Spatters3

hehehehehe :-)

I wish we were close geographically so I could just hug you. *HUG*

eek! Can't wait for the rest of the story!

Made me tear up too. As a mother and grandmother I understand about getting healthy for "them" but I think to overcome your fear and anxiety you have to decide to get healthy for "you". You are the one that has to live in your skin, no one else. Getting the VSG is the best gift I have ever gotten let alone done for myself. I actually caught myself getting resentful that I waited so long to get it done (I'm 57 next month) but you know what? This is all in God's timing - He loves me and knows exactly what I need and when I need it. He loves you too :-)

yep, a lot (if not most) of us were raised to clean our plates. Wasting food is sinful even! My husband's family were very poor when he was growing up and you ate what you could when you could and as much as you could. Now that we're not poor well... it's really pretty dangerous to have that mindset. My family wasn't as bad off but my mother's family was so "wasting food" was a terrible thing to do. I managed to break that cycle with my own children and grandchildren - they have to taste something new and eat a reasonable portion of their meal (I have had several try the "ok, I'm done. What's for dessert?" trick). Serving up appropriate sized portions takes practice too. Being more than a year out, I don't have trouble gauging my portions nor do I have trouble throwing food away. It takes practice (hey, we get to practice several times a day!) and conscious eating. I used to clean off OTHER people's plates too. Then one day I realized the truth that I am NOT a gabage pail. Sounds silly, but that is exactly how I was treating myself. Keep at it!

4/22/13 : Time to start a new blog. One without chemo or radiation or surgery :-) It feels like it has been a long time since February 11 but it's not even May yet. Spring has sprung here in the bluegrass and it's such a balm for my spirit. Life abounds! I have been busy living - my strength is back, I'm even doing a bit of morning stretches and more walking. I'm soooo out of shape! I also haven't lost any weight in a few months but I know how to make it happen. I have to stop eating the goodies at night with the kids, unless it's a protein snack. We're planning on driving down to Florida in Julyl to see my family. Need to find a house to rent (with a pool!) that isn't a ridiculous price. I was going to drive down by myself but realized that my husband just couldn't handle the kids on his own for a week. He is 70 and just can't do it anymore. I am 56 and *I* can't do it anymore either! hahahaha oh well, together we manage. 7/26/13 : Right before we were to leave for Florida (what a fabulous 2 weeks!) I had a sonogram from my primary care physician because I had a pain under my right rib cage. He called me that evening and told me I have gallstones for sure but that there was what looks like a lesion on my liver that he was concerned about. I was scheduled for my post-cancer MRI the following Tuesday so I mentioned that to the oncologist. Right after getting the MRI, the oncologist was able to review the results and her verdict is that I have a tumor growing between the top of my liver and my diaphragm (which is why it hurts when I yawn or take a deep breath) and it is in the worst place possible and is inoperable. We both cried a little and she said she would talk with the radiologist about perhaps using targeted radiation to shrink it. So what did I do ? Heck, I went on a 2 week vacation to the gulf side of Florida :-) Had quite the time, although I did slip and fall on my right leg (water + tile = hazard). After the fall, my entire right leg started swelling and it hurt. Didn't stop me from having fun with my family. When I got back home I told the oncologist about it, just in passing, and she ordered a "doppler" (I guess it's just a sonogram) and the vein specialist found that I have massive amounts of blood clots in my right thigh. Now I have to inject myself twice daily with blood thinners (lovenox) and in 5 days start taking cumadin and keep my feet elevated all day long. The doc said I am very fortunate that I am not dead. See ? Cancer is NOT going to kill me... something stupid like a blood clot is going to get me ! hahahaha Anyhow, I have an appointment next Tuesday with the radiologist. We'll see what she can do and if that doesn't work, I will find someone who does know how to remove this "inoperable" tumor. I am fully prepared to die just not right now. God is good all the time. 8/21/13 : The results of the 2nd opinion I got at the Markey Cancer Center at University of KY yesterday weren’t good. My case was reviewed by a panel of cancer researchers and surgeons (among the best in the country, I hear). The large tumor on my liver is not alone – I have many tumors growing in my abdomen. So, there will be no surgery and no cyber knife radiation. The liver specialist at UK is going to discuss what kind of chemo would work on this type of cancer with my oncologist (he even told me congratulations on having such a rare and aggressive cancer) but that would just be to slow their growth. I’m not sure I am going to do chemo. If I could make this all go away, I would. I am very thankful I have had all this extra time to get everything in order.

We should all treat our family members with atleast as much respect and kindness that we show total strangers. I think everyone is correct in guessing that your mother is being passive aggressive due to her concern. Then again, we don't know your mother Back off a bit, give her a few "Yes, Mama" and "I love you Mama" and don't fall into the argument traps that she is setting. The decision to get the VSG and to radically change your life should be lauded! Embrace the power you have taken hold of and enjoy the ride! WEEEEE !

and make sure you sip sip sip that water !

wow, what a nightmare ! I am so sorry your are going through all this horribleness. Are you under a nutritionist's care? It seems that you will have very special nutritional needs and you need to have professional assistance and maybe even custom made supplements. I pray to God that you heal completely and that you can move on with a healthy, happy life.

sorry to hear that you're having to go through this ;-( Good thing you did go to the ER ! I pray your surgery goes well and your recovery is quick and painless !

absolutely! I turned into the Wicked Witch for a few days. I couldn't even tolerate myself. I was enraged.... all the time about everything! Hang in there, don't hurt anyone, and it will get better.

It actually sounds like the VSG has worked wonderfully for you!

hahahaha cute! Thanks for sharing your very own Chistmas Story :-)

All I can say in support is that this is just a holiday, not your normal modus operandi. Try not to stress yourself, relax, and enjoy your vacation! You may have fallen off the wagon but it will wait up for you

Is this place a Bariatric Center of Excellance? If not, find one. If it is, go for the 2nd opinion and after you get accepted, lodge a formal written complaint against the first doctor. She should be a vet. Atleast if she treats a dog badly the dog can bite her.