Today I got more answers from the doctors..they have pretty much figured out her problem...for not wanting to eat and losing so much weight. They found high amounts of calcium in her blook...which can mean two things...her parathyroid gland is cancerous or not working well or she may have some form of other cancer like bone cancer or breast. They are quite certain that it is her parathyroid gland that is not working well and not the rest...even if it is cancerous, it is a very non agressive type and is easily treated through minor surgery for its removal. They have started flushing out the calcium from her blood by doing an IV of cerain fluids. And boy, what a huge improvement...My Mom is reacting very much like her old self and is starting to want to eat again. High levels of calcium in the blood cuts your appetite and exagerates confusion and memory loss. Tomorrow I will find out conclusively if her parathyroid gland is not working well or cancerous...in any case, it is most likely that it will have to be removed.
Thank you everyone for your prayers...it is helping my Mom...all this good energy and prayers are being answered in a positive way...Thank You from the bottom of my heart...and keep them coming My Mom should be home by next tuesday if not sooner.
As for me, well today I binged...I felt like eating and eating...I worked myself up to 1812 cals and 80 grams of fat...yep, for real, I just felt so relieved when they pin pointed the problem and survivor finally was on and I had a party in my mouth... I have given myself a virtual kick in my butt and tomorrow I will try again...although I have to go to my work christmas party...a very post thai restaraunt...my favorite type of food...yikes....wish me luck...I will have the lemongrass soup and a shrimp curry..I should be ok if I stick to these two choices.
Hugs to all of you...and thanks so much for all your good energy and prayers.
feeling much better thank you, but still don't feel the same. I don't know, can't explain it. Trust me, it was not my idea to lose weight like that. I just figured, it's healthy, low calorie and low fat, it'd make a good breakfast drink. Now, I can read Chinese and it said nothing about having those type of side effects. Won't touch that again unless I'm clogged up
I don't know why, but just feeling totally -----blah!----- lately. Can't figure out why. Didn't exercise Thursday because just to much to do and no one else will do it. But such is life. I am still watching my calories. I don't think I am going over 1500, though probably would be very suprised if I figured it up. Unbelievably though, I did loose 2lbs this week so now I can redo my stats at the bottom. That was a little encouraging. Maybe it has to do with our fosterdaughter leaving. She is our first one, and has been here a year. She's more like a little sister than a fosterdaughter. She is going back home and we think (and anyone else who knows her) feels the system is really doing an injustice. I won't start on this subject
Cyan--glad to hear your mom is doing better and that they seemed to have pinpointed the problem. You've been so stressed lately, I think you can be easy on yourself this time for binging Have fun at your Christmas party and get some rest and relaxation in (I know easier said than done!)
MikiG--glad to hear you are feeling better too, but sorry to hear that your hubby is getting sick. I understand that Norwalk virus is really hitting alot of places in the states. They say it lasts for 3-4days. When men are sick it's just like taking care of another kid--to them it's like the end of the world is coming or something. But why is it when mommy is sick she doesn't get much rest? WOW!! that's scary about the tornado. Never seen one and don't particularly want to either. Glad you and your family are safe and sound.
Reina--glad to hear you are getting back on track. We all gotta stick together. You sure are going to keep busy this weekend. Have fun, but stand strong
debee--In the states, we call home Wilmington Delaware!! you are close (well, when we are in the states). Wow!! size 12 to 14, I think I wore that my freshman year in college One day, though, one day I will see that size again (may be a year from now). Hey, my mom and sister did good with WW but didn't have the discipline to stick with it. Well, my sister didn't, but my mom was diagnosed with a thryoid problem and has to take medicine that made her gain like 30lbs she was so upset. You know all, I really don't know how to help my sister. She is 25yr and probably at least 300lbs. She is legally blind so can't do awhole of exercising. I suggest things, but just goes in one ear and out the other. Or she thinks I am being mean. Not any meaner than her dr (a family friend) who told her she wouldn't live to see 30yr if she kept it up. What can I do for her?
Lisa--have a great trip. We never had to travel far for Christmas as all lived in the same state. And Delaware isn't big--only takes 1.5hours to get from one end to the other.
LadyRider--you have great willpower to only eat that much when making fudge and chocolate covered pretzels (do they have a smilie for drooling ) Wow!!! That's one reason why I am not making cookies, I am afraid I'd eat them
Well, ladies. I am not going anywhere during Christmas. I'll be hear reading the posts. Still have some things to do for Christmas. Can't get my hubby to realize you aren't supposed to know what you are getting for Christmas! So I gotta sneak out and get him something. I know I'll get jewelry again as it's hard to find clothes to fit me here.
I better get off here. This is long!!
**as of 12/20/02**
210/195.8(hey, every bit counts)/145
Hello everyone,
Ok, Debee, I can totally relate, if there is one thing that I lack, it is WILLPOWER!!!!
I totally understand how one comment, can make you shove food in your mouth. I am so good for that, I can sit here and talk about drinking my water, and thinking of the veggie sandwich that I will eat for lunch, then I will get up walk over to our company kitchen and eat 5 cookies
What is us with us! That should have been the first thing on my wishlist, is WILLPOWER!
Debee, I send you strong willpower vibes and hope we can get past the weakness together.
MikiG, so you lost one whole inch. I don't know what to tell you about the boob area. I always lose there first before anywhere else. But keep up the good work, and I hope you and your hubby feel better.
Cyan, I am glad that you are getting answers for your mom. I pray that it will be something that can be corrected and she will be back to normal and home for the holidays.
As far as binging yesterday, I send you back your same words. They really help me.
...dust yourself off and try again...you are doing so well...keep it up...
Minor setbacks will always hit us, but only we can kick them aside.
Taiwan, I think alot of us are just felling that Blah feeling. It is normal around this time of year. Be strong and keep up the good work.
You all have a great weekend and I will check in sometime this weekend, if I get a chance, I have those 40 dz of tamales to make and only 4 days to make them.
Have a great one..
Hi Everyone!
Reina - I can't imagine the work involved in making 40 dozen tamales! But I can imagine how good they are going to taste!
Debee - OK, your friend lost 40lbs in 6 months. That means you could be 40 lbs thiner by June! That is assuming you have 40 lbs to lose. You might not, because size 12/14 is not fat. It may be overweight, but not fat. I don't know how tall you are, but you can't weig a whole lot and wear a 12/14 - unless you're only 3 ft tall! Are you exercising at least 3 days a week? I was stuck in a losing battle with dieting vs willpower for years. I tried dieting and I tried exercise, but never together. This time I tried combining the two and the weight and inches started coming off the first week. That's what made me motivated and helps me to stay on task. For me, believing I could lose weight was half the battle. Once I started to succeed, I knew I was on my way.
My friend is on WW and doing very well. In fact she told me last week that she will continue counting points after she makes her goal because it gives her control over what she eats and once you get used to how many points everything has, it is really simple. She said it is the easiest diet she's ever been on. It's certainly a healthy plan. You can check it out on the net, in fact I understand they have a way you can join on the net and never attend meetings, but I'm not sure how much support you would be giving up if you didn't go to the meetings.
Cyan - I'm so happy for you and your mom! Aren't you glad you were strong enough to admit her to the hospital! Don't beat yourself up too much over one day of binging. You're still on task and winning the battle.
Taiwan- I'm glad you're feeling better. You can read Chinese! I'm impressed, that's a difficult language to master! I have no ability when it comes to learning foreign languages, so I really admire someone like you. I understand why you are so worried about your FD. My sister, Colleen, had foster children and became especially attached to one teenage girl. When the girl had to go back to her disfunctional parents, my sister let her know she was only a phone call away and would always be there for her. Sure enough, a few months later Lauri called to ask if she could live with my sister. Colleen said yes, and Lauri's mother agreed, so Colleen and her husband raised Lauri and she stayed in touch with her biological mother. Now Lauri is a corporate attorney, married and has 3 great kids. She calls Colleen mom, and her kids call her grandma. They think nothing of the fact that they have an extra pair of grandparents. So the moral of this story is: If it is possible, let your FD know you will be there for her, if only as a sounding board and advice giver- you're only a phone call away.
As for your sister, I wish I had a magic answer. Unfortunately, you can't fix her and "encouraging" her to lose weight is probably doing more damage than good to your relationship. I know you're really worried about her, but it's her decision to make. Try to accept her and love her just as she is.
Miki - WOW! You've lost 2 1/2 inches! Excellent! AND you haven't gained! Our goal was to maintain and not gain, so you're ahead of the game - You're winning girl! Yea! Oh, I hope you feel better soon!
Well, after all my bragging about not eating the fudge and chocolate pretzles - I now have to eat crow! Yesterday I baked Christmas cookies and couldn't resist eating the dough - or the cookies! Actually, it wasn't all my fault. My black lab was acting as Official Quality Control cookie taster and she kept egging me on for one more taste, so I would take a bite for me and give a bite to Molly. We tasted ourselves through 4 different batches of cookies and agreed the rolled sugar cookie dough was the best, but the Italian Nut Balls were the best cookies. Then last night I assembled the gift baskets I baked the goodies for. Now I ask you, is it fair to expect someone to pack fudge, chocolate pretzles, spiced pecans and four different types of cookies and not taste one or two? or three or four? Or more? Oh Well, today I'm back on the wagon. I ran and worked with weights in hopes of burning some of those calories. Besides, my Weight Commander predicts I will lose tomorrow and there is a lot to be said for the power of suggestion. Cyan, the program costs $9.95. You try it for 5 days and if you like it you email the owner with your name and address. He emails you a code and sends you a bill via snail mail.
Well, I've rambled on long enough. It was great talking with you all!
Lady
Well the doctors told me today that my Mom is cancer free and the high calcium levels were due to her kidney's struggling to work properly...My Mom had stopped eating and drinking which was forcing her kidneys to fail. So now that she has been on IV and eating and drinking, all is back to normal. She will be released from the hospital next tuesday. The not eating and drinking was due to the cocktail of meds she was on which exagerated her alzheimers and made her nonresponsive. Yeesh, meds...but I am feeling a whole lot better....the only thing is that I hope my Mom continues to eat when she comes home.
Your prayers helped...thank you all so much. Well I gotta get ready to go to my work christmas party
Cyan, I am so happy to hear about your mom! what a great Christmas gift. I hope you had a great time at the work party. I loved your comment about When you were eating you had a "party in your mouth" Next time i eat a cookie i will think of my tastebuds with little party hats on.
Ladyrider, thanks for telling me that my size 12 is not fat. I am 5 '3 and a giant pear woman. All my weight is in my stomach and hips. Very depressing and hard to lose.
Got to goTalk to everyone later.
P.s. Taiwan, I was a big sister in the big brother big sister program for 15 years( since my "little sister"Tammy was 5) and now as a 20 year old woman she finished college (the first in both her immediate and extended family to do so). You never know how you touch a life. I hope I was a role model for Tammy and I am sure you are one for your foster daughter.
Sorry I had to cut it short in my last post. As I mentioned before we are remodeling our basement into a theatre/media room with an art deco theme and my husband wanted me to go and pick out carpet samples with him. I didn't trust him to go by himself.
Miki
I hope you are feeling better. A few moms and kids at preschool seem to be coming down with a flu.
Reina mia, thanks for your words of encouragement. I felt so ashamed that I was jealous of my friend that lost all the weight. I know I should have felt happy for her and I really did but a part of me was jealous and focused on my shortcomings. I guess the last straw was when my other friend starting talking about body fat on her size six bod it just triggered the chocolate urge. That girl doesn't even have butter in her house how can she have body fat? Sorry, here I go again venting. Willpower would be the best gift of all this Christmas and I guess I would add little self esteem for myself.
I just signed up on FitDay and will be tracking my calorie intake. I'm afraid to find out how many calories I eat. I love food.
Yesterday was the closing on our vacation lake house and it was very stressful. We almost did not close because when we went for the walkthru and turned on the water, the water heater gushed water into the crawl space. Finally we got it resolved.
Hopefully with this house I 'll be getting more exercise. In the winter it is near a ski resort and I plan to take some ski lessons with my family. There is also hiking and biking trails and tennis. Best part is the closest Mcdonalds is 15 miles away.
Speaking of McDonalds, this morning my husband and kids wanted breakfast there. I love their hash browns and steak and egg bagel but I went through the drive-thru and ordered my families breakfast and just had a coffee for myself. Score one point for willpower.
Well, I have gifts to wrap and a house to clean so I better go. Take care everyone.
My Mom is doing much better...she is anxious to go home and she will be released on tuesday...My work party went well and I had a great time...Debee...I had another party in my mouth...with posh thai food...I couldnt pass it up...I had squid, a mango thai salad and a shrimp red curry...soooooo good.....I calculated how much it totaled and it came out to....drum role please....1956 cals and 83 grams of fat This was my total for the whole day...I weighed myself this morning and I havent gained a pound...now isnt this a first for me....but I know this was a one off.
Tonight I am going over to a friend's house for christmas party...but I will be on good behaviour...I will post everything tomorrow.
Debee...I know what you mean when thin people complain about their "fat" it makes me jealous too...got to admit it...but overall I am happy for them and wish them well...ok maybe just a little weight gain would do Let me know how you like FitDay..its very easy to use and really opens your eyes as to how many calories and fat grams you are eating...keeps me on track....usually
Reina, LadyRider, Miki, Taiwan, Debee, Annie, PreciousOne and Cjunk...I send you all lots of hugs and good wishes and thank you once again for all your prayers...I truly believed it has helped me and my Mom...thanks
Well, the car is all packed and we're ready to drive down to Miami tomorrow morning to have Christmas with our daughter and son in law. It is a 6hr drive and feels like an intirely different state. Miami is in the far southern tip of Florida. It's sub tropical; hot, humid, sunny and very crowded and fast paced. We live in North Central Florida. The temps are anywhere from the 50's - 70's. with low humidity, lots of farms and a very laid back lifestyle. It is quite a radical change. We will have a good time, but I know I will be glad to get back to our quiet little three stoplight town.
I will be reading your posts, but won't be able to contribute until I get home Thursday, so you all have a wonderful holiday!
And Cyan, I know you will be especially thankful to have your mom back - in more ways than one! Have a blessed holiday!
Hi everyone, just finished the last of Christmas shopping. I bought myself a new body fat scale hope it doesn't get me too depressed. We went out to dinner at an Indian resturant tonight and afterwards to a live nativity at my son preschool/church. I ate too much but I once read that spicy food burns fat. I hope so.
Lady rider,
My sister lives in Marco Island, Fl and my sister-in-law lives in Hollywood, Fl so when we visit I always take the kids to Parrot Jungle in Miami or visit South Beach. Hope you have a wonderful visit and holiday.
Cyan,
How is your mom doing now that she is home ? Is she eating? Hope all is well.
Reina, Mia
Did you finish making your tamales? You should send us the recipe.
Taiwan,
I just went on your web site. Your boys are so cute.
Miki,Lisa
Hope all is well and we hear from you soon.
Seems like I havent been here forever! Very busy weekend and will be that way until after Christmas, but I did want to stop in and say hello to everyone. Cyan, I was thrilled to hear your mom's test results! LadyRider, have a wonderful trip and enjoy the visit with your family. Debee, I heard that about the spicy food too and wondered myself if it was true when I overate the Mexican food the other day.lol. Reina, Lisa, Taiwan...Missed your posts! Hope you're having a nice holiday season and will be back soon to tell us all about it. Cjunk, PreciousOne, and Annie...still missing ya'll bunches!
Oh, by the way, I am finally feeling MUCH better. Appetite is back too so I have to be careful. I know I overdid it yesterday with the TWO Christmas get-togethers. I hate having more than one in the same day. Had a good time at both tho.
Hope you all have a productive and exceptionally nice Monday!
Bye for now..
Hello everyone! I'm back from Branson! I've been reading everyone's post and it sounds like with help from each other, we'll make it through this Holiday season without causing too much damage.
Our trip was great. We left Thursday evening and went to Joplin, MO where Jeff's biological father lives. We stayed with him and in the morning he made waffles. Yummy, wonderful, waffles....with butter and syrup and one fried egg. YUMMY. How could I say no? It's like tradition that everytime we stay there, he makes some. Okay, then it was off to Springfield where we visited the Bass Pro Shop. Very fun and lots of walking. About 2pm we were on our way to Branson. We got a little lost when we got into town, but we managed to find the right hotel...which was beautiful. We decided to eat dinner next door at a place called the Hard Luck Cafe, where the waiters and waitresses walk around singing. My daughter loved it but my son spent the whole time with his head hiding behind me. He was so embarrased. I was enjoying my Bacon Swiss Hamburger and Fries. (hey...it was a vacation!) So, after that we did some shopping which took a lot of walking. We then went swimming. The swimming pool was very far away from our room so that took a lot of walking also. I sat in the sauna and in the hot tub and spent a little time in the pool with my kids. It was very relaxing and fun. One of the little cousins pulled the fire alarm and that added some excitement to the night also. Saturday morning I got up and went to the Exercise room and did 1.3 miles on the treadmill. and then went down to the continental breakfast and had a bagel with cream cheese and a doughnut. Hmmmmm. Silver Dollar City was the rest of the day and it involved lots of walking. I went on the Marvel Cave tour which was a 1 hour strenous hike up and down this gigantic cave. It was very cool, but I know i had to have burned lots of calories. It was about 620 total stair steps in total...plus the additional walking. Then, we went to see Lord of the Rings The two Towers in the IMAX. It was amazing!!!!!!! LOVED IT! Sunday morning was another waffle and then it was on the road again. We stopped in Springfield at Lambert's Cafe for lunch and YUMMY!!!! They throw everyone these fresh from the oven Hot rolls. I smothered mine (all 3 of them) with butter and honey. I had smoked ham with a baked potato and fried apples for dinner...my hubby had pork jowels and I had to try those. YUMMY!!!. We got back home about 5:30. Put up all our laundry and getting the house put back together....about 7:15pm, my son trips and falls and hits his cheek right under his eye on the wood frame of the water bed. I rushed him to the ER. I was concerned that his orbital bone was broken or cracked, but he was fine. Just a small cut and a very large black eye. Poor thing. He was quite the tropper at the hospital and talked to everyone. Wouldn't you know that today is family picture day??? Well that was my trip. Hope I didn't bore you too much. I know I ate horrible, but I'm back on track and trying to get some exercise in. It's going to be a challenge for the next couple of days with Christmas,,, but exercise is the key. \
Hey Lady Rider...where in Florida do you live. I will be flying in to Pensacola on Friday and driving to Fort Walton Beach. Do you live anywhere near those places? I will be there until Monday. If you're out of town and can't post messages...email me at [email protected]
I'm happy to be back and I missed you all.
Cyan, glad to hear your mother is doing better. She's lucky to have you there for her.
Taking a break from cleaning house. Busy with last minute shopping, cooking but just thought I would post since I probably would not have the chance until after Christmas. Christmas eve we are going to dinner at a country inn we go every year, then to a friends house and church. Christmas Day my brother and sister-in-law were suppose to visit but they are predicting a snow storm so they decided not to come. I must admit I am a little bit happy it is going to snow. Now I can stay all day in my pj's. I think that will a great gift.
Lisa, welcome back! Reading your post made me so hungry I had to go to the kitchen and get something to eat (apple with brie cheese) It sounds like you had a great time, even with your sons black eye.
Merry Christmas to everyone and hope Santa is good to you.
Today I go pick up my Mom at the hospital....she will be discharges and seen in january to have her parathyroidgland removed...her hypercalcimia keeps coming back so they now think that her gland is not working properly...at least its a small operation.
As for me, I am doing well, I have not exercise at all in the past week and two days and my eating has been eratic...but yesterday I did ok at 1457 cals and 50 grams of fat. I am hoping to do the same today.
I want to wish all of of you a very Merry Christmas...and hope you get all the that you desire this holiday season.
I will a post a more detailed letter later, write now I am off to go collect my Mom...talk to you all later
Have just a few spare minutes before I have to get to cooking for tonite's gathering. Cyan, I am so glad your mom will get to be home for Christmas. Like you, I havent exercised all week either but we'll get back in our groove as soon as the holiday is over!
Lisa, Welcome Back!! Missed you and happy to hear all about your fun vacation. Made me wish I was there!
Debee, a day in pj's sounds wonderful to me too. Unfortunately, we very rarely have snow here and when we do, not much of it sticks. Think of me as you enjoy a white Christmas.
I hope the rest of you have your happiest Christmas ever and that your holiday is one of good health, peace and joy.
Ohhh, It's Christmas Eve and I still havent made out my WishList for Santa..soooo, here it is!!
(1) Cyan's determination and inspiration
(2) Lisa's sense of humor ( I love the pig stories and little cousins
who pull fire alarms..lol )
(3) Debbie's Size 12 clothes!!
(4) Reina-Mia's persistence and encouragement
(5) Taiwan's dedication to helping others
(6) Lady_Rider's enthusiasm and love of life
(7) Good health for Annie
(8) Happy holidays for Cjunk and time to come in with us
(9) Merry Christmas and Happy upcoming year for PreciousOne
(10) and last but not least...To be able to use all of the above to
help and encourage others as much as they have helped me
Have to run now but MERRRRYYY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!! Thanks soooo much for EVERYTHING you each have added to my life!!!!
Good Evening Ladies
My Mom should be home by next tuesday if not sooner.
well today I binged...I felt like eating and eating...I worked myself up to 1812 cals and 80 grams of fat...yep, for real, I just felt so relieved when they pin pointed the problem and survivor finally was on and I had a party in my mouth...
I have given myself a virtual kick in my butt and tomorrow I will try again...although I have to go to my work christmas party...a very post thai restaraunt...my favorite type of food...yikes....wish me luck...I will have the lemongrass soup and a shrimp curry..I should be ok if I stick to these two choices.
I am still here ladies....
so now I can redo my stats at the bottom. That was a little encouraging. Maybe it has to do with our fosterdaughter leaving. She is our first one, and has been here a year. She's more like a little sister than a fosterdaughter. She is going back home and we think (and anyone else who knows her) feels the system is really doing an injustice. I won't start on this subject
One day, though, one day I will see that size again (may be a year from now). Hey, my mom and sister did good with WW but didn't have the discipline to stick with it. Well, my sister didn't, but my mom was diagnosed with a thryoid problem and has to take medicine that made her gain like 30lbs
,
Yea! Oh, I hope you feel better soon!
Besides, my Weight Commander predicts I will lose tomorrow and there is a lot to be said for the power of suggestion. 
This was my total for the whole day...I weighed myself this morning and I havent gained a pound...now isnt this a first for me....but I know this was a one off.
Merry Christmas Ladies
