Web Notes

I got the 6:00 a.m. train in to central Tokyo this morning to avoid
the crowds of business commuters. Arriving at a little after 7:00, I
had time to take a long walk in the neighborhood before my 8:30
appointment. I was called in at exactly 8:30 and spent about 20
minutes with my oncologist before going to the chemo room to have
them mix my IVs and set me up for the rest of the morning.
As expected, the CT scan I had last week showed that all the tumors
in my lungs are much smaller. My doctor asked all sorts of questions
to determine if I've been experiencing any neuropathy, did a manual
and visual exam to make sure I don't have any lumps or swelling where
I shouldn't and carefully inspecting my fingernails (which aren't
particularly more brittle than usual) and finally we spoke of future
plans. Other than a few creepy crawly feelings across the top of my
feet once in a while, which could be short hairs landing after a
gentle descent from my still thinning breeze-catching coiffure and
blowing away before I actually see them or could be the beginning of
temporary nerve damage, I haven't noticed any nerve troubles so far.
No palpable or visual troubles were found. Next week is Herceptin
only and then the following three weeks will be more Herceptin and
Taxol, another Herceptin-only week and then three more Herceptin-
Taxol weeks before returning to the weekly Herceptin maintenance
regime. He asked about my summer plans to see if any rearranging in
the treatment plan might be needed and also let me know that he'll be
away on the 23rd of August but that another competent oncologist
would look at my pre-IV blood work and authorize the treatment for me.
I slept through the entire I.V. and had to splash my face with a
little water to perk myself up for the train rides home. I was back
before 3:00

San,
It's good to see you taking care of yourself. You have been so
dedicated to all your other family members, that you forgot about
you. Now I see your attitude changing. You have begun to realise
that you are important and your life is just waiting for you to get
started. You are looking for a home where you can feel like a real
person. You are writing your book and checking out higher education
courses, you are starting to exercise. It's so good to read about
the changes you have made or are beginning to make. Don't give up!!!
Thank you for your kind words.
Lizanne

Edie,
Maybe just a head-hunger-whammy. Maybe an incantation that whenever
we feel that imaginary hunger creaping into our heads, we could say a
specific incantation and it will go away. I could use a suggestion
from others what I could use. (Like hunger, hunger go away, come
again another day...except that I don't want it to return.)
Lizanne

Dear Audrey, I think the new chemo you will be getting is
adriamyicin. That is the first chemo I had when I started. I had 4
treatments of it. It isn't too bad on you but it did make me
nauseated but they gave me medication for that. Good luck with the
results of the ct scan of your brain. It is so nice to hear that
your son has accepted Jesus and good luck with your daughter to do
so. Keep on fighting, thinking positive, praying, hanging in there
and hopefully we will all be here for a long time yet for our kids
and anyone else that needs us. Take care hon, God Bless, Love,
Sharon

Hey Penny and Lizanne,
My face and chin has more sags than a pair of stretched out pantyhose. There
is alot of things that are sagging that we won't even mention...........but who
cares atleast we are getting thinner and healthier!
Jenn

After losing 100 pounds, my face and extremities are faring very
well, and my neck just has a tiny bit of sag, BUT... everywhere else
is a mess! Tummy, arms, breasts...
My PCP gave me a prescription for a cream (antibacterial, I think)
that seems to be working really well on the rashes I have recently
started getting where the skin overlaps. (I'm still hoping for a TT
to go along with my "alien" removal (otherwise known as hernia
repair), though...)
Lora

Kathy thats great news that the tumors are smaller. I will continue to keep you
in my prayers.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
Anxiety Depression and Breast Cancer

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Happy Birthday !!! I love birthday's, I wish you a great birthday and a
year full of good health, happiness, and new discoveries of the new you :o).
Edie
11/15/07
lap rny
302/292/254/150's
hw/sw/cw/goal

LOL, Jennifer, I am sure that this group has mentioned ALL the saggy baggy
places!!!!! Though I have to say that I am really bummed at the sags that have
shown up in the last week around my eyes. The skin is so loose and crinkly
looking. I have used all of the face creams that I can afford and nothing seems
to work. I am pretty sure that I am going to have to look into Botox soon.
Yeah, it is true, we primarily did this for health but I will be the first to
admit the vanity edge is becoming more prominent to me now....health is not the
issue anymore. :( I WANT TO BE BEAUTIFUL AND I AM SAGGY INSTEAD!!! WHAAAA.
Lisa A
Jennifer Moody <j.lynnmoody@...
Hey Penny and Lizanne,
My face and chin has more sags than a pair of stretched out pantyhose. There is
alot of things that are sagging that we won't even mention...........but who
cares atleast we are getting thinner and healthier!
Jenn

She's 15 and a 1/2, and I have been in touch with both the police and her
probation officer. I found her actually and brought her home, but she took off
again several days ago, she was home all of one night. I've been out looking
for her everynight and going around with her picture. It paid off again, last
night I got a call from a manager at motel 6, it seems she's hanging out there,
and was part of a crew that stole a tv from the motel. I called the police and
they went several times trying to find her, when I flagged down an officer
wondering what was going on she had told me my daughter is going around saying I
threw her out, wich I didn't. I didn't even go off on her when I picked her upI
told her she was grounded and that I was going to take away some of the things I
had given her. She is by far the most pampered one in the house, and I told her
it's not right that she has so much and yet constantly runs off and gets into
trouble. I'm just completely done with her. The
probation officer on my request let her have another chance after she came
home, and she was told if she did this again she would be picked up and placed
permanetly. I'm just completly dumbfounded by her. It hurts when she knows
what I'm going through and she does this. And she's given everything I can give
her and it's never good enough! Anywho thanks guys for your support!
Love,
Audrey
Charles & Marianne Svihlik <moochie1@...
Audrey I am so sorry to hear this. How old is she? Can you call the police and
tell them what is going on. You are both in my prayers.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html
also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:
http://www.cancerclub.com

Edie,
(Sorry debby)
We have talked in this group about rewarding ourselves by methods
other than food. I think you have a great idea. Set some goals and
then reward yourself for reaching them. Gives you something to look
forward to. I would love a massage, but my finances wouldn't. I
have yet to figure out a reward that I would really like, that
doesn't cost very much. I am a single person home owner who hasn't
had a raise in years. I'll either get a new job soon, or end up with
no rewards for my efforts.
Lizanne
Maryland
251/180/125

Dawn,
I bet he never smokes again. Something like what he is going through
at his age has probably really scared him. Especially since he was
only smoking once and a while when stressed. I doubt you have to
worry about him smoking. Just my opinion.
Lizanne

Lizanne:
Early last year I signed up for eHarmony, I met someone very soon afterwards
We connected on so many points even before we met. A few month ago his
company sent him to Ghana, Africa. Today he called and said he was coming
home, and then he asked me to marry him. They do work out so don't give up
on the idea.

Susan G.
Vacaville, CA

Lizanne,
Have you had any blood work drawn checking your vit levels. My Dr. does not
do them until your 6 mo post op visit. Reading all the posts on this
subject it seems just like our post op diet, each area of the country has
different vitamin regimens. I use Bariatric Advantage vit's, I take 2
multi's and 2 iron's a day one in the AM & PM, also in the AM I take
Coromega (omega-3 and fish oil), d3, and calcium. At lunch I do a B50
complex and B12 sublingual. I hope when I get my labs done in May, all will
be good.
Edie

((((((((((((Ally)))))))))))))))) you have done nothing wrong. . you have so
much on your plate. . who ever emailed you privately didnt give this group a
chance before getting all upset. . but dont think you did anything to cause it.
. You are a beautiful, sweet lady and w/ everything you have going on now. . i
think you have been more than nice ..... remember my temper tantrums ???? i
wasnt a nice person LOL I think your handleing things fine and dont want you to
worry about at thing. . we all love you..
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW172**GW125-130

welcome to this group.i am stageiv with mets to my lung. as i know there must be
no infection for cintinuning your medication.chemo makes our immune system
down.at the moment i have sinobronchitis that has lasted for two months.they are
waiting to see when i am going to be better.so,zitromox is the only antibiothic
that has affected,and i am getting better.it is about two weeks that i don,t go
to work and resting.my mom is going around me like a buterfly.so good nutrition
plus a choice antibiotic and good care will help you to go to the essetial way.
love parvin

Lora,
I'm so sorry this has flared up again. How are you doing this
morning? Did you find any way to relieve the pain during the night?
Jill
lap RNY 12-03-07
-20.9 lbs.

hi, i am on vancomiacin and cipro which have different dietary rules, but i am
hopeful it will be taken care of soon. the biggest drawback is that my surgery
was under my left armpit which is an uncomfortable and hard to heal area, but i
love my surgeon and i have a new infectious disease doctor. i had zitromax for
pnemonia last year and it worked great. i know this might sound dumb, but
crancherry juice is good for congestion. i need serious advice on cancer diet
and nutrition if you have any advice on that score. Thanks, DEB welcome
to this group.i am stageiv with mets to my lung. as i know there must be no
infection for cintinuning your medication.chemo makes our immune system down.at
the moment i have sinobronchitis that has lasted for two months.they are waiting
to see when i am going to be better.so,zitromox is the only antibiothic that has
affected,and i am getting better.it is about two weeks that i don,t go to work
and resting.my mom is going around me
like a buterfly.so good nutrition plus a choice antibiotic and good care will
help you to go to the essetial way. love parvin

Judy,
What are you waiting for now? I know I should know this but it's
just too much to keep in my head. Are you waiting to lose the weight
required....or for a date....or for some follow up visits.....or is
it that you just have some other pre-surgery routine stuff to
complete? Keep us informed, okay?
I know you are scared. Most of us were scared. Especially just
before the surgery. Almost everyone posts of being scared and
excited. You will be just fine because of all the things you have
learned. You'll know what to watch for and you'll know that anything
you need help with will be just a few keystrokes away.
Lizanne

Hi Rebekah!
I was at GNC yesterday and saw them there as well. I use Papaya
Enzymes only when the food just sits in my throat and won't digest
after 2 or 3 hours. You know that feeling? I want to be able to start
drinking my fluids at that point but I can't because I know if I try,
I'll throw it up. That's when I use the Papaya - and then I wait about
1/2 hour to see if it works. It helps that I love the papaya taste as
well! *L*
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/179/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

Well, yesterday the port-cath was inserted. It was the
easiest surgery I've ever had. I usually don't sleep
thru proceedures where I just get sedation, but
somehow I slept thru this one. I woke up feeling fine.
This morning I did wake up with some moderate pain and
stiffness but I expect that and vicodin takes care of
it. I'll just rest up, and pamper myself for a day.
Tomorrow I'll take off the bandages and see what's
under there!
On the 3rd (Friday) it's my first chemo and first try
with the port. I'm ready with my Elma cream. My
youngest daughter insists on coming with me for this
first one. That's great with me. Being around my
youngest daughter, Syeda, is like being with an angel.
It's also reassuring knowning I don't have to worry
about driving.
That's it folks for now.
Love to you all, Loraine
Loraine
= = = = = = = = = = =
Read "Internment Camps of Bangladesh," by Loraine Mirza
Published by Crescent International Newspapers, Inc.
P O Box 747, Gromley Ontario, Canada L0H 1G0 2W2
"The story of a long-suffering people told with compassion and sensitivity. All
who care for justice must read this book. Loraine Mirza, an American Muslim
print and broadcast journalist, has written this remarkable account of the
'Stranded Pakistanis,' trapped in internment camps in Bangladesh since 1972."
(Zafar Bangash, Director of Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought.)
For more information:
e-mail: haq_for_u@...
info@...
crescent@...
crescent.uk@...
Visit web sites: www.statelesspeopleinbangladesh.net
www.strandedpakistanis.com
www.OBATHelpers.org
www.muslimedia.com
www.ihrc.org

Dawn,
I was in bed by 7:30 last night, but turned the lights out at 9PM.
My daughter, who is 22, has the flu. She wanted to sleep with me
last night. Since she was miserable....achy, cranky, cold, hot,
coughing, etc...I didn't sleep too well. Then her boss told her that
she could not take today off because there weren't going to be enough
people in the office. She is running a fever this morning of 102.4.
I had her call the other partner, and he said she was not to come to
work, they would figure something out.
I love the water aerobics. It is only 2 nights a week and lately
they have been on a night I either had to go to this study, pick up
my daughter at the airport, or some other important thing. I will be
there tonight. I am checking into getting certified as an
instructor. I have to take a CPR class on Saturday. In March there
is a live class I have to attend about 70 miles away in VA, but I am
looking forward to it. I even walk the treadmill 3 days a week too.
Not for a very long period of time, because even though I know it's
supposed to be good for my old arthritic knees, they kill me after
about 35-45 minutes. How has your enthusiastic walking been doing?
I can hardly believe that I am exercising and even looking into being
an instructor. I would have called you a liar for saying I would be
exercising AND LIKING it.
I'm glad to read that your weight is moving again. It can be so
discouraging when things don't budge even when you know you have been
behaving. I know very little about thyroid although my mom, grandma,
and sister take medicine daily for theirs. I remember hearing that
if the thyroid is under achieving....you will live a longer but
slower life, and if it is an overachiever, your life will be shorter
and happier. That was probably an old wives tale.
Lizanne

Mine too. I always post from the group site and I have to trim my
own messages. One of the things that is nice is that if the subject
line is changed, only the people who read here can see that.
Lizanne

It needs to specify which surgery you had and if you had RNY it should
say "No NG tube". Plus any allergies, important medications (like
blood thinners), or other medical conditions, of course.)
I have two because the first one I bought specifically says that you
should not sleep or shower with it on, and it is too stinking hard to
get off and on to be messing with it every day.
A google seach on "medical alert ID" will get you a number of
different sources...
Lora

I will now place the quote that I am responding to at the bottom of my post.
The movie is actually about people WITH healthcare insurance and how the
healthcare industry denies claims and ruins peoples lives. Don't ever assume
you have good coverage because it all comes down to MONEY for the insurance
companies. The more they decline, deny treatment, max out people's limits or
coverage; the more money they make. And they are all there to make money.
Kathy
"While I too have good health coverage, with the way
things are happening, I wouldn't be surprised if me
and my husband suddenly find ourselves cut loose."
************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

This is interesting . . . .
Butter or Margarine ?
Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the
turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback
so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to
get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added
the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you
like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings.
DO YOU KNOW.. the difference between margarine and butter?
Read on to the end...gets very interesting!
Both have the same amount of calories.
Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams.
Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the
same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few
only because they are added!
Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of
other foods.
Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less
than 100 years .
And now, for Margarine...
Very high in trans fatty acids .
Triple risk of coronary heart disease .
Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers
HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold.
Lowers quality of breast milk.
Decreases immune response.
Decreases insulin response.
And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY
INTERESTING!
Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC..
This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything
else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular
structure of the substance).
You can try this yourself:
Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within
a couple of days you will note a couple of things:
* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell
you something)
* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ;
nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a
home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic . Would you melt your Tupperware
and spread that on your toast?
Share This With Your Friends..... (If you want to 'butter them up')!
Chinese Proverb:
'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you
have a moral obligation to share it with others.
So..., DO IT !

I use it from time to time. It seems to do an adequate job of calming my
stomach.
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

I got this Recipe from _www.naturemade.com_ (http://www.naturemade.com/) &
wanted to share it with My Good friends on here, I didn't know they had good
healthy recipes. Have a Lovely & Blessed sunday My Friends.
Heart Healthy Chicken Chili.........
Serves 4
Ingredients:1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
10 ounces of skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 ½ tablespoon cumin
2 cans (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can red or black beans
1 (4.5) can ounce minced green chilis
1 cup frozen yellow kernel corn
salt to taste
Directions: ⢠Saute chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until it is
cooked. (Youâll know itâs thoroughly cooked once it turns totally white-
the process takes between 3-4 minutes.)
⢠Add the chili powder and cumin to the pan and sauté another 3 minutes.
⢠Stir in all remaining ingredients and heat the whole mixture until it
simmers a couple of minutes.
Heart Healthy ingredients: This recipe includes diced canned tomatoes which
is rich in lycopene and is one of the most potent antioxidants. Olive oil is
also very good for heart health, and the beans supply a lot of fiber and a
source of complex carbohydrate which help promote good blood sugar levels. It
also tastes great and takes only a few minutes to make!
Calories: 290
Fat: 6.5 grams
Total Carbohydrate: 35 grams
Fiber: 10 grams
**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\
5
48)

Please come here when your upset about something, that's how we help
each other out. And a lot of times you learn new stuff that helps
get through this. When you want to get on with your treatment it is
fustrating that you have to stall due to another problem. There was
always something keeping me from chemo when I first started treatment
too!

Just keep plugging Alex. I'm thinking of you every day and I just know you can
do this! You can be successful!
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Sue,
I am glad you posted. Please tell us all about your plastic
surgery. I will maybe be lucky enough to get a tummy tuck, but I
know I will need a brachioplasty, I just probably can't afford it.
My bat wings are the worst part of me. So tell us the cost if you
don't mind, how long you were in the hospital, how painful, what you
have learned about it that would be helpful to us. I always like to
be informed from people who have had the experience.
Lizanne

Carol, what is SparkPeople?
Pat
bigmom815@... wrote:

I've been having some seriouse problems with insomnia, so about a
little over an hour ago I got onto the computer and read an e mail
from my best friend. He has a site where he supports his political
beliefs and displays his art. He's very much a person who has to
live for a cause and so he has many seriouse one's. He can be very
arrogant in his thinking and lately he has been such. He feel's it
seem's that he knows everything and knows just how everyone should
solve their problems. The truth is his life is a mess and his
decision making skill's are horrible. So I never take his advice I
just listen and do thing's differently then he would do them (when I
have taken his advice in the past it's alway's led to disatrous
consequences), we don't have the same values at all so doing as he
feels things should be done doesn't work for me anyways. My mom has
completley different views from me, but I also know her advice is
sane and moral and so I'd rather go to her then my best friend.
Anywho the thing I'm angry at is that in his arrogance, in his
thinking he knew what was best, he asked for money for my
reconstruction on his web site. I had told him in the past that I
didn't want him to do that, nor did I even want him mentioning I had
a masectomy on his site. I don't want people to know I don't have
boob's and if I do then I'll tell them myself. I'm so angry and hurt
by his stupid actions right now! He just publicaly announced to the
world via his website that he links to everything he's involved with,
that I don't have boob's. I'm so embaressed by this and he tell's
the world! I trusted him to not be so arrogant over such a delicate
situation. Nor do I want to beg people for money over the internet
for my boobies! Eventually I'll get them, but with the cancer
having acted up again it's not the time anyways. And he know's I
can't go into surgery for that until I'm clean of all cancer, so that
was just a pointless thing to put up. And when it's time to get them
my insurance will cover them, and if I have problems there, I'm sure
I can find an orginisation that will help me out there. But I don't
want to beg for reconstruction funding on the net. I had told him in
the past that if he wanted to do something about breast cancer on his
site that he could ask for donations to be sent to groups that
support woman, men, and their families going through this or groups
that support research for a cure. And that at the very end if he
still wanted to involve me he could ask for help with my supplement's
since they are so expensive and he buys them for me. But I didn't
want to be a leach asking strange people to pay for my reconstruction
and that I didn't want people to even know about the masectomy. I'm
just so angry right now. I would write to my mom and vent about what
he's done, but I just wrote her a long letter the other day about him
and how angry he's been making me with his arrogance. She just left
for Alaska and I don't want to dampen her fun with my problems. She
also can't stand him and just want's me to stop talking to him
anyways, so I'm just giving her fuel to go on if I complain to much
about my best friend to her. And he's not always so bad, he just
goes through spell's where it's impossible to know him, because he's
just so full of himself and think's he need's to make everyone's
decisions for them because everyone is to stupid to know any better
them selves, and if anything goes wrong because of his actions he'll
be the last person responsible for them, and he'll blame everyone
else for the trouble at hand. He's not so bad though, just at
time's. Okay I feel better for venting,
thank's.

Thanks Carol, this looks like it would be tasty :)
Pat
bigmom815@... wrote:
I got this Recipe from _www.naturemade.com_ (http://www.naturemade.com/) &
wanted to share it with My Good friends on here, I didn't know they had good
healthy recipes. Have a Lovely & Blessed sunday My Friends.
Heart Healthy Chicken Chili.........
Serves 4
Ingredients:1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
10 ounces of skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 ½ tablespoon cumin
2 cans (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can red or black beans
1 (4.5) can ounce minced green chilis
1 cup frozen yellow kernel corn
salt to taste
Directions: ⢠Saute chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until it is
cooked. (Youâll know itâs thoroughly cooked once it turns totally white-
the process takes between 3-4 minutes.)
⢠Add the chili powder and cumin to the pan and sauté another 3 minutes.
⢠Stir in all remaining ingredients and heat the whole mixture until it
simmers a couple of minutes.
Heart Healthy ingredients: This recipe includes diced canned tomatoes which
is rich in lycopene and is one of the most potent antioxidants. Olive oil is
also very good for heart health, and the beans supply a lot of fiber and a
source of complex carbohydrate which help promote good blood sugar levels. It
also tastes great and takes only a few minutes to make!
Calories: 290
Fat: 6.5 grams
Total Carbohydrate: 35 grams
Fiber: 10 grams
**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\
5
48)

Audrey,
What an insensitive thing to do especially after you asked him not to do it. I
can certainly understand you being very upset. You are in my prayers. Try not to
stay upset as stress is bad for your immune system.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
BreastCancerStories.com
http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/
Angel Feather Loomer
www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com
Check out my other ornaments at
www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html
Lots of info and gifts at:
www.cancerclub.com

Lizanne,
I understand the frustration about the scale not moving, it just does not
seem fair, and it's scary. We went through this surgery for success, our
stubborn bodies are the reason we had to go to such extremes, yet the sneaky
non loosing gene we all have rears it's ugly head and fights us, even with
all the rewiring we've went through.
I'm sorry this is happening to you. I hope your slump/plateau ends soon and
the scale starts heading south soon.
Oh thanks for the protein calculation, I've never seen that.
Edie

He needs a wake-up call. He may mean well, but he is going about it
int the wrong way. I have a sister with stage 4 who has lost one
breast. My boyfriend (not sure for how much longer) is always trying
to tell me how to handle my sister and what I should do for her. The
other day I came out and told him that he has no idea of my family's
dynamics. The women in my family are strong, but some men think they
need to "help" them or need to "take care" of them. It seems as this
is the category your friend fits in. I will keep you in my prayers.
Hopefully, you will be able to have the surgery when you and your
body is ready.
Pattie

Hi Terri-
I am the Owner and Lizanne is my moderator. If you'd like to e-mail us
privately please feel free.
allisonmarie22@...
lizanneflowers@...
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Parvin...........Thank you so much for your input on nutrition. You are
such a valued member of this group!
Love & Healing Energies,
Kathy

It's good to see you posting again Sue :)
Pat
sueofastor@... wrote:
Sue in NYC
HW - 326 / CW - 142 / GW - 145
Lap RYN 4/26/06
Lower Body Lift / Brachioplasty 1/9/08
I joined this list a few months ago, but got a bit behind in emails. I am
currently recuperating from PS and healing pretty well,
Sue
In a message dated 1/22/2008 8:53:29 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
swinney_family@... writes:
Ann in Kansas (Proud Army Wife)
HW 260/CW 165/GW 130
Lap RYN 04-2005
Tummy Tuck/Breast Lift 01-2008
**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\
5
48)

Long story short... very few mental heath counselors seem to have any
clue at all about the special psychological issues of WLS patients so
I have been doing some research (VERY little written on it) and I am
working on a proposal for a paper at our state counselor's conference
later in the year.
One of the issues that has been mentioned other places is having to
deal with the shame of obesity even when you are no longer obese. I
know that I experienced a certain amount of shame initially at having
to admit to people that I had to resort to surgery in order to lose
the weight, but I don't personally feel much shame about having been
(and still being, for now) obese in the first place. Not sure why,
other than that I am a pretty open person and have never viewed my
weight as something that defines me... just a very unwanted physical
attribute.
So I'm wondering if others have expereinced shame... especially those
who are at (or almost at) their goal weight. Do you find that you are
ashamed to let people know that you used to be very heavy and had WLS,
or are you pretty open about it? Are there otehr wasy that people who
are post-op are experiencing shame?
Lora

Judy... I had the same thoughts and fears, but the urge to be thin and
healthy helped me overcome them long enough to have the surgery. I almost
backed out about a week prior to the actual date. I heard people talking
about fighting the regain and started thinking... if they are fighting to
keep from regaining, isn't that just like a diet? Why am I going to all
this expense and pain only to have to worry about dieting again in a year or
so? Is this just something else that I am going to fail at?
But I made it through the surgery. I still have thoughts like you expressed.
I still want to eat big juicy steak or burger. I still want the warm rolls
with melting butter. I still want to eat a 1/2 of a pizza or a huge chunk
of lasagna. I desperately want to chug a huge glass of sweet tea when I am
hot and thirsty. The only difference is... Now I can't or I will get sooo
sick. They say this is just head hunger and I am not really wanting to eat.
. I am just in love with the old thoughts of food.
There are others on the group who will swear they no longer have these
cravings. But I find that I do. I hope the time never comes when I will be
able to answer these cravings again. But the memories of the talk of
regaining are always in the back of my head. And they scare me to death!!!
I know this is not very reassuring... But you asked for the truth and this
is it from my perspective. I have done well since surgery. 5 months have
passed and I am down 85 lbs. I am so pleased with the weight loss and if I
happen to have some regain later on down the road... I know I will always
have this tool to help me manage getting it back off again.
Bonnie

Sharon
Navelbine is a great drug. I have not yet needed it--my bi-weekly
herceptin/aredia drips seem to be stabilizing my tumor growth, but one of my
Tuesday
treatment buddies has been receiving navelbine for tumors in her lungs and it
has worked amazingly well. Also, she has not lost her hair!!! And the only
side effect that is bothersome is her lack of energy--but I think we all have
that!!!!
I am so sorry to hear the tumors are worse in your lungs...but am so pleased
we now have treatments like navelbine to actually not only stop the spread
but also "kill" the cells already present.
I think you will love the convenience of a port...After two years of my arm
looking like I was a junkie, I love the ease of the port...don't know why they
had waited so long. Do make sure that they do a good flush after your
treatments.
Keep us up to date on your progress...we are all praying for you.
Audrey
I just love reading your posts. I know you are going through a really rough
time with your treatments and your daughter; but you have some how maintained
a great attitude...I am glad you found this group...keep up your spirits.
Prayers to you, too.
And Parvin,
I am happy to hear you are doing somewhat better. I am so sorry you have had
such a rough ride this spring...hoping your summer will be better.
And to all:
Let's be thankful that there are new drugs/treatments for our condition(s).
I would love to see the fear of cancer wiped out completely. Treatments for
cancer have never been better; but prevention is ever so preferable. Also,
early detection. I forced two friends and a complete stranger--a Lancome
saleswoman--to have a mammogram this week.
God bless us all....
Marian

I'm glad that the prt went in so easily. Portocaths, for some reason,
are not very popuolar in Japan so I've been getting my veins poked once
a week for blood draws and infusions. My aunt in the U.S. said she
thought her portocath was great. It made her taxol treatments for her
colon cancer last year very easy and she is doing very well and
enjoying life these days.
I hope that all goes well on Friday and you can enjoy a nice chat with
your daughter in the chemo room.
Hugs,
Kathy in Tokyo

Where is Kim G.? I haven't seen her post in a while.
Kim, how are you doing? How is the weight loss going? Let us know how you
are!!
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Edie,
I am supposed to have labs done at the end of Feb...6 months. You
would think that they would do them earlier instead of waiting 6
months to find out we have been doing something wrong. I know I
have, hence the hair loss. I may up my multi a bit, maybe 1.5 pills
a day. I was surprised to read that so many take more than one
vitamin, but I am always open for something new. Oh, and I forgot
about the fishoil/Omego 3s. I have some of those somewhere. I better
go find them.
Lizanne

So what's a poor RNY patient with kidney stones to do?!? I have
been doing some research and some new studies are showing a slight
increase in kidney stones in RNY patients (not just DS patients as
previously thought), and speculation about the role of a protein-
rich diet (the percentage of protein in the overall diet, not the
number of grams), reduced liquid intake, and malabsorption on the
formation of stones. I *still* cannot get 64 oz of fluids in a day,
and I *am* trying... I get nauseous if my pouch gets too full, even
when it is only liquid (and ESPECIALLY when it is only water).
Lora

I insisted that he see a counselor (and he agreed, but has not
actually done so yet). Until he does, well... things are very
uncertain. He has been trying his best to make amends, but that does
not change what happened (and as a counselor, I am very familiar with
the cycle of abuse (which includes that "honeymoon" phase)). DOn;t
gte me wrong, I don't mean to say that this is an "abusive"
relationship (minus this incident)... just that I recognize that him
trying to make up for it (without pursuing the counseling) is no
guarantee that it will not happen again.
Lora

I know just how you feel about the switch from "cure" to "maintaining
quality of life." I still keep my "kick butt!" feelings and hope to be
NED someday even if I have to be bald for a few months to get that way
and mainain the NED status with regular Herceptin.
I was stage I in Nov 2004, then had a recuurence a year later and a
further upgrade to stage IV when lung mets were discovered in spring
2006. I changed to a better hospital last fall and my new onco. is
much more thorough so I feel confident that he and his team will keep a
good eye on any mets.
You are so right that the world is pretty good and to prefer living
here. This attitude should help you stay strong and good.
Hugs,
Kathy in Tokyo

Brenda..............I have been having lots of problems with my back lately.
I see a chiro and she helps an enormous amount, but I know I need to work
out. Since returning to work I just don't feel I have the time. But, On Fri
another hospice nurse and I went to the med center and joined our gym there
and I have an appointment for Tues for the therapist to go over my history,
problems, and she will design a workout for me. I am looking forward to it. I
was feeling so much better earlier in the year when I was doing exercises
every morning. It really does make a difference. Personally, I think that
physical rehab should be part of our treatments...........or after-treatment.
Oh................I couldn't find the foamy on the web site you sent. I
guess I didn't know what to look for.
Kathy

Kathy, that is great news that your tumors are much smaller!
Pam

Thanks for this article. I for one switched back to butter about 6 years ago.
I had jumped on the low cholest bandwagon, and lowfat, etc. and gained more
weight. I think if it isn't natural, maybe we shouldn't be eating it!!!
Naomi
karenb777@... wrote:
This is interesting . . . .
Butter or Margarine ?
Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the
turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback
so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to
get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added
the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you
like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings.
DO YOU KNOW.. the difference between margarine and butter?
Read on to the end...gets very interesting!
Both have the same amount of calories.
Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams.
Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same
amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few
only because they are added!
Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other
foods.
Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less
than 100 years .
And now, for Margarine...
Very high in trans fatty acids .
Triple risk of coronary heart disease .
Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL
cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold.
Lowers quality of breast milk.
Decreases immune response.
Decreases insulin response.
And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY
INTERESTING!
Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC..
This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything
else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular
structure of the substance).
You can try this yourself:
Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a
couple of days you will note a couple of things:
* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell
you something)
* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ;
nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a
home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic . Would you melt your Tupperware
and spread that on your toast?
Share This With Your Friends..... (If you want to 'butter them up')!
Chinese Proverb:
'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you
have a moral obligation to share it with others.
So..., DO IT !

Lisa A,
It is very frustrating. At least you know a group of people who know
what it takes to lose weight through WLS. When things like this get
on my nerves, I remember that we have all been here to support each
other. At least we know what it takes. And yes, those people did
lose weight but the reason it is so sensational is because very few
people lose weight on their own and keep it off. Check back with
those people in 5 years and see if their success remains. It might,
but the chances are slim. We made the FINAL decision to lose weight
and with help we will be able to still be healthy in 5 years.
Lizanne

Loraine, I am so glad the port insertion went well for you.
Best wishes for a smooth day Friday and that is so nice your
daughter is going with you. It's nice to have company, someone
to visit with to pass the time.
Pam

Lisa A,
You can have it track fluids. I enter my tea as I make a cup. I use
sugar so I have to list that too. My cup is large...18 oz. It can
even track vitamins if you set them up as a food. When you customize
a food, you have to use the label to enter in the fat, carbs,
calcium, vitamins, serving size, etc. It takes some time in the
beginning. It really helps me. This is fitday.com. Good luck with
it.
Lizanne

Lora,
I don't feel shame about my weight now. I am still severely obese at
180 lbs, but to me I am doing something about it, that is working, so
I am proud rather than ashamed of myself. The surgery is a different
story. Recently I have told 2 people that I am losing weight. They
were not friends, just people I had met. I am usually very open, as
you all may have noticed, and blab about anything that isn't
confidential. I told neither of these people of my surgery. I feel
I have suffered and done this on my own with the help of my tool. I
do not feel it is the easy way and I don't want a person who is not
familiar with this surgery thinking it is easy. I did it, I deserve
the credit. You know how hard this has been, and I don't want anyone
taking my accomplishment lightly. Yes, I am defensive.
I remember losing that initial huge weight loss that most of us have
immediately after surgery. I was not proud of that accomplishment.
In my mind, the surgery did that, not me. That is not true anymore.
I did this with the help of the surgery. Boy, when I read this is
sounds like I have some issues, but I really don't think I do.
Don't know if this is what you were looking for, but I am always
ready to add my 2 cents.
Lizanne

Hi Alex, I sent it to your astrabinick@... email. i just resent it. don't
give up Alex, I know exactly how you're feeling. 6 months ago when i asked for
the referral i thought Oh lord this is gonna take forever, now its been 6 months
gone so fast and I don't feel any closer. I have to lose 13 pounds to get to
goal and I just hate Kaiser for doing that to us when other doctors do not have
that requirements. I was telling Debby yesterday that I think kaiser has that
requirement so that it will take folks longer to get to surgery and alot of
folks will give up. there is 3000 people at the fremont kaiser program and they
just can't handle it so this lose weight first weeds out some of the folks. well
you and I can't let them do that! we have to stay tough and get this done. i'm
starting a new food program today, I just have to do whatever it takes to lose
the weight. email me when you feel discouraged, we can help each other through
this darn pre
surgery mess.
Judy
Myspace: www.myspace.com/nynativecagirl
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Hello Ladies, I got a date, I still can't believe it but today when the
phone rang and I answer it I heard the most wonderful news ever. My
husband insurance (NJ Blue Cross) approves my surgery. I am still
waiting to hear from Aetna (the primary- my own). Therefore, the
coordinator suggested that we set a date in August, so I selected my
freedom date to be August 18, 2008, giving Aetna 2 weeks to approve my
surgery and leaving me with 4 weeks for all my testes I have to take. I
cry when she told me that I was approved and that I can select any date
4 weeks from today. My online family 50 days from today will be getting
the tool that will change my life forever. I am happy and scared all at
the same time. I fail ever other time I try to lose weight I am so
scared that I going to fail at this and then what will I do? I have
over a 150 pounds to lose and I know it's going to be hard but I am
ready for the hard work ahead of me. Any advice while I wait would
greatly appreciate.

Hi Audrey. I'm pretty sure I've seen your name on the sisters site. I
have bone mets. I found this site when I realized that the stage I and
II survivors couldn't answer some of my questions.
How have you been?
Linda A

Hi Sharon,
I'm always around. Sorry to hear you are so depressed. If you ever need anything
you can always email me at moochie1@... I check my email and groups
several times a day. You are in my prayers.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html
also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:
http://www.cancerclub.com

Hi Kathy,
I think I would feel better in some way if I was DOING SOMETHING. I
met with a gyno-oncologist yesterday since my mets was in my ovary and
we went thru all the options.
We basically concluded that unless we KNOW that it is has spread to my
belly then the side effects are much worse than waiting until something
shows up.
I have very little faith in the CT or PET scan testing since it did not
show the mets to the Ovary even though I had a CT scan a few months
ago. I just got very lucky that I had other issues that led to the
removal of my ovaries.
I try very hard to take it day by day...today I feel really good and I
woke up so it is a good day....and not worry too much about tomorrow
but it is a constant struggle.
Rosalyn

Naomi, my husband had one bout of gout a couple years ago, and his dr. told him
to take black cherry extract. I order it from nutrition geeks in pill form. He
has never had an episode since he started taking it.
Pat
Naomi Moschgat <nsmoschgat@...
It is wonderful when the scale moves in the right direction. Is there
anything to prevent those stones? I have gout and it forms uric acid crystals. I
take allopurinol to keep my uric acid levels low. Is there any relationship?
Naomi

Hi,
I think I was able to change the name so it shows up. Testing to see.

I was surprised to see so much conversation here these past few days.
I can understand how Jeri feels about not wanting to post in the big
group. I have a friend who is doing well through her treatments for
newly diagnosed stage 3 BC (first time) and we were planning to meet
for lunch one day when her radiation and my herceptin treatments
coincided. That day ended up starting Taxol because I started
showing symptoms of the cancer in my lungs, so I had to cancel. I
felt that I didn't want to scare her with my never ending story when
I'd been doing so well with no symptoms and my "chronic" condition
under control just a few weeks before.
Sue, I'm 42 and have 4 kids ages 7 to 14! I'm glad that you are
doing so well and can enjoy being with your children and continue to
care for them.
I'm one of the women who will be on and off of chemo for the rest of
my life to "manage" the cancer. Tamoxifen and monthly Zoladex did
nothing for me so I started Herceptin last March and remained symptom
free in spite of the cancer in my lungs. Last month I caught a cold
and had breathing trouble so we decided to blast away and shrink the
tumors to give me more room to breath. It all comes down to deciding
which is harder to tolerate, symptoms or side effects.
Now I'm on weekly Herceptin and Taxol these days with a break from
the Taxol every 4 weeks. With the weekly doses (lower than longer
cycles) I haven't had too many side effects and have been able to get
out and around to do things with the kids. This week I had Herceptin
only as it was my first Taxol break. I noticed I have much more
energy this week, but it may be because the cough from last month's
cold is finally subsiding and the tumors are shrinking.
We have a busy summer planned after the kids get out of school on the
21st and are looking forward to a 3 day camping trip west of Tokyo
(where we live). The trip is planned for the week I don't get Taxol
so I expect to have lots of energy.
Best,
Kathy S. in Tokyo

Most of the low fat or non-fat stuff is loaded with sugar. It's difficult to
find stuff that is both non-fat AND sugar free. I use (and will soon stop
using) the flavored liquid coffee mate creamers, and you can get non-fat OR
sugar free, but not the combination.
I am drinking gallons of coffee and fresca in the days before my surgery to
get it out of my system!! LOL At least with all those liquids, I'm not eating
a lot of food.
Pat
Naomi Moschgat <nsmoschgat@...
Thanks for this article. I for one switched back to butter about 6
years ago. I had jumped on the low cholest bandwagon, and lowfat, etc. and
gained more weight. I think if it isn't natural, maybe we shouldn't be eating
it!!! Naomi
karenb777@... wrote:
This is interesting . . . .
Butter or Margarine ?
Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the
turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback
so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to
get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added
the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you
like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings.
DO YOU KNOW.. the difference between margarine and butter?
Read on to the end...gets very interesting!
Both have the same amount of calories.
Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams.
Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same
amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few
only because they are added!
Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other
foods.
Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less
than 100 years .
And now, for Margarine...
Very high in trans fatty acids .
Triple risk of coronary heart disease .
Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL
cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold.
Lowers quality of breast milk.
Decreases immune response.
Decreases insulin response.
And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY
INTERESTING!
Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC..
This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything
else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular
structure of the substance).
You can try this yourself:
Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a
couple of days you will note a couple of things:
* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell
you something)
* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ;
nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a
home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic . Would you melt your Tupperware
and spread that on your toast?
Share This With Your Friends..... (If you want to 'butter them up')!
Chinese Proverb:
'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you
have a moral obligation to share it with others.
So..., DO IT !

doris, even tho i never met you, i remember you so
vividly....you was there when i was at my lowest...you
was and still are one remarkable women...god has
blessed you by welcoming you with open arms and
presented you with wings because you are one special
angel. now you can look down upon us and comfort us
from above.i will miss your wisdom, your comfort your
everything....i shead tears of joy, just knowing you
are up above with our savior, knowing you are at peace
and out of pain....i love you doris
hugs from carol in michigan

Thanks for responding Rosalyn. Much better than number
to have a name (real or fictitious) rather than a
series of numbrs.
Best wishes, Loraine

Hi Dawn,
I saw where you are taking cytomel. I am too but it doesn't seem to be helping
me with my metabolism. I am taking 1 1/2 tablet. Are you doing well with it?
Jenn

Have fun on your trip.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
Anxiety Depression and Breast Cancer

Hi all!
I haven't posted much (maybe not at all....not sure) and am on daily digests but
I just wanted to jump in and tell you guys what a great group of supportive
people you are. When I first joined this group (it was actually the day the
private e-mail was inadvertently posted), I thought I wasn't going to like it
because there wasn't much pre-surgery weight loss information topics being
discussed. Then, after sticking with it for a while, I am so pleased to say
that I have enjoyed getting to know you all by lurking. Now, I need to come out
from lurking status and join in. I love the fact that this is more of a support
group and there are other groups that aren't as chatty/more informative and not
as friendly/supportive.
So, Hi! I've already sent in my new member sheet and was welcomed with open
arms but I just wanted to tell you guys that I really enjoy this group and I'm
looking forward to getting to know you.
I'm pre-op. I was going through the pre-op tests when they found uterine
cancer. Had an (open) hysterectomy on Nov. 27th and got right back to my pre-op
tests for my rny. They got all of the cancer and I don't have to have any
follow-up treatments. Except...get this, I have to have a pap every 3 months
now!!! Man! I thought I would be done with that stuff since they took
everything. I mean it was a total hysterectomy! I really didn't think there
was anything to "pap" but apparently, this is to make sure none of those nasty
cancer cells got loose down there. I had my last test (had to see nutritionist,
psych., pulmonary and cardiologist). Cardiologist (3 appointments) all because
I said I had had chest pains in the past. Boy did they put me through a lot of
tests. Now, I have an appointment w/ my surgeon on Feb. 5 and he'll give me my
surgery date then. The office said it isn't unusual to have surgery w/in 2
weeks of meeting with the surgeon
so....maybe by the end of February!!! Yeah.
Anyway, love you guys. I'm so glad I joined this group.
Cindy - NC

This afternoon is the final pre-op appointment and I *think* the worst
is over. I slept very sound but my back is killing me from all the
vomiting yesterday, uggg!
I have to be in and out today but I will update later on the new
surgeon and how it went. Talk to you soon!
XOX
Amy
Pre-Op 257

Dear ladies, thank you for your responds. Parvin I am glad you are
over your depression and am so glad to hear your lungs are improving.
That is just wonderful. Marianne thank you for being so thoughtful to
email you anytime. Jeanna thank you too for being here for us. I
think I am depressed because this cancer is so overwhelming with
taking chemo for over a year now and all the scan's I have to have
done. I guess I have to keep fighting tho if I want to keep living
and not give up. Thank you all again dear ladies, take care, God
Bless, Love you all, Sharon

yipppppeeeeeeee Tresha!!!!!! Congratulations on getting your date!!!! It's
perfectly normal to be scared, nervous, whatever... you are making a life
altering decision. Learn all you can and you will be fine. It's also normal to
fear that this too will fail.... but education is a powerful tool, along with
the surgery.

Pat
--- On Mon, 6/30/08, Tresha <tresha76nj@...
From: Tresha <tresha76nj@...
Subject: [WLS Friendship & Support] I got a Date

I have a medic alert bracelet and necklace. I don't wear them at the same
time. I'm told that medical personnel know to look for these things. I also
have the medic alert card in my wallet and another card from the surgeon
saying I had an RNY gastric bypass and no blind N/G tube. My medic alert
bracelet says that also. They make some cute bracelets with crystals that
look like jewelry and the medics will still look at it. They always take
your pulse so they will see it. I think medic alert is the greatest thing! I
ve been a member for 2 yrs.
Hugs,
Darlene

My doctor does labs at 3 months.
Darlene
RNY: 11/28/07
-37lbs

Hi folks,
In Uk LOL generally means lots of love but I have seen it used on the posts
and Lots of Love doesn't fit so someone please tell me what it is short for in
USA,
LOL Velvet (UK)

Hi folks, wouldn't it be a good idea if we each signed off our emails with our
names or initials( and I know a lot of you do so) and we could then be able to
address our replies. I guess I have chemo brain just from the thought of it but
actually have never had chemo, but I do find it confusing sometimes to know
exactly to whom I am replying, especially if there is a string of replies. Of
course email addresses are not necessarily the name of the person writing so it
would help if we each signed off with our name ~ what do you think?
LOL Velvet

Hello to you, my new friends. I am Donna. I am 45 years old. I had a
biopsy done last week of a lump in my left breast and I will get the
results on Monday. It's only one more day away. When I saw this group
I wanted to join so badly. I am feeling so many things. I have been
to see two Dr's and both have told me that they think my lump is
malignant. I have two children, a husband, and an ill mother. So
right now is not a good time to deal with this but when is it ever a
good time? I am trying to cope with the fear. That has been my
biggest hurdle right now. I thought if I joined this group I could be
around those who would understand my fear and help me learn to cope.
God bless you all and I hope we can help each other learn to cope as
well......Donna

Donna,
Fear of the unknown is the worst. This is group is for Stage IV ladies and a few

I do a lot of crocheting and decided this year to enter one of my
afghans in the fair. I never expected to even place but I got 1st
place (blue ribbon) to say I am happy is an understatement.
Hugs
Marianne

welcom to our group.i am like you. it is about ten years that involved with
breastcancer and five yesrs with lung mets. the first time i took
adriamycin+taxotere(10+12 times).after that i was on femara for 2.5 years and 6
moths on aromasin. the second relapse i took xeloda pills two weeks on and off+
......injection of (can,t remember now).now i am in the third relapse and my
right lower lobe has a colapse consalidation.and some nodules in the left lobe.
i am only on femara now they say this is tthe side effects of xeloda for you. i
don,t know what they,ll do next week.i pray for you what are you on now? love
parvin

Joanne,
Thanks so much, that was a really nice compliment. My daughter is 22
and would kill you if she read you thought she could be my sister. I
have a couple wigs and I think a picture of the two of us in wigs
would be really funny. I bet she wouldn't.
Lizanne

Hi Lizanne, right now I am waiting to get to the presurgery weight. I need 13
more lbs. when I lose 8 more I call in and request to be put on list for psyche
eval. after psyche eval it goes to wait for surgery date.
Judy
Myspace: www.myspace.com/nynativecagirl
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

WOW Terri, I hadn't looked at pics for a while, but Lizanne's post inspired me
to go look. You sure look like you lost way more than 31 lbs in that one pic...
and you are very beautiful in that pic with your daughter! What a
transformation since your surgery!
Pat
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Terri,
I couldn't really tell if you decided to truly leave us, so I thought
if you were still here I would ask you some questions. I just looked
at your pictures and had two. What kind of work do you do because you
get to tease with young boys and you have Christmas in July? And the
second is how old is your daughter, I assume she is your daughter,
Ella?
Lizanne

Lizanne,
I was a bit disappointed that they didn't do labs sooner too. You'd think
that they would want to catch a deficiency earlier. I imagine fat soluble
vit's would take a month or so to leave our system's after surgery. But,
while writing this, I thought maybe they want us to be eating "normal"
foods for a while to see where we are lacking. Now that I think about it,
that does make sense. Man I'm smart :o), that is if I'm right. haha
Edie

hi Denna
my name is nalini.Ilive in india in delhi.I was operated 4 the
same problem u have on 13 april 2004 in RAJIV GANDHI CANCER INSTITUTE
IN DRLHI.
I ALSO HAVE 2 KIDS. ONE DAUGHTER AGED 23 AND ONE SON AGED 17
my hubby was working somewhere else so left his job 2 take care of me.
if u have ur family with u nothing is impossible
dont worry .we all r with u.
we have 2 fight and overcome this monster
i will pray 4 u
dont feel scared
bye and keep us informed

Hello to All,
As I mentioned awhile ago, my mother, not myself is Stageiv
with triple negative breast cancer with spread to thoracic lymph
nodes, supraclavicular nodes and "Specs" in her lungs. She also has
something on her adrenal gland. This is her third time with breast
cancer, and now stageiv and she was a "Treatment Failure" on Xeloda
and Avastin after 3 months as tumor markers markedly increased and
CT Scans showed no shrinking in the nodes and more "Specs" in the
lungs. She now has her port and is on Vineralabine I.V. weekly, for
3 weeks then off 1 week. Her level of fatigue is unrelenting and
she is so desperate and deserving of catching a break, like the rest
of you. Anyone in this group with similiar spread, treatments, or
know of drugs/chemos that may have worked for you? I am an RN with
a lot of access to research literature, but there is so much out
there, which is wonderful, yet it is all so confusing at times, that
I lose my direction quickly. She is being treated at Sloane in NYC,
which is good, but everyone knows that treatment needs to be
individualized. I fear her treatment is directed toward
the "Typical" stage iv person, which she is not. A few of you have
mentioned Taxotere, which literature states it is a wonderful drug
that works for the majority. Yikes, I am so confused on which drugs
to look further into, to recommend to her docs.
I hope you are all in good spirits and health today. Thank
you for allowing me to post.
Tracey

Perhaps going the Palliative Care route would be the better option for your
MOM. But, no one can make that decision but her. PLEASE support her in the
decision she makes.
Love & Healing Energies,
Kathy

Hi ladies.
Has anyone been on dexamethasone but just that drug on it's own, I don't mean
with chemo?
I have some infiltration into the meninges of the lumbar area. I have had 5
fractions of radiotherapy three weeks ago and have been on dexamethasone since.
I find I get overwhelming, periods of utter exhaustion, going from being quite
well one minute and completely exhausted the next and can barely get myself to
bed, all without doing anything to promote it.
My muscles feel weak, my hands shake, I have headaches, I'm moody, my tummy
bloated, food tastes like cardboard, have finger, hand, feet, toes and leg
cramps mostly at night but also during the daytime. My face is a little fatter
and I expected that but one of the most worrying aspects is the blurred vision.
Quite suddenly I have found my sight deteriorating having mostly to type in
point 16 or 18 or sit and squint at the screen.
Has anyone experienced the same or similar side effects and how did you do?
Did it change back when you came off the drug and if so how long before you saw
any improvement? Or did you tolerate the drug better the longer you were on it?
I am devastated that this drug is just ruining my life at the moment, since I
can't predict
neither the bouts of exhaustion, nor the cramps. Has anyone changed their
antiinflammatories and benefitted from another drug?
Any information would be of help, thank you LOL Velvet (UK) stage IV BC mets
to bones and spinal meninges.

Lizanne:
Surgery is Feb 11th, two weeks tomorrow. Van knows that I was losing weight
but he has no idea how much. You're definately not stupid Heck I have
enough time trying to remember names to include dates.
Susan G.
Vacaville, CA

LOL can also mean laugh out loud.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
BreastCancerStories.com
http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/
Angel Feather Loomer
www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com
Check out my other ornaments at
www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html
Lots of info and gifts at:
www.cancerclub.com

Marianne - Congratulations! I grew up on a dairy farm and when I was a kid I
used to enter cows in the fair! I tried learning to crochet once and could never
get the hang of it. A blue ribbon is impressive!
Sue

I'm about to start on Taxotere next week. I hear it is
a good drug, and I too "failed" with Xeloda. So I'm
hoping Taxotere will work.
I hope you find an answer for your mother, Tracey. You
sound like a wondering daughter, so I know your mom is
getting a lot of love and support from you.
You take care of yourself as well. There is always a
toll on the caregiver. I know as I was the caregiver
for both my parents until they both passed away.

Face the Sun- a new research blog about a new feature film on breast
cancer please help
Hi
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to a research
blog to discuss a planned film concept called "Face the Sun". The
film will look at the life of a breast cancer patient and her family.
We are very interested in your thoughts so it would be great if you
could have look at the blog and share your breast cancer story and
opinions on the film concept.
To have a look (and to tell us what you think) please click this link
http://www.thepatientconnections.com/blog.asp?uid=o3zg79
The blog is anonymous and easy to use. Instructions are given on
the blog so thanks in advance for your help it is much appreciated.
Best wishes
Belinda
The Patient Connection
belinda.shale@...

Sue
Welcome back!!! WOW you just had the plastics done and i bet it was painful. .
please let us know what you did and what you went thru . ... I think a lot of us
are headed that way eventually..
And Congrats on going past your goal. . Cant beat that huh?
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW170**GW125-130

Dawn
I am really sorry to hear about you husband, I just said a prayer for him.
Glad it was caught early.
Susan G.
Vacaville,CA

I had a cat scan for the lump in my chest, by my shoulder. The nurse
said the doctor would discuss the results with me at my dr.
appointment wich is tomorrow. I'm a little nervouse ladies. O kay
since many of you have been through this, when the chemo stops working
in my case taxol and herceptin what other chemos are stronger?

Hi All,
I am having a very optimistic day. I don't know why, i just woke up and
felt good so I thought I'd say hi and Everyone is in my prayers!!!
I start my Avaston and xeloda fri. the 1st of Sept. and I am just
feeling really hopeful! so Hugs and prayers for all
LOVE< DEBBIE

Wow Mary that is great weightloss numbers. You go girl!!!
Susan G.
Vacaville, CA

Velvet I have never been on it but will keep you in my prayers.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
Anxiety Depression and Breast Cancer

Debbie,
Good for you :-) A postive attitude really helps. You remain in my prayers.
Hugs
Marianne
Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html
BreastCancerStories.com
http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/
Angel Feather Loomer
www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com
Check out my other ornaments at
www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html
Lots of info and gifts at:
www.cancerclub.com

hi ladies,
just wanted to tell you all that i am feeling aok since my son got
married last year in dec, and hopefully soon they will try to get
pregnent.
i have been reading the posts almost every day. i will be going to
court within a weeks time, this is after 5 years of depositions and
waiting. it takes alot out of me, physically and emotionally, but i
must do this, i was missdiagnosed by the radioaligest that read my
mammo in 1998 and found out he has done the same too 5 other ladies
in the past 7 years.
i will be in court every day all day from 9 to 6 or 7 in the evening
for the next three weeks. i get tired very easily, i am also
diabetic, which i am sure will not be good for my blood sugar with
all the stress, but also my lyphodima arm, not to mention swelling
feet, any sugestion over all.
god bless all,
rosie s

Hi Dawn,
Would the T3 boost help anyone that doesn't have a thyroid condition? I
have had all the tests done but still wonder if I have a problem or not.
Just curious. My weight loss is slowed down to a crawl... just curious.
Well done on getting yours jumped started again...
--
Mary in FL
LAP RNY 1/26/2007
317/296/167/140
BS/ SW/CW/GW

Lizanne
yes I did loose it on my own, just don't give myself much credit, thanks for
all who commented on that.
Susan G.
Vacaville, CA

Thank you Marianne, I appreciate your info and reply. Love, Sharon