Lynne--just a quick post for this morning. I am down another pound. I know it's water weight and weight loss from the organs they removed but it's still a pretty good moral booster.. don't ever remember a time when I lost a pound a day!!! Put on jeans this morning instead of my usual stretchy pants I've been wearing since the hospital stay and their BAGGY in the seat and waist--time to dig out a few smaller sized pairs from the closet: I have plenty of them----I probably have 10's, 12,s, 14's and 16's to choose from. Think I need a 14 or 16 now YAHOOOOOO!!!! I never want to see my 18 or 20's again!! Gonna run--hubby is home and we're going to make a grocery store run. He went over the weekend. He does pretty well but doesn't think about things like fresh vegis and meat. I do finally have him trained to pick up a few fresh fruits if I tell him specifically what to buy. He also never thinks of cleaning products other than TP and papertowels. God bless him he does try!!! And since his retirement he has greatly improved--now if he could learn to ironHope all is well for you--when do you have to be out of your current house???? I know you probably won't be posting until tomorrow again but I'll try to send something later today when I have a little more time...a little warmer today--I did get out for two short walks yesterday. I can go pretty far but not very fast. Tummy is still very sore and the jolt from a faster pace is still pretty painful so I'm keeping it slow and steady--thought about wearing an old girdle or something when I'm out to hold everything in place but haven't tried it yet--think I should wait until a little more healing takes place--don't want any setbacks---have a great day and keep up the good program---EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY----the results will come!!!
Jo

Hey Lynne--thanks for the note of support. Having a pretty good day. Was going to go to work for a bit to see everyone but decided against it--not ready emotionally for it yet. I will stop by next Wed on my way too or from the doctor--have to drive almost right by. I am going for a walk this afternoon. It is beautiful out. Almost 40 and very sunny--no excuses. And if I'm by myself I can go at my own pace. Hubby just left for a fishing trip with a friend--he needs to get out more--well the scale let me down this morning--no loss--oh well--can't expect one everyday--it wouldn't be healthy. And the smaller jeans were a disappointment also. My 16 full cuts are ok but I tried a 16 regular and their still tight--of course I do still have a lot of swelling--so maybe by next week or in 5 pounds when ever that is
How goes the move????Bet the children are getting excited. You'll still be close to your mum and dad right??? Is it closer or a little further? Can Josh walk to your parents or is it too far? Wish my grandchildren were in walking distance. My daughter did look at the house across from us in Ham Lake a few years ago but decided against it--much to my disappointment. Don't think we could ever get her to move to the town where we are now--but maybe someday. Have you been getting your exercise??? When you decide to brush it off--think of me and the fact that even though I'm sick I'm still getting in as much as I can--talk about a guilt trip--I just layed a big one on you Is Becca big enough to walk with you or do you still have to push her in the buggy?? I just read in todays paper that they were starting a walking group for young moms in my area--where they incorporate pushing the stroller for a better, more intense work out--what next??? When my children were little I used to pile all three of them in a wagon and take off for a few hours--talk about a workout!!!! No wonder I was slim then. We would walk 1 1/2 miles to the closest store for popsicles then walk home again. I took them almost everyday in the summer. My arms looked terrific----oh for the good old days! Flat tummy, tight buns, scultped shoulders
Gonna run---the outdoors are calling and I can't waste a beautiful day!!
Hope your taking care of yourself. I did write Kermie yesterday to see if I could get her back on line--we'll see. Have a great weekend--try to post if you get the chance--I know this is a busy time for YOU and your family. Let me know the details of your trip too--you said March??? Thats when I'll be gone too--unless I need more treatments before then.
Jo

Hi Jo and all!

It's been very busy over the last few days. We did a few trailer loads on Saturday to try and move some of the smaller stuff. I've been carting heaps of boxes and stuff over the last week so the house is starting to look really bare. The main move is this Saturday, and it's nice and close, so it won't be as back breaking as past moves have been. The kids are fairly excited. I've been taking them around there as often as possible. Becky doesn't quite get what's going on, but she enjoys going to the house. Distance-wise, it's a little further to mum and dad's from the new house, but definitely still within walking distance - 5 minutes or so..... Josh loves all the footpaths he can ride on - there's a bit more flexibility because we're on a corner, and one of the roads is a no-through road. Also there's a park at the end of it, and a laneway nearby, so he can do lots of zooming!

I don't have the pram anymore, but I bought a push-along bike for Becky to ride in - it's really cool. It's a "trike" at first, with a little bar that goes around her tummy, and a handle up the back that I push that controls the steering. As she gets older, the foot tray, and bar can be removed so she can peddle, and then the handle can come off so she can steer. She loves it, so we go for walks with her in that, and Josh riding. We haven't gone for a little while, but the weather has settled down a bit, so we can pick it up again.

Food's been a bit up and down. Mainly up. I'm chewing on a carrot right now, after enjoying a tuna sandwich! I'm trying to get out of the habit of wanting to eat all the time while I'm at work. It's such a trap to just nibble all day long. And if I do want to nibble, I've got to make sure I take healthy snacks with me to work, such as nuts, fruit salad etc. I've got to break the food obsession cycle! I'm getting there.....

Jo, I think it sucks you having this cancer after all your recent troubles! Hopefully they'll be able to remove it all quickly and cleanly, and that will be the end of it! Thank goodness you don't have to do chemo. I've heard it makes you very sick.

You're right, you are a huge inspiration - if you can still exercise when recovering from a major operation, what excuse do I have?? You're allowed to push the guilt trip - I'd do the same for you! I think you're doing an amazing job, and fully deserve the exciting losses you're seeing - how cool that you're in smaller clothes - that's the best part of weight loss I reckon!

I feel that I'm almost there with the weight loss. It's so hard to remain focussed, but I am trying!

Have you heard back from Kermie? It would be nice to hear how the others are going, like Chris and motherhood. I know that it's demanding!

Becky had her second birthday yesterday. She doesn't look big enough to be 2. I must get a photo of the kids and email them to you.

I'd better get back to it.

Talk to you all tomorrow

Lynne--wow moving day is almost here!!! Glad the children are so accepting. Sounds like a good move for all of you--more room, better play area etc.
I did hear from Kermie tody--she said she had tried to find us but couldn't. I'm going to go back to the home site this afternoon and see if I can find the path in--I have it bookmarked so I don't even know what we're listed under now. She had a new grand daughter born this week--so happy times for her!! She started Oprahs Bootcamp yesterday. I watched most of the show but hubby came home at the end and I had to get dinner going so he could make his diabetes class in the evening So I don't know what you have to do to join the camp. It looked pretty easy from what I saw and the staff she had that had gone thru it since Novemeber looked terrific. SHE looks great! I know it's a twelve week committment. Maybe we should both look into it. I know it involves not eating "white" foods--refined sugars, white flour etc. You also have to commit to 8 workouts a week---and no alcohol. The program and book were written by her trainer--I think his name was Bob Green--but I'd have to look it up. I know she said all the details were in this months "O" magazine so I'll pick up a copy when I'm out today. I am finally at the 20 pound mark. 208 this morning.. That's another 1/2 pound. It is coming off slower now--but still at a 2 1/2 pound a week pace which is healthy. I walked 1 mile on Sunday, Monday and today!!!! Still a pretty slow pace but I don't want to jar any stitches lose--and I still have lots of them to jar---I do need to get my water intake up again. I think I'm drinking close to 5 or 6 glasses a day--but I don't know. I need to start keeping tract. Also staying away from junk food and between meal snacking. My tummy is still pretty shrunk up from the liquid diet after surgery and I sure don't want to stretch it out again. It's a lot easier when you dont have the appetite or room for a heavy meal.
Gonna run--I'm going to do a little shopping today--haven't been to the mall since before my surgery--egads--thats over two weeks--I wonder if they've had to declare bankrupcy yet without my dollars
Stay in touch--I'll try to find Kermie the magic connection. Sounds like she's missing us a little and with her new program starting she could use the encoragement from us--
Jo

Lynne--couldn't find the "O" magazine I was looking for. IT's the one with Oprah wearing all pink--maybe it's not out yet I'll keep watching. I did write Kermie and gave her the directions in--I hope anyhow. Talk tomorrow.
Jo

Hey Lynne--I know it's moving day--hope all goes well for you. Don't expect to hear from you for a while--I know you'll be busy getting settled. I'm doing ok--still reeling from my last dr. appt. but I'm ok with it--I can take the chemo--I hope without too many problems. And vacation will help improve my mental state. Talk next week--stay with your program as well as you can and write when things settle down.
Jo

Hi Jo!

I'm at work and taking the quick opportunity to post, as my computer won't be up for a while yet at home! It didn't help that I got a rotten cold as well, so the last week has been very stressful and tiring! The move went ok, but I hate not being able to move around and find things easily. I know with time it will sort out, but it's such a lot of work and I miss having someone to help! There will be a huge adjustment, but the kids are coping ok (well apart from Josh getting a tummy bug and Becky whingeing all day!!!!!!!) and the puppy is very excited at having such a big garden to plan in. I've set up an area outside that is his when it's night or we're out, which means he's got a bit of garden to dig in and stuff.

I haven't paid any attention to my food or exercise. I think lugging all that furniture around and stuff has definitely helped - I'm constantly moving at the moment, which doesn't leave a lot of time to be snacking on naughty food. I haven't gained, haven't lost. I'm giving myself this week to settle, and then I'm really going to put my foot down... well, both actually, as I pound the pavement!!!

That Oprah thing sounds interesting - I'll be curious to hear what you've found out. I wonder if there is info about it on her website? Certainly worth checking out. Maybe if Kermie can find us, we can join her in the quest and all support each other!

I'm glad to hear you're doing well - are you going to have to do chemo!!?? That sucks! When would all that happen?

I go to NZ on March 22nd. We'll be away for about 2 weeks.

I'd better get back into it. Talk soon!

Lynne (ps don't you love these new scales?!)

Jo, I've had a quick look and at the www.oprah.com website there's a whole thing about it - looks really good. Definitely interested!

Lynne

Lynne--glad to hear the move is over--you have lots of time to get settled--but I remember well the feeling of disorganization that goes with a move. I'm still looking for things from our move. Of course we were moving things to two different locations--the lake and here so i guess it was easier to misplace things! I'm feeling well--lots of running to appointments these days but I have been faithful to my exercise. I'm going to the U of Mn on Thursday for a second opionion. We weren't impressed with the first doctor. He is a REALLY GOOD doctor--came highly recommended but we weren't comfortable with his personality. He didn't explain anything--just said this is the type of cancer you have and this is the tretment course. I cancelled the chemo he had scheduled for this week. I'm waiting until after I meet with this other doctor to see what she says.
I have been in contact with Kermie everyday--sometimes twice a day. She is very supportive--and has a lot of experience with what Im going thru after her Dave went thru it. Don't know if she'll come back to the thread but maybe. She is doing well and her life is peaceful. Enjoying her two new grandchildren and all the fun that goes with them!
I did check out Oprahs bootcamp. I can't join right now--because of the chemo and stuff but maybe when I'm done--Mid-July. It does look like a pretty big committment--but not too tough.
Walked for 35 minutes today--I'm going to try the stationary bike this afternoon. Maybe a mile or so--I need to take it slow---weight wise I'm up 1 1/2 pounds this week--I know I'm eating more but I think maybe part of it is just my body returning to normal. It's not under as much stress healing now and my appetite has returned full force--DARN IT!!! I had hoped to lose a few more pounds before that happened--
Take care of yourself---I'll keep in contact--and I'll keep working on Kermie--
Jo

Hi Jo

Tell Kermie not to stress - if she's finding it hard to get in here, I'd be just as happy to hear from her via email. I'm at [email protected]. I know that it does take more time to come and find your thread etc. I'm glad to hear she's happy - it gives us faith that we can get through the tough times and be happy again.

I think you getting a second opinion is a good idea - it's always best to "shop around" with anything you do, so you can make a valid assessment and be comfortable with the options you choose and the people who provide it. I was like that with my counsellor - I had to feel "just right" about the person before benefitting from their advice.

I'm not at all surprised that you've gained weight. You've been on a liquid diet, and then not much else, so your body is probably "starving" for some solid food. What you've gotta do is let yourself start enjoying full meals again, but if you keep it healthy, the weight will steady, and then continue to drop as you keep up the fantastic effort of exercise!!

I must keep this short, but will be back in on Friday and will catch up then.

Take care.

Lynne--good to hear from you again. Well the weight will be back off again next week. Liquid diet on Monday for some Tuesday tests. I'm not stressing at all on the gain--I know I will be losing weight once my chemo starts--I just hope it isnt more than I need to lose. Kermie told me to keep as much weight on now so I'll have the reserves for later--the voice of experience. I know her Dave lost a lot of weight--very quickly when he started chemo. Most people do. Lots of appointments set for tomorrow--so I won't be posting--I look forward to hearing from you on Friday--hope I can make it back on then. In the mean time--keep faithful to yourself and your program.
Jo

Jo, I'm thinking of you! : I hope your tests go ok. It certainly makes sense what Kermie says - I remember my grandad wasting away with his cancer. We want you slim, not disappearing!!!

You would be so proud of me - I woke up with a whole new determination that I haven't felt in a long time. I had gastro yesterday, and didn't eat all day. I was thinking to myself, "well, you promised you'd get back on track once you settled into the new house, I guess now is a good time as any!" So as I lay in bed last night I made a promise to myself to make ME a priority at the beginning of the day by starting my morning bike again, and I've promised myself at least 1/2 hour exercise everyday and possibly 1/2 hour weights (you know, situps, pushups, etc). And then I also promised myself to eat better again. For myself and the kids. I really want to make this year MY year. So I want to get the house looking good, and have us all feeling settled and well. I want to look back on this year with pride and happiness.

So at 6.45am this morning I got up and did 10 minutes on the bike - after yesterday I didn't want to push it (excuse the pun! ha ha) but I did promise myself I'd do another 20 minutes tonight. I'll also do the situps etc. I've brought a healthy lunch and snacks to work, and will STAY AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!

I probably won't get in again until Tuesday, which is when I next work, as my computer isn't set up at home, and probably won't be for another couple of weeks, considering the state of my spare room!!! But I promise that by the time I log on again, I will have lots of good eating and exercise to report!

I'm going to weigh once a week, starting next Saturday. I also promised I'd hide the scales during the week, so I can be pleasantly surprised when I weigh in next week!



I hope you stay well and it's not all bad news.
Take care!

Lynne--pretty much a repeat of the news we got last week. Ovarian cancer--stage 3. It is however Grade 1 which means it is a slower growing cancer. I start Chemo ASAP--no getting out of it They told me to wig shop now--my hair will be gone 2 1/2 weeks after chemo starts----that will save time in the mornings getting ready for work Still planning on going on vacation--but it may be delayed a few days--the first treatment is supposed to be the worse--they told me I won't feel like traveling for at least 4-5 days. After that the side effects should lessen a little--hope so.
Gotta run--it's late. I went to church tonight for my craft group. It was nice to get out for something fun for a change. Some walking today--but not as much as I would have liked--most of the day was spent in the doctors office.
Glad to hear the renewed enthusiasiam!!! You'll see the rewards before you know it--don't try to change everything at once though--you'll get discouraged. Set samller goals. First the exercise--then in a week or so get strick on the food. In the meantime make it your goal to just think about what your eating and start telling yourself how much better the healthy stuff tastes!
Jo

Lynne- how was your weekend--lots of unpacking accomplished??? I did a little vacation packing--but not much. We are leaving on Wed. evening if I'm recovered from tomorrows tests--should be---
Another beautiful but cold day here. I shoveled a dusting of snow. Going shopping in a bit. I don't need much for vacation but I need to keep busy to keep my mind off the lack of food today--just LOVE these liquid diets! I probably won't be posting while we're gone--unless I get computer access--maybe at one of my sisters. I will be thinking of you--and I will be getting in lots of walking in the warm sunshine--so let that be a motivator for you--get on the bike every morning and stay moving thru out the day--if I can do it--so can YOU!!
Catch you tomorrow. Be true to yourself--each day your closer to a healthier lifesyle and happier you!
Jo

Hi Jo,

Looks like it's just you and me these days!

I really really hope your first treatment isn't too bad. I'll be thinking of you lots! :groupghug:

I hope you have a nice trip away. I think it's what you and your hubby need by the sounds of it! How's he coping with all this? What's Stage 3 and Level 1 mean? I don't know a lot about cancer.

I have been busy at it with everything. The house is starting to take shape, and I'm actually starting to feel good about it. There are actually some benefits that I didn't even know of before. Amazingly enough I started my period on the weekend, and have managed to get through the days without bingeing out. Even now, I'm feeling very sad and moody, and the impulse is to reach for the chocolate. Luckily I don't have any here, and I was able to over-ride and talk myself through it. I think it helped noticing that my pants are a little looser! I've kept up the exercise, but I'm not overdoing anything. I figure a bit of my bike combined with lots of moving furniture and unpacking and walking the kids to the local park and running after the dog should do it! I've even managed to keep myself off the scales!!!!

Well, I'll keep coming in and posting, and I hope you have a nice relaxing holiday. I'm sure you told me, but where are you going? I'm sorry, but I'm very vague and forgetful these days. Enjoy the sun and walks, and we'll compare miles when you get back! ha ha

Take care!