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... )

Edited February 17, 201610 yr by Mom26

Good for you I do remember reading your story initially and I have hoped that things would turn out well for your son. I'm glad you are able to remain on your plan and that you can provide support to your son. If you like Chili, check out the turkey chili from Panera. It was a staple for me during weight loss and while those jokers discontinue it in the summer, they should still have it for a few months. It's something like 200 calories for a cup and a huge amount of Protein. Also, it's yummy and will keep you warm in that cold northern winter!

@@Mom26 I can't even begin to imagine what you have gone through. It's good to see both you and your son are hanging in there and trying to get through this day by day. And it's good that you are finally figuring out how to eat and sustain yourself post-op. Congratulations on joining Onederland!

Fantastic! Congratulations to you all.

Life happens, although the timing of your "life" really sucked! I'm going through some "life" right now, too. We all have / are / will.

But we truly must learn to care for ourselves no matter what is happening to those we love. Easy to say, harder to do. But we still must do it.

Again, congratulations to you. I'm glad that eating is getting easier for you and that you're finding your groove.

Congratulations! You're doing it!!!! And prayers to your son and family. I am brand new to this site but I had to congratulate you. I know how proud you must be.

That's a great thing to be under 200. BIG hugs and so happy you're taking care of yourself so you can be there for your son.

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

@@Mom26 ... don't know if you've heard about this, but *research* shows (yeah, really) that if you arrange your features into a smile (regardless of whether you feel anything like smiling at all) that in a minute or so you will actually *feel* better, happier.

The signals between the muscles of our face and our brain run both ways and inform each other.

Seriously ...

@@Mom26 ... don't know if you've heard about this, but *research* shows (yeah, really) that if you arrange your features into a smile (regardless of whether you feel anything like smiling at all) that in a minute or so you will actually *feel* better, happier.

The signals between the muscles of our face and our brain run both ways and inform each other.

Seriously ...

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.

Mom26 I remember reading your post about your son and praying for him! I know there is a long road ahead for him and all of you...I will keep praying that he will be cancer free!

And you are doing so well with everything the world can throw at you.....being strong for your son and taking care of yourself. Congrats on the 198.4 you are a tough lady.

I've thought of you often and thank you for the update.

Praying for healing & sending positive thoughts your way.

Congrats on getting to onderland! Woo hoo!

Glad you found a reason to smile & hopefully there will be a lot more reasons to smile as the days progress.