting him to call me figured I would have to call them - what a surprise) anyway . . . . the other rad looked at the films - compared last year to this year and he said this year was 'negative' - nothing to worry about. I see my onc next week and I'll get a copy of the report from her and then I'm going to call the other rad and as calmly as I can tell them he made a mistake!!!!! And thank you very much for the month of stress!

Maybe now that my anxiety is over, I can get back to focusing on my healthy eating program.

Patti, I know if we lived closer we would be skinny minnies by now!!

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Beach,

I made a copy of that recipe. Sounds great!

Lois, instead of slapping you, would you mind if we all slapped your Dr.? Another big sigh of relief for you. I'm very happy to hear your good news.

Cowgirl way to go! Isn't it great to get on a scale. What's nicer is when someone notices the difference like your nurse.

I was just reading a news story and this is the first time I ever heard of metabolic syndrome:

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/business/11590444.htm

So now we have another good reason to keep up the good work. In another article about it, it said diet and exercise cured the syndrome for about 50% of the people who have it. And the same can keep us from getting it. Whatever it is???

It's been too chilly here in Houston so far for any pool workouts. I'm chomping at the bit. I'm the only person that actually likes the 99 degree days that are around the corner.

cowgirl · May 2005

Good Morning Yall! I am up and at them. Today my SIL and I are going to my last meeting for a couple of weeks. Next Monday is my Mast/Reconstruction. You know my SIL and I talk about it all the time, we can not imagine ourselves not going to meetings. We have both tried other ways, and she has tried WW before by herself. I think both of us need the meetings, some friends have encouraged me to stop the meetings and I refuse. Weight loss is hard enough with the meetings, I am not prepared without them. I guess my SIL and I will be the only ones that are lifetimers still going to meetings.

LJC, now you can move on and focus.

Beach Yummmmmmm! I love shrimp!

My GF that is 6 lbs away from goal told me what she did to stay on track she lowered her points to her goal point range. So her weight loss has been very steady. She had gained over christmas and had stopped walking. Her loss was next to nothing. So she is back in the saddle again now!

I think you have to remember these changes are lifestyle and then let them slowly change. I tried to cut out salt and sugar in the same week, I ended up eating more sugar than I did before! So in combination we can do it all slowly!

Rosemary good article! NYCJanet thanks! You gals have a great day!

NYJanet · May 2005

Cowgirl: Good luck with your mast next week. I hadn't realized that you didn't have your surgery yet. I know what you mean about not having the meetings. I'm also a lifetime member and still go to the meetings (what the heck they're free once we hit goal, why would we stop now). That was my down fall 6 years ago by stopping. Too bad we don't live closer we could have our meetings together while your recuperate. As I only had a lumpectomy and radiation I was able to attend my meetings regularly while going through treatment (which I needed to counteract all the choc. chip cookies I was eating). I'm here for you for ww support if you need it.

Patti: What a great sounding recipe. I'm going to try it this weekend.

Lois: We would never slap you. We love you!! With all the stress you've had lately, don't beat yourself up (or slap yourself) about it. You'll get back on track. In fact if anyone needs a slap it's that rad doc.

Remember one for all and all for one. We're the diet diva muskeeters!! We will reach our goals together. - Janet

beachcottage · May 2005

Ok...I had to check in....So far sticking to my guns...Having a weak moment...Just popped a stick of trident sugarless gum and came here for some strength....I feel better already.....Almost lunch time so I should be ok....I will be ok.......LOL! It is a bit overcast here today......I am finalizing my plans for our beach get-a-way in NJ ....Just waiting for my husband final approval from work...He is low man on the totem pole.... I am just glad that he is on the totem pole! .....The thought of the ocean...sun and relaxing makes me feel good and when I think about the beach I suddenly loose my appetite!!! So my mantra...The beach..........Oh I hope it works....Love to you all.....................We will do this....No matter what.........................Yes....We will.......Ok....enough chattering...Thanks for listening my friends.................. xoxo,Patti

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Beach Patti,

Is it just me but doesn't the fresh fruit seem to taste better at the beach? Seem more colder or something? I use to live in N.J. which beach you like to go to?

It's been a long time, but I think I went to Pt. Pleasant? That sounds right. If the Lobster Shanty is still there, just drive right by it to the fruit stands.

I was doing a lot of smoothies there for awhile. Perfect beach drinks. My fav

Orange juice
apple
mango or cantalope
red grapes
and more mango or blueberries. What a drink, oh maybe some vodka, you'll be at the beach.

beachcottage · May 2005

Hey Rosemary ...I love your smoothie recipe and the vodka at the beach sounds great! ...We are going to Seaside Park....I know what you mean about the fruits and veggies! I can't wait to stock up....

Cowgirl I am thinking about you...Is surgery this week? We will be saying some prayers and missing you while you are gone.....

Hey Diva's where are you? Lois? Pat? Raven?.....

Lois how are you doing? Getting ready for your TAhoe Trip? Wish we could join you........

I made it through another day yesterday! A great feeling...Now I just have to get through today!

To be continued.......xoxo,Patti.....

pconn03 · May 2005

Hey there Patti and All Divas:
After my long weekend in Milwaukee/Chicago for Julie's baby shower, I came home a few pounds heavier so have been working on getting rid of that - and I did, plus a couple more pounds!!! I'm so happy . . . I've lost 8 pounds since I re-joined WW on April 4th. I really love the Core Progam. I'm so glad I took Janet's suggestion to try it. It feels so "freeing" in that you have a list of foods you can have (almost) all you want of and then just take points for the ones that aren't on the Core list. I have popcorn in the evening and it is very satisfying for those nighttime urges. I even have a WW ice cream (2 points) and feel like I'm not deprived. I have been on my workout schedule and so I know that has helped alot as well. Well, enough about me - how are all my diva friends doing . . . Patti, Janet, Cowgirl, Lois and Raven?? We certainly CAN do this, as we always say. And even if we get a little side-tracked, we just get back on the horse or train or wagon or whatever and "keep on, keeping on," right??? We've all been through alot harder than this - and we can DO it!!!! Right???
Love, prayers and hugs,
Pat

NYJanet · May 2005

Pat - That's a fantastic weight loss. I'm glad my suggestion is paying off. Glad you enjoyed the shower. We have to pick and chose when to splurge and that was definitely a reason to cheat on program. That's what I like about CORE, its so easy to get back on track and have a decent loss. Keep up the good work. As my leader said at WW this week, "Be climbers (losing weight) or campers (maintaining), never be a quitter." I now have a sign on my frig that says "CLIMB!!!". - Janet

LJC · May 2005

I'm here, I got on the scale this morning - haven't weighed since 5/2 - been scared that I had gained 3 or 4 pounds - so the final verdict - I lost a pound. Of course, that's only 1 of the 15 I gained since October. But I guess it's a start back on track - RIGHT??????

Patti, hope you enjoy your wonderful beach trip. We are expecting the high today in low 80's. We are having a little 'heat wave'. Should be nice through the weekend. I had planned on gardening last Sunday, but woke up sick - so just layed around most of the day. Having a movie, shopping and food adventure planned Saturday with my friend - hoping to get out Sunday for the gardening.

Pat, congratulations on your weight loss. I have a friend on WW, I should consider joining. She just lives around the corner from me - we are always talking 'we should' start walking again - but we haven't gotten around to getting started again. With the time change, it doesn't get dark now til almost 8:00, we could get a couple miles in before dark.

Wishing everyone a good weekend.

cowgirl · May 2005

So here I go my surgery is on Monday afternoon. Husband thinks I will stay 2 nights, because I do badly after anesthesia, I plan on one night and home to recoup! We had our 17th wedding anniversary on Saturday. Unlike most couples we rarely do special stuff for it, as it is our baby son's birthday, and at 8 you don't know the world doesn't revolve around you. Hubby bought us a new sofa and loveseat which was so wonderful. So today I know it will be my biggest temptation day, I feel like it is a last supper. I know I will not eat real food for a few days, so I doubt I will stay even near my point range. So I will check back mid to end of next week, good luck to you all on program and keep up the activity points!

Dragonflyer · May 2005

Cowgirl,

Don't worry about the diet, just for today. Have a good time with your family and relax so you're rested and ready to focus and direct your strength towards doing well with your surgery. We'll be praying for you. Good luck with your anesthesia.

Best Wishes and Hugs,

Jan in PA (spent 13 years in TX, both of my sons were born there - I carry a piece of TX in my heart).

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Howdy Cowgirl,

We're all thinking of you today. We'll be here to help you celebrate this part of your journey being over.

Maybe we'll even eat cake when you get back to tell us all about it.

Rosemary

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Hi All,

I received a brochure in the mail and its all about taking calcium and weight loss. There are some claims about it that I just had to share but I have to say I'm a tad skeptical.

One claim: by taking 1000 mgs a day, we can lose 17.6 lbs!

Second claim, by taking the RDI a day, we won't be able to put on any weight! Hmmmmm Plus, it will raise our metabolism, another hmmmm.

I've been hit and miss about taking calcium but I'm going to put these claims to the test. Is there anyone else here that is good about taking calcium and didn't understand why they lost 17.6 lbs without doing anything?

Last week on Oprah, a Dr. said our body can only absorb 600 mgs at a time, so we have to take 2 doses 6 hours apart. First I heard of that too.

http://health.discovery.com/centers/womens/calcium/calcium.html

NYJanet · May 2005

Cowgirl - Just wanted to let you know I'll be thinking about you today and you will be in my prayers. Hurry back, we'll miss you!- Janet

NYJanet · May 2005

Rosemary: Interesting study. I've been taking 1000 mg. of calcium since I started Tamoxifen in August (Onc. recommended it). I've also had my best weight losses since August, nearly 15 lbs. Always believed it was from WW Core program and my hard work at the gym. Makes me wonder now!!

Hope you all had a great weekend. I slipped at little, too much wine at a friend's 50th Birthday Disco Party. (But boy was it fun). Now it's Monday and I'm back on track, weigh in tomorrow. - Janet

LJC · May 2005

Rosemary & Janet, I've been very faithful at taking my calcium supplements for years - no mysterious 17 pound weight loss for me. You also have to be sure that you take vitamin D along with the calcium. The D helps your body to absorb the calcium. Alot of the calcium supplements are combined with D.

pconn03 · May 2005

Cowgirl:
Best of luck in your surgery today. I agree - don't even worry about 'diet' that's not the important thing for the next week or so. Just recover from the surgery, right??!!

Janet, Lois, Rosemary, Patti, Eileen et al: Hope all of you are doing good. Thanks for the compliments on the weight loss. I've gained about 1/2 pound since that last post but I think I'm more at a plateau for the time being. I also have had a glass of wine now and then so I know that I have probably gone over my 35 weekly points. Regarding calcium, I have been taking it for a long time but didn't experience weight loss until the WW Core program. I also saw the doctors on Oprah's last week. I bought their book, "You - The Owner's Manual" and it really has a ton of information in it on vitamins which are good for either preventing or (even after having had a disease) such as heart problems, cancer or diabetes etc. I've been reading it like a reference book and making notes. I really think it's worthwhile - just my opinion (I'm not getting any royalties from the book)
Well, here's another week and I wish the best to all of the divas. On Friday I'm going to California with my husband for a business trip so won't be on the boards for awhile. I will really need to watch my intake while I'm gone. I'll let you know early next week, how it went.
Blessings to all,
Pat

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Janet,

Something tells me your hard work paid off and maybe only a little help from a calcium pill. Where do they have these studies, I'd be the first to apply.

Lois, The brochure also mentioned by eating foods rich in Vit. K, it helps the calcium go where it's needed.

Pat, We saw the same show, with Dr. Oz. I think his book should be mandatory reading for all the cardiologists around the world. All they know is how to write a script for pills. Some foods & vits do work to lower cholesterol. I participated in my own study and I know that works!

NYJanet · May 2005

Pat - Have a great time in California. Where in California? When my hubby & I went to San Diego in September for our 25th, I found it somewhat easy to stay on program with all the fresh fruit they had. Of course the strawberry daquiri's by the pool and white wine with dinner didn't quite meet my fruit requirements for the day. Be as good as you want to be on program, but enjoy. CORE and WW will be waiting for you and so will we. We'll want to hear all about it. - Janet

LJC · May 2005

Pat, where in California???? I'm in California - maybe you'll be close by to visit. I promise I won't be a bad influence. Weather has been on the warm side the past week, getting a little cooler this week. Hopefully it will stay nice for your visit.

beachcottage · May 2005

Welcome Dragonflyer...

Cowgirl I am thinking about you and hope that you know that we will miss you....Sending vibres of healing and cofort...And lots of prayers...

Rosemary thanks for the calcium tip...I will have to try it....I am anxious to check the link you provided here....I also need to have a bone density soon and am sure that the calcium will be a plus since chemo often affects our bones.....Plus if it helps me loose weight ...Well then ...It is an added bonus....How many miligrams?

Janet...I have been doing great...But I had some wine over the weekend..My girlfriends son got married...IT was great..and i was in a celebatory mood...so i had some wine....let my hair down...danced....and had a great time....

Lois...How are you doing? Are you getting ready for your Tahoe trip? Wish we could all join you ladies...Take lots of photos......I read the Tahoe thread..Sounds like you have lots planned..Stacy-Harley is a riot...I feel like I know her...She posted lots when I was going through treatment and she always helped and always...always made me laugh......And Lois ...When I make my way to California ...I will be looking you and Harley up.......That is for sure!

Pat I hope you have a wonderful time in California.....I hope to make a trip there some day myself...It is ON my to do list............... We want to hear all about it when you return...How are the expectant mommies doing? We will miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE will be waiting for you safe return ......xoxo,Patti

I did some gardening today..So I guess that counts for something....I am a bit achey....And mind you my garden is small.....But I feel sore in a good way...

Love to all of you ....xoxo,Patti

Rosemary44 · May 2005

Patti,

It's all according to how you do on the bone density test. The brochure only mentioned taking 1000 mgs a day to get the 17 lb. loss.

We'll try this test together. I've got the Dr.'s name if it doesn't Work and I know where he lives.

LJC · May 2005

Patti, I hope you can make your way to CA. - it would be great to get together. Stacy is in N. CA while I'm in S. CA, but she's only about a 6 - 7 hour drive from me.

I was suppose to do my gardening Sunday, but it was a bit too warm for me to be outside. I went with my girlfriend, her sister, Theresa and her fiance, David to Temecula Saturday. Theresa is getting married next year at a winery in Temecula. So we went to check it out - had dinner and of course a couple of bottles of wine!!!! For as long as I've lived here, I've only been out there once many many years ago. It was a good time. My girlfriend joined their wine club, instead of having her wine shipped, she's going to pick it up. So looks like we'll be making more trips out there.

Last year when I was training for the walk, I purchased some Billy Blank's Tai Bo tapes. I did them once. I nearly twisted my knee doing the exercises because my tennies don't move on carpet (can't do the pivoting). Cindy is a martial arts instructor, I told her about my dilemma and Saturday she brought me a pair of martial art shoes, they allow you to pivot easily on any surface. So now I don't have any excuse for not doing my tapes.

I hope everything is going well with Cowgirl - sending good vibes for speedy recovery.

I think the recommended dosage of calcium for post menopausal is approx. 1200 - 1500 mg per day. But I've heard varying numbers of this. I take 1700 - 200 with my daily vitamin and 1500 in supplements.

Trying hard to lose the pounds!!!!!!!!!

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