Post Chemo Spa & Shape Up

Wow...she was georgeous wasn't she!!! I talked to her on the phone, but I didn't see a picture of her until after she had passed.  So sad I never got to meet her!  Raye, I think she looked a little like you.

Miz 

Thanx Carol, Raye & Blue for your sweet messages.  Breast cancer takes us on a strange journey.  Some of it is positive (like yall!!) but some of it isn't.  Sorry to bring this message to you.  I was very sad about Dawn this week, but I like to think that my sweet Sissy is taking care of her.  Sissy knew *all about* little girls.  She died of CRF right before I was dx'd.  Somehow those two events are inextricably woven in my life.

WHERE IS EVERYBODY?!!!   I think the fact you are all not here is my fault.  I think the sad news about Dawn left us speechless.  I am deleting the photo and story (it is still available in the Inspiration & Prayers section).  This is very, very sad, but sad stories like this make it all the more important for us to be positive about ourselves and put a little balance into life.

So I am going to restate what I said at the beginning of this thread:

I made a promise some time ago when I realized that I would have to go through this, and that was I was going to get myself in the best shape ever as soon as I got out chemo. Now that I realize I am mortal and my time on this planet may be limited, I want to make the best of it..and I plan to live the rest of my life THIN!!!!

Perhaps we have not all met our goals within the past year, recovering from chemo can take a while but we can meet our goals now, to be the best we can be, the healthiest we can be, the fittest, and get back in good shape.

I got a little sidetracked the past two weeks, but I am determined to get back on track and lose those last ten pounds.  I have a wonderful painting workshop to attend on Monhegan Island in September, and I am looking forward to recovering my talents as an artist...and my youthful figure!!!

Anyone want to join me???  Miss ALL yall!!!

Linora 

Dearest Casey...I didn't know what it would take to get you to come out of the woodwork, but I am sure glad you did...you've been missed & worried about.  Your positive presence is definitely needed here, especially in the midst of so many negative events!!!  Ach!!

I am very sorry to hear about how things are going with you husband.  I am sure he loves you deeply..I wonder if something external is happening, because it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong.  But if it is time for you two to split, sobeit...you can deal with it!!!  As much as I love my husband very deeply I wonder now and then about how cool it would be to going out on dates again..falling in & out of love...that could be you...strong lady!!!  Age is no detriment...the older you get the fewer single attractive women there are out there,and you will be pursued--probably more than you'd like.  But let's hope whatever happens, it's for the best.

Puppy tells me she weighs 130 pounds, that since the surgery she has had little appetite.  Her doctors say this is normal for brain surgery.  She's never been heavy...she's gradually picking up her life, working around the house, and sounds very happy every time I talk to her.  She has asked me to tell you she misses and loves you all.  I think right now, every day that she is alive is a gift, after all of the fear and foreboding before surgery...not knowing what the outcome would be.

Well, most of you need to check in.  Wishy...I need you here...I've got ten pounds to give you.  Blue...where are those stats? (you can PM me if you like)...Carol, Tina, Raye, Mary, and Cathy....let's get going!!!

Linora 

WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Puppy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Puppy, you have made my day!

 Mornin Gals & Double Wahoo!!  Casey...we are here for you, and you got the sweetest sister of all right there in your home state!!!

I've been struggled with the calories and have lost two of those ugly pounds of fat that I gained in the last two weeks when I was so upset...I am not writing things down (it drives me crazy!!), I am just avoiding bread and starches, eating all the fruits I want, and having a little drinky twice a week.  Oh yes, and I have discovered Kefir..I just love it.  You can mix in a little fruit, a little Splenda (or maple syrup), vanilla, and what a treat!!!  The dairy makes you lose more fat, and the tryptophans put you to sleep at night...and all those wonderful probiotics are so good for your gut!!!  I am back to normal now. 

Here's my High Protein, Low Carb Easy Diet...

Breakfast:  Choice of 1 or 2 boiled eggs (plain)...& no hunger all morning OR Small Dish of Oatmeal with a teaspoon each of Splenda and Olivio (Yum, comforting) OR a small blowl of cheerios with Kefir

Snacks: Fruits...strawberries, blueberries (lots of antioxidants), ocasional banana, watermelon (you can gorge and not worry), apples when you need to travel, oranges or grapefruit when you are hot and thirsty. And never underestimate the power of celery and snack carrots or other raw vegies.

When you are really can't control the hunger --- 2 squares of 70-85% cocoa chocolate with reduced sugar...this can keep you for hours.

Lunch:  A leafy salad with cottage cheese, leftover chicken or other meat OR two swedish crackers with cheese, tuna salad or meat, or some kind of rich protein concoction.  

Easy Dinner:  Fish, poultry or red meat, barbecued, grilled, cooked however you want with all the spices you want...minimal fats or sauces.  And TWO non-starchy green or yellow vegetables.. fresh spinach, summer squash, beans, peppers, snack carrots (cooked & seasoned with a little olivio & parsley), asparagus, rutabaga, turnip, crunchy leafy SALAD..

I just love Salad...but it has to have fresh dressing, a simple vinagrette is just a few tablespoons oil, a few teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice, half teaspoon salt...you can add pepper, honey, maple syrup too in small amoutns.

Cocktails...YES....twice a week no more! (We go for Mondays and Fridays)...avoid sugar...stick with spirits, sugarless mixers, very light beer. 

Bedtime snack...a half cup of kefir with flavoring of your choice.

Now for those of you snakey ladies who actually have to *GAIN* weight I will publish some of my favorite dessert recipes...comfort foods that will make you as happy as a baby...!!!

Linora 

Casey...can we come for dinner?!!  Sounds luscious!!   I remember growing that wonderful rumply skinned yellow squash when I lived in western Mass.  We have lots of wild strawberries here growing in the yard...one of our favorite activities each summer is picking raspberries at a local farm.  Quarts & quarts & quarts!!

Linora 

(((((SISTERS)))))

(((CASEY)))

You're kidding right?  ONE YEAR?  Holey Moley, I can only hope for that much!  WIth arimidex, I think it slowed down or quit growing.  It's growing veerrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy slower now   In 5 months I have maybe an inch and 1/2 and most of that was the first 2 months, till arimidex kicked in  

Oh, Linora.  Please do more research on that estrogen cream.  Even the topical that is applied on the skin of arm/thigh does make it to the systemic level.  My doc said the most recent studies said not, but my pharmacists was sure the one applied to skin does and almost as sure the one vaginally does. I know that I read one study, that said the estring and vagifem had the smallest amounts being applied, but I can't seem to find out how MUCH goes systemic on any of them.  The pharmacist is doing some research on her end also. She was very concerned when she saw I was arimidex for a pos BC, that I would take it with all the risks.

Yes, the thinning hair is a concern here, b/c I'm already hypothryroid since this BC dx and I know that can happen also   Always something....

Good Luck on getting back on the weight regime. After this bx spot heals, I'll be getting back on the bike too. I miss that so much, and I know that's why I've lost wieght again. The exercise really helps to increase my need for calories, and thus 'making' me eat!  Good things too.

Mac hey?  Let us know how the transition goes.  My sister and bf are a PC/MaC house.  Makes for interesting discussions!

Yes, I saw your recipe.  Unfortunately, dh is diabetic, so we do few desserts

The arimidex is another antihormone.  It's a non-steriodal, for which I am glad.  The estrogen though? IF you are on femara to reduce the estrogen in your body after menopause and having a BC with ER/PR+?  One med to reduce the estrogen and another puts it back in?  That's what I'm in fear of.  Another way to feed another cancer.  Are you on a patch? OR a skin type estrogen, or a vaginal one?  They all get into the blood.  Having a blood test right after, may not have shown how it went 24 hours, or a week later or such.  What type are you on?  Is that an Estrace vaginal cream?  What dose are you on?  That DOES in fact cross into the systemic blood stream. That's the one I am worried about

Bx  spot.  I had an abnormal spot (black, flat and the skin around it is weird), show up on the inside of the labia this last week.  Had never noticed it and had a pap/pelvic in april and another check for vaginal bleeding in june and it wasn't there.  So they did a bx.  It's still open, b/c they don't use stitches in that area, apparently.   So I can't ride my bike yet  

WELL!  I have not been around much lately and just popped in and saw all the new posts, including the PUPPY ones!!!   ((((((((PUP)))))))  Oh, I'm so glad you're back.  Are you feeling much better?  Anywhere near back to your old self?

Casey, I feel your pain over the loss of love.  It is truly hard to believe it because you cannot imagine love turning off in someones' brain.  LIke, how does that happen?  You question what was there before?   It makes you question all of your beliefs and judgements.  So painful.  Hugs to you.

Miz Lin, I love your new avatar.  Are they your kitties?  ..........On the weight loss, I thought I had been going along pretty well but a few days ago I started feeling pudgy again.  I refuse to weigh myself while I am possibly fatter so do not know for sure.    When I feel that I am skinnier, I will weigh in........

I've been practicing my buttons but they are not ready for prime time yet.  You would not believe the technical difficulties there are to be worked out.  For starters, my hands are too hot.  BUT I have been buying more practice clay and going to town ruining it.  It'll all be worth it in the end, I'm sure.  I just LOVE playing with it.  I even sucked a visiting girlfriend into trying it and we were like two, possessed nutcases kneading and cranking and baking in the garage into the wee hours of the morning.  She showed her family her works of art and they thought they were hilarious.  LOL  But, WE were happy as clams for a few hours.  What else matters?

Good Morning gals...so nice to see so many here!!!

Wishy...it's so much fun to actually carry on a conversation....talk to you more later about the estrogen problem.

Puppy Lovey....we are all so happy to see you.  Just in case all yall don't know it, Pups is just fine.  There ain't nothing wrong with her head (except the way it looks right now), she talks great, she thinks great and she IS great!!!  I don't know what I would have done without her a couple weeks ago when we had a terrible tragedy to deal with...  Now Pups, you make several of those cakes & start fattening up.   I may have to post my Tres Leches Cake recipe, and that could have very serious consequences!!!

Tina...so nice to hear from you!!  Yes...let's see some buttons.  It's so cool that you could share your fun with a friend...but you're justa fun kinda person...I can tell!!!!  Too bad you don't live in my neighborhood! I've been painting...nothing terrific that I want to share yet...maybe I'll post some drawings. 

Casey..there is nothing sadder than a broken heart, but remember, love changes, it never really goes away.  He loves you but for some reason life is taking a different path. This is a major event in your life...make use of it, I just have a very strong feeling that  there is something very wonderful that is waiting for you.  In the meantime, lean on us.  I find that the older I get, the more important my women friends are..I enjoy them so much.

Well...I spent most of the weekend firming up vacation plans.  I am so excited.  A whole week on Monhegan Island doing plein air painting with one of the best followed by a week at a lovely isolated inn on the coast of downeast Maine...This may not be everyone's idea of heaven, but it's mine.... 

Linora

Tina...the picture is of the Craignair Inn, on the mainland, but very isolated. We are staying there before and after our trip to Monhegan.  On the island we are staying at a very a rustic place with no electricity in the rooms and shared baths...but there are some much nicer inns on Monhegan. I'm PMing you some links.

The trails on Monhegan Island are the best part.  My husband loves to hike and he takes reasonably good pictures....here are a few from last year...

If you look carefully, you can see me painting in the bottom picture.

Linora

Good Mornin Ladies...

Oh Puppy...it's so nice to see you here...so much!!  You know..we'd love to see you every day!!

Wishy...so glad that spot turned out to be B9...I just love bike riding.  It's my very favorite thing...low impact and you can go for miles & miles and see the countryside and get a fabulous workout.  In fact, I think I'm going to make it a priority tonite when DH comes home.  We live in a "bedroom" surburbia, but an old railroad path was recently paved, and now everyone uses...and it's making us a regular community.

Tina...art is something you get passionate about...it's never easy.  If it were, we'd all be artists effortlessly...so you're getting there.  I wish I had some pictures ready for prime time...oops losing battery....

More later...Miz