Denise's Happy, Healthy,Healing Journal-Posts welcome

[DisDee]

We've been making some vacation plans recently, so I thought I'd share them with my Dis friends. I get such a kick out of planning.

Last night my DH was on the Spirit Airlines website, and snagged a super rate for a weekend in Feb.to Tampa. The rate was -$2.00 (Spirit pays you to fly). With the taxes and security fees, the rate was about $35.00 for both of us. We figure we can either go to Busch Gardens or maybe just hit the beach and relax.

We're also going to WDW and taking a Wonder cruise in May. Again, we got good rates on Spirit ($35.00 each way), so we decided to celebrate our 34th anniversary with a cruise. We're also renting points from a DVC owner. We'll have 2 nights before the cruise at VWL, and 3 nights after at Old Key West. We'll be able to hit Epcot for the Flower and Garden Festival, which DH has never been to. We also have some old hoppers with a water park option, so we'll probably go to Blizzard Beach. We also might take advantage of the special for Universal.

If any of you have taken a 3-night cruise on the Wonder, I'd appreciate an helpful hints since we're first timers.

The State of NJ recently issued tax rebates to residents, so we're using our "found money" and applying it right to vacation. Now I just need to find some other ways to magically save.

Make it a great day!!!! Denise

 

[goldcupmom]

Hey, Dee! The new 'Fall into Winter' journaling challenge is up. Where are you???? It was your fantastic idea ( & name!!)!!

Your vacation plans sound AWESOME!!!

Have a good week this week......and JOURNAL!!!

 

[DisDee]

Day 2/Challenge

Just a quick check-in before work. Today I will refuse donuts at work. We have sales meetings for the rest of the week and they always bring in junk plus lunch trays. I'm just going to say NO. Have a great day!

 

[DisDee]

Day 3-Journal Challenge

"Nothing is too small to know and too big to attempt" William Van Horne

I stayed within my points range yesterday, so I feel good about that! I had half a bagel and for lunch I chose chicken, a h.b. egg and pickles from the deli tray. The food at work is really a challenge! I have a weigh-in today, so I'll report later. I'm thinking about switching to the Core Program, and maybe I'll boost my loss a little plus I need to stop eating so many bread products.

Thursday is the night DH and I go to dinner, so I need to choose carefully!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

 

[larry's girl]

Just stopping by to say hi and let you know I finally got a chance to read your journal. I REALLY admire your tenacity and the positive spirit you show. You NEVER give up, and that's a quality that I certainly need to cultivate for my own weight loss journey.

Hope you have a great night!

 

[DisDee]

I've been terrible about journaling lately. I really have no excuse,except that I've been lazy and in a rut. I've been going to WW regularly and today I got my 10lb. star. I'm feeling really good about that! I had 2 routine Dr. visits this week-primary and gyn...I'm trying to be responsible for my health and wellness. I have another appt. in a couple of weeks with a dermatologist , a dental check-up and cleaning at the end of Oct., and still need to schedule vision and the dreaded over 50 colonoscopy. My mammo. is scheduled for Dec. Whew! I'm really glad we have health insurance!

Don't know what we'll be doing this weekend. We finally have a hint of fall in the air (which I love) Maybe we'll go out and get some mums and do some stuff around the house. I like to cook on the weekend so that I can freeze some dishes and also have meals for later in the week.

I'm off to do a little something domestic before I crash for the evening. Have a super-dooper Friday. The weekend is just about here!

 

[DisDee]

"The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." Benjamin E. Mays

I couldn't sleep this morning, so I decided to get up early and do a little Dissing. I had a follow up with my Dr. regarding my blood work, and it was one of those good news/bad news things. My cholesterol levels all improved and are excellent,but...my blood sugar is still high, and I was told if it doesn't improve in 3 months, I may have to go on medication.I kind of expected that, but when you hear it from the Dr., it's reality check time. She was happy with my 10 lb. weight loss, but would like me to lose 10 more before my next visit in Jan. So here's the plan. Curves 3 times a week and a vigorous walk on the other days. I will also walk more in general. I'm going to switch to the Core plan at WW, so I'm not eating all the bad carbs that I love.

I'm officially in countdown mode for our trip to the Outer Banks for Thanksgiving.Our vaca is 1 month from today. That means I can start my lists, pull out the totes and start getting things together. We've rented a 5 B.R. house on the sound with a hot tub, pool table, elevator, and many other great features. Its also in a community with a recreation center with indoor pool, exercise room, and other fun things. This is our first trip down there in November, so I'm hoping for nice weather.

We're thinking about taking a ride to Atlantic city today. There's a Rainforest Cafe in the Trump Casino which would be fun to go to. I'm missing WDW, so I can pretend I'm in DTD. LOL!

More later...and have a beautiful Sunday!

 

[DisDee]

A beautiful day at the Jersey shore! We took a ride just to have lunch, do some people watching, and check out the new shops on the old Steel Pier. We walked on the boardwalk and had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. Its not as large as DTD, but still has the same atmosphere. The best part was we had an early lunch and beat the crowds! I had lettuce wraps which were yummy, although a little spicy. Not sure of the calorie count, but I could have made worse choices...like the peanut butter pie, which I'm sure I would love!

My son told me about a website he discovered called The Daily Plate. I'm going to check it out. I believe it lists restaurant calorie counts, has a journaling section, and lots of good healthy info.

Be back later....

 

[DisDee]

"Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." Babe Ruth

I had my dermatologist visit yesterday and all went well. I have some sun damage to my skin from all those years when I didn't realize the importance of sunscreen. But even so, I'm happy that my visit had a good outcome.

We're very busy at work this week, so sometimes that gets a bit stressful. We have 2 people missing from our dept., and also 2 of my sales reps are out , so that makes me a little crazy. I find that if I take a deep breath when I start to feel tense, it really does help me calm down. I just have to remember to make myself do it.

I've declared tonight a house straightening night. I must admit , I'm bad at putting things away at times. By the time I get home from work, have dinner and clean up, who wants to putter around with all the other stuff? Not me! I really do need to address the situation tonight, cause Thurs. is date night, and Fri. my DD might be staying over.

Time to get ready for the day. Have a good Wednesday!

 

[DisDee]

Well, here it is 2008, and I have so much catching up to do. I'll try to journal over the next few days and get up-to-date.

After about 15 months of gyn. problems, I finally had a hysterectomy on Dec. 11th. The surgery went well, and I was released from the hospital the following day. (Thank goodness, because I got no rest while there!) I've pretty much been at home recuperating for the last 3 weeks with the exception of a trip to my daughter's in Pa. over the holidays. We took a ride to Hershey and drove thru their Christmas light display. It was so nice to get out and have a change of scenery and do something festive. I'm very thankful that I'm feeling so good...actually much better than I expected. I just spoke with my Dr.'s office and was told that I can now drive again! My family has been wonderful! They've brought me meals, cleaned my house, did my laundry, cooked me dinner, and have just taken care of me in general.

I do have some other health issues that I'll write about later, but for now, I'm doing well, and enjoying some time off from work.

I hope everyone had a great holiday season, and I wish you a happy and healthy New Year! Denise

 

[DisDee]

"Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." Abraham Lincoln

Since I'm now able to drive, I took myself to the lab for blood work this morning. Then I had a list of other things that I wanted to accomplish. I went to Panera for a bagel and tea, then to the mall for a walk. (I'm not allowed to lift or strain, so no Curves for me for awhile.) After that I went to the bank with my first disability check, and then to the grocery store for a few items. I picked up some fresh asparagus to have with the pork roast that I'm making for dinner. I'm resuming WW today since I'm feeling good- hence no more comfort food. I'll go to my first meeting on Wed. My weight is about the same as the end of Nov. which is OK because everyone has been feeding me all kinds of yummy stuff over the last month.

DH suggested that we go to a movie later. I'm thinking maybe "Charlie Wilson's War" with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

Off to do a little straightening. I really wish I could run the vacuum, but I'll leave that for hubby.

Have a great weekend!

 

[DisDee]

"Projecting your mind into a successful situation is the most most powerful means to achieve goals." Estee Lauder

Another new week. Yikes! I've been out of work for 4 weeks now, and I know that I'm recovering, but I haven't done much on my to-do list. My lists have silly little things like fill in the new address book, straighten up my jewelry box, etc. I suppose I should try to complete one item each day. I have to see 2 different doctors this week, and go to a WW meeting on Wed.

My DD and DS lent me a bunch of DVD's to help pass the time, so hubby and I have been watching the first season of Desperate Housewives. We've really gotten hooked. I also got a historical DVD about Disneyland for Christmas which I'll probably pop in today.

I need to pick up a new WW 3-month journal when I go on Wed. There's something about starting off the New Year with a blank slate...it helps with the mind-set.

The weather is supposed to be mild here in NJ today. I need to get outside and get some fresh air. That should perk me up.

Have a great week!

 

[DisDee]

I spent a lovely afternoon enjoying the beautiful day. I took a ride to a neighboring town-Moorestown, and did a little browsing and shopping. This is the town that won the national award for best place to live a couple of years ago. It's so nice to shop in a town that has a main street with family owned shops,etc. I hit the bakery and bought some rolls for dinner and then went to the bookstore in search of bargains. After that, I went to a local park and found a nice bench to sit and read. Then I came home and read some more while sitting on the deck. This has been a rather indulgent day, but I figure I deserve it with everything that has happened in the past month. I have a follow-up with the gyn tomorrow, and with the oncologist on Thurs. (my lab results were positive for uterine cancer). I'm thinking positively, and taking one day at a time.

 

[DisDee]

"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go". William Feather

I had my follow-up appt. on Tues for my hysterectomy. I have an inflammation from the sutures, so my doc gave me meds for the problem. Other than that I am feeling well and improving every day.

Went to WW on Wed. I'm up 1.5, not bad for some one who ditched the program for 6 weeks due to surgery and the holidays. My new philosophy is health, not weight. If I think and eat healthy, the weight should come off.

On Thurs. I had the second appt. with the oncologist. I got wonderful news...my CT scan and blood test were negative so that means no additional surgery, just radiation. I have an appt. with my doc at the Virtua/Fox Chase Cancer Center on Mon. to set up my treatment schedule. Fox Chase is very highly rated in the Phila. area as a top notch cancer treatment center, so I feel I'm in good hands.

As of right now, I'm out of work until Feb. 5., which of course could be subject to change. We have plans to fly to Tampa for a weekend in Feb. Originally we were going to Busch Gardens, but with all that has happened, we plan to just chill and relax at our hotel. I found a great rate for the Bellevue Biltmore in Clearwater...$85.00/nite. It's one of those classic, sprawling hotels built in the late 1800's and on the National Registry of Historic places. I'm really looking forward to our get-away.

Well, enough for now. I have to chuckle at the title of my journal. When I started it a year and half ago, the "healing" was all about the arthritis in my knees. That all seems so minor now. I'm so thankful that I had the surgery and the cancer was discovered at an early stage! Girls...don't ever delay your gyn appts., and tell your doc about any minor problem,and be an advocate for you!!!!! No one else knows your body like you do!

 

[goldcupmom]

I'm glad things are somewhat positive, Dee, & no more surgeries!! Will be praying for you! Hang in there!!

 

[DisDee]

Julie, thanks so much for the prayers and I'll be sure to return the favor!

Yesterday I got to talk with one of my co-workers who had just found out about my diagnosis. It was so nice to speak with someone from the office who had such positive and up-beat things to say to me. I'll probably stop in there this week to say hello. It's going to be difficult to speak with everyone for the first time. Sometimes I get rather emotional when I talk about it.

DH and I went to dinner at Carrabba's last night. We're still using our gift cards that we received for Christmas. Of course I ate way too much, but I figure if I eat out only 1x per week, it shouldn't be too bad. We both had a delicious meal and did bring home some leftovers to enjoy today.

DH and I hit Target and Kohl's today in search of winter bargains. I had no luck at Target as usual when it comes to clothes, but at Kohl's I found 4 items. One was a pair of really cute cropped capri-style pants that was marked way down from last summer I suppose. They're a petite so they fit really well. They'll be great for my trip in Feb.

Well, time to get to work. We're still un-decorating from Christmas. We're taking things slowly this year. We finished the upstairs, but now have to tackle the family room and store things away.

Have a laid-back Sunday and a great week!

 

[DisDee]

I need to play catch up for the week...

Monday-My DH took me to my first visit to the Radiation Oncologist which was scheduled for 2:20. When we got there, we were told he had just left due to a stomach virus. Actually, I'm glad I didn't get to see him, because I certainly don't want the bug. I was re-scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Tuesday-Took a walk at the mall just to get in a little exercise. Of course I stopped at the Disney Store and found a couple of bargain T-shirts for the kids. Ran a couple of errands and came home and relaxed.

Wed.-Met a co-worker for lunch and then went to my office for the first time since my surgery (just for a visit).It was nice to talk with everyone. Then, I had to go to my gyn. to pick up paperwork for an insurance claim. I'm fighting a $700.00 charge from pathology which ins. said wasn't medically necessary.

Today I have an appt. with my primary to review my blood work. I also have a bunch of questions for her regarding all the reports that I picked up yesterday.

Hope you all have a great day! I'll be visiting some journals later today.

 

[DisDee]

I had my follow-up with my primary yesterday and got good news re:my blood work. My sugar is in the upper ranges of normal, however my numbers for the A1C test are down from last time and back in the normal range for a non-diabetic. So...that means no meds for me. Yeah!

We went out for dinner last night at the Red Lobster. Yummy! No appetizers or dessert for us, and I brought home half of my shrimp for dinner tonight. Maybe I'll make a salad to go with it.

Went to WW this morning. No weigh-in today, I just needed to get back to attending meetings.We discussed getting variety in our meal plans, so I came away with ideas for new foods to try. Now all I have to do is get to the grocery store.

I have my first appt. this afternoon with the Radiation Oncologist. I'm nervous about it, but DH will be with me, so I'll be OK.

More about that later...

 

[goldcupmom]

Congrats on no blood sugar meds, Dee! My Dsis who had BC joined WW, lost & is off her meds now (needs to get back on track, but who doesn't!)

Hope things went well at the RO today. I remember when my Dsis went for her 1st RO visit after Chemo - said that it was not much besides drawing all the lines! Hopefully yours goes as well.

Still here, still praying....hang in there!!!

 

[DisDee]

Time to catch up again...

Friday-1st Rad. Oncol. visit

My visit went very well. All of the medical personnel that I've dealt with have been very sweet and compassionate. I had a thorough physical and then spoke with the doctor about the treatment plan. It looks like I'll start rad. on Feb. 11 for 5 weeks (Mon.-Fri.) After that I have 3 additional internal treatments. This is one of the rare times in my life when I'm not supposed to lose weight. Who knew? I have another preliminary appt. on Monday to have more CT scans and to mark the area where I'll have my treatment.

Sat.-DH and I hung out with my 2 SIL's this afternoon. We were supposed to have a memorial gathering for my BIL who passed away in Nov., but its been postponed because all of the immediate family could not be there.

Sun.-Met my daughter and SIL at Bahama Breeze. We picked a spot that we could both get to fairly easily. Spent a couple of hours there enjoying a nice lunch. After that, we came home...I crashed, then later DS and DIL came over for a couple of hours. We hadn't seen them for a few weeks, so it was great to have them here.

Mon.-Had my 2nd appt. for the CT Scans. Had to drink that nasty Redi-Cat stuff to prep. Yuk! All went well. I was seen right on schedule. I've gotten very emotional both times that I've been there. This all seems so unreal to me. Its not that I'm in denial, its just that I didn't think that I'd have a cancer diagnosis after my hysterectomy. None of my prior lab tests gave any indication that it was there. When I was at the center on Friday, there was a small ceremony for a woman who had just received her last treatment. I lost it! She had 2 friends there with her, so there was a lot of crying going on.

I've never been to a cancer treatment center before, and I'm amazed at the upbeat spirit that everyone seems to have. I consider myself so lucky that I went in the hospital when I did. What if I would have waited? I don't even want to think about it.

So, enough of the sad stuff. I'm going to treat myself to some ice cream tonight. Chocolate/Peanut Butter from Wawa (for those of you from the Phila. area.) Yum!!!!!

Have a super week everyone!