2013 Survivors!!!
Comments
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O, O, ChrisRenee - sorry for the rude patient and your situation there. Howz the Family doing? Wow - a Fire Truck and nice homecoming for the little Guy. Prayers and good Karma sent daily to him. Have you noticed my posts about this being my Birthday Month and finishing CHEMO only to move on to RADS in June? At least all of May will be foot-loose and fancy free here and I hope all of the same for you. Happy Gemini Birthday in advance. Very exciting! I'm on day 4 of 3 of the celebration and having tons of fun!. Lots of other gifts here too: my Mom is visiting for 6 weeks and my blessed 17y/o nephew Cory graduates from the Winston School in Dallas on May 30Th. Sports banquets, school play, PROM tonight, Baccalaureate on the 18th. Whoooo Hoo! And I've been shopping till I drop. Do you like BELK in Highland Village? Amazing buys and quite chic threads too.
Hugs and peace y'all! Happy Birthday to all the MAY babies. Have fun - I certainly will be!
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Cmbernardi...... Your thought for the day is beautiful and the flash mob is fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
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Chrisrenee.....I'm so sorry that woman was so nasty!! Karma is a bitch, too and what goes around comes around! Yay.... Your therapy is working and your arm is improving! So glad to hear Alex is home. He must be so happy. Hope his sister is doing well, too. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Happy Saturday everyone!! Have a great weekend!0 -
Hi everyone who checks out the video....you can picture ME there as this is one of the large downtown malls in Toronto where I hang out.
Chrisrenee....wow, what an experience to go through, I'm so sorry.
Fire truck for cutie....love it....so glad he is home with his large and loving family.0 -
Warning....prom is tonight. I will be posting a pic or two! Lol.
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Sisters thank you for your condolences. It means so much! I love you all!
I've been taking calcium and D since having my thyroid out and my MO told me to keep taking it because of chemo and bone loss. She actually upped it from 600 to 1200.
I have a telecon with nutritionist from MSK yesterday to make sure I was doing what I should to help prevent recurrence and she said the most important thing would be to get the weight off because of estrogen in fat cells. So back to weight watchers I go but I think I'll do the meetings. I refuse REFUSE to let cancer get me!
Lets get 'em girls!0 -
KarenZ0305- As a Registered Dietitian, I think that Weight Watchers is the BEST way to approach weight loss unless U want to see someone privately. That said, I have gained 45# on this fu**ing Chemo and starting today my weight loss routine is small frequent meals, a 40-50 gram fat budget and much, mucm more movement including light weight lifting. My Chemo and shots are over as of last week (so put a fork in me - I AM DONE!). I have the month of May off till RADS start in June and I intend to get back down to my ideal body weight of 145# ASAP. I am 5'9" and COULD hold the weight but I am very uncomfortable (no clothes fitting, lead legs, hard to put socks on or tie my shoes, etc., etc., etc.,).
This too shall pass fellow Warrior. I'm just damn gald to be HERE with all of th support of my fellow Sister Warriers. All the Best to you! Do not ever give up!
Carolyn
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I have put on weight with tamoxifen and effexor and bad behaviours ... My MO has been wonderful ... He was talking about smaller and more frequent meals ... It's just a mind set because we are taught to eat 3 meals a day. I am back to weight watchers on Thursday ... I joined a bit ago but stopped but now feel ready ...
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Cmbernardi - I hate to consider Weight Watchers but I may have to. I'm back to 161 and I'm not tall like you. Wish Arimidex made me grow, tall that is. Company coming in a hour! They want to go out to lunch. I knew I should have baked yesterday!
Make it a great day - lovelies, as Ramols would say. I wonder if running kicks will match what I'm wearing today :-). You all make me smile.0 -
Ugh!! Pictures from prom yesterday. Beautiful pics of DD and friends. One of me with family is terrible! Isn't it sad how one photo can bring up such terrible feelings in oneself? I feel like I look like I've aged ten years since November. I've gained back all but three of the 20 lbs. I lost on Nutri-System when all of this shit hit the fan. I just can't get back into it. (The dieting) I have started walking, which is a good thing. I know I'll get there eventually, but I hate feeling this way about myself! Thanks for letting me vent......hopefully the adjustment in my thyroid meds will give me some more energy....
Cmbernardi....congrats on being done with Chemo. Happy Dance!! Hope you're celebrating!0 -
Swgee, keep walking. Not only will it become habit but with spring in the air, it will feel good too. I too feel that I have aged; noticed that when I took some photos of myself recently but I then had to say I better get used to the new me since this is it.
So with that said I am off for my 5 k walk from our house to the Fraser River and back.
Marian0 -
Believe - my new running kicks (which my two-year old helped me pick out) are flourescent yellow/green and don't really match anything, but they sure do make a statement when I add them to an outfit! And paired with my newly cleaned up / trimmed pixie cut - a kinda fun look I'm enjoying.
Sorry some of you are struggling with what you see in pics and the mirror. But I bet if you look for one thing you do like - you'll find something. And that will feel a lot better than focusing on things you don't like. Easier said than done I know - but give it a try and go find your happy! Love and hugs to all!0 -
LET EVERYONE WHO HAS A WIFE/GIRLFRIEND/ DAUGHTER KNOW PLEASE!
PLEASE SHARE..
Bottled water in your car is very dangerous!
On the Ellen show, Sheryl Crow said that this is what caused her
breast cancer. It has been identified as the most common cause
of the high levels of dioxin in breast cancer tissue..
Sheryl Crow’s oncologist told her: women should not drink bottled
water that has been left in a car. The heat reacts with the chemicals
in the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water.
Dioxin is a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue. So please
be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.
Pass this on to all the women in your life. This information is the kind
we need to know that just might save us! Use a stainless steel canteen
or a glass bottle instead of plastic!
This information is also being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center … No plastic containers in microwaves. No plastic water
bottles in freezers. No plastic wrap in microwaves.
Dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to cells in our bodies. Don’t freeze plastic bottles with water
in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently the Wellness
Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain
this health hazard.
He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we
should not be heating food in the microwave using plastic containers…..
This especially applies to foods that contain fat.
He said that the combination of fat, high heat and plastic releases dioxin
into the food.
Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Pyrex or ceramiccontainers
for heating food… You get the same result, but without the dioxin.. So,
such things as TV dinners, instant soups, etc., should be removed from
their containers and heated in something else.
Paper isn’t bad but you don’t know what is in the paper. It’s safer to
use tempered glass, such as Pyrex, etc.
He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants
moved away from the styrene foam containers to paper. The dioxin
problem is one of the reasons….
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Cling film, is just as
dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave.
As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually
melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with
a paper towel instead.
This is an article that should be share to anyone important in your life!0 -
THE ABOVE POST RE: plastic bottles, containers, freesing the, microwaving them has been KNOW FOR A LONG TIME. JUST SWEPT UNDER THE RUG LIKE THE IDIOTS WHO DENY GLOBAL WARMING!!!!
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Thanks for the good advice friends, and thanks for being so inspiring! I love you all! (((Hugs))). Sheila
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Good morning everyone! It has been a while since I have posted, but I have been trying to at least keep up with reading. I have been very busy at work and also at home. It takes so much time to purchase a house. Hopefully all the work will be rewarded soon when we close on the place. The inspection is today and I am praying that they don't find anything majorly wrong.
Believe -I hope you are getting help with your shoulder. I am still doing physical therapy, but my shoulder is getting better slowley.
It is going to be another couple of busy weeks for me. My DD is having a suspicious mole removed and biopsyed from her back Tuesday and I have my first colonoscopy on Wednesday. Then I have my first mammogram since finishing treatment next Tuesday. I keep telling myself everything will be fine, but I am still scared that they will find something with any of the appointments. I will have huge pockets on in case anyone would like to join me.
Juneau - any news on your house yet? Please keep us posted. As I say to my husband about our house, if it is meant to be everything will fall onto place and it will all work out.
I am in pockets for others that need it also. I know I am missing lots of you, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Hugs to everyone!!!!!0 -
Just have to share today is my 24th anniversary with my perfect match DH. It is amazing to think we are really in the minority of people who make it this far. He has been totally supportive for me during this whole process and I feel very fortunate. Looking forward to many many more years together.
Have a great day gals!
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Tigger congratulations! That is amazing after 24 years to still say he's your perfect match! Kidding! Its actually nice to hear that after But not about the amazing part. 24 years and the ups and downs you still say that is wonderful!
Believe - WW is a great plan. In the 14 years I've been doing it on and off it has worked. The undoing has been all on me. Try it. Remember 1-2 pounds a week is the way to go! BTW I met my BFF for breakfast and my waitress was loving my bracelets!
Bernardi - I've heard that too but never about freezing them which I do for DHs lunches during the summer. No more! Think its time to invest in more reusable bottles since all my DD drinks is water and usually takes bottled for lunch.
Everyone else - hugs for a happy day!0 -
Iatigger - congratulations! Life is better shared.
Momof3 - in your pockets for your up coming appts. Know you are not alone! I wont say dont worry but so far so good. i guess the generic treatment we were all given, so far anyway, seems to be working. Thank God! My shoulder is much better, the massage helped a lot. Also doing some easy exercises.
I think this is progress. May 1st was my 1 year anniversary from surgery. I was so busy, didn't even think about it until the 2nd. Yes, life goes on! We closed on our condo but haven't been back to see it yet, soon. You will own your property soon too.
Juneau - any news on your offer?
Karen, good advise about WW. I keep visualizing Jennifer Hudson. I'm glad you are enjoying your Angels. I wear mine everyday, they remind me to smile.
Life is good!
Cmbernardi - thanks for the reminder about plastic. Can't be reminded enough.0 -
In your pockets momof3. Prayers for your DD as well
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Wow! So many posts . . . . can't respond to all, but love you all, and read everything.
Cmbernardi, exactly a year ago I was where you are now. Just done with T/C chemo, and starting rads on May 31. Good for you on the exercise! You must be way younger/stronger than me, because I was wiped out by that chemo. All I could manage was some walking now and then. Took me about 4 months to get enough strength to go back to the gym. Thanks for the warning re plastic and dioxin. I stopped using plastic wrap/containers in the microwave, but did not know about the water bottles. Will warn my kids too. Seems we are slowly killing ourselves on this planet?! Enjoy the rest of your birthday week!
Latigger, congrats on the 24th anniversary! It is something to celebrate indeed. Will be 34 years for me in June. DH certainly lived up to his vow of 'in sickness and in health' last year. Gave me all the assistance and support I needed without complaining once, and went way above and beyond any of my expectations. Must be love . . . poor man will be put to the test again in two weeks' time with my DIEP surgery.
Chrisrenee, shame on that patient for treating you like that! Have experienced this type of behaviour myself working in medical clinics now and then. There is no excuse to act like that ever. Unfortunately this is becoming more and more common, and most clinics here now have a policy of non-tolerance of any abusive language/threatening behaviour. The RCMP is called immediately, the person is escorted out, and charges may be laid.
Weight issues . . . still struggling too, but have made peace with it. Have been fluctuating between 158 - 161 lbs since January, but at least it's not going up, and I'm grateful for that. In the meantime I'm doing strength training 3 x a week, one joga class, and running/walking 3 miles on the alternate days. Coming off Tamoxifen in a few days in preparation for DIEP. Will be off it for 3 weeks - maybe can shed a few lbs? Lol.
As women we always want to look good. It's our nature. Now when I unexpectedly see myself in a mirror, for a moment I don't recognise that person as me. Was used to see long dark hair for 58 years, now it's a supershort snow white pixie, and the hair is certainly thinner than before. Eyebrows/lashes are much thinner too, and will never be the same, it seems. It is what it is; I can't change it. Best we can do is to accept our reality, and to make the best of it. We are our own harshest critics, and most other people do not see us the way we see ourselves. The hair changes, the extra wrinkles, and whatever else have changed, are testimonies to the battle we have fought and are still fighting. So let's wear our 'scars' with pride, and not put ourselves down over it. This bc experience, bad as it was, changed me for the better, and made me realize exactly how precious and how short life is.
Good day to you all!
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Liefie - I always enjoy your words of wisdom. My DH is as caring as yours, God love them. We are truly blessed.
Yes, we have to grow to accept our new normal. Hard not to look at photos and wonder 'Who is that old lady' but I will get over it.0 -
Ladies! Do you look the same as you did at 10, 20, 30 etc? I've heard it said that it takes longer to get the weight off than it did to put it on. Ok there's a challenge. I'm in the weight loss game to win it. Now do we look the same as we did before cancer? Hell to the no! We may have battle wounds but when you look in the mirror try to see a strong beautiful woman who literally just spent the last year fighting for her life! Of course you look a little worse for the wear! My DS BFF is 5 years PFC and looks the same as she did the day I met her. Did she look like this a year after treatment? Nope. But she does now and that is progress! So all you beautiful girls just remember a year ago you thought things were bad and you had a terrible time to go through but you did and look at you now!
Love you all
Karen0 -
Like that, Karen! Way to go!
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I was having a bad day a couple weeks ago and sad when I looked in the mirror, i told my sister "maybe I just need a barrette" 😭 my sister put it in perspective for me... She said "you need to be a little more gentle with the little girl in you who has just been put through the ringer" since then I have looked at it from a new angle and tried to see the good parts and appreciate how far I have learned and grown in the last year and half 😃treat yourself good, you deserve it 😘 have a great week 🙋
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Momof3......with you tomorrow and sending prayers up for your DD
Iatigger.....congrats on your wedding anniversary.
Believe....I'm with you ....we slowly have to come to terms with our new normal.
Chrisrenee....how are things with everybody???...❤0 -
An anxious day. Just had my first mammogram since diagnosis. It was clear. :-)
My surgeon actually said I should try and put 'it' behind me, and get on with my life.
That is so much easier said than done, isn't it? Especially, since I still see the MO for follow up and blood work every 3 mos, for tumor markers, that may--or may not--be accurate. She asked about lingering SE from chemo, and didn't seem surprised when I mentioned brain fog (she actually nodded, and said, yes, chemo brain). Said it will get better, but I am still concerned, when I can't seem to find the right words. Makes me go to a dark place.
But, I had a brain MRI for headaches a few months ago, and was good. So hard to know when to be concerned, and when to assume my symptoms might just be normal aging. I am 64 years old.
Hugs to all who are still in treatment. It really does get better.0 -
Hi to everyone
LvbngGma - great news re: mammogram; mine is coming up in June for the non-surgical side (I had mastectomy). There was an area of calcification on the left one that they had been watching and they felt that 'the appearance was benign'. It will be interesting to see what it looks like now post chemo and tamoxifen.
Momof3 - in those pockets with everyone else
Latigger - congratulations on your 24th wedding anniversary.
I also will not be able to comment on everyone's posts, I do like the talk about being gentle with ourselves re: appearance. We spent a weekend with our oldest son's family in B.C., now I need to catch up on some things around here.0 -
Karen and Marcie.... How true!!! Really, it's been a year of our lives.... Who knows if we would have aged better or worse in that year?? But I'm sure each and every one of us will be glad to have aged!!! I never thought of it that way. In comparison to the alternative, I'll take my grey hairs, crows feet, and extra pounds. And I LOVE MYSELF FOR IT ALL!!!!
Ok, I have my first RO appt tomorrow since finishing rads. No tests booked so far. I do have scar tissue I know but I'm concerned about a "tender" spot under my keyhole incision. Tender is mild. I also see MO Thursday and BS Friday. So, I'm putting on my big girl panties, and my gardening overalls!!!! POCKETS ARE OPEN!!!!!0 -
Luanne jumping in your pocket for your RO appointment today.
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