Longhorn

Thanks so much, Lynn! :cheers2:

I have a tentative appointment for April 1 at 8 a.m. at MD Anderson in Houston. I was told to expect to stay five to seven days for testing and possible treatment. I don't know if any of this will be as an inpatient. I'll stay with my mother. This could change if the final pathology report varies from the preliminary report. Now I have a week to get my classes ready. I already have a sub! The unfill feels great! I had a good appetite today but felt like I kept it under control. I can tell that I've already broken some bad habits so I'll just have to be careful not to start them up again. Thanks again, y'all! :shades_smile:

Losing weight hasn't been my main issue these days but all of you are important to me. I care about how you're doing and appreciate your care and support of me. It makes me feel good to hear about your progress and watch your numbers change. I do think that "no news is good news" in this case. We're all actually getting used to our new way of eating and our thinner selves! :biggrin2:

A year ago, I had just seen one daughter married and was helping another plan her wedding. It's not so much that it bothered me that I had to buy size 18 dresses -- it's that I was still gaining even though I was trying my best not to. I was on my way to regaining the 70 pounds I had lost in 2003 and I didn't know how to stop it. It wasn't until September that I found out that I could get banded even though I didn't have 100 pounds to lose. My main goal was not losing but not gaining it back once it was lost. And I knew it wasn't going to get any easier as I got older. I've lost 33 pounds with about 25 to go and it's amazing how much better I feel. I, too, was having knee problems, having seen an orthopedic surgeon twice in the last six years. With all that I have facing me right now, I feel like I'm healthier and in a better position to handle the treatments. You wouldn't believe how many people I told last year, "And if something should ever happen -- for example, if I should get cancer and need to be able to eat more -- the band can be deflated." Well, I had 1cc taken out yesterday -- no big deal. If I need more taken out, I can, and I can have it put back when I'm through with all of this. I wouldn't have considered any other kind of surgery, especially since I didn't have as much to lose, but it is one less thing on my mind.

Mindy: Your emails are NEVER annoying! I'm sorry I've been so out of touch -- it's just been a really exhausting couple of weeks, as you can imagine! Yes, they are Ariats and I'm very pleased with them! It's good to know they last so long, too, cuz I intend to wear them for a very long time! :embaressed_smile:

Howdy, Y'all! I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately but there hasn't been much to report. I'm still waiting for an appointment to MD Anderson. Believe it or not, the delay is due to the fact that the pathologist who is supposed to write the report on my diagnosis is out of town for the week. However, another pathologist finally took a look and has decided that I don't have a uterine sarcoma but a uterine carcinoma instead. This means that they want me to go to the gynecology center rather than the sarcoma center. I delayed my second round of radiation this week because I was told that I had to be 21 days without treatment to get a second opinion at MD Anderson, at least in the sarcoma center. I also haven't had any chemo yet. So physically, I've been feeling better since it has been more than three weeks since my last treatment. I got a call from the patient coordinator at MDA today and she told me they are going to try to get me a preliminary appointment so that when the pathologist returns Monday, I'll be all set. So someone is supposed to call me tomorrow about that. I will feel much better when I have a firm diagnosis and a treatment plan! I bought some cowboy boots Tuesday night after my twins, son-in-law, sister, and I went to a cancer support group meeting, which was very positive and helpful. I love my boots! These are the ones I got: I can't believe how comfortable they are! I've worn them for two full days and they feel great! I also got a keychain that has a spur on it. So I'm kickin' and stompin' and gellin'! (My boots have gel insoles. :biggrin2:) I got 1cc taken out today, bringing me back to 6ccs. It feels exactly right. I had lost 10 pounds in the last five weeks but I would like to maintain right now until I see what happens with my cancer treatment. We went out to eat tonight and for the first time in a long time, I had a good appetite and I didn't feel the food pass through my band. I still ate about a third of what I would have eaten before the band and I hadn't had much to eat the rest of the day so this should be a good level for now. I made an appointment for two months from now since I probably won't be getting any fills for awhile. I appreciate the positive thoughts coming my way and I'll post when I get an appointment and whatever comes after that. Keep up the good work! Kendra

Look at you! Eleven more pounds just since you started this thread! You're exactly right -- we just have to be patient, diligent about follow-up appointments and following the rules, and the weight will come off! Congratulations!

I think 1cc is too much at this point. It's amazing what a difference .5ccs can make! You sure don't want to get overfilled and maybe end up having to have even more taken out due to swelling and/or irritation. It sounds like some of your struggle is choosing the right foods. How about allowing yourself a guilt-free treat each day as a reward for sticking to better foods the rest of the day? Good luck, Sis! I really think you're almost there! :sneaky:

Cindy: I do think that's what happened -- that I didn't wait long enough between bites. My appetite is getting better but I do another round of radiation next week. However, I can always drink shakes so I might just leave my fill level alone for now unless I start losing too quickly. Thanks for the advice and support! Kendra

Name...........Start........Current......Goal.......To Go Brandymom1234...200...........200........185.........15 Candle..........205...........195........197..........0 cQQlgirl........215...........210........205..........5 destiny79.......255...........250........240.........10 Foofy...........242.5.........240........234..........6 Jackie..........164...........162........157..........5 Jill............220...........216........210..........6 Jovi2673........217...........217........200.........17 KarenG .........189...........181........181..........0 kjl315..........227...........220........217..........3 kristin1031.....240...........230........225..........5 legster.........209...........204........196..........8 LessnLess.......164...........157........157..........0 Linda Lu........228...........217.2......215..........2.2 Longhorn........204...........195........195..........0 Mumof2boys......188...........188........175.........13 Marimaru........206...........202........195..........7 PhDiva..........208...........208........195.........13 Rainer..........251...........247........241..........6 Redtulips3......225...........217........215..........2 Renewedhope.....213...........206........199..........7 Sades...........201...........197........190..........7 Skinny_Jill.....186...........179........178..........1 Stacy73.........222...........219........212..........7 Sunny112........143...........143........135..........8 Suzzzie.........291...........291........280.........11 Valstar.........269...........265........260..........5 wombat712.......145...........144........135..........9 debihaines......254...........219........209.........10 4jin............225...........220........220..........0 Trixie..........241...........221........221..........0! Jennypoo........199...........193.5......194..........0!!!

My episode was mild but convinced me that I may get a slight unfill next week. I got stuck on a piece of biscuit. It only lasted about five minutes before it went down. I coughed a couple of times but it didn't come up. My appetite has been so low that I need to be able to take advantage when I do feel like eating. But even if that wasn't the case, I probably would keep my level of restriction the same because I'm losing at exactly the average rate and pretty comfortable (when I'm more careful!)

Name...................Start..........Current..........Goal ......To Go Momto1plus1.........228.8...........227.6............218 .8.......8.8 Teresajo.................195..............188................185...........3 Shortgal..................189..............184................182...........2 Hollyberries............278..............268................270.........(-2) Trixie.......................241..............221................221...........0 Osangriared...........262..............254................250...........4 Mariegabrieleee....252..............247................240...........7 Longhorn................204..............195................195...........0

Hi, shortgal: Thanks! That picture was taken about six weeks after my surgery. I don't tend to gain too much in my face. It's mostly in my hips, thighs, and stomach. In fact, the last time I lost weight, people started saying I looked too thin but I think it was because my face and neck started looking so scrawny. :tt2: Hi, Kristin! I'm learning to rest "in advance." It makes me feel lazy but I don't want to get overtired. Today I went grocery shopping and ran a couple of errands. I don't feel that tired but my abdomen started aching a little more. I guess it doesn't care much for gravity. Apparently, my oncologist is at a conference this week along with most MDA doctors. They may be discussing my case in person. The nurse said my file is on her desk. I've called twice. All I can do is wait. I'm finding out that cancer is all about waiting. Those look like good ones! I think I'm going to get me some boots, though I may pass on the spurs. :tongue2: Thanks! Thanks, Sades! I'll let y'all know. I was hoping I'd get down there this week so I don't have to cancel classes but I'll do what I have to do. San Antonio is about an hour and a half south of Austin. PM me and I'll give you my phone number in case you have time to call. Thanks! I truly appreciate the offer! Thanks so much for thinking of me! :drool: Wow, we have so many Texans in the NNs! My mother lives out in Spring (Cypresswood) and I graduated from Klein High School many years ago (when there was just one 3A high school.) Thanks for thinking of me Jill. I'm hanging in there! :biggrin2:

Thanks for the encouragement, Amy! What you do is wonderful! A marathon?!! $10,000?!! Wow! You are amazing! I'll gladly kick and stomp with you! :tt2: Mindy, I promise I'll stay on top of it. It would be so much better if I can get in this week while school is out. Thanks! :tongue:

Thanks, Mindy and Foofy: No news today. I called my doctor's office and left a message but didn't get a call back. I'm feeling better as each day passes. I think the radiation is working to stop the bleeding and the pain -- that has to be a good sign! I've been working on plans to keep working without taxing myself too much, like resting at my daughter's house between classes and reducing my grading workload in a way that works to my students' favor. I always feel better when I have a plan. I have spring break this week and go back Monday. I bought dozens of LiveSTRONG bracelets a few years ago, wore one for a long time and gave the rest away. But I still had one left for me to wear now so I put it on today. I also visited the site, which is full of good information for cancer survivors -- and by their definition, I am one! :blushing: I still don't have much of an appetite so I'm drinking my favorite Cappuccino SlimFast shakes and eating anything else I want, since it still doesn't add up to much. I need to keep my strength up. I'm not too worried about my weight at this point. I'll certainly post again when I get the news about MD Anderson and what comes next! Bye for now! :thumbup:

Local rate! Oh my, thanks for the great laugh!!! You have such a wonderful sense of humor! Y'all have got to keep me laughing because I understand the endorphins released are magic! :biggrin::cool2::biggrin: Bandpal, you really are a good pal!

Your offer is very much appreciated! The November Nymphs, as well as other LBT members who have come across my thread, have been fantastically supportive! I'm so glad I found LBT because it has been so helpful for me both before and after my surgery and now with this new development. I sometimes wonder what this would be like in the days before the internet, when people like me would have so much less information and support 24/7. The moment I'm feeling a little down, an email will appear telling me that someone has responded to my thread. Or I can continue an email chat with local friends who all went to my doctor for surgery -- we found each other through LBT. Or I can chat with my friend, Mindy (coltonwade) who I met through LBT. This board and one other (political in nature) have helped me stay strong and, for the most part, upbeat. I'm sure there are some who would scoff at the notion of "internet friends" but they just don't know the value. When y'all tell me that you are praying or sending positive thoughts, I believe you, because I've done it myself for others. And because I believe it, it helps me. Thank you! Kendra

Name...................Start..........Current..........Goal ......To Go Momto1plus1.........228.8............228.4............218 .8.......9.6 Trixie....................241..............224.5............221..........3.5 Osangriared...........262..............255...............250..........5 wnt2lose...............226..............219...............216..........3 TxArcher...............345..............337...............325.........12 Shortgal................188..............185...............182..........3 Sades...................201..............197...............190..........7 Shalee04...............205..............200...............197......... 3 Mariegabrieleee.......252..............249...............240..........9 Longhorn...............204..............196...............195..........1

I am honored, Bandpal! My mother's name is Geraldine. I just got back from the ultrasound of my breast, a follow-up to last week's routine mammogram. The masses they saw are benign cysts, the same cysts that have shown up for more than a decade. So that's one less thing to worry about. I can't believe the shot of adrenaline that gave me to get that good news! Still waiting on the call to pack my bags and head to MD Anderson in Houston (about 3.5 hours away.) It probably won't come until Monday, though. So I'll rest up and maybe attack the stack of papers I have to grade so that I don't have to worry about it the rest of spring break. Thanks to everyone, again, for your caring and support! It helps more than you can know! :tongue:

Name...........Start........Current......Goal.......To Go Brandymom1234...200...........200........185.........15 Candle..........205...........200.5......197..........3.5 cQQlgirl........215...........212........200.........12 destiny79.......255...........250........240.........10 Foofy...........242.5.........240........234.........6 Jackie..........164...........164........154.........10 Jill............220...........216........210..........6 Jovi2673........217...........217........200.........17 KarenG .........189...........184........181..........3 kjl315..........227...........220........217..........3 kristin1031.....240...........235........225.........10 legster.........209...........206........196.........10 LessnLess.......164...........159........157..........2 Linda Lu........228...........221........215..........6 Longhorn........204...........196........195..........1 Mumof2boys......188...........188........175.........13 Marimaru........206...........202........195.........7 PhDiva..........208...........208........195.........13 Rainer..........251...........247........241..........6 Redtulips3......225...........221........215..........6 Renewedhope.....213...........208........199..........9 Sades...........201...........198........190..........8 Skinny_Jill.....186...........182........178..........4 Stacy73.........222...........219........212.........7 Sunny112........143...........143........135..........8 Suzzzie.........291...........291........280.........11 Valstar.........269...........269........260..........9 wombat712.......145...........144........135..........9 debihaines......254...........219........209.........10 4jin............225...........220........220..........0 Trixie..........241...........227.5......221.........6.5 Congrats, 4jin! I may be joining you soon!

Your comments and support mean so much to me! I'm sorry I can't respond to each one separately but I'm pretty tired. I just got back a little while ago from teaching and I'm ready to go to bed. But I had to let you know that I am reading your replies and they give me a great boost! Bobbi: What a kind offer! I know exactly where Willis is because my sister used to live there. My mother lives in Spring so I'll be staying with her but you're the greatest! They're still working on the appointment -- it's looking like it might not be until Monday but I'm prepared to go at a moment's notice. If I don't go there Friday, I'm getting the ultrasound of my breast Friday afternoon. Let's hope it's just those pesky cysts. I wanted y'all to know that the cancer that I have cannot be detected on a PAP test. But by all means, get your annual test because other types of cancer can be detected on the PAP. I finished my radiation therapy today and will go back for four more over two days in two weeks. My radiological oncologist told me today that he believes my cancer is curable. Here's one way y'all can help me. A friend suggested I visualize a cowboy boot, complete with spurs, kicking the crap out of the tumor. I've decided to visualize a horde of people, similar to the numbers in Braveheart, all dressed in cowboy boots, surrounding the tumor and kicking and stomping! So if y'all will join me, just give a kick every now and then, even if it's just in your mind and you don't own cowboy boots. (I live in Texas and I don't have any. ) Thanks again! I haven't had time to post anywhere else and I know I'm probably missing out on NN news but I'll get caught up in the next few days, I hope. I've lost a few more pounds, too. I haven't had much of an appetite. I love y'all! Kendra

The news is worse, I'm afraid. It's a uterine sarcoma, which is a very aggressive, more rare cancer that is not considered curable. However, it may be controllable. I have about 20-25 nodules on my lungs, a couple up to 1 cm but most of them are very small, which means they may not have been there long, especially since I had a clean chest X-ray last October in preparation for Lap-Band surgery. This has been the longest day of my life! I had a CT-scan of my lungs, a vaginal exam, another CT-scan of the pelvis (this time with various probes), the first radiation treatment, an MRI of my brain and pelvis, both with and without contrast, and my second radiation treatment. I'll have two radiation treatments again tomorrow and then wait two weeks. I may also have an ultrasound of my breasts tomorrow since last week's mammogram showed a couple of masses. However, I have dense breast tissue and this is not the first time that I've had to do a follow-up ultrasound to find out that the masses are cysts. There is good news! The MRI showed no cancer in my brain or organs surrounding my uterus. Also, before I could bring it up, my oncologist suggested that I see if I can get to MD Anderson to a specialist in sarcomas that she knows. They think I can get in as early as Friday but that's still in the works. Right now, the course of action is radiation to get rid of the tumor and chemo to get rid of the cancer in my lungs (which will also work on any other cancer that might be in my system.) They're still not sure exactly which cancer it is and it could be a mix of cancers, which could be harder to treat. As you can imagine, I'm really exhausted and I have a long day tomorrow, between teaching and appointments. I truly appreciate the caring, advice, and support that I've received -- it's overwhelming! I can never thank you enough but please know that my heart is full!

Thanks, Jill and shortgal! It does help to talk to others, especially those who have been through it themselves or with a loved one. Right now, I'm feeling very matter-of-fact about it but I'm sure I'll have some down days. Thanks for being here for me! By the way, my name is Kendra. :drool:

I'm afraid the news isn't what I hoped for. I have cervical cancer that may have matasticized to my lungs. I'm getting another CT-scan first thing in the morning to get a better look. It is inoperable so I will be starting chemotherapy and radiation therapy, though I don't have the details on that yet. I could have my first treatment by the end of the week. I'll know more when I consult with the doctor tomorrow morning. I'm doing fine. I'm a little tired, probably due to stress, but I'm not uncomfortable and I taught my class this evening. Apparently, the cancer treatment diet is similar to the band diet -- six small high-Protein meals a day. I'll talk to Dr. Ganta after I know more but I may not need to get the band unfilled. I'll probably lose weight a little more quickly, though, since my taste buds will likely be off. I appreciate the positive thoughts, support, and prayers from all of you lovely people who have never even met me! And I'm not going anywhere, either. We're still band sisters and brothers! Thanks! :drool:

That's very encouraging and I appreciate you sharing, though I'm hoping for 20 pounds myself. :laugh: