... that's an unofficial diagnosis as there isn't a very definitive means of verifying one. Likely caused by taking Tomoxifen before my hysterectomy and having cellulitis in my lower right leg. Both things likely caused some damage to lymph glands.
On to the good news... as suggested by the doctor, a little walk in the morning to help open up the lymph pumps and a water pill are working wonders. No more swelling in the node in my armpit and very little fluid retention in my lower right leg.
More good news....
Day 59
Weight 289
81 Days Remaining
47 Pounds Remaining
More information on Lymphedema... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
I'm Back.. and I'm Sorry!!!
Day 56
Weight 291
I realize I've been away for a long time and I'm very sorry for that. Lot's of challenges in the past couple of months, mostly positive. Let's see... I've moved to a different state, started a new job, dealt with a couple of health issues but all is settling down and I'm starting to develop some momentum in the right direction again.
Part of why I've been away was because of utter frustration with trying to weigh-in while retaining water in my lower right leg and a scare with a lump in my left armpit. The stress from handling that, emotionally, at the same time put a damper on my progress.
I'm back, with medical issues identified and under control.
I've been working a lot, which is a blessing! My previous job was, in all honesty, BORING! I was busy for the first few months but spent the better part of a year, bored out of my skull. My new job is challenging and demanding, just like I like it. I'm learning, teaching, and using my most valuable skills. I'm able to be creative, technical, and tough, all at once. Matter of face, all of things are expected of me and I LOVE IT! My commute is a bit harsh though, especially in LA traffic. It's about 45 minutes in the morning and an hour to an hour and a half in the evening... did I mention I have to get up at 4AM?
My new home is amazing! I love it! I can think of only 2 places I've loved living as much; Pacific Beach, growing up and my first home purchase in Tucson, AZ. The beach is close and I've spent a lot of time there, walking with Pinky (the best dog ever). I've got everything I need and want here. Fireplace, garage, Pergo floors, washer and dryer in my home and a wall of windows in both my master bedroom and living room, both leading out to a patio that overlooks an amazing pond with waterfalls, trees , bridges, birds, and turtles. The sound of the waterfalls and the animals makes it peaceful... except for the darn duck that occasionally prevents me from sleeping in on weekends.
I went for a walk this morning with Pinky at the beach. It's a beautiful day here. I came home and made my famous (to me anyhow) chicken veggie soup and salsa to enjoy this week. I'll try to develop a recipe for the soup and post it. It's delicious, but I just wing it, I've been making it for a long time.
Hopefully I still have followers.... ???
Weight 291
I realize I've been away for a long time and I'm very sorry for that. Lot's of challenges in the past couple of months, mostly positive. Let's see... I've moved to a different state, started a new job, dealt with a couple of health issues but all is settling down and I'm starting to develop some momentum in the right direction again.
Part of why I've been away was because of utter frustration with trying to weigh-in while retaining water in my lower right leg and a scare with a lump in my left armpit. The stress from handling that, emotionally, at the same time put a damper on my progress.
I'm back, with medical issues identified and under control.
I've been working a lot, which is a blessing! My previous job was, in all honesty, BORING! I was busy for the first few months but spent the better part of a year, bored out of my skull. My new job is challenging and demanding, just like I like it. I'm learning, teaching, and using my most valuable skills. I'm able to be creative, technical, and tough, all at once. Matter of face, all of things are expected of me and I LOVE IT! My commute is a bit harsh though, especially in LA traffic. It's about 45 minutes in the morning and an hour to an hour and a half in the evening... did I mention I have to get up at 4AM?
My new home is amazing! I love it! I can think of only 2 places I've loved living as much; Pacific Beach, growing up and my first home purchase in Tucson, AZ. The beach is close and I've spent a lot of time there, walking with Pinky (the best dog ever). I've got everything I need and want here. Fireplace, garage, Pergo floors, washer and dryer in my home and a wall of windows in both my master bedroom and living room, both leading out to a patio that overlooks an amazing pond with waterfalls, trees , bridges, birds, and turtles. The sound of the waterfalls and the animals makes it peaceful... except for the darn duck that occasionally prevents me from sleeping in on weekends.
I went for a walk this morning with Pinky at the beach. It's a beautiful day here. I came home and made my famous (to me anyhow) chicken veggie soup and salsa to enjoy this week. I'll try to develop a recipe for the soup and post it. It's delicious, but I just wing it, I've been making it for a long time.
Hopefully I still have followers.... ???
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 5 - 136 Days Remaining
Weight 295
Still 54 pounds to go
I haven’t lost any more since Wednesday but I’m retaining some water, hopefully that will change in the next few days. No sweat, I’ve still lost 6 pounds in the first week.
Today is a day of planning. I’m very excited to spend the weekend with great friends in Manhattan Beach, CA and attend a class in Mission Viejo, CA on Tuesday and Wednesday. My only real concern about the weekend is the drive. I tend to eat on the go (i.e. fast food) on the road. I’m proud to say that I learned from yesterday’s mistake, not having a plan…
I HAVE A PLAN PEOPLE…
I’m bringing a small bag of Clenentine’s with me and I will stop at the Ghost Town exit, in both directions, fuel up, grab some water and a sugar free Red Bull, if necessary, and grab a Chicken Fajita Pita, no cheese, from Jack in the Box. And if I get a really strong snacking urge… Beef Jerky will be my only choice. I know, I know, lots of sodium but low in calories and fat and some good protein.
This planning ahead thing is a lot easier when I have to share it with you all. That is, assuming anyone is out there reading. lol
Still 54 pounds to go
I haven’t lost any more since Wednesday but I’m retaining some water, hopefully that will change in the next few days. No sweat, I’ve still lost 6 pounds in the first week.
Today is a day of planning. I’m very excited to spend the weekend with great friends in Manhattan Beach, CA and attend a class in Mission Viejo, CA on Tuesday and Wednesday. My only real concern about the weekend is the drive. I tend to eat on the go (i.e. fast food) on the road. I’m proud to say that I learned from yesterday’s mistake, not having a plan…
I HAVE A PLAN PEOPLE…
I’m bringing a small bag of Clenentine’s with me and I will stop at the Ghost Town exit, in both directions, fuel up, grab some water and a sugar free Red Bull, if necessary, and grab a Chicken Fajita Pita, no cheese, from Jack in the Box. And if I get a really strong snacking urge… Beef Jerky will be my only choice. I know, I know, lots of sodium but low in calories and fat and some good protein.
This planning ahead thing is a lot easier when I have to share it with you all. That is, assuming anyone is out there reading. lol
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Yikes!!!
My first craving for sweets so far... uggg! I'm still at work and should be better prepared for this. I'll hang on until I get home and have some hot chocolate. How to handle this in the future??? WHY DON'T I HAVE A PLAN FOR THIS ALREADY?
So, beginning tomorrow, I will carry a baggie with a few mini marshmallows and a small bag of microwaveable popcorn in the truck for sweet and salty craving emergencies.
Plan established - disaster avoided. Another small item to toss in the victory bag! :o)
So, beginning tomorrow, I will carry a baggie with a few mini marshmallows and a small bag of microwaveable popcorn in the truck for sweet and salty craving emergencies.
Plan established - disaster avoided. Another small item to toss in the victory bag! :o)
The Marilyn Effect...
Marilyn Monroe once said…
I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
I LOVE this quote! It reminds me that my strengths are far more important and abundant than my faults.
Another Marilyn, someone very special and dear to me, recently shared something inspiring in the midst of this battle…
Eat to nourish my body, not my soul.
That doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy what I do eat. This is something that hits home for me, as an emotional compulsive overeater who finds comfort in the wrong foods, in excess. Those few words speak so much to me. A sentence that most might read and appreciate, but when I read that little sentence, I know she understands the constant battle between emotions and logic when it comes to food.
The Marilyn Effect boils down to two things.
1. Remember my strengths and focus on them.
2. When it comes to food, stick with logic.
I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
I LOVE this quote! It reminds me that my strengths are far more important and abundant than my faults.
Another Marilyn, someone very special and dear to me, recently shared something inspiring in the midst of this battle…
Eat to nourish my body, not my soul.
That doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy what I do eat. This is something that hits home for me, as an emotional compulsive overeater who finds comfort in the wrong foods, in excess. Those few words speak so much to me. A sentence that most might read and appreciate, but when I read that little sentence, I know she understands the constant battle between emotions and logic when it comes to food.
The Marilyn Effect boils down to two things.
1. Remember my strengths and focus on them.
2. When it comes to food, stick with logic.
Day 4 - 137 Days Remaining
I woke up this morning, groggy and with a killer headache. I really wished I could have gone back to sleep!!! No rest for the weary, as they say. Fearful of a disastrous, negative day ahead, I headed straight for the Extra Strength Tylenol, asked myself what my Mom and Chris would tell me (as it’s ALWAYS positive) and to the book I’m reading and found this…
There is nothing you cannot be, there is nothing you cannot do. There is nothing you cannot have.
There is perfection in the process—and all life arises out of choice.
I started reading Conversations with God again yesterday after a friend on FB posted a status with this quote from Book 1 - Know that what you do in the moment of your greatest Trial...can be your greatest Triumph.
I read Books 1 and 2 in 1996 and felt inspired to read them again after reading that post. So, today I embrace the words I read this morning and CHOSE to make today full of life and positive choices.
Good breakfast (despite feeling icky) – check, good lunch – packed, attitude – in check.
There is nothing you cannot be, there is nothing you cannot do. There is nothing you cannot have.
There is perfection in the process—and all life arises out of choice.
I started reading Conversations with God again yesterday after a friend on FB posted a status with this quote from Book 1 - Know that what you do in the moment of your greatest Trial...can be your greatest Triumph.
I read Books 1 and 2 in 1996 and felt inspired to read them again after reading that post. So, today I embrace the words I read this morning and CHOSE to make today full of life and positive choices.
Good breakfast (despite feeling icky) – check, good lunch – packed, attitude – in check.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
My steam bag addiction…
So, I’ll admit it, I’m addicted, but this addiction is one I DO NOT want to beat.
Here’s how I use them, most of the time…
In the morning, I cube up some chicken or turkey breast, season it, put it right in the steam bag with one of these combinations of ingredients…
• Sliced mushrooms, ½ cup sweet Marsala wine, ¼ cup red wine (one you'd enjoy drinking), minced garlic, a tiny bit of lemon juice, 1 bay leaf & Italian herbs.
• Salsa, onions, bell peppers
• Rosemary, lemon juice, garlic,
• Teriyaki sauce, pineapple, green onions
• Bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning
I put the bag in the refrigerator until I get home. When it’s time for dinner, put the bag into a kind-of deep microwaveable container. One that will let the bag lay mostly flat. When there is liquid in the bag, it tends to open a little more than normal. If it's in a container, it wont make a mess. Cook the bag as long as specified on the bag’s instructions. I often add 1 tbsp of butter to the bag before cooking.
If you come up with any new ideas, please share them!!! :o)
Here’s how I use them, most of the time…
In the morning, I cube up some chicken or turkey breast, season it, put it right in the steam bag with one of these combinations of ingredients…
• Sliced mushrooms, ½ cup sweet Marsala wine, ¼ cup red wine (one you'd enjoy drinking), minced garlic, a tiny bit of lemon juice, 1 bay leaf & Italian herbs.
• Salsa, onions, bell peppers
• Rosemary, lemon juice, garlic,
• Teriyaki sauce, pineapple, green onions
• Bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning
I put the bag in the refrigerator until I get home. When it’s time for dinner, put the bag into a kind-of deep microwaveable container. One that will let the bag lay mostly flat. When there is liquid in the bag, it tends to open a little more than normal. If it's in a container, it wont make a mess. Cook the bag as long as specified on the bag’s instructions. I often add 1 tbsp of butter to the bag before cooking.
If you come up with any new ideas, please share them!!! :o)
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