Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[Virginiaponygirl]

Hope I can still post and havent been booted out of the group! I am so sorry to be missing in action these past weeks...Lisa got it right when she said I hate to worry everyone with daily updates...prefer to know whats going on and unfortunately dont know too much more these days. It seems I am to be an ongoing pin cushion and "guineapig" !
I did my best to quick scan the past posts and as usual I am always thinking of you guys and praying for your tyring times, health issues, and general stuff...I also want you to know how much I appreciate the ongoing concern...Love you guys!!!

I am off to UVA tomorrow for a biopsy...after getting some repeat MRI and abdominal CT scans, they have determined that the mass they found in my pancreas in November is a little bigger than they thought, so they want to biopsy it and find out for sure whats going on with it. Went up there last week and got to see the scans for myself...kind of interesting...also kind of weird to see something foreign inside yourself and wonder how long its been there and why I didnt know it was there! We will have the results by Wednesday of next week so I promise to let y'all know as soon as I do. So far the deal is leave it alone if its benign, and take it out if its not, but they do feel that if surgery is required, it will require approx 3-4 days hospital time and then 4-6 weeks recuperation time, hopefully with no chemo or radiation required. So no matter what the results, hopefully this whole thing will be coming to an end soon! I have Faith that it will be benign, so please dont worry too much...I know that God has His hand on me and that I will have the strength to do whatever is needed.

Lisa - I am so sorry I didnt call you back...just been overwhelmed with not feeling too well and spending so much time testing...I SO appreciate that you called. I hope that Tom is beginning to feel better now...hugs to you all

Kate - interested to know how the HCG is going...I have the sublingal drops here, that I got through Carol's website, but the doc preferred I not start anything until after this medical crap subsides...so Im hoping you have great results and I can look forward to starting it soon!

Kathy, Pam, Diane, Jocelyn and anyone who is lurking out there...I hope and pray all is well with you, and look forward to getting back here regularly very soon...

 

[Wisteria1956]

Robin: It was so awesome to hear from you! You sound really strong and full of faith, as you should. Of course, please let us know what the tests reveal, what the next steps are, if any, and we will keep you in our daily prayers.

Did you get a chance to ask your doctor about that vaccine the research doctors talked about on Dr. Oz? I'll go on his site and look for it. If I find the link, I'll email it to you. I thought of you right away because this vaccine stops the progress of pancreatic cancer. Not sure if they give it anyway if it's benign?? I'll see what I can find out. These scientists (there were 2) were very impressive. It's at least wonderful to hear progress is being made and there is a lot of reason to be hopeful. Bless the people that dedicate their lives to finding cures!

I love you, Robin!

 

[Diane W.]

: So happy to see you, Robin!!
You will be in my prayers. ​

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kate: I got the white bean hummus today at Trader Joes and a bunch of dark pink tulips for my Valentine heart shaped vase. Little things like that cheer me up.

I went out today to get the rock polisher my parents gave me the money for as my birthday gift. I want to start polishing all of my finds from Oregon last year and having some jewelry made. I found a lot of gorgeous agates. Can't wait to see how they turn out.

Tom is dragging around barely able to keep going. He's lost 15 lbs. this week! His clothes are hanging on him. He doesn't want to eat and the thought of most things make him gag. 2 more treatments and then we can tuck him up in bed and let him get over this mess!

I'm going out to lunch with my Mom tomorrow. That will be nice.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good morning everyone. I'm still here reading, but no time to post.

Robin, so good to see you and sending hugs and prayers your way. Please take care of yourself!

Lisa, still sending prayers your way too. I hope Tom gets back to his old self quickly!

Diane, are you surviving this deep freeze? Make sure you bundle up well on your walks. So glad ypu got to get your snowshoes!

All the puppieas have been sold but 1 male. We call him purple. Red was sold to a wonderful family last night. They traveled an hour to come get her! I have been very fortunate with placing all the puppies, and almost all the new owners are going to continue to feed them like I do, as they were so impressed with their health, coats, etc.

Diane, most puppies can be placed in new homes starting at 8 weeks. I wanted to keep them longer as much of their learning from the parents takes place from 8-12 weeks. The puppies are now 13 weeks, and they adjusted to their new homes wonderfully. I'm glad I aited to place them. We are already getting a waiting list for the next litter!

Got to get to work. I'll try to get back later. If not, I will tomorrow evening

Love and hugs to you all!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Happy Birthday, Lisa!!!!

 

[Diane W.]

Hi Kathy - Are you adjusting to life without all the pups? I am staying warm on my walks. My sister gave me a Hot Headz fleece hood. On Tuesday the wind was so strong I had to fight against it to walk, but I was warm! This hood has a pull-up section that covers my mouth & nose & I kept my sunglasses on, so I was totally covered up. (luckily I'm always the only one there, so I don't frighten anyone. )

Lisa - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you enjoy all of your birthday celebrations!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Took my first walk on my new birthday Sketchers Shape Ups this morning with Tom and Bonnie. They are really comfortable and I think I'm really going to like them a lot. I got a bit winded on a familiar trail so I believe they really are making my legs work harder.

Tom's feeling better today and even ate some pasta last night. He's so excited his last radiation is today. We're hoping to celebrate Valentine's Day on Sunday if he continues to feel better. Spring is looking so good to us!

 

[kater]

Lisa - Yay to no more radiation! I hope Tom is feeling better and that you get to celebrate Valentine's day!

 

[Diane W.]

Happy Valentine's Day!
I hope everyone has a sweet day with their loved ones!​

 

[Wisteria1956]

Happy Valentines Day, Everyone!

We sort of celebrated yesterday with a drive to the area Jocelyn lives in when she's in CA. The hills are already bright green and the daffodils are coming out. Tom felt well, but his food didn't agree with him again and we had to stop on the way home. He decided he needs to give his digestive system time to heal and that he should stay on bland foods a bit longer. He did go back to work today. We'll see how that goes! I have to say, even though I miss him, the return to normal makes me feel so much better! Today is a holiday for some, but I have work to do so I'll wish you all a love-filled day!

 

[Seabreezes]

Hello All,

I am sitting in a McDonald's in Wellington, NZ catching up on the last month's posts. They offer free internet so I went back and got my computer. Better than $12.00 an hour!!!

Our trip continues to be great, just wish all of you could be enjoying the sights and people we are seeing and meeting.

Hugs go out to ALL of you.

Robin, so glad to see your face and read your message.

Kathy, I hope the hives go away. I used to have reactions to allergy shots and there is nothing like the itching you get with thinks like that.

Lisa - I hope Tom is continuing to feel better daily. Glad you were able to check out the daffodils. We used to go to Daffodil hill in March and it is always spectacular.

Today Bob and I and another friend went through the botanical gardens here in Wellington. They are truly beautiful. It is late summer in this part of the world.

Kate - I hope the new way of eating is getting easier. I read a bit about it, but it just wasn't something I thought I could continue. I did find one doctor in Honolulu who was giving the shots though and he is in a very reliable clinic.

Diane - I assume the job hunt continues. You know we hope the best for you.

It will be a while before I can check up again with all of you, but do know I think about you.

Hugs and love to ALL

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Its Official!! NO CANCER!!! YAY!!! Still have to be re-checked every 6 months, but Im OK with that for sure!

Now its just off to the vascular surgeon to see if he can do something about the damaged veins in my legs from the clots...still have daily swelling and aching and I want to get back to work and normal living!

Lisa - hope Tom is doing better every day and that going back to work isnt draining him too much...even though all of our"normal" seems to change often, its definitely less stressful when we can get back into some sort of routine

Jocelyn - hope you are having a great time and thanks for thinking about me!

Diane, Kate, Kathy, Pam....Bev, etc....Miss you guys!

I got a card from SharronLee so Girl I know you are lurking out there somewhere reading! Drop in once in awhile and say hello! Your card meant alot, so thanks so much, for prayers and thinking of me!

Virginia weather is supposed to hit 75-80 degrees today...in Feb!!! Im sure we are in for some more cold too, but LOVING this week of warm weather and sunshine! Nice to sit on the front porch with the morning coffee and the kittens in shorts and a tee shirt!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

oops, that sounded like I meant the kittens were in shorts and tee shirts...NOT! Just Me!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Yippee! Robin! No cancer!

Of course, we just knew you'd be fine, but the news couldn't be better!!! I'm so relieved!

I thought of you because I did some research on natural remedies for veins and leg edema since I also have vericose veins. The herb that kept popping up in the research was horse chesnut, which sounds like something you would thrive on.
I take a blend with horse chestnut called Leg Veins by Nature's Way. It says it strengthens vein walls and improves circulation.

Yesterday was the first day Tom didn't have stomach distress so I think we've turned the corner! He's had two normal dinners in a row!

J-P comes home on the 11th of March and then we are back for scans around the 15th and back down to San Francisco for results, etc. We'll be thinking of you on the 8th and preparing for J-P to turn 25 on the 10th! We have the same numeral - our birthdays are exactly one month apart. Guess what I looked like on my 30th birthday - a blimp.

 

[Diane W.]

Oh Robin - I'm sooo happy for you! You must be so relieved.
Our weather today was awesome too! In the 60's... ahhhh. It's been a long friggin' winter.

Yay for Tom feeling a little bit better too!

Hi Jocelyn! It was good to hear from you. I hope you can share some pictures of this trip when you get back.

Kate - Hope all is well with your HCG plan. How are you feeling?

Kathy - You must be enjoying this heatwave too!

I had an interview on Thursday at a company 15 min. away. It went very well. When the time came for her to tell me what the job pays, she was a little embarrassed. It is terribly low - 33% less than what I was making. When the owner talked to me he raised it a little bit. Of course, if they offer me the job I would have to take it. My UE runs out in 2 weeks. I would still have to take money from my retirement account to subsidize that salary though. Today I got a call from an agency that I applied to on Monster.com. I have an appt. with them on Tuesday morning. They're in Westchester county, so I know that the money would be a little better. I'm happy that they called and hope things are turning around.

I hope everyone has a nice, long holiday weekend.

 

[kater]

ROBIN! ROBIN! ROBIN!

SOOOOOOO Happy! Happy! Happy!

Love the good news! Please keep us posted. You have been in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

How are my ponies? My dad has three yearlings and two one-year olds at his ranch. I got to "ooooh" and "awwwwww" over how cute they are a few weeks ago. The two year olds just got taken to a trainer for a while but they will be back. Only one new baby coming this spring.

My girl friend has baby goats! We had a goat (Maggie) when we were little. My mom had a convertible and the goat was forever climbing on top of the car (when the top was up). My mom was sure that her hooves were going to tear a hold in the material. Never happened but it sure was funny to look out the kitchen window and see her trying to shoo her down....

Anyway, again, I am just so relieved to here your good news. Is that new job still waiting for you when you are ready to go back to work?

Much love...

 

[kater]

LISA, LISA, LISA! So happy Tom has turned the corner. Another big relief for you and your family. And, that is so great that J-P is coming home next month. Please don't beat up on yourself about any weight that you have gained. I am still doing HCG (more about that in a minute) but mostly what I am practicing is trying to not be sooooooo very hard on myself.

So, here is the update on the HCG. It is hard and I have been far from perfect (and I mean really far - there have been days that have included grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate, chips, etc). But I have lost 9 pounds. And, I feel thinner - like I lost fat from where I needed it (my stomach and back - HATE the back fat). My naturopathic doc allows more food on the diet she prescribes. For example, the Fage yogurt - which is my favorite breakfast- I melt some frozen berries in the micro and then add the yougrt. There are some gals that love a spinach, cottage cheese and cocoa powder smoothie. I know it sounds gross but they swear by it. I haven't tried it.

My doc says that if I am truly hungry, then I should eat something but try to make it something on the plan. My easy/go to meal are the chicken sausages from Trader Joes. There are lots of flovors. One of my faves has basil in it. I slice one up and saute it in a pan. Then I throw in some veggies (I like the broccoli slaw from Trader Joe's). If it needs some oil, I add a tiny bit of coconut oil. I make extra and if I am starving, I have a bite. Or, I eat a few slices of apple. Apple nuked in the microwave with cinnamon is "treat." Oh, and I can't forget - green tea, herb tea and lots of water.

One of the things that people say about HCG, is that you lose the fat from where you are storing it. Thighs, double chins, arms, stomach, etc. Places where it really isn't supposed to be.

My doctor doesn't say that you can't use hand cream (something that is prohibited on the ""real" Simeons Protocol. What I do like is that this diet is also based on keeping the release of insulin down. If you are releasing insulin, then your body uses that for energy. Not your own fat.

If anyone is considering HCG, I would recommend finding someone that isn't going to beat you up of you don't stick strictly to Dr Simeons protocol. My doctor says even if you eat higher calories, you will still lose (but have to stay away from the sugar and starches). Sound familiar? The difference is that the HCG hormone is supposedly telling your body to burn that fat to feed the baby that ISN"T in your body. Like I said before, my doc is about as far from a quack as you can get. I have known her for six years and use her as my primary physician.

I am starting to look at dresses for my wedding. I ordered two from Macy's and two from Nordstrom. I will post pic when I find the keeper. I have also been having lots of fun shopping on-line for an engagement ring. Well, drooling is the better word.

Give Tom a huge hug and tell him that there is a lots of light and love for him in San Rafael.

 

[kater]

Diane - keep us posted on the job hunt. And, I really want to hear about those snow shoes when you get them. We have had rain and hail the last few days. I need my swim fins.

Pam - where are you?

Kathy - I hope you are okay too. I know you weren't feeling well recently. I hope you are better.

Jocelyn - living vicariously through you.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Finally popping in to say hello to you all.

Robin, such great news!! If people don't believe in the power of prayer, I think they need to join this group just to see for themselves!!
I'm glad you were able to enjoy the warm weather we all had the last couple days. It was so refreshing!! I will continue to say some prayers for your upcoming surgery too.

Lisa, also great news about Tom. I can only imagine how happy he is to be over the radiation and such. I continue to pray for you both as well. Slow and steady, and he'll be right back to eating all the good things you cook for him!!

Diane, great news on the interviews!! I'll send prayers your way too. Is the job that pays lower perhaps a good "trade off" since it's closer to home? I know the money helps, but sometimes just not having a long commute is better.
I hope you also got to enjoy the warm few days we've had. I keep thinking spring is just around the corner, I hope!! You know how Feb/March can be!!

Kate, sounds as though you may have found your "nitch" with the HCG. I don't think I could do it. I don't have enough will power. I'm still trying to get my mind into some sort of step 1 on MM!! And I know MM works!
Keep us updated!!

Jocelyn, so good to hear from you again!! You must be having such a good time on your cruise!! Miss you here, but I know you'll have tons of interesting stories and hopefully photos to share with us!!
I need to ask a favor. Mike's youngest DD is going to Oahu in August. She won the plane tickets. Would you know how she could find cheaper type lodging? She would like to be on the beach, but I am thinking that is where the expense comes in. I told her to find some friends to go along and perhaps share a condo if possible. Maybe some kind of bread and breakfast type place?
Ideas from anyone would be appreciated. You can email me if it's easier. I don't mind if you post it here either LOL.

Kate is right, I've been sick the last few weeks. First the hives for those 2-3 weeks, then I caught a nasty cold. I am just now starting to feel better again. Still a little tired though.
Been busy with our little Behemoth also. He has been having problems with diarrhea of sorts. I feed the dogs raw, and he needs more bone in his diet. It seems as though that isn't helping either. He continues to gain weight though. And no worms. I am at a loss, so I cooked him up some turkey and oatmeal to eat. I gave him a small amount earlier, so now I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Not sure if the raw may be too rich for him or what. Need to research it and talk to some people too.
We sold Red a week ago. Her new name is Jasmine I miss her, but I know she's in a good home. So the only one left is "purple." He is such a sweetie!! We will probably be keeping him if no one wants to buy him within a week. I think I will call him Bruiser LOL. Mike calls him Muscles because he tries pulling him when walking. Mike said he walks like a bull dog. I told him, "Well, duh, he IS part bulldog!" He should be glad he isn't pulling like the mastiff part of the breed!!

Not much else going on here other than Tris is pregnant!! Her due date is Oct. 7. I am so excited. She has been getting blood work done weekly. They found out her progesterine was low, so she does suppositories each night for her first trimester. Her levels are really good now. I am sooo excited!!

Mike's oldest DD is to be moving out the end of April or May. She is moving in with her boyfriend in Texas. Mike and I aren't too happy she's moving there, but she's 21. She has only met him 1 time last summer and has talked to him for about 3 or 4 years online. She tends to have a very sheltered life, as her dad and mom pretty much do everything for her. Hopefully she's making the right decision.

Ok, off for a nap. I'll be back more than I have been. Has anyone heard from Nell since the last time? Just wondering.

Later