Hi My Name Is ...

Options
1679111291

Comments

  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2012

    Plantlover,

    I will also be your buddy. I have over 80 lbs I need to lose in order to be healthy. I have my BMX with TE on March 27th. I have started to walk 30 minutes 5 days a week here at work during my lunch hour. My problem is I do not eat enough calories and I am trying to fix that.

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

    Hi everyone and welcome to you Tiger!   We have a lot of fun in here encouraging one another to exercise and eat healthy.  Glad to have you join us!  Thats great that you are walking everyday at work.  It just makes you feel good, doesnt it?  And I know its good for our blood pressures and just overall health, especially since you have an upcoming surgery.  Keep up the good work!

    tenaj-----you've got prayers from me---hope that infection clears up quickly and no need to go to the hospital.  Sounds like you caught it early.  Are you able to get some extra rest---hope you can and that it will feel and look better in a short time.

    Kindergarden----can't believe it would be cold in Vegas.  The weather is crazy everywhere this year.  The rain here stopped and I did get to go walk outside.  I was so warm, I had to take my jacket off today--that was a first.  I don't think the temps will last----will probably be chillier by the weekend.  Am glad I got to go to the track.   It is the best place to walk, think, pray and ponder.  Yes, I ponder sometimes.  I have often pondered how those magicians do those magic tricks!!!  I am one of those people who just need to know how its done.  Sorry you didnt get to see Celine, but sounds like you enjoyed David Copperfield.  

    My good news today is I saw my onc.  She said the scans looked good!   There is a small kidney stone showing up that was there last time too, but it doesnt look any different.  The bone scan looked good too.  And then she said that I could have the port taken out!!!  I was not expecting that----that is really a step in the right direction.  Will see the surgeon  on Friday to set up an appt to remove it.  Before my appt today they had me step on the scale.   The last time I was weighed was on Jan 4 in my GP's office and today at the onc's------I was 7 pounds lighter.(and that was with my shoes on, I usually take them off)Smile  The scales in the different dr offices I have to visit never seem to give the same number so that might be off by a pound or two but its moving the way I want it to----down!  

    Hello to Blueyez and JFV and Seaside and everyone else---hope everyone is doing okay.

    Take care and hope everybody will have a good day tomorrow-----judy

  • PlantLover
    PlantLover Member Posts: 622
    edited March 2012

    Goodness ... I have so much catching up to do on this thread.  I'm so sorry I've not been posting.  I have a bunch of stuff to share with you guys and want to respond to many of the things you've posted.

    I just can't do it right now.  I drove four hours, round trip, for an interview today.  It went really well but I'm exhausted. 

    Welcome to the group, Tiger! 

    I'm going to try to get back here soon ... hopefully in the morning.  Until then ...  ((( All of you )))

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

    Dear TENAJ, Did they think you might have cellulitis??? I have had cellulitis twice, but I do have lymph edema. I don' t want you to worry, there is a thread on lymph edema. I hope you feel better and the antibiotics work quickly!!!! Judy, great news with everything. Celebrate!!!!!! I also have had kidney stones and they have passed on their own. Hi, TIGER AND PLANTLOVER!! Have a great tomorrow!!!!!

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

    Good news!  I woke this morning for work and it seems the antibiotics are working already.  It is def lighter in color & not spreading.  I hope when I get home it is even better.  They did not use the term cellulitis but that s what it is.

    Judy, how long did you need to take the antibiotics and how far apart were the episodes? Did the cellulitis start the lymphedema?

    Have a great day ladies! Stay strong & positive!!  I am going to take it easy on the exercise for a couple of days, but am eatting well. Kiss 

  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2012

    Judy, great news on the port!!

    tenaj, good news on the infection not spreading.

    Me, well I did not walk yesterday cause my walking buddy was not here AND I had to catch up on my school work. I was behind two assignments and that is NOT good. So I got all caught up and even got ahead a little. I just seem to have lost my umph for school these days. I have this class and then one more before I get my degree and then I will be done completely. I am due to graduate June 2nd.

    Have a great day everyone and I am sure I will post again later.

    Welcome back plantlover.

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited March 2012

    Tenaj so glad for your good news this morning!  Glad the antibiotics are working and hopefully you'll keep getting better! 

    Kathy, hope your still enjoying Vegas!  Sending all the luck I can muster your way!  Have a great time and enjoy yourself!!

    Jaytee, awesome news about the weight loss!  We need to celebrate every pound!  It's so hard to lose it, you should be proud of yourself :)

    Hello to plantlover and Welcome to Tiger!

    Just a quick note, got to see my PS's handy work and the nipples look great!  Can't believe what a difference it makes.  I was soo happy yesterday when I got to unwrap the bandages!!  I kept thinking everything would feel back to normal once I got the last step of the reconstruction done, and thankfully it does!  I was so worried to be disappointed, but I am thrilled! 

    Keep up all the good work ladies, I can't wait to get back to my walking and exercising, til then I'll be happy checking in with all your success!  Have a great day ladies!!  tracy

  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2012

    Tracy,

    How long after the reconstruction was it before you had the nipple reconstruction? I am glad that you are at the end of the surgical journey part.

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited March 2012

    Gigi, had the initial DMX in Sept.6 and swapped out the tissue expanders Dec. 6.  Just about 3 months after the implants were put in I did the nipple reconstruction.  My PS wanted 3 months at least between each surgery, but this one was a little under 3 months because I was having problems with the left implant. Found out after the surgery that the implant was just sliding around in the pocket, the sling had kind of folded up on itself and wasn't holding the implant in place.  Looks like they caught your bc very early, what kind of surgery or treatment did they recommend for you? 

  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2012

    Tracy,

    Because I am BRCA1 positive and I have mutli-focal, multi something else in both breast, I will be doing a BMX with immediate reconstruction with TEs. I figured this would be a full-year process. Just want the cancer out of me. My mother (bless her soul) passed away from breast cancer 26 years ago. My sister who is 39 (same age my mother was diagnosed) has very dense tissue and the rad & onc told her that if there was cancer there they would not be able to tell. She had blood drawn for her BRCA last Thursday and has an appt with an oncologist on the 19th. They are suggesting a BMX or Tamoxifen for 5 years. She is waiting on a 2nd opinion at the Cancer hospital in Seattle,  WA.

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited March 2012

    Gigi,

      I'll be saying prayers for you and your sister!  You sound like you guys have been through the ringer!  I totally relate to wanting the cancer out of you, I felt the same way.  I think all of us do. 

    I recommend a breast MRI to anyone!  They initially only saw a shadow on my mammo on one breast they were sure was NOT bc, but biopsied anyway to be safe and found DCIS cells. The BS I saw recommended an MRI and that showed many other suspicious spots.  I ended up having a lot of biopsies but they did find a cancerous IDC on my right breast as well as another precancerous spot plus a mix of IDC and DCIS in the first spot they saw on my left breast.   

    I think I've been really lucky so far.  I have had a ton of help and that has really let me be able to concentrate on myself and healing.  Hopefully you have a great support system around you.  Sending hugs and prayers to you and your sister!!   tracy

  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2012

    Tracy,

    Thanks, we both have had a MRI and that is how they found out how spread out mine was. Plus with the BRCA coming back positive didn't help matters. March 27th can't get here fast enough for me.

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

    Dear TENAJ I am so glad that you are feeling better, the very first time I had cellulitis, I did have theIV drip in the hospital,(I waited too long, because I thought it was just a rash), the second time , I caught it right away and took oral antibiotics. Cleared up in week or so , but I totally felt better after a couple of days. BLUEYZE! I am so happy for you, the whole reconstruction process sounds like it went wonderfully for you!!!!!! TIGER64, how fantastic that you are almost done with school!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!! Good morning, Plantlover, SeasideMemories and Jaytee!!!!!!!!! Did I miss anyone???? We did alot of waling in Vegas and ate less than we thought we would ,he,he,!!!!!! Have a great day, friends, Kathy

  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited March 2012

    Gigi, I'll be thinking about you until then.  Keep positive and keep in touch!

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

    Hey everybody------hope everyone is feeling well this morning.  Havent checked in in a couple of days, but have been going for my walks.  3 miles each day----yesterday, I had to take an umbrella with me---Needless to say I was the only one walking there.  I told my onc that the best hour of my day now is when I am out walking.  With the AI I have to take and all the joint pain it causes, it seems like when I am walking I don't notice the aches and pains as much. 

    Have a good weekend everyone!

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

    Hi ladies,

    I'm still here...taking it easy as I wait for this cellultis to clear up. I have an area on my other side now. They both appear lighter in color but if it's not better tommorow I have to call & go to the ER to be admitted. I'm really hoping not!!! This has got me so upset as I felt like I was doing so well, past the exchange and doing really well at exercising. I hope you all are doing well, enjoy your weekend. Keep up the good work!

  • JFV
    JFV Member Posts: 795
    edited March 2012

    HI ladies I am way behind reading posts.  So I'll just wish everyone the best.  This week I managed One one hour walk and thre haf hour walks.  I started arimidex last week and see no major side effects.  But, I am wondering if anyone is on it and has experienced fatigue.  I am really having troube getting out of bed in the morning and may start going to bed really early I am so tired at night.

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

    Hi, JFV, Nice to see you and you did alot of walking. I took aromasin, but I am sure others on here will post soon about arimidex. Have a great day!!!! Kathy

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

    Dear Tenaj, I sure hope that you can avoid the ER, but if you have to, the IV drip will do the trick, thoughts and prayers are coming your way!!!!! You are one strong cookie!!!!!JAYTEE, I know that walking sure does the trick for easing the joint pain from the AI's. I just went off Aromasin, after 61/2  years. I hardly have any pain now, but it does ease up after a few months, so hang in there, HON!!!! I was told also to drink lots of water to flust it out. The aromatose inhibitors are a Catch 22, side effects, but they keep the cancer away, I hope!!!!! So far, so good with me!!! You both have such great attitudes. We just came back from a long hike and walked up a very steep hill. Hope the benefits show tomorrow. Have a great Sunday, friends!!!!

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

    Good Morning Ladies!

    Kindergarten- thanks for your prayers and support. The good news is it is much better.  I see the PS tomorrow so we will see what he says.

    I am on Femera since September and found that the fatigue was only for about 4 weeks.  As far as the joint pain, that is still there, but I think it is getting better. Exercising does help, I can do the treadmill for an hour without pain.  My pain is after sitting for a while and then getting up, I def can't get up off the floor that easy anymore. I did start supplements and I think they are helping. I will put up with it as to keep the cancer away!!

    Good news!! The scale is moving!!!!Just a bit but is going in the right direction, 2 lbs so far.

    Keep up the good work ladies! Have a great day Smile

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited March 2012
    Hey, Tenja, I am doing the happy dance for you, infection clearing up and weight loss. That is so fantastic!!!!!!  Keep up the great work. Have a wonderful day, everyone. I am hoping to do a bike ride today!!!! Costco, first. Wink
  • blueyez
    blueyez Member Posts: 90
    edited March 2012

    Tenaj, so glad to hear everything is going well for you!  Sorry about the cellulitis, hopefully everything is clearing up.  Good luck with the PS tomorrow!  You are doing awesome!  Dealing with a set back and still able to lose some weight, incredible!  I know when I'm stressed it's straight to the sweets!

    JFV, Jaytee and Kathy, great job on the working out!  Can't wait to get the go ahead from my PS to resume my work outs.  I  see him tomorrow, but don't think he's going to give me the go ahead yet, we shall see.

    Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but my Mom has been here helping me after my surgery last week and she hogs my computer.  She has been such a huge help, I don't dare ask her to get off.   She left today to head back to Florida, so I am on my own again.  Sad to see her go, but kind of good to get out of patient mode.

    Anyways,  hope everyone has had a good Monday!  tracy

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

    Blueyez good to hear from you.....I was thinking of you and wondering how you were feeling. Let us know how it goes at the appt tomorrow. How nice you have your mom to help. I miss my mom so much, she passed away 2 years ago. She lived around the corner, it was so special to have my parents around when raising my children. Nothing like grandparents!!! Kathy your time is coming :-)!!!!!! Make sure you don't over do now that your mom went home.

    Have a great evening everyone.

    ((((hugs))))) Janet

  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    Hello, Ladies - what a great thread this is!

    The only diet that ever worked for me was Jenny Craig, and that was 20 years ago. I lost 45 pounds and kept it off for three years. Then life happened.

    Now I am 40- 50 pounds overweight, and after my BMX/recon in December, I had some hard choices to make. I knew I had to "get healthy" "lose weight" "get fit" etc, but the sad truth is that I have no will power whatsoever.

    But things have changed. I need to lose this weight fairly quickly for two reasons:

    1) I need to give my PS the best body I can so he can put in the correct size implants for my frame in a few months. Right now I have in Amazon-sized TEs. If he puts in the same size implants, and I lose weight later, I will look like Dolly Parton, which is SO not o.k. He is also going to have to do some nipping and tucking on my armpits and side-boobs when he's in there.

    and

    2) My breast cancer is estrogen-positive. Even though I am waaaay past menopause, estrogen is still produced in body fat - especially belly fat, of which I have plenty.

    For this reason, I will be joining the Optifast Program run by Kaiser in a week and a half. It consists of 16 weeks of meal replacements (shakes, bars, soups) followed by a Transition phase where regular food is introduced, then a year of meetings, medical checkups, and counseling.

    Every week there is a weigh-in and an exam with the nurse, and every few weeks there is additional labwork, EGKs, and physician's exams.

    I talked to my PS who said I was healthy enough for the program. I met with the supervising Weight Management physician who said to check with my Oncologist. I met with the MO, who was THRILLED that I was doing this. Her exact words were "Forget the drugs (Arimidex) for now. The very best thing that you can do for both your overall health, AND your breast cancer, is to drop this weight, NOW."

    I won't be able to have my exchange surgery until three weeks into transition. but that's o.k.

    I want to use those 16 weeks of meal replacements as sort of a "food detox" as I am a horrible carbohydrate addict, and I want to get off the "whites"....white sugar, white flour, etc. Then when Transition starts, I want to eat more of an Anti-Cancer diet.

    DH and I have already started. He doesn't eat red meat because of his kidney disease. We bought a VitaMix blender and have been making whole food veggie and fruit smoothies. For dinners lately, we've been having soups, and I've been practicing trying to drink my mandatory GALLON of water a day.

    I was fortunate. I didn't need chemo or rads, so I am looking at the next four months of food restriction as just another part of my breast cancer treatment.....one that I can control.

    You've all provided such good motivation.....I hope to check in here frequently, as I count off the days of my program, and try to incorporate exercise into each day.

    Thank you, PlantLover, for starting this!

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

    Blessings2011 welcome! It sound like you have a great plan and support at home and here. I look forward to hearing about your success!! Great news on no chemo & rads! I had my exchange about 6 weeks ago and let me tell you that you will love them, soooooo much more comfortable. Have a great evening.

  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited March 2012

    I'm late to this thread. Thanks for starting it PlantLover. I was working on losing weight when I was diagnosed with BC in August. I mostly hovered around the same weight through my surgeries and such, but given that I had a DIEP, I SHOULD have been down. I wasn't. I didn't watch what I ate during the DIEP recovery - many dinners were provided to us.

    Almost 5 weeks ago I decided that I was well enough to start back on Weight Watchers. My biggest trouble has been with exercise. But DS is at soccer practice for 1.5 hours 2-3 times a week so I've been walking for part of the practice time. I suspect it's made the difference this time around. I notice that this week I'm not following as well as I should, but I know I can get back to it, I just have to focus again. This is also my PMS week, so that it probably some of it too.

    Before BC I had lost over 35 pounds. I now have 25-30 more to go. I'm hoping to take care of a lot of it before my Stage 2 surgery which I'll do this summer.

    One of the things that I struggle with is that I've always seen myself as somewhat big boned and after having a bone density scan, my bones are DENSE (some up to 124% average for my age). So I have a difficult time figuring out what my target weight should be. If I just look at my BMI, they say I should weight less than I'm comfortable weighing. Anyone else worked through this and have any suggestions?

    Thanks!!

    -Judy

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

    Hi, Ladies!!!!!! Welcome Blessings20 and Cookie Monster. This is such a great thread!! Blueyez, I am sure you enjoyed having your mom with you and you will do the same some day. I hope you feel better each day!!!! Blessings, I have heard great things about the Optifast program, keep us posted!!! Cookie Monster, Weight Watchers is great, too. Don't worry, the exercise will come!!!! You are off to a great start with walking!!! Since we've moved to CA, we love to ride bikes, but walking is my favorite exercise. This thread has inspired me so much!! We will all help each other!!! The ladies here are just fabulous!!!! We did an hour bike ride today!!!!!!

  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited March 2012
    Good morning, wow, between this wonderful thread and another exercise thread that I am on, I am finally seeing the progress that I have been shooting for!!!! Plantlover,thank you again for starting this thread!!!!!!  I am going to a movie with some girlfriends today, but we are walking there and no popcorn for me. I am bringing a glucerna bar with me. I am finding that cutting out bread and exercising every day is the trick for me. I am so carb sensitive. I am not totally cutting out bread, but only having it every other day and only one slice of either whole grain or oat.  Just more vegetables and fruit and less red meat. I also am giving up the sugar. Lent has helped with that, and I am finding that after almost 2 weeks, I really don't miss it. Love being with all you gals!!! And the most important thing for my family is, my mood has been so much better!!! One more thing, most of you are still early in your journey, and I so admire you all on how you are doing everything to stay healthy. I was so lazy during my journey. It is because of these threads and my wonderful family and hubby that I am finally doing what I should have been doing all along.  Thank you, thank you!!!!!!
  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 1,052
    edited March 2012

    Kindergarten: You sound like you are doing great!!! Great job!! Your an inspiration, You are enjoying every day and living so well. You sound like your having so much fun. :-) What movie did you see?

    I saw the PS today & my cellulitis is gone, he wants me to finish the antibiotics and keep my appointment for next Thursday. I haven't exercised for 5 days because I didnt want the infection to get worse but looks like I got the GO to get back onto the treadmill. The 2 lbs stayed off so now on to the next 2!!!

    Welcome CookieMonster. You've come to the right place for inspiration.

    Hi Jaytee, JFV, Blueyez, & Blessings ! Hi also to Plantlover & thanks for starting this thread. Hope all is well, we haven't heard from you.

    Have a lovely evening Ladies

    Janet

  • ATeamNana
    ATeamNana Member Posts: 464
    edited March 2012

    Hi my name is Marsha. I need to lose at LEAST 25 pounds. I have been trying to get motivated. This thread may be just what I need.

Categories