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  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Thank you Tenaj and JFV, I talked with the nurse this morning and they are going to call in a prescription for Vitamin D. Until I had the recent blood work done, I totally forgot to keep up with taking more Vitamin D supplements. Thanks again. I spent about an hour in gym today, doing the elyptical and the stationary bike, and I made better food choices today. I think I am going to start weighing myself once a week, instead once a day. Maybe the progress will look better, he,he,!!!!! Have a great evening!!!!! Kathy

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    Kathy,



    I was really low, too! I was taking a multi-vitamin (400 IU) and an additional Calcium + D (another 600 IUs) at the time... My MO added an additional 1000 IUs of D and I'll be getting my levels rechecked in a couple weeks... Will let you know what the number is then... Hopefully it's in the high normal range!



    To all,



    Was a really pretty day here in the NE (not epecially warm but sunny). DH had off from work so we walked outside today! It was really nice! Am thinking of buying a BIA scale... It is a scale that sends a very low electrical pulse up and then gives you a breakdown of % body fat, % muscle, % bone mass, % water in addition to your weight..... My daughter tried one out at her friend's house and was impressed... Impressed enough to split the cost 3 ways... Us, her and my son.... Should be interesting....



    Hope you all had a great weekend!!





  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Dear Seaside, Thank you so much for your response, please let me know how your levels are! the BIA scale sounds neat. I am in need of a new scale. I am headed to Target in a few minutes and I will see if they sell them there. My son and his fiancee would probably love it. Thanks for all your info, and I am drinking water like crazy!!!! Have a great night!!!! Kathy

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    Kathy,



    Some of the scales are more accurate than others so be sure to research before you buy... This is the one I think we are going to get http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Capacity-Recognition-Technology/dp/tags-on-product/B004L6NTHU It seemed to get good reviews... Also, from what I have read, you want D3 and not D2 for your supplement.....

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Thank you Seaside for providing the website. Target did not have the BIA scale. I will definitely check it out. Yes, I am pretty sure my doctor ordered D3, but I will make sure. Thanks again!!!! 

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Good morning, Ladies!!!!!  I am not sure what exercise routine I am doing today, but I finally saw the scale move this morning. Hooray, so I am going to keep on keeping on with walking, drinking lots of water, making better food choices. Thank you, thank you for all your motivation, great advice and inspiration.  I hope you all have a great day, because YOU ARE ALL WORTH IT!!!!! Kathy

  • Jaytee
    Jaytee Member Posts: 1,211
    edited February 2012

    Good morning everyone!

    I've never had my vit D officially  checked but have been taking a 2000 iu soft gel of vit D3 daily for over a year now.   Just recently read that magnesium is helpful  along with the vit D and started taking that too.  I have never taken so many supplements.   I'm trying a glucosimine chondroitin tablet for joint pain  twice a day but  that one is such a big tablet, I've been skipping that second one.   Just recently started with the calcium chews.  I have had some troubles with kidney stones over the years and since they were calcium based, was afraid to take calcium.  But now that I'm on the femara generic---I'm afraid not to---with what it might be doing to my bones.   Thats another reason for me to be drinking lots of water and glad for all the reminders here.  I have cut pop out of my diet, cut down on coffee and tea, hopefully won't have any kidney stone problems.

    Sat was such a nice day here, but I puttered around so much that day, I didnt get my walk in.  Made up for it on Sun and Mon though---walked 3 miles each day at the track.   Yesterday was kind of blustery and I bundled up, hat, scarf, gloves----kept my hat on when I stopped at the grocery after the walk--by the time I got home-----I had the worst case of hat hair ever---I have never seen hair go in so many different directions--ended up tying one of my chemo scarves on for the rest of the day!

    Seems like I have been having a few more cravings lately.  Gave in the last couple of days and have been eating some handfuls of jelly beans.  Darn at this time of year, its just one candy holiday after another, isnt it? 

    I am feeling some stress though----I've got scans coming up on Thurs and then won't see the onc until next week to find out the results.  Some family issues are coming up too.  When I was out walking on Sunday, was thinking about a lot of things.   When I was a kid, I can remember not understanding something and being told----what, do I need to paint you a picture!-------- and you know over the years I have found that yes, sometimes I need a picture.  Well I am walking and thinking and I see (in my mind), stress in the form of a heavy anvil----first I am trying to carry it in my arms out in front of me and that doesnt work---then I am trying to carry it on my back and that really doesnt work-----then I see that it doesnt have wheels on it so I can't even attach a chain to it and drag it around behind me----and then at the last I see that if I put a nice tablecloth over it and cover it with my favorite junk foods----it doesnt make it go away, its still there---OUCH!    That one hit a big nerve!    The anvil was just at one end of the track-----yes, its still there, but I can walk past it, around it, and doing those things make me feel better.   Much better than trying to carry that load by myself.   Hope this makes sense ----I think our good habits that we are developing  are going to be good ways for us to respond to the inevitable stesses we all face in life.   So the word for today is Perseverance!!!!!     Wishing you all a good day.   Hugs!

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Dear Jaytee, Thank you for a very heartfelt, sensitive and positive post. Thank you also for being so comfortable to post it here. Even though we can not talk face to face,(wish we could), I really feel from just reading your post what you are saying and feeling. Walking for me, really clears my brain and just generally makes me feel better. Thank you for sharing with us, you made me feel that I am not alone when the stresses of the world get to me. PERSEVERANCE IS A GREAT WORD AND MOTIVATOR. You have definitely put things in perspective. I also have had kidney stones, and have to keep the calcium and caffeine at a minimum. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers when you are having your scans. We have a very similar diagnosis, so I know what you are going through. It does get easier year after year. I am almost 8 years out now, and you will be a long time survivor as well. You have a great and positive attitude and you are  doing everything possible to keep this beast away. I wish you the best day ever. Thank you again for your lovely post. Kathy

  • Jaytee
    Jaytee Member Posts: 1,211
    edited February 2012

    Thanks Kathy--------it IS so easy in this world to feel so alone sometimes, but we never are----Thanks for the words of encouragement!   I have been feeling lately like I am finally starting to think forward, couldnt say that a while back.  So glad to have you and the others here.  I have a sister named Kathy (with a K) and now I know I have 2!  Smile  Its been raining here this morning, but looks like there is a break in the raindrops---better get out there and take that walk!   

    side note:  when I had to have an MRI before treatment started, spent an hour in that infernal machine with all the vibrations and humming, it loosened a kidney stone.  Started feeling that familiar pain within an hour after leaving the hospital.  It was just a little one and passed easliy the next morning!  MRIs for relieving kidney stones---not recommended!  

    love and blessings, judy

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited February 2012

    Jaytee, I so related to your post! What a beautiful way to put it! I've been feeling stressed lately.  I have, what i hope, is the last surgery in less than a week to finish reconstruction.  Haven't walked since last week, so I'm bummed about that.  My kids are off school this week for February vacation, so that'll make it hard to exercise this week. Hope I at least do something this week.  Perserverance! What an excellent word, I'll have to keep it in mind and try to get on the treadmill after my dh gets home. Kathy thanks for your inspiration!  It is so good to be able to touch base with a survivor and here it does get easier!!  It feels good to check in and feel connected.  It's so hard to explain to family and friends what its like after bc, so its good to have somewhere to go and see I'm not alone. 

    Great Day to you All!  tracy

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited February 2012

    Hi ladies, Ditto on all the the things you have said. We are all or have been in the same boat and it is great to have friends to relate with who understand. You sound like a very special group of women and am glad that I have found you. It gives me strength, motivation and hope. I have been doing the treadmill again, 8 miles in 3 days. I thought I was eatting pretty well too, but the scale is not moving, if anything in the wrong direction. I got my lupron shot last week and if I'm not mistaken the last time I got one it did the same thing for a bit. Anyone familiar with these shots and experienced some weight gain? Maybe I shouldn't go on the scale everyday either, too much fluctuation.

    I do have some good news to share. I had my job interview today and got just what I wanted. Part time with benefits. This will allow me to finish the final touches of my reconstruction & keep up with the MD appointments. I am finally seeing some light and PERSERVERANCE will got me there!!!

    Have a lovely evening!

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    I Dear Jaytee and Blueyez, I know, isn't this thread wonderful? I really coming here and so look forward to reading your posts. You are all an inspiration to me. JUDY, DID YOU PASS THE STONE TODAY, Oh my gosh you are a warrior!!! My last kidney stone was in 2000, they had to go in and remove it surgically, it had engulfed my kidney. I sure hope you never pass one again. You deserve some peace. Blueyez, I remember my onc telling me after my treatment was done, that since I am NED, that it was my job now was to encourage others. He said we are survivors on the day of diagnosis. We will all beat this and live to ripe old ages. On that note, we rode bikes for an hour today, thanks to you all!!! Kathy

  • Jaytee
    Jaytee Member Posts: 1,211
    edited February 2012

    blueyez-----That will be great to have that last surgery done----has it been a long process for you? 

    When my kids were younger, it was more difficult to find time to get out and exercise and do things for myself.  Its so easy to get discouraged and give up------just don't give up. If you miss a few days,----don't sweat it, just jump back in when you can. 

    Have been doing so much thinking about stress.  Back when I was in chemo, I would  talk to some of the other ladies there and it was surprising how many of us had some major stress inducing event in the months preceding our diagnoses.  This could probably be a subject for a whole separate thread.

    Take care and rest up before your surgery-----will be thinking about and praying for you!    judy

  • Jaytee
    Jaytee Member Posts: 1,211
    edited February 2012

    Hi tenaj------congratulations on the job!!!!  As far as weight loss, I think we are definitely at a disadvantage with these meds we have to take. Good job on keeping up on the exercise!  We are going to have a breakthrough on the weight, I just know it.   I am waiting to hear if the ones on Weight Watchers are having some success.  Still thinking about trying that 17 day diet plan.  When I saw my sister last week,  she has definitely lost weight using that plan. 

    kindergarten-----that stone was right before I started chemo in 2010.  Luckily, all of the ones I have had I have been able to pass.  Even the little ones can be pretty painful!   I am so sorry that you had to undergo surgery.  I have read that celery is a good food for preventing stones----yet another reason to keep some cleaned and ready in the fridge! 

    Have a nice evening everyone----and a great day tomorrow!

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited February 2012

    Awesome for you tenaj!!  Love how Perserverance works perfectly for you today!!

    Kathy, I'll have to keep the positive outlook in mind!  Scared to call myself a survivor. I'm afraid I'll tempt fate and cancer will come back, is that crazy?  I never say I'm a survivor, I always say I'm cancer free today and that makes today a great day!! 

    Jaytee, hasn't been too long of a process.  DMX in Sept with te's .  TE's swapped out in December for implants.  This next surgery is to fix my left implant, it slips and the bottom is a little square, and they are doing the nipple reconstruction at the same time.  All that's left after this, if all goes well, is the tattooing.  Can't wait to be done.  Seems like it's been soo long since I've not been waiting for surgery, having surgery or recouping from surgery!! 

    I'll defintely have to get my walk in tomorrow!  You all have definitely got me feeling motivated!

    Thanks for all the well wishes!!  Have a good night!  tracy

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited February 2012

    Blueyez- I'm just a bit behind you on the exchange. When are they doing your revision? My PS said I have to wait 3-4 months to see how everything settles. I'm thinking he will def have to fix things. I'm still undecided on the nipple reconstruction. I'm just tired of researching right now. Very much looking forward to being done & believing I'm a survivor.

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited February 2012

    Tenaj, they are doing my revision this Monday.  There's a problem with the sling on the left side and it's slipping around quite a bit, so he's doing the revision and the nipple recon together to save me from yet another surgery/procedure.  I'll let you know after the surgery next week what I think about  the nipple recon.  I have an excellent PS and he's been awesome. I;m lucky to live outside Boston where we have some great hospitals and top doctor's available.  Hopefully everything goes good. 

    Anyways, got in a walk today.  Not my usual 3 miles, but felt good.  Hope everyone has a great day! tracy

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited February 2012

    Blueyez- I'll be thinking of you on Monday, good luck with everything. My daughter is going to school at Tufts, her boyfriend at MIT. They started this past September and live in Cambridge. Unfortunely due to surgeries, etc..... I only visited once in August. What a beautiful area. We walked all over and had a blast. She really loves it there but misses being close to home.( I miss her so much) I look forward to visiting again soon.

    I did the treadmill today, I'm on a roll.... 4 days in a row. It was a good day on the scale, down 1/2 pound. It's a start :-)

    Everyone enjoy your day!

  • PlantLover
    PlantLover Member Posts: 622
    edited February 2012

    Yo ... Sorry I've been MIA.  If life gets any crazier I swear I'm going to get in my car and drive to Colorado and stay there for awhile.  Okay, no I really won't do that but the fantasy is very appealing sometimes.

    Glad everyone is doing so well.with exercising.  I must hang my head in shame because I haven't been doing a very good job.  I have been working in the yard and eating healthier so that much is good.  My hubby and I started juicing again.  We've got a recipe for a really good juice if anybody wants it.

    Tenaj - congrats on the job!  I have a phone interview on Friday and my "everything" is crossed.

    Blue -  Good luck with the surgery!

    Speaking of stones, my dog has them.  We had to have him operated on about a year and 1/2 ago because he had them then and he actually ended up with a urinary tract obstruction.  He was VERY sick.  It cost over $1000 bucks.  If the diet they had us put him on doesn't make them break up and pass easily we might have to consider surgery again.  I love him so much but oh my, we really don't need this expense right now.  I guess I'll just have to charge it and pay for it a little at the time.

    Sorry, I'm really a Debbie Downer today!  I kept thinking I'd wait to post until I had something good to say but ... oh well, just wanted to say hi to everybody!  

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Hi, PlantLover, It is so good to see you and you are not a Debbie Downer, this is the place to vent and share.You started the most wonderful thread. I think I post too much, I need to get a job. Retirement can be boring, my hubby is getting restless too. But we are going to be grandparents in August, so that should keep us busy. Wow, I have juicing is so good for you, I have a blender, I am going to do it. Thanks!!! I am so sorry to hear about your dog, kidney stones are awful. BLUE, GOOD LUCK ON MONDAY, prayers are coming your way, and TENAJ, you are a wonderful survivor!!!!! Love to all, Kathy

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited February 2012

    Hang in there Plantlover ......good luck with your job interview on Friday. My mom had a daschund that had that surgery, I can't believe how many stones they removed. She was put on a special type of food, science diet specialty I think. I hope the food is working for your pooch. I know the feeling of how much you love them but things can get expensive. Two years ago we tried to get away to NYC for our anniversary and while my daughter was watching him he ate a pair of panty hose & underwear that they had to be surgically removed. $2500 later, they handed us the ziplock bag with the contents. The most amazing part was they weren't even chewed. Really!!! Just thought I'd share a sort of funny/weird story.

  • kburdic
    kburdic Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2012

    Tenja - congrrats on Job ---went to WW tonight down 4 lbs wanted molre but I will take every freaking lb at this point. off to PS in am to see next step .

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited February 2012

    Kburdic that is fantastic news on your success!!!! You should be very proud of yourself, it's inspirational. Good luck at your appointment let us know how it went.

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Wow, kburdic, that is just awesome. 4 lbs is alot!!!!! congratulations. Tenaj, that was an unbelievable story about your dog, I chuckled, but then felt bad for that poor thing. Congrats also on your job!!! Have a great Thursday, everyone!!! Kathy

  • Jaytee
    Jaytee Member Posts: 1,211
    edited February 2012

    Hi everyone!     

    Plantlover---good to see you!   I think I was feeling some sympathetic pain for your puppy while reading about the stones.   After having a few, I really would never wish that pain on anyone, human or animal!  My good wishes on your job interview too.  Has your heel been feeling any better, hope so.

    I think that my shoulder is feeling a bit better--just doing the walking everyday and swinging my arms as I walk is helping.  I have been trying to do some light exercises too, but havent been able to use any weights yet because I have a sore wrist on that side.  I am glad you told me about frozen shoulder---am going to do everything I can to prevent that from happening.

    Kburdic-----------4 lbs is a great start!  It shows you that you can do it!!  Keep up the good work!   I still havent gone out and bought a scale.  My old comfy jeans are getting looser.  The pair that I really want to get back into are still a bit too tight.  I was wearing those before Christmas----can't believe how quickly I let that weight creep up on me.  Well it didnt actually creep up---after I finished chemo, and food started tasting good again, I just wanted to eat whatever I wanted.  It does feel better to be in more control of what I eat.

    tenaj---your poor dog!!  Wonder how he managed to swallow those pieces of clothing----whole!   We had 3 little dogs when I was a kid, and one of them always brought clothes out of my moms room when we weren't home.   She would find her night gowns, tops, etc scattered around the living room.  Didn't try to eat them though-- he did shred her curtains on the french doors once-----they just don't like it when their favorite people leave, do they? 

    I heard from the oncs office today that the medical center where I have my scans had me scheduled for Friday instead of Thurs.    All of my paperwork from my dr office said Thurs.  Just glad they discovered the error so I didnt show up tomorrow at 7:30 am.   Just want to get those tests over with!

    Hi kindergarten and blueyez-------everyone take care----hugs to you all!

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Good morning, Ladies!!! I have been adding weights to my exercise routines, I am feeling the difference!!!!  I decided that I am only going to weigh myself every Friday, doing it everyday was frustrating. Jaytee, hugs to you and I will be thinking about you tomorrow, I just know that you will pass every test with flying colors. Have a great day, everyone!!!!!

  • Jaytee
    Jaytee Member Posts: 1,211
    edited February 2012

    Thanks kindergarten!   You have a wonderful day too!   Its nice here----more unseasonably warm weather----just about to head out to walk.  I actually got the grill out yesterday---in Feb!!

    Congrats on the coming grandchild-----I bet you can hardly wait.  Last weekend I went with my sister to church and her pastors wife let me hold her 3 mo old grandson.  I havent held a baby in so long----but I have got to say, that little guy never took his eyes off his grandma.  Grandmas are special people!!!

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited February 2012

    Good afternoon ladies, hope your day is going well. I had a sono appointment today so I did not work out. I am eating well & drinking lots of water. I did go out for lunch with hubby yest, I thought I picked something healthy, a grilled chicken Caesar salad.....but the scale was up this morning. I guess too much salt with all this water I'm drinking. Kindergarten, I like your idea of weighing in once a week. I can't take this roller coaster . Congratulations on your up coming grand motherhood!!! I so look forward to that. My daughter wants to finish her PhD before she even marries her boyfriend. They have been together for 5 years already, 4-5 more years of school. My son has finally met someone who looks like she might be the one, so I still have a bit of a wait. You'll have to give us all the details. :-) Yes, grandma's are special!!

    Jaytee-I can't believe this weather, 60 degrees today!!! Hope you enjoyed your walk. I did get to play with my dog.

    Enjoy the rest of the day ladies!!

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited February 2012

    It seems i've missed so much in just a couple days.  Things are crazy this with the kids off on February vacation.  Between that and trying to get my hours in at work, I feel like I'm running in circles.

    Awesome news tenaj about the job! Boston is a great area and I definitely can see why your daughter enjoys it here.  It's such a great city to live in.  Everything is so close and so much to do! If your ever back this way, would love to get together for coffe or lunch. 

    Good luck on your scans Jaytee!  Saying prayers everything will be great. 

    Kburdic, awesome job with the 4 lbs.!  Losing weight used to seem so much easier.  Hope all went well with the PS and things are moving along for you. 

    Kathy, definitely a great idea weighing in less.  It can drive a person crazy watching the numbers on the scale.  I'm just so worried if I don't do it everyday I'll gain more weight. Congrats on becoming a Grandmother!  How exciting!!  You must be over the moon.  I know my parents were so thrilled to have grandbabies. Babies bring such joy and happiness.  Blessings to the new little one!!  Do you know boy or girl yet??? 

    Plantlover and Tenaj, love the dog stories!!  I have two dogs and love them so much. Thankfully they've never eaten anything other than food.  My dog Sammy, ate a whole carmel apple cake about two weeks ago that he stole off the counter.   It was sooo funny.  I know he pulled it down off the counter because my other dog, Sophie, is too little to reach the counter, but I think once it was down Sophie ate the whole thing.  When I got home, Sammy showed no guilt, but Sophie went running for her kennel, a sure sign of guilt! lol! 

    I had a terrible night sleep last night, hoping for better tonight. I don't feel overly stressed about my upcoming surgery, but woke up in the middle of the night and my mind was racing everywhere and I couldn't get back to sleep. Can't wait til Monday when it's all over.  Thankfully my Mom got here today and she'll be staying with me for the next two weeks to help take care of everything while I am recouping.

    Anyways, sorry to babble on.  Have a great night ladies!!  tracy

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited February 2012

    Thank you, Jaytee and Tenaj, for your well wishes on Grandmotherhood!!! My youngest son gets married in May, so hopefully they will be next, but they both love their jobs, so it might be awhile. You both are having fantastic weather, great walking weather!!! We did alot walking today. I am hoping to get to the gym in our building tomorrow. I enjoy doing the elyptical and the stationary bike. I hope you all have a great tomorrow. Jaytee, you will be in my thoughts and prayers, tomorrow. Please check in. Kathy

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