Mom26

Oh jeez Jane... how horrible. I hope you find relief quickly!!!

I can believe it. Even just from my smile after stepping on the scale, it totally dictated the rest of my day so far. Even the things at work that would normally bother me popped up, they didn't seem that bad today.

Thank you all. It felt really good to smile today.

Some of you may remember that just 2 weeks after my sleeve surgery, my son was shockingly diagnosed with Stage IV Rectal Cancer with metastasis to his liver (5 liver tumors). My world shattered. I didn't eat. Didn't drink. Barely got out of bed and wasn't functioning in any normal capacity. I was just at the point where I was trying to learn how to be healthy with my new body and failed every single day. I received so many words of encouragement from this community, so much support and so many helpful suggestions/tips. And even when I'd sink in my chair, something someone said would remind me of what I needed to do - because I was no help to him if I couldn't help myself. Jason's first liver surgery was last Monday. They removed 2 very invasive tumors from one lobe that were much deeper than the scans portrayed. Next month, three more liver tumors will be removed. The chemo has caused abscesses that resulted in his hospitalization for days at a time. It's caused mouth sores that make it impossible for him to eat. It's caused intolerability to the cold. And we're in the Northeast - where we've had a blizzard and too many other storms. Yet he continues to smile every day and encourage others who are fighting this awful battle to never give up. Last week, while I stayed at the hospital with him, I brought my Protein shakes. I reminded him to drink his Water and I did the same. I walked with him around the unit. I ordered eggs for Breakfast and chicken for lunch/dinner. I had chili for a snack. I felt like I was finally getting it. And was able to share my recovery and food tips with him. And today, this happened, and the sparkle in my eye that has been absent and the smile on my face that left in November reappeared. (sorry the pic is upside down... )

My goal was 199.8. I weighed my damn self on every single tile square in my bathroom. EVERY ONE. I took off my watch my bracelets, my earrings, my rings, etc. 200.0. Soooo close.

202.2. I can't lose these 2 damn pounds

That is absolutely fantastic!! Congrats.

202.4. So damn close. UGHHHHH

This is me EXACTLY. Every word of that.

Thanks Jane! And thanks so much for asking about Jason. He has an endoscopic ultrasound next Friday to determine the exact location of his rectal tumor. If it's 1cm higher than the first test, he may only require 2 surgeries. 1cm lower, he'll require 4 plus radiation. Crazy how such a small unit of measure means such a big difference. His first surgery is scheduled for Monday, Feb 8th. They'll be removing 2 tumors from the left lobe of his liver. Then 6 weeks later, they'll go in and remove three from the right lobe of his liver. The doctor said he may find others while he's in there, so he'll get those too. If the rectal tumor is higher and near his colon, they'll remove that when they do the 2nd liver surgery in March. Otherwise, he'll just have both liver surgeries, heal, more chemo, daily radiation, then the rectal surgery/ileostomy bag surgery, heal, make sure there are no leaks, then surgery to remove the ileostomy bag. Fingers crossed they can do it in 2 surgeries and not require an ileostomy bag. He's feeling ok. Still very upbeat positive. It breaks my soul my child is this ill.

I'm also very lucky that my coworkers are so supportive. I'm told daily that I'm looking great and to keep up the good work. It's such a confidence boost to hear such positive comments.

love them both - but I think I'd go with the black & white one

@ You don't even look like the same person! Great transformation!!

203.8.... Just 4 pounds to my Valentine's Day goal. And 50 to my actual goal.