Paleo Pals - Health, Weight Loss & Support
Comments
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Egads - I’m still here! Just been busy as I’m still going through treatment so I tune in more to the Nov. radiation thread etc. But I still have this in my favorite topics so I can check on tips etc!
Vampeyes - David Tennant is the BEST Dr. Who! Just had to put that out there. Also we have similar oncotypes (21) and I’m also early 40’s.
Junie - so glad you have your adorable Kirby with you to come to all the appointments and treatment!
Anyways, this is just a brief check in to let you know this newbie is still hovering here. For Thanksgiving I ate plenty of turkey and veggies, and also cooked a gluten-free dairy-free pumpkin pie from scratch and it was yummy!
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Pebbles so glad you are still with us! How many more treatments do you have left? Did you have to do chemo? I did not with the oncotype being 21. That pie looks delicious!
ETA: Stupid computer is having charging issues, shut down before I finished.
Pixi - Dinner looks delicious, what did you coat the chicken with? Did you have a dipping sauce for the sweet potato fries? I had a great one and lost the recipe. (insert eyeroll)
xxx
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Hi vampeyes! I just got done with 20 out of 30 today, so 10 more treatments. I'm doing OK so far, honestly not feeling or seeing any side effects, so I really really hope this holds up. I did hear a lot of women get side effects in the final weeks so I'm prepared for it, but part of me is really hoping I can skate through this too as cleanly as I seem to be doing right now. I am lotioning like crazy! Miaderm is my new best friend. And aloe vera gel.
We have the exact same oncotype!! I also came out with an oncotype of 21 so based on that, I also do not need chemo. It actually showed that for me, the risk of recurrence was EXACTLY THE SAME with tamoxifen alone vs. tamoxifen plus chemo (around 13%) so at that point, the oncologist said he would no longer recommend chemo based on the added toxicity it could introduce to the body. I do need to start tamoxifen after radiation - are you doing any hormone therapy at all? To be honest, I'm more worried about side effects on that than I am on the side effects from radiation. My hope is that with the surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and then added nutrition and lifestyle stuff, I can bring that risk of recurrent down to single digits...
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Pebbles, Ten more girl, you got this! Sending good vibes it keeps going well, a friend did rads with no SEs so it is definitely possible. I am on Tamoxifen and do suffer a few SE's. So far no hot flashes though, so I guess that's a plus! haha. I have been on it since March, the day right after my last radiation treatment I started it. With Rads I only had to do 21 days, 16 treatments with 5 boosters, I got tired maybe partly from the long daily drive and winter weather and then possibly the treatment I was receiving. Like you I am also hoping that everything you listed will help, some days I struggle with the healthy eating, but I just keep trying and to me that's better than stressing. My therapist and I believe that it's likely stress was the cause of my cancer, I stress alot! I actually named my lump after my mil. hahahaha. If I get it again I can name it after my brother and mother!
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Good morning Peeps!!
Whew....yesterday was a cluster*&#*…..pardon the expletive, but it's the only word that paints a true picture of my Tuesday. I'd planned on getting 90% of my Christmas baking done (set as part of the personal challenge). I had all the doughs prepped for cookies and fillings marinating so all I had to do was bake....right? WRONG!!! It rained cats n' dogs so my Cavedude was home. Yup, barely any of the baking was done. Let me stress, my Cavedude is numero uno as far as partners go.....best person I know, love o' my life.....but not when he's under my feet all day. By 4 pm yesterday the dude was lucky to be alive.....or still have a full head of hair
))))))) So I'm one day behind, but still intent on crossing the December 1st deadline, hopefully not as a widow ))))) So on to business....TWO CENT TUESDAY - Arrgggg
Rain days stink, should stay in bed. 'nuff said, the end.
Ksuze – Dang….you are up to your neck in work!! Figures it happens during the Christmas season….always the way. SO TRUE about telling folks their eating something healthy….and their lack of interest. When I serve food the first thing out of my Cavecub's mouth is "Is this PALEO??" Then his face looks like he's about to chomp down on something radioactive. Silly boy doesn't realize anything he's eaten (and most that he's loved) off my table is Paleo
)))) His girlfriend told me recently that the lil bugger adores my cauli mash….wouldn't tell me that would he?? ) So sweet that your lovely Wife will be doling out the marzipan (YUM!), she's a keeper….and yes, as long as you're together….best gift of all. Oh, the spirits in the stocking don't hurt either ))))Vampriella – LOL @ your gif! After yesterday I'm tempted to hang my Cavedude upside down instead of the tree
))) As for you naming your lump after people that you….ummmmm…..don't prefer…..no worries, you won't have a reoccurance, we won't let you! 
))) If you get a rash feel free to name it after me ))))))Pixi(dust) – Oh Yummers!! Love the faux KFC meal….is that chicken under the coating? I was thinking you were a veggie peep….now I'm questioning my memory, 'cause it sure looks like chicken
) I'm kicking myself that I didn't take a pic of my hot dog n' fries….although it wouldn't come close to how good your meal looked!Pebbles(Flintstone) – I'm SO glad you're still with us…not just because of the awesome pie pic you posted (looks delicious!!), or your upbeat personality & drive for healthy eating, but because I think it's so cool that the Paleo thread has a Flinstone in our community
)))))Great to hear you're almost there with the rads. I had very little side effects (25 treatments)…I got a tad nauseous a few hours after zaps, but only lasted until I ate dinner (figures), was tired from the daily slog back n' forth to the center, and skin issues near the end. Not bad at all….walk in the park compared to surgery & chemo. I remember taking the robe off for the very last time….knowing I was done with ALL treatments….you'll hit that soon and man-oh-man you'll be walking on air!!! Keep us posted on how it's going when you can…..oh and please post any more delish food porn you may have….always a good thing!!Ok kids, I'm off to gather the workout post together…..then put on my leg irons attaching me to the oven......Jingle all the way my a……….
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WORKOUT WEDNESDAY!!! – Repeat Program
I'm copying over my August 8 post, yes because I'm busy, but most importantly, planks aren't emphasized enough. I rarely see planks being done at my gym…..sad because they are one of the cornerstones that need included in your regime.
So here we go…. the mighty Plank… Plank benefits are:
- Toned belly, stronger core (HELLO! what cave chick doesn't want that?!?!?!?)
- Flexibility
- Reduced back pain
- Balance & better posture
- Mood enhancement, stress reduction
- Toned belly, stronger core (just thought I'd put that out there again )
Just look at how much muscle is used.....planks are a phenomenal all over strength & muscle builder!!
Before you try a plan remember that PROPER FORM IS EVERYTHING!!!
Not sure how to do a plank? Here's how:
Remember to squeeze your abs and butt hard while doing these!
Plank workout including variations for optimal benefits....………..it's only 3 minutes, don't give me that look!!!
)))))Planks can be done in long or short stints....try holding for 10-15 seconds in the beginning and build from there....exercise isn't a race, go at your own pace (my apologies for the bad rhyme)
Doing 2-3 a day doesn't take up much time and they can be spread out over your day. For such an important exercise I find them to be the easiest to accomplish on a regular basis.
So drop down Cavies and gimme' 3! 2? Oh come on….1?!?!?!
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I prefer doing my planks in short stints seeing as my body usually says that's how it's going to go! I am currently passing on those types of exercises until I get the MRI back... yup still waiting - two weeks tomorrow! Had the lovely VUS yesterday - good news she didn't see the cyst, bad news she asked me if I had Fibroid issues the last time. Thankfully I hear these are nothing to be concerned about so I will not scower the internet looking for someone who's fibroid was actually cancer caused by Tamoxifen. hahaha
Got an Amazon Alexia for free today.... not sure what to do with this thing to be honest, maybe the twins will know! That's what happens when you spend waaaaay to much on grocerices, they thank you with gifts you usually don't want or have no idea how to use.
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Thanks vampeyes and Egads!
No dipping sauce. I’ve never been a saucy girl. 😉
Chicken breaded with Kashi and Ryvita crumbles.
I’m not 100% vegetarian, but becoming more so. We usually have meat two or three meals a week. Special events demand meat on the menu! 😊
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#poweroutHell-ifax #4hoursplus #coldhouse #can’tfinishbaking #Egadsfrustrated #lowcellbattery
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So sorry, Egads. I wish we could restart this week for you - you need a do-over!
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#powerfinallybackon
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LOL Egads that’s the best post ever! Somehow makes me feel better for the days I too do nothing productive. 🤪
22 out of 30 sessions done, only 8 more to go, and skin still fine! Hip hip...
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Hooray!
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Good morning Cave Chicks!!
As you can see from my last post our power has been restored and I'm happy to report that I have some feeling back in my toes! What a day we had yesterday in my cave.....no power and a headache with our bank...the kind that had us on the phone with them 9 times and a visit to our branch that didn't solve the original problem......even though they swore up and down it was fixed. Yup, we're switching banks in the new year. Banks, like insurance companies, are institutions born in hell!!!!! Meh, such is life!
Ok, so on to business....
Vampriella - Such great news that your cyst has disappeared!! Cysts are buggers.....come and go often. Some of my mammos look like swiss cheese
))) Does the Alexia take orders like "get me a vodka!" or "clean the tub!" ))) Waiting and hoping right along with you on the MRI results...we heart you!!!Pixi(dust) - Awwwww come on!! We know you're a saucy gal!!!
))))) Indeed...meat is def called for on special occasions....like lunch....snack....dessert ))))) Sorry, couldn't get the bolding off.....drives me nuts!! JKL - You hit the nail on the head!!!!....I need a do-over, and over and over and....:)))))))) Why is that old shampoo commercial running through my head? (and she told 2 friends, and so on)…..what the heck was the name of that shampoo???
Pebbles(Flintstone) - YAY!!!! You'll be finished before Christmas!! So glad you're not getting skin issues (fingers crossed). Mine didn't show until the last 2-3, but gotta say, it was only like a sunburn. Only 8 more....you're rockin' it !!!!
On to more business.....
TUTUORIAL THURSDAY - Half Baked thoughts!
ETA: yes, it's Friday, but I'm a day or two behind....pardon my tardiness.
Paleo/primal/keto baking belongs in a realm of it's own. It is only loosely based on 'regular' baking.....the wheat kind. Here are a few observations I've made over the past few years....and especially the past few days as my baking is generally confined to the holidays.
1. What your oven produces will NOT, I repeat NOT, be the same as the wheat based. Not the same in texture, taste, preparation. MANY come very close to the 'real thing' but a lack of gluten makes baking and eating a challenge.
2. Because of number 1 your expectations need to change (not lower). Learn to enjoy the richness of almond flour products....hands down so much better than wheat in taste.
3. Paleo dough is fiddly and very hard to work with....at first! Just as you learned to handle wheat based doughs you can do this! Refrigerating your dough is essential.....before and sometimes during prep, to stop it from "falling apart". No gluten means no stretch and little binding of the dough. I pop mine in the freeze for 5 minutes between rolling....makes a huge diff.
4. Don't be afraid to experiment with paleo flour levels.....ALWAYS add a tbsp. of coconut flour to every cup of almond flour....even when the recipe doesn't call for it!! The coconut helps adsorb the excess oil nut flour produces. Pop in a tbsp. of tapioca or arrowroot flour to every cup for extra binding power (unless you're cutting carbs low). Paleo dough is very forgiving and I've found it impossible to 'overwork' the dough. Eggs....don't be afraid to cut back when the recipe calls for 5 eggs....the end result will taste like an omelette. I regularly use half the egg called for and haven't been disappointed. You'll know by the feel if it needs more.....then add egg white, not the yolk. ETA: Oil....same as eggs, when using almond flour cut the called for amount in half (at least). The flour is oily enough! Some recipes (such as cookies) I don't add any extra....well, unless I have a hankerin' for greasy cookies
)))))) You'll know by the dough, if its too crumbly add a little oil at a time...remember, paleo dough is forgiving so adding after combined is just fine.5. Make dough ahead and freeze. Bake product and freeze. Paleo baking is AMAZING for freezing ahead....raw or cooked. Unlike some wheat products, paleo baking doesn't change one iota after defrosting....which is a HUGE bonus. Trust me I've test frozen everything I make, never noticed a difference and as my Cavedude says, I have a palate of a bloodhound
))))))6. BEWARE of online recipes!!!!......read ingredient list and instructions carefully before making. Watch out for the recipes that have 23,453 instructions....generally means it's not worth the effort. Do NOT go by the pictures....in a lot of cases it's not even a pic of a paleo product, but just some glammed up cinnamon roll the person has snagged from another website. AVOID recipies titled "the best" or "holy grail" or "I deserve an academy award for this recipe"......read em' carefully and you just might find it's the same old recipe as the others with a few additions that add more carbs. Whenever I've been suckered in by the title I find what comes out of my oven is anything but 'the best'.
7. Double up batches (see note below)….most recipes will turn out small amounts. If the recipe yields 12, count on it turning out 6.....unless you make smaller items (like mini muffins). Making mini product actually is a good idea, no need to be scarfing down a lot of baked goods....calories do add up very quickly as it does with any diet regime.
8. Don't give up.....with time, patience and practice you WILL be turning out beautiful and tasty products....healthier and much better than what we've spent most our lives eating. Half recipes if cost is a consideration....lets face it, the ingredients aren't cheap....if it's good double up and freeze extras for later....nice to have a pizza crust or goodies ready in a snap.
What say y'all…..any Paleo baking challenges/probs/success stories?
JunieBee - Hope you're doing well and we're thinking of you!! Ksuze hope work is getting lighter!! Inna(godda Davida) Hugs n' Luv darlin!
Later peeps, my oven is calling me! As usual, have a splendiferous day!!!
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Egads - thank you so much for that post. I think that one I need to copy and paste into my recipe documents. Great tips and advice.
I tried a paleo chocolate chip cookie last weekend, they are not bad. My family does not care for them - not enough sugar. Slowly going to have to get them down in sugar consumption.
Tried making my own butter syrup for DS1, he didn't like it. DS2 and I liked it. Back to the recipe box for that one, want to get the chemical stuff out of the house.
Tried making an English muffin, too eggy. With that post I now know to half the egg, maybe that will make a difference!
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Good Morning Peepers!!
Monday, Monday...Vegas, Vegas
So the baking project didn't see me visit Vegas per se…..but from a carb standpoint, well yeah, taste testing has put me waaaaay over the finish line. Squeaky clean until Christmas Eve for this Cave Chick! Who's with me?? Last night we roasted a duck for the first time……awesome, loved it! Plenty leftover for Paleo Chinese duck pancakes with Oyster Sauce tonight, paired with our favorite ginger fried cauliflower rice…..yum! The duck was a test run for Christmas dinner (we're not turkey fans)….though we prefer goose…..still on the lookout. Our 'theme' is a classic English Christmas, so roast beef with the poultry is on the menu….how the heck will I manage proper Yorkshire puddings???? Meh, we'll manage.
Well kids, it's been a gruelling four weeks but I did it! Almost
)) You might remember the personal goal challenge I wrote about in late October….basically a short term self challenge to 'git er done' by December 1st…… I choose to get all my spices in order, be done & wrapped for Xmas, and plan my baking. The spice organization turned into a home reno project, my baking is all done and in the freezer waiting for decoration & the shopping is done, but not wrapped. My new goal is to have it all in place by the end of this week, if not sooner. The upside down Christmas tree is slowly becoming a reality between my Cavedude's amazing handyman skills with me barking out orders )))) pics will follow this week!My hands are a mess…..so much time spent in water recently….time for a mani pedi? Methinks so! Even good ol' collagen can't keep up with the torture I've put them through, although I'm sure my paws would be a lot worse without it. Egad's Test Kitchen never takes the manicure into account……….
Well kids, hows about y'all? Any one fly to Vegas this weekend? Give us the skinny on your trip……or not so skinny
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Celebratory dinner with lovely wife--1/4 c rice, 2/3 of a cupcake. Today I elected to eat a little pizza rather than obsessing about it. Holding steady at ~19# from start in mid-July. Goal is 7# more.
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Paleo chocolate chip cookie? Did someone say Paleo chocolate chip cookie? Share the recipe please! Vampeyes?
Vampeyes - And thank you for the good vibes on radiation - I'm 24 out of 30 sessions done now, and still good! It's helpful to know your friend got through it with no side effects and that it's possible. Hopefully I can be one who does too! I'm pretty wary about starting on tamoxifen, that's next for me... but I feel I have to do it as it's my ticket out of chemo.
Ksusan - Thank you for the completion of my cheer! LOL :-P I may need to do a celebratory dinner with the husband when I'm done with rads... on pizza, I've recently discovered CPK makes gluten-free and dairy-free pizzas that we can put all the meat we want on. So, can still hit that pizza craving.
Egads - thank you for the encouragement! I may be with you for that squeaky clean until Christmas Eve minus one hard-earned post-rads celebratory dinner. The drive is definitely a slog for me too - in good traffic, it's 40 minutes one way, with traffic it's an hour. So it takes a chunk out of your day. But because I get to work from home (normally I'd be driving to work anyways), I have not felt the fatigue thing that everyone talks about. I THINK it's because I get to bring my little pup Domino with me to the hospital. They call her "The Domino Effect" because she has such a positive effect on everyone she encounters when we go in for treatment! Introducing Domino to the paleo group... she gets bites of almost all the paleo recipes we come up with (unless it has chocolate) so she too appreciates this thread LOL.
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Good Morning Cavies!!
Ksuze - Anniversary? Birthday? Enquiring minds (nosy) need to know!!
)) Your trip to Vegas was minimal.....hope you enjoyed every bite!! It's an amazing drop you've had so far (seriously is...well done!!) and we're looking forward to see those 7 lbs fall off.....maybe it'll call for a Paleo pizza party when you do hit the goal......or maybe a keg party? toga party? Woot! ))))Pebbles(Flinstone) - OH TOO COOL, the Cave has another mascot......Domino such a cutie! No wonder....he's eating Paleo....and thank goodness he is, because his name ain't so Paleo
))))) Joking of course, he's a sweetheart! Our lovely Cave Chicks JunieBee & Vamp have gorgeous pups too, so Domino will fit right in! Love the pic! Your drive to rads equals in time what I had to slog through....traffic uggggg.. I was off on sick leave from my job so I could go home after and couch surf......I don't know how you working gals do it!! I think for me, the worst part of rads was paying for parking.....mine totalled well over $500.....ouch! Yay!! I've got someone with me on the squeaky clean until Christmas Eve quest!! That post celebratory rads meal is going to be well deserved, and not count at all.......I've always said that when it comes to treatment, you get a 'get out of jail free' card to play. Along with Vamp's choc chip cookies (which I'm sure she will post) check out the cookie link at the top....tons of recipes!Last but not least let us not leave Domino, Stella (Vamp's pooch) and Kirby (JunieBees pup) out of the loop, here's a link to Paleo dog food recipes...….yes, dogs benefit greatly too...……...
https://blog.paleohacks.com/homemade-dog-food-recipes/
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Okey Dokey….on to business....it's here and this time with picutres!!!..……..
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TWO CENT TUESDAY !! – A Krafty Little Bugger!!
Well, praise the lord and pass the ammunition………now I've seen everything! NEVER, and I mean EVER, could I have imagined that I would read the media announcement that I did over the weekend. Mark Sisson, my beloved Primal guru, has partnered up with……ya' sittin' down?........Kraft Heinz. Yes, THAT Kraft Heinz…..the mac n' cheese/iconic ketchup peeps. They have partnered up to produce Mark's Primal brand of foodstuffs.
After scraping my jaw off the floor, I started to google the story…… IMHO due dilligence is necessary in order to arrive at an informed decision.After looking at media reports as well as Mark's blogged announcement I came to a conclusion, but let me tell ya' it was a lot more fun reading the Primal community's reaction.
As you can imagine Guru Sisson was lambasted on social media and his website. One Debbie Drama Queen wrote "I'm hanging up my Primal Badge, with a broken heart and a devastated life". Seriously??Another made veiled threats. Yoinks!! Most of the party line though was a resounding "well, I guess it's all over & sell-out."
A little background for ya…..Mr. Sisson earned his biology degree from Williams and was pre-med before taking a different track….literally. In the 1970s, Sisson was a record-setting runner for the Portland (Maine) Track Club, and had a top-5 finish in the 1980 US National Marathon Championships as well as earned a qualifying spot for the 1980 US Olympics Trials Sisson served for 15 years as chairman of the International Triathlon Union Anti-Doping Commission. Oh, and if that ain't enough, the dude was a 5 time World Ironman champ. Not a resume to sneeze at. Over the years he parlayed his love of physical exercise and healthy eating into a blog, and became the motivator monster that he is today.
Mark has been attacking both the food industry and government for years….. striving to educate on the evils of our Western diets. …….and therein lies the rub……WHAT IN THE HELL WAS HE THINKING??????? Kraft Heinz???? Dude, even Newman's Own would have been a better choice!!
That said I had to consider the other side of the coin. Mark states that NOTHING will change formula wise with the Primal brand of products…..big promise made *cough*….time will tell on that one.He also sees this as a humungous step toward getting healthy products on the grocery store shelves and into our mouths…..a long time dream of his. He mentioned something about Kraft Heinz's vision for the future….now that one was hard to swallow!! Kraft Heinz has been pushing glucose/sugar/chemical laden products as far back as 1874….all in the name of mighty profit margins. Ever notice that a kid will never turn down a Kraft/Heinz product? No wonder, the products are custom made for mass consumption with those sugar levels. Heinz ketchup is simply a tomato flavored bottle of sugar. Also on the other side of that coin is the fact that Sisson has been blogging and flogging Paleo/Primal for close to 15 years now. Free of charge. He has put blood sweat and tears into his information and always provides scientific backup/studies. He is by no means a fly-by-night operator. Check out other Paleo greats online….ain't one of them providing the FREE & quality info that Sisson does out of the goodness of his passion. I want to believe his words, but common sense tells me the dude is justifying…..everyone has their price…..I only hope he holds up his end of his promise to oversee….and provide healthy shelved items to the masses while he collects his large paychecks.
Am I disappointed?……well, I can't lie. Yes. Am I turning my back on the 'Sisson Way'?....not on your life, no way! Mark Sisson is the reason I'm sitting here typing this 63 pounds lighter than I was post-treatment…..with excellent bloodwork…..able to bench press, pull up, push up, squat & lunge with a minimum of 50 lbs in hand……sitting here feeling better than I did in my mid 20s. I will however be reading Sisson with a weathered eye and as i always do, going by MY instincts and conclusions. (Actually that weathered eye has been out since Sisson started carrying a line of food…..nothing untoward about it until now). I'll be watching closely, and reading those labels when they hit the shelves (won't be buying, not interested, I make my own). I never follow anyone or anything blindly (David Koresh & Jim Jones would have hated me)therefore the second I see Mark breaking that big ol' promise of his, I'll be all over it like a duck on a June bug…..and posting here, there n' everywhere….but I'll still remain Paleo/Primal. It works. It's good.
Food for thought on this opinion……I love to post/coach/motivate here in our Cave community, as well as real life. I also love to experiment in the kitchen. If I blogged my butt off for 15 years andthen managed to produce an all Paleo BBQ sauce that was so good that Kraft Heinz came waving a contract in my face….for 2 HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS (yes you read that right, 200 mil in the Sisson contract)….I'd be a 'sellout' in record time. It doesn't mean I'd let them change the formula….but oh yeah, I'd sign too….wouldn't you? What say y'all?
As usual....have a splendiferous day!!
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Made Keto Shrimp Chowder last night, very tasty. Here is a link to the recipe: https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/keto-shrimp-chow...
Two nights ago I made Keto Green Bean Casserole also very tasty. Here is a link to the recipe: https://www.livingchirpy.com/the-best-easy-low-car...
ETA: Seen your post after I posted Egads. DAME straight I would sell out for that kind of money, but like you I would not allow them to change a single ingredient. Now to get to myself into the test kitchen to find those meals worth 2 mil!
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Goodmorning Ladies,
It is 6:43 a.m. and I am sitting and waiting for my appt. with the orthopedics doctor. I check in at 7:40 a.m.
I am so thankful for my friend who is a nurse and commutes to work at the teaching hospital here, and she picked me up and dropped me off on her way to work.
Anyway, I will know more today as to what will happen regarding my elbow.
Then later today I see Palliative Care. My pillow is going to feel great by the time I get home this evening.
Yesterday I had treatment at the MO's and they accessed my port for the first time. Not bad at all.
I had a great Thanksgiving. Kirby's trainer invited me to go to a friend of hers for dinner. There were approx. 15- 20 people & 8 dogs. Chaotic, but fun. Excellent food too!
I spoke with my sister Sunday before last and she might be able to fly out here so we can finally meet face to to face for the first time the first week of January. So cool if it happens!
Vamps - Is that apple sewn or painted?
Ksuze - I hope your grading & meetings are going well.
Twohobbies - Are you feeling better after your hospital stay?
Okay, I'll say good day to all for now and will let you know what I find out at the ortho.
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Pebbles, I had recently completed 25 rad treatments and can tell you that the worst side effects occurred during the 2 weeks right after the active treatment ended. They said, they were bearable. Lots of cream, corn starch for under the boob area, and I also put pure aloe juice on top of the cream. My neighbor has an aloe plan and supplied me with the leaves. It felt great. Now I am almost back to normal in terms of skin, but my cords came back with a vengeance. Oh, well. Domino is a cutie! What breed is she?
I am a little scared to start Anastrozole, and have permission from my doctor to wait until January, but I think I will start next week every other day. Just to get used to it.
Bought the iRestore helmet to make my hair grow. 12 weeks after chemo I am still mostly bald. I do have the coverage, but my scalp still shines through it. Bummer... I was hoping to go topless for the New Year, but I can’t see it happening.
Made Mediterranean zucchini casserole with turkey ground. If anyone is interested, I’ll post the recipe.
Egads, love your posts! You should be running a blog, girl!
Junie, sending you good wives.
KSusan, happy eating
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Junie hope that appointment went good and you got some answers! Just curious as to why you see palliative care? How are you feeling lately? That will be quite exciting to see your sister in person, I do hope all works out and she is able to come for the visit! The apple sewn eventually, currently it is stuck to the material with Heat and Bond. I haven't had a chance to sit down and work on it.
MRI and Bone Scan show osteoarthritis, tears in my shoulder and tendonitis and I believe bone spurs or islands pressing on some nerves. They are sending me to a specialist for the shoulder, PT for the pain, upped the gabapentin and advised to find a new line of work as this will just continue to get worse if I don't. It's good news and I am happy to know that the pain was not all in my head or just poor posture (which I have been working on diligently).
Pebbles, your girl is absolutely adorable!
Getting a rat for my kid, anyone ever had one as a pet? The lady is trying to talk me into purchasing two, apparently they do better in pairs. I likely should get two, one for each kid.
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InnaB2018 - so good to know, thanks for the heads up. I will continue my lotioning and aloe vera after treatment then! I'm 25 sessions through today, tomorrow I meet with the radiologist just to make sure my skin is OK before the final 5 sessions of boosts.
Domino is a little Pomeranian! We also have a border collie mix named Tucker. And had a little black Pom named Kit Kat as well who crossed the rainbow bridge earlier this year. I posted a pic of all 3 below! This is our "paw family".
JunieB - sending healing vibes your way and how nice that you may meet your sister face to face! Hope that happens! I've read a lot of stories of people who were stage IV and healed themselves fully. ChrisBeatCancer.com references a lot of them and I've seen a lot on these forums too. Please continue to keep us posted. And what a fun Thanksgiving full of people and pups, sounds like my kind of party.
Vampeyes - oh my goodness, I'm glad there's at least an answer and a path for you now with the osteoarthritis and tendonitis. I've found it's the "not knowing" that's the hardest, and once we know and there's a path of action it's so much better. Best of luck on the healing journey! And sorry, no advice on the rat, we only have furry pets...
Egads - I'm envious that you got to go home and relax after rads! Secret - I have the TV on in the background while I work LOL, so still getting some couch surfing in. I can't believe they made you pay for parking when there's treatment... at least where I'm going validates parking for those of us going through radiation, although we have to pay for doctor's visits. Love the link to paleo dog recipes! I didn't even know that existed!
Well for me, today is a milestone as I got done with the 25 full breast and ancillary node radiation treatments, yay! Next up are the final 5 boosts focused on where the tumor was. I did get one blister so I haven't skated through this fully unscathed, but all in all seem to be holding up pretty well considering. We'll see what the radiologist says tomorrow.
Here is our "paw family", Kit Kat (the little black pom) is still a part of us even from across the rainbow bridge. Domino (the white pom) is my little ESA support dog now and Tucker (the border collie mix) is my "wolf protector" (he follows me everywhere at home, even in the middle of the night while the husband is snoring away :-P ).
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Pebbles - Congratulations on reach the first milestone in your RADS journey, it will be over before you know it.
Pebbles those pictures are too cute! My husband will not allow our furry animals in the house, we do sneak them in from time to time though. We live on a farm and he believes they belong outside, *sigh*, it's a battle I can't win. DS2 has gone through so many fish, I told him no more, so now he wants a small critter - hamster, skinny pig, gerbil, etc. I read and heard from people how smart rats are, you can train them like a dog, so that's what he is getting. I found one and she is sooo cute, we get her December 20th, decided we are not doing two as she will get tons of attention from the 3 of us. DH joked that he would now let the cat in! DH thinks he is funny.
Workout Wednesday I have something for you!
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Good morning Peeps!!
What a day yesterday was……had my annual MO appointment…….and lemme' tell ya, the PSTD I go through leading up to this yearly event has been off the scale for the last few weeks. Most days I barely consider my cancer…..one of the perks when you get farther 'out'.Having to go within 10 miles of a medical facility however, gets me all antsy, mentally uncomfy and then an overwhelming feeling of just wanting to run away, hell bent for leather. I pushed through…..kinda sorta had no choice.
Sooooo, I'm being switched to an AI (Femara) starting Jan. 1 and am pleased to report that I was instructed to dump my Tamoxifen until that time. In honour of y'all my Cavedude and myself slowly poured my last month supply into the garbage can while he hummed 'Taps', and while I said 'This is pill purge is dedicated to (insert your screen names). It was a touching moment *tear, sniff*
))))))) Honestly, I can't say Tamoxifen wasn't a big problem for me (after I started strength training that is)…..but dumping the pills into the trash did give me a satisfying 'take that' feeling. Karma struck a few moments later when I realized that medication should never go to landfill, so yeah, I spent the next half our wading through garbage to retrieve the pills. Rest easy knowing I didn't say your screen names while cursing a blue streak the whole time.
))) Should be an interesting ride….I'll keep y'all posted on the trials and tribulations of switching over to a new med.
Okey Dokey, on to business…..
Vampriella – Your chowder is going on my menu soon, looks soooo delish….as well as the green bean dish, they look awesome and worth at least a cool million in my books!!
Got your report texts and will be reviewing….after a quick scan of them I was pleased to see a lot of 'unremarkable' statements….you got this hang in! Rats make great pets and we'll yak about that later….just wanted to say that anyone considering a pet rat makes sure to get females only. Males are highly aggressive!! LOL@ cuss the whole time…..I've learned my best swear words at the gym ))))JunieBee – Hey darling!! When you can please give us an update on your ortho results. So happy to read your Thanksgiving was full of good peeps and good food!Cool indeed if you get to meet your long lost sister. My Cavedude and I are so glad we met his 'unknown brother' in the summer….a little weird at first, but we're bonding as family now….always a good thing! Give the Kirbster a hug from us all! Hugs to you too sweetie! We're always thinking of you!
Pebbles (Flintstone) -The issue of parking fees to constant care patients in Canada has actually come under scrutiny in Canada's parliament…..and is why patients only have to pay ½….yeah…..1/2 cost me $1350 between chemo and rads (my earlier figure was for rads only). If you live more than 100 kms away you can get a small tax write off….yeah ok, 90% are local patients. Don't even get me going on this arrrrrgggg disgustingly unfair!! TV on while you work……now I know why I like you!!
)) WOOT @ your 25 milestone….atta' girl, you're doing great, almost there!Awwwww, LOVE your Paw family….what a bunch of sweeties!! I really need a dog…soon. Rainbow bridge??Are you in NY state?? Btw…love the icon pic….your hubs and yourself are gorgeous!!!Inna (godda davida) – Thank you…..that blog may become a reality soon
I'm sorry you've got the cording back…..will you be returning to the LE specialist?As for your hair, I'm interested in how the helmet works out for you…..have read good things about it. Hang in darling, I was the same as you were and it took a good deal of time for the hair to completely fill in….very much as babies do when they first start sprouting hair. I really hope the Irestore helps it along for you….keep us posted on that, oh an I'm dying to see what it looks like….post a pic if you are ok with that….and your zucchini recipe….sounds delish! ETA: You and I are starting AI meds about the same time.....should be fun comparing notes....we got this!!Well kids, Workout Wednesday will be delayed today. The holiday season has me running around like a headless chicken…..so much to get done today (including coffee with my big mouth friend, keep the bail money set aside
)) Never fear, I WILL be back later with more cuss worthy exercise routines
)))))) Vamp…I heard that!!!!
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Well, we can’t have Ryan Gosling crying
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Pebbles, congrats!
Egads, moving on!
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Pebbles, I am pretty sure I need Domino. Please send. Sooooo cute. I promised my husband my soon-to-be 15 year old cockapoo is our last pet, but I am not sure I can keep that promise.
Egads understand the PTSD. It is real. I also felt a little sting reading the Sisson announcement. If they can truly keep running the company and putting out the product they want, it would be OK, but its Kraft - maker of boxed powdered mac and cheese.
Junie I hope you can visit with your sister.
Vamp that chowder does look good on a cold winter day.
Energy and exercise have been slow to return. I have been pretty good eating wise but I did go to Vegas for Mexican food Saturday. We went out and I ate a half basket of chips and salsa and then shrimp tacos. Yes it was worth it. My weeks of sickness resulted in 4 lbs lost bringing me down to within a pound of my high school weight so one night out did not cause any harm.
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TwoHobbies - LOL, we could all use a daily dose of Domino, or any of our fur-babies! Little Domino is 12 years now and our border collie mix Tucker is either 16 or 17 and still going strong! He's a rescue so we don't know his exact age. As all wives are entitled to do, you can of course change your mind with your husband re: another pet. :-)
Ksusan - thank you!
Vampeyes - that is the cutest rat I've ever seen! And a furry one too! OK, I totally get why you are adopting that little one. Living on a farm sounds idyllic. Our Tucker would love all that space to run around! How many pets do you have? Keep working on the husband, until he stops noticing it's any different when you sneak the animals in LOL.
Egads - wow, that's so surprising on the parking, and I agree, completely unfair when treatment is required and daily! RE: TV yes, I've caught up on episodes of Gilmore Girls (while working, #multitask) which is a surprisingly witty show. I 100% encourage you to get a dog, or two! Or three! Pup pups are the best and honestly very helpful to staying upbeat while going through all this.
Rainbow bridge is what we paw owners call it when our little pups pass on... because they are such sunshines that they came from across the rainbow, so they just cross the rainbow bridge when they leave us and head on to their doggie heaven. Kit Kat crossed the rainbow bridge in March. It took me weeks before I could look at a picture of her and not cry (I raised her since she was a puppy), now I can think of her fondly.
And thank you for the compliment on my husband and me! Although I will have to out myself, that profile pic is the weight I'm trying to get back to. It's just the only picture I have that has my husband and me and all 3 paws (from an engagement photo session 4 years ago) and I wanted a photo with the entire 'paw family' in the profile pic. I am probably 10-15 lbs away from being back at that weight, so trying! I really think the weight gain and all the sugar I was having had something to do with the breast cancer, so really focused on trying to get healthy again (hence why forums like this one you started are AWESOME - or is that PAWSOME)!
All - I started the first of the final five boosts today, I'm in the home stretch! I met with the radiologist who said that my skin is holding up even better than those he has seen who fare really well, so that was nice to hear. I really, really, really hope it stays this good. I'm well aware that side effects could still occur even after treatment is done... trying to stay positive and hopeful!
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