MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish
Comments
-
After gaining a few pounds with menopause and treatment, I've been trying to find a diet/eating plan that works for me. We get told eat this, don't eat this, this is good for you, this is bad for you, which is totally frustrating and confusing. I thought this article was very helpful...
0 -
In addition to the linked article that dechi posted above, here is something I had bookmarked:
An extensive list of (mostly unprocessed) individual items. Not necessary to read every last item, but good to have and look up the items that might appear regularly on your table. There are some surprises. I'm still crying about the avocado.
0 -
Dechi, refreshing article, thanks for posting.
0 -
Dechi and Eli-
Thanks for the articles. But Eli- honestly, too much information! Wow, my brain was swimming after just looking up avocados! If this is just one of your sources of cancer-related info that you research, as I suspect, I certainly understand not having the time or inclination to chat on the boards! I am sticking with my mantra of anything in moderation!
Ok, so after swearing off the scale yesterday, I jumped aboard this morning (after peeing like a racehorse all day yesterday) and I lost more than 3 lbs! I know it is all water weight (duh) but the relief is awesome! To gain more than 5 lbs in a short period is not something I am used to, and I admit a little fear of "oh no, here come menopause SEs that everyone talks about!" Anyway, I figure the rest should be flushed away in the next week or so. Since I still have an ocassional period, I'm not fully into menopause and I want to postpone having to deal with those SEs as long as possible! As if I have any control...
0 -
Staynsane, FWIW, I lost 25 pounds during treatment, and in spite of getting my ovaries yanked and going on femara a year ago, I have not put it back on. I do eat carefully, but not insanely so, and I make sure ot get some kind of exercise daily, even if it is just a good long walk.
0 -
Hello and thank you Eli for that food site....does 6 months of chemo mean that you'll be cured, or at least done with chemo? I know once you have it...it never really goes away
.
Welcome starynights!
Had a "glow in the dark" CT scan today, chest, abdominal and pelvic areas, see onco on Wednesday for results....I asked the tech when he came out if bone mets would show up in the scan he said yes.....hmmmm...he didn't have a happy face on when he told me. Weird, in my head I have a picture of cancer cells dumpster diving in my liver...yuck!
On a happier note I have a chemo break next week....yahoo...I now have to use zincofax
Yep, diaper cream on my fun parts (ok, USE to be fun parts)...it's sizzling coming out!!!! Xoxoxox0 -
Jo - Hope you hear only good news on Wed regarding the CT. Don't read anything into how the tech responded. Who knows what he was thinking - maybe he was just having a bad day.
Happy for you that you will get a break from chemo next week - I bet you are looking forward to it. Hopefully it will cool down those hot spots!
0 -
Maryah...sexy and naughty!!! Lol! I should have worn the apron!!! Post a pic soon! Xoxoxo
This week I bought a wig....and a boob, right next door to each other LOL! So for a normal look....no peeking underneath....boob $400. Boob cradle included,, bra for boob $100., nice cami top $75., wig $500. $1075. + 13% tax Course I had to buy extra bra and cami......really I had this look FREE before BC....I have yet to put this gear on alone...she spent 4 hours with me....it's gonna take me 2 bloody hours to step out of the house....haven't done makeup yet!0 -
JoC1951, Can't say that anyone ever posted the prices on this thread before. Knew that the wigs could be quite expensive, but I didn't know the boob/foob pricing, etc. If it makes you feel more you, then all you can say is "priceless." I don't know if those are your real eyebrows in your pic (since don't those disappear right along with the head hair?) but I have to say if you did draw them on, wow, they look so natural.
I truly hope you are given some good news next Weds. on those scan results. I know it will be a long suspenseful weekend. Totally agree with not trying to read anything into the expressions of the tech. Even if he did see something, he didn't have the comparisons from before so your scan could actually be better than previous times. Please come on Weds. and tell us something good!
In answer to what you asked me...CRC is a little different than B/C. Recurrences (local and distant) do tend to show up within a few years, so getting to that 5-year milestone is definitely meaningful. Many that make it that far do remain cancer-free in that it never does return. So, yes, the goal of my chemo is to give me the best chance to achieve that.
----------
Here for you (and anyone else who wants the scoop) are the percentages my MO gave me off Adjuvant Online. After 5 years, in people with similar pathologies and treatment like me, 65% do nothing more and are still alive and 35% are not. With chemo, the same 65% will be alive regardless but, of the 35% unfortunates, an additional 15% will live as a direct result of chemo, and 20% still die. (This is Overall Survival percentages, so keep in mind that within those stats there are a few that are alive at five years, living with disease; but for most the real danger has passed.)
So, my sister-lady-girls, I have said yes to chemo for a 15% questionable benefit. Oh sure, I would like to think I could be lucky enough to wind up in that 65%, but as that is such a well kept secret, it once again comes down to I AM TOO SCARED NOT TO DO THE (CHEMO) TREATMENT. Guess it is just that I like 80% odds a little better than 65% odds and, being the average person that I am, I bet this is the choice most people go for. DOESN'T MEAN I HAVE TO LIKE IT.
My final comment today (not having begun chemo yet) is that I am handling the physical part of cancer o.k., all things considered, but I am having incredible swings back and forth with the MENTAL component required. Because I already suffer from overactive brain, sometimes I feel THISCLOSE to losing it. Then the feeling passes. These tests of "inner strength" can be exhausting.
0 -
If anyone here remembers, I was to have my Onc appointment today & I have been very anxious about my TM's.
Well, ~~good news~~ it was down from the 23.7 last 6-month ck-up to 14.2. That is closer to 12.7 one year ago & not far above my normal <12.
<br />
Everything else is good, too.
I am so relieved, I cried while walking out to my car thanking my Angels above, one of whom is my dear friend, ♥Melissa♥.
Thanks for all your positive comments. You gave me wings...
♥♥0 -
Jo, I too am cheering you on for getting good results on Wednesday! Waiting is so hard sometimes, take good care.
0 -
Oh Val! I'm so happy to hear about your TM's - and I'm sure Mel was there watching over you! That's the same thing mine did, and I hope if it ever happens again I will be much more calm about it because I hate worrying about all that stuff...
Speaking of which... Elimar, those tests of inner strength actually do seem to work like real exercise for me. Next time I get scared, I can handle it better than the last time. You know how I waited weeks and weeks and weeks for the bone scan results? Maybe it's that compartmentalization thing again, the way guys handle emotions. I hope it gets easier for you, whatever your chosen method of coping is.
So glad to hear your odds are so good! I hate the feeling of "I'm scared NOT to do it." That's how I felt about everything that came my way. You're right, I would definitely do it for that 15% - that's a lot.
Jo - hope you get good results on Wednesday! I never pay attention to the tech's reactions anymore and I never listen to my results from anyone except my doctor. Twice I've had physican's assistants get things all wrong and I had to just tune it out until I saw the doctor.
Hopefully, you'll get that boob and wig slapped on in no time before long. Oh, the things we have to do! And of course, the next thing on my mind is, "Men don't have to do this."
0 -
Eli, those odds are similar to my BC odds with and without chemo etc. Like you the mental part was often harder than the physical bit. Thankfully I was in fairly good physical shape at DX, so I tolerated all the stupid treatment better than so many other people do. What really helped me was walking, by myself or with dogs, in pretty places (we have the old Royal Gardens nearby, as well as the Acropolis) and making a conscious effort to think about something other than the cancer.
0 -
Val - happy to hear that those markers have gone down for you. The tears are understandable after holding your breath for so long. Glad the wait is over and results are good.
Eli - 80% over 65%? Yep - I like those odds better for you also. I think the mental aspect often takes over the physical. Our minds tend to bring about thoughts that cause us to call on that inner strength in order to get us back on track. Easier said than done. Just remember that when you do start chemo that it is always "a good day to kill some cancer!"
0 -
Val, That is such a relief. Think I will put up a little happy dance for you. Yes, sometimes we have to be reminded.
Barsco, Thanks for reminding ME that my mantra going thru' radiation can still serve me well for what's coming up.
Welcome, washingtonwoman!
0 -
Jo- I'll bet you never envisioned a shopping spree for expensive items that will give you that feeling of "looking normal!" Yep, our sprees have changed for all of us...Used to be that I bought (or more honestly, my husband bought) a stupidly expensive sexy bra and panties set to set the mood. Now we buy stupidly expensive bras (forget the matching panties) that offer the right kind of construction that pads or supports whatever revised landscape we have up top without pinching, tugging or, God forbid, flattening our look. My how things have changed...
For all you ladies who have had or are about to start chemo treatment, I must admit that hearing from my oncologist that she did not recommend it for me brought me to tears. That was my biggest fear in my BC experience so far! And I know that had chemo been recommended, I would have had it and I would have gotten through it, just like you have. But I have empathy for all of you, because I had truly envisioned my chemo experience, and did not like what I saw. Your strength and compassion for others are amazing!
I think the fear of waiting for test results and mind spinning at the variables is universal. Once a plan is in place, for me anyway, things got so much better. I pray for all that your results give you hope and that you have the strength to keep fighting this awful disease.
0 -
Just checking in to say HI! Good to hear all the positive outcomes.....and yes its the waiting that always seems the worst. I've been enjoying some beach time down in San Felipe and not thinking too much about BC. We return to RC in May and that's when I'll have my overdue
3 month (more like 5) check with my MO.....and see my PS about getting Stage II revisions. Blessings to all!0 -
Yes Eli, this is what's left of my eyebrows, (i had thick ones) pic just taken 20min ago, a tiny bit of lashes left but that will all disappear soon I guess. When I put the wig and boob on to go on a date nite my brows are noticeably patchy so I dab pencil on my brow ends as they are extremely sparse....gone. And now I wear lipstick and blush as well to dimish the chemo look....my nails have gone funky..bumps, soon they'll go to, can't fix that....95% of the time I look exactly like my new posted pic. I near killed myself trying to wear earrings again but they got infected...Inwaited to long so I'll go with clips if the need arises, rings are fitting again, face is swollen yuk!.....Humpty Dumpty lol!
I'm very happy with the boob as summer is coming and I have (had) x-large boobs so with a t shirt I will hopefully blend in, of course with the wig on as well. But we go shopping, restaurants, cosco etc. BALD so it is what it is. Not happy with Hercepton, it's sucking the life out of me...but no estrogen = no food for cancer.....sigh
Staynsane, your right, I just want a part of the old me back, at least I can wear my pre-cancer clothes again....
I'm so happy with your odds Eli, makes it all worthwhile! Xoxoxox0 -
Welcome washingtonwoman - Sorry I missed your entrance earlier. Hope you stick around. It's a fantatic group!
0 -
Thanks for all the YaYs! due to my lower TM's. Keeps me goin'.....
E ~ I like those additional percentage #'s. We'll take every dang little bit we can get, right??!! And thanks for little dance!
My DD#2 has been down from her far north home in the snowy (still) frozen tundra with the Grandkids. We did lunch & shopping after my Onc appt. Friday - fabulous day! While the DD's drove & talked in the front, I sat in the back seat between both kids, that was fun (& I mean that in a 'good' way!). I could lean to either side & whisper little nothings in their ear. I think they think this Grandma is nUtS!! Yes. I. Am. They are headed home tomorrow.
Miss Mackenzie cried....Grandma, too....(I remember, h&s, you telling me your TM's went back down after having gone up & I said a little prayer that would happen for me also.... thanks for the pep talk!)
JoCanuck~ Eyebrows or not, you are a beautiful sister, inside & out!
Chachamom~ Beach time, sounds lovely. I just bought a new pair of Nike flip-flops, I'm halfway there!
barsco ~ staynsane(love that name-we all try to, don't we?) ~ Momine ~ washingtonwoman = Hey, all!
0 -
Hurrah! Hi! Welcome! 80% most definitely better than 65%!
Went to P-town & saw Shovels & Rope perform! Awesome concert. What's the status of the Hob-nobbers? I am up to being able to pick "Love Me Tender", so guess that makes me a hunk of burning love!!
0 -
Way to go Eph! You are rockin it. I haven't gotten very far on my self tutorials. Still just trying to move my fingers up and down the frets. Sure takes fome stretching. Have never heard of Shovels & Rope, but glad you enjoyed the show!
0 -
Most people haven't heard of them. Blue-grassy, rock-a - billy type stuff, husband & wife duo! Awesome performers!
0 -
Have caught up reading. Welcome to new ladies, congrats on good test results to a few others, and hugs Eli as you get ready to fight again. Work is crazy busy, spilling over to nights and weekends. Losing a member of our dept still hurts but they're not going to change that, so we soldier on.
Hope those still waiting for results get good ones, and those going through treatment have as few side effects as possible.
Love and hugs.0 -
Eph - looks like the Hobnobbing Heads is going to consist of a solo guitarist (you!). I have slacked off practicing the drums. I still have my Groupon with the professional lady drummer and I have to use it soon, so I'll get on track again. So we can play in some bar somewhere!
Barsco - I just never could seem to bend my wrist over the fret, but since I found that guitar I like so much I need to get on those self-tutorials, too. Especially while my son is here. He can play some, so maybe he can help me. If I actually did what I said I was going to do, by the end of the year I could play the guitar, piano and drums! Yeah! That's a pretty big IF, though. Focus....focus...
0 -
I'm getting ready to go on a business trip to Omaha. While I was waiting for site files to download, I came across a BC risk questionnaire and decided to answer the questions. The only one I didn't answer truthfully was whether I had BC, the rest were honest responses. According to the questionnaire and based on all other questions, I have a 5.9% Lifetime risk and a 0.9% 5 year risk of getting breast cancer. Good thing I don't gamble...
0 -
maryah930, What with getting cancer (twice) and never even able to win a buck on a Scratchers ticket, I know better than to gamble too.
Lifetime risk (avg.) for all women = 1 in 8. Since WE all got into the unlucky minority, are 7 of our closest friends safe now?
0 -
Im turning 40 next month with 2 small children aged 11 and 9 and just recently met the man of my dreams (9 months ago) life couldnt be more perfect. Finally sharing it with the people I love. Then something felt different pain in my left breast, In january/13 saw my Dr she found a lump, went for an unltrasound and Mammogram Feb 14/13, Dr said it looked benign but sent me for another ultrasound in 6-8 weeks. That was friday and im just waiting on the results. very worrisome and stressing myself out until i hear back. I just talked to my mom the other day and said * I went through hell and back for my kids, now im finally where i wanna be ...happy* why now? UH!! the Irony!
0 -
HumbledBug-
Nothing about BC is predictable and as mentioned previously, not many of us here gamble with the odds, because we all lost at BC roulette. But you may very well have a benign tumor, and waiting for test results is the worst part. You should hear something soon, and when you do, if something still doesn't feel right, take a deep breath and advocate for yourself. If you have questions or concerns, don't allow them to be pushed aside with "you'll be fine. We'll wait and watch some more."
If it turns out that you do have some form of BC, this is a good place to come for comfort, support, and even a bit of humor. You are safe to post any reaction you have here. We've all been in your shoes. And what the mind does while waiting truly was the worst part for me. Take one day or challenge at a time. This experience will not ruin your "happy" life, and if needed, you will find strength you didn't know you had.
0 -
HumbledBug, You know, there are actually more instances of breast lumps being benign than there are of them turning out to be cancer, so don't let your mind "give you cancer" before really knowing. Just a heads up...you just may hear that your doctor wants to do a biopsy. If so, don't freak out. That, in itself, still does not mean you have cancer but it is the only definitive way to really rule cancer out so it may come down to that. You are fortunate to have found a site where there are A LOT of us who know exactly what you are going thru. Waiting on results makes us all so nervous (almost the worst part of the whole deal) but we'll be hoping that you get some good news about yours. Let us know.
0
