Hello, all! I'm new to 3fatchicks. I'd heard of the site before and even visited here a few years ago. I can't remember if I checked the message boards then or not. Mainly, I think I read some of the 3fatchicks blogs - the three sisters who started this site, I mean. I was recently at a bookstore and saw their book and it aroused my curiosity.
Here's what's going on with me now. I was diagnosed last August with cancer in both breasts (at what was supposed to be a routine mammogram at my oncologist's insistence - I had lymphoma in '02-'03). I have since had four surgeries - lumpectomies with sentinel node biopsies, bilateral mastectomies with immediate placement of temporary implants, chemo-port installation, and final reconstruction surgery with a hysterectomy at the same time. I also had four rounds of Adriamycin and Cytoxen as chemo. I took tamoxifen for a month before stopping it in preparation for my last surgery. I now have a prescription for Arimidex, and I'm waiting on the results of my DEXA (bone density) scan before filling it. At my last visit with the oncologist, my liver enzymes are elevated. This was last Wednesday. They were able to schedule me in for the DEXA scan and a CT-scan of my liver on Friday afternoon. However, with the weekend and yesterday being a holiday, I haven't heard anything yet about the results. I don't expect my doctor to get the report before tomorrow morning.
So, here I am, weighing about twice what I'd like to weigh. I have cute, perky little reconstructed boobies, but you can't see them for my gut sticking out further than they do. MUCH further. I haven't seen my feet without bending over in I can't remember how long. And now I have health issues that make losing weight a big priority.
I had started phase 1 of South Beach last Monday and was going great guns on it until I got the news of a new issue at the doctor's office last Wednesday and then it all went to you-know-where. I honestly don't know where to start.
My last surgery was April 24. I came home April 28. The next morning I weight myself. I didn't have a big appetite after the surgery, so I just ate when I was really hungry and only ate enough to feel satisfied without stuffing myself (it hurt too much to stuff myself). I weighed again a week later, and I was down 11.2 pounds. I've hovered right around that number since then. But, then again, I've stopped watching what I eat and I've slipped into the "emotional eating mode."
Yesterday, I picked up a copy of "The Sonoma Diet," and I plan to do some reading in that today. I also hope to learn from you guys and see what's working for you.
By the way, I love this little guy:
! I've seen a similar smilie on other boards, but it would be a dancing banana. I think this little carrot guy is cuter!
I'm going to get out for awhile a little later with DH and maybe go for a walk. I know walking will be something good I can do for myself.
Estelle
P.S. Except for the hairdo (my hair is WAY to short to put into a bun), that gal in my avatar pretty much looks like me, bulges and all!