Where do I start?
I was diagnosed in 2012 with invasive lobular cancer. Had a lumpectomy and radiation. Started on Femara, then went to Arimdex because the side effects were so bad. Took that for a year until that became unbearable and am now on Examstane. This is bearable but not a lot of fun :-)
I have gained weight-about 45 lbs. in the last 5 years. I need to loose this weight and try to get these aches and pains under control. I have tried low fat diets, juicing, high fat, high protein, you name it and to no avail. I have not had hardly any grains or sugar for 4 months. I lost 8 lbs the first week and have been stuck every since. I have plantar fasciitis so it makes exercising difficult. I feel like a whiner but I really don't know what to do or who to go to. The docs all say-cut the calories, exercise more. I can't cut anymore calories I don't think and exercising results in more pain. I have been working with a functional nutritionist and going by the metabolic diet combined with Wheat Belly. I am so discouraged. I feel guilty. I don't have a recurrence and I'm not sick. But I want to enjoy my life and feel good and I don't.
I live about 3 hours from Atlanta and Charlotte. I am willing to try almost anything that doesn't conflict with my Christian faith.
Thanks
Comments
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Hi Mom,
It sounds like you're doing everything you can. I gained 20 lbs after diagnosis and treatment as well. It was very frustrating ... I know how you feel. The only thing that I can think of is to try swimming for exercise. There should be an indoor pool/gym somewhere near you. I was able to lose about 40 lbs a couple years ago and only accomplished that by restricting calories. I have 5 acres, so I'm busy quite a bit outside, but I don't have an exercise program.
Just wanted you to know you're not alone ... please don't feel guilty. We're here for you!
hugs,
Bren
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Indeed, you are not alone with this! Bren, great idea about swimming! Also, you may be able to try a stationary bike, or even an elliptical machine. If you can get to a gym, get a tour, and talk to them about trying different machines, to see if any would work (even if you don't end up joining, but just exploring!). Also, are you getting any help with the plantar fascia, like physical therapy, or orthotics?
There is also a group on here that does Wed weigh-in, which could be helpful in encouraging you. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/58/topic/...
Thinking of you,
The Mods
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Thanks Bren. I do have an elliptical. I need to dust it off ! I think I'll go get on it now before dinner!
We live out in the country-It would take about 40 minutes for me to get to the gym. I have joined before and every time I do I end up with some kind of injury. My physical therapist is now one of my best friends!!! I go every week or two for a tune up! I also wear Ortho heel shoes-aka Vionics. They have helped some. Some days I have no pain and some days I can hardly walk.
I'll look at the Wednesday weigh in group. Thanks for the suggestion!
Terri
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When I complained to my primary care doc about my weight, she asked me why I didn't walk more. I said because my back and hips hurt. The first thing, she said, is to get your pain under control so you can walk more. Now I'm taking a minor amount of pain killer and I can't tell you how much of a difference it makes.
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Mom-N-Stuff, with your heel condition, is there any water aerobics around as that is low impact but great calorie burning exercise. Another option is floor aerobics working on a padded mat with upper body workout and leg raises, crunches etc, without pushing on your sore foot. Just a suggestion as is minimal outlay for mat to try it.
Best of luck and remember a workout is good for your whole body - heart, circulation, breathing and gets the pleasure endorphins running (sometimes). Best of luck finding something that works for you.
The Mods
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I lost 15lbs on chemo and why? Because I had no taste buds/appetite and wasn't eating. I don't think I was ingesting even 1,000 calories per day while on chemo. Now with appetite back, the weight is starting to creep back on. From this experience, I've come to the sad conclusion that to lose weight there is no magic formula...simply have to EAT LESS.
I don't go on any specific diet, to me that never works. I'm trying what I call "mindful eating". Apart from cutting out sodas (huge amounts of sugar) I don't restrict my diet. I still eat everything I want, just less of everything. I try not to eat unless I truly feel hungry (less snacking) and then stop eating when I'm full. Since I've forced myself to become aware of this, it's amazing how much mindless eating I was doing.
I really find that I am full after eating a lot less than I used to. I realize that I used to keep on eating because the food was on my plate, I didn't want to "waste" it....and it tasted soooo good
. So now portion size is always a salad plate size, not dinner plate size. If I eat fast food, I eat from the children's menu and I really find that it's enough. If I want a cookie, I will eat one, not six. And drink lots and lots of water afterwards. And I try not to use food as recreation (you know, snacking in front of the TV). After a while it becomes a habit and I don't feel deprived at all.
It is VERY hard to eat mindfully but I'm really trying. Adding a daily walk outdoors is next on my list ...even if it's just ten minutes a day. I know that for me, trying to stick to a strict diet, or have a complicated exercise program, is not going to work.
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Mom-n-stuff, I have suffered from plantar fasciitis for years--my daughter calls it "rigor mortis of the feet." Yes that describes it perfectly. Shortly after my dx I knew I had to do something and I live out in the country but we had a bad winter so I bought a mini-trampoline, aka rebounder, and the pain was gone out of my feet within a week. I have never gone this long w/o pain so it was worth it just for that. If you do this, spring for the best rebounder you can afford b/c the Walmart model just don't cut it. I was having a heck of a time knocking weight off too, but stick with it--I've lost 35 lbs now and I think it just takes a while to turn the train around but when it does you'll see a faster weight loss. I bought a bellicon--it's expensive but then I use it more to justify the cost, lol.
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Mom-n-stuff... I hear you! I feel like the medication we take is a blessing and a curse... I also have gained so much weight and can't seem to lose a pound-to make matters worse, my fat is all redistributing into my waist/stomach area - it is so uncomfortable and I am beginning to feel like I have no where to turn.. my feet hurt but I do try to walk, mostly on weekends, as my work day is so long I am too tired then.. I have arthritis in my thumb joint so lifting weights is impossible.. I try to eat lots of fruit and veggies, protein -yes, I do eat snacks and sweets..
This is the fattest I have ever been in my life and I hate it.
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Pipers, I'm very interested in getting a rebounder. How often do you use it? Do you feel it helps with cardio and endurance?
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