Hi My Name Is ...

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

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

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!!!! 

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!

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!    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

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!

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

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, 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

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 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.

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!

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!!!

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