LESS Alcohol ~ MARCH 2023 ~ One Day at A Time

RockinRobyn672

@dawnbgethealthy It's good to see you back online. I was starting to worry!

Sinisterbarbie1

@joans1976 it concerns me to hear you are having so many skin effects. That is not supposed to happen as far as I know (and in my experience getting a high dose every day for 6 weeks after 9 mos of chemo and surgery with still healing scars it didn’t happen). Everyone is different, and treatments are different, but they should be getting better not worse so forgive me if this comes out wrong - but are you advocating for yourself strongly enough and asking questions to make sure that everything is going properly? Have you had check ins with your radiologist or do you just see the team doing the treatment every day? Call your radiologist and tell them how bad it is if you haven’t yet.
I have very light and sensitive skin and I had only minimal redness like a very mild sunburn in the precise spot they were aiming towards the very end. I felt like a wreck (which in my case was probably due to the cumulative nature of things, because I was actually starting to feel better/get better during radiation) but I worry that the effects on your skin are so bad, because they aren’t supposed to be. One thing that helped me was using vitamin A&D cream . It is cheap dime store stuff people use on babies bottoms to prevent diaper rash, but you are trying to prevent similar skin breakdown. Maybe it will help? Sending you healing vibes.

My father was diagnosed with a malignant scarcoma on his head yesterday. He is also increasingly confused and my mom and I don’t think he understands the diagnoses. Monday I continue trying to unravel the cause of his various movement and neurological issues at yet another specialist. I am nostalgic for the days when I thought he “only” had dementia or “just” Alzheimers. He drank fairly heavily his whole life and even now has a beer at lunch and a beer at dinner even though he takes all sorts of medicine and can barely navigate the apartment with a walker. I switch him to NA drinks whenever possible but he usually figures it out. I don’t really feel like at his age it is my place to mess with his habits unless and until a dr absolutely forbids it.

RockinRobyn672

Hello My "LA" friends! Happy March! I am SO ready for spring! My goal is 16 AF days.

3/3: AF - The only NA beer I have on hand right now is Athletic Brewing NA IPA, which is good and what I had with dinner. I was able to get in a good 50-minute workout on the Peloton. I'm hoping it actually makes up for the over-budget extra calories.

I'm going to venture out to Total Wine today to see if they have more options. Today will be an A day.

Rolling Total: 2 AF Days out of 3

RockinRobyn672

@joans1976 Wow! A blizzard in March!

Michieb125

Checking in for the weekend and Happy Saturday!

@Lilylady3k - way to go on your approach to your sister’s visit and wine drinking. It sounds like it worked out to meet your personal goals. Historically, my sister (ok and me) would love to start drinking wine together when she arrives in the door or when we meet up at our mothers - no judgment but I am realizing my own participation in that has been excessive through the years. I’m now responsible for my own actions. Now that I am liking LA, I think I’ll try the Fever Tree pre-dinner and one bottle of wine with the meal ‘approach’ when she visits next month.

@joans1976 - congrats on accomplishing so much with this Less Alcohol group and your radiation journey. Glad you are so active on this site . I agree with you, there is a mix of wonderful and supportive people here and everyone’s posts are truly
Inspiring to keep coming back here.

Enjoyed my 2 glasses of planned red wine last night (measured 5 oz each). Planning no A until next weekend.

March accountability and stats:
AF - 2
A - 1
Goals: Limit 2 glasses per A day and
20-23 AF days planned

Whatever your plans for the weekend, remember “It’s not what you give up, but what you will gain.” - Godwin
(This is from The Alcohol Experiment)

Have a blessed day!

ahoy_m8

Hi, all. I've been following the Murdaugh trial, too, and was surprised (and relieved) the verdict came so quickly. SO many unanswered questions around that one.

Anywhoo... AF M-Th and split a bottle of wine w DH last night. Plan to do the same with dinner at home again tonight. I appreciate comments from @itladyee and @Womona about one drink being just the right amount and satisfying. Well done, ladies. I aspire to that. As one with a javelina mounted in a powder room such that male users stand nose-to-snout, I do appreciate the funny story, @RockinRobyn672.

Womona

Sinisterbarbie1 wrote: »

My father was diagnosed with a malignant scarcoma on his head yesterday. He is also increasingly confused and my mom and I don’t think he understands the diagnoses. Monday I continue trying to unravel the cause of his various movement and neurological issues at yet another specialist. I am nostalgic for the days when I thought he “only” had dementia or “just” Alzheimers. He drank fairly heavily his whole life and even now has a beer at lunch and a beer at dinner even though he takes all sorts of medicine and can barely navigate the apartment with a walker. I switch him to NA drinks whenever possible but he usually figures it out. I don’t really feel like at his age it is my place to mess with his habits unless and until a dr absolutely forbids it.

I’m so sorry to hear this. Ugh, that’s rough. Hugs!

Womona

@RockinRobyn672 that’s a hilarious story!

I only one glass of wine for me tonight! Yay! I had two drinks last night, right within my goal.

dawnbgethealthy

Thanks for keeping us going (and accountable) @MissMay

I am Dawn, I live in South Eastern British Columbia.
I joined this thread in November of 2018, a daily drinker at the time
My primary goal with drinking less is weight loss.

My usual goal is 16-20 AF days for the month,
I had 16AF days for the shortened month of February.

I do this diary style, I normally post the next morning.

Wed March 01 - 2 drinks - Still off of work this week from Covid
Thursday March 02 - AF - Starting to feel better, but my sleep schedule is all over the place, mostly up all night now.
Friday March 03 - 2 drinks. First day out, I did 3 Foster Grant stores, I felt good. I will restart at the Indian Restaurant on Monday for my first shifts since Covid.
Saturday March 04 - Drinks. I have a Rye Stinger chilling as we speak. I had an awesome day, then went out for a walk this afternoon. Sunny and lovely. Photos to come...

Rolling total: 1AF day out of 4 days.

dawnbgethealthy

First time out to a trail in weeks.

This is Idlewild Park where they are still tobogganing down the little hill.
It was warm, I just had a hoodie on today.



I never got a chance to skate here this year because of my bum ankle, but I have skated here many times through the year. Too close to spring now...


Kids sledding down the hill




The river is running under the ice. The sound is amazing. I live downtown, so we don't have snow like this.

joans1976

@Sinisterbarbie1 Uh oh. I actually thought my skin was doing pretty okay for 11 treatments. I see my radiation oncologist weekly (but can see a radiation oncology associate any day I request it.) I saw the RO Thursday and she examined me. She said my skin will get worse, with (sorry if this is TMI) open weeping patches. I have dermatitis above my collarbone and the whole area being radiated is tan. I don’t really want to write on here what the problem area is. I can use A & D, I’m currently using an unscented, alcohol free, paraben, sulfate free radiation cream, Aquaphor, steroid cream, and an anti-itch cream on the itchy areas. I have a solution coming from Amazon the doctor specifically recommended that I can put on the weeping patches. I have non stick gauze pads.

I am a huge worrier so I do speak up if I think any little thing is wrong. I honestly thought radiation was supposed to be tough on the skin. I don’t usually ask the rad techs about my skin or side effects. Now you’ve got me worried though. I have 5 more sessions then 4 sessions directed directly at the tumor bed on “boost.” I see my medical oncologist Tuesday to start the hormones. I can see a radiation oncologist Monday and ask about my skin again. Thank you for your concern!

mfowler883

Gonna make my visits less frequent for a while. Work and dogs and tasks and errands and projects and life in general are stacking up on me again and my down time is at a minimum. I'll be thinking of all of ya, and trying to keep my drinking to a reasonable amount.

-m

Lilylady3k

Michieb125 wrote: »

@Lilylady3k - way to go on your approach to your sister’s visit and wine drinking. It sounds like it worked out to meet your personal goals. Historically, my sister (ok and me) would love to start drinking wine together when she arrives in the door or when we meet up at our mothers - no judgment but I am realizing my own participation in that has been excessive through the years. I’m now responsible for my own actions. Now that I am liking LA, I think I’ll try the Fever Tree pre-dinner and one bottle of wine with the meal ‘approach’ when she visits next month.

@Michieb125 - Good luck with you and your sister. I did offer to put vodka or tequila in my sister's Fever Tree Lime & Yuzu but she decided to try it like I planned to drink it ... just over ice. The Blood Orange Ginger Beer I drink chilled no ice.
It is not all my sister's fault since I too like drinks. My sister and I are the same. Definitely usually drink with each other whenever we get the chance. She usually has wine at her house AND a pitcher of her speciality orange cosmos in the fridge. And then toss in DH. The last time we said no wine we weren't drinking she brought 2 bottles. This time I did not give her the heads up. LOL We only had the 1 wine bottle available and even though she arrived at 4pm ... we weren't opening that bottle until dinner was served. A different pattern for us for sure.

@dawnbgethealthy - It is good to see you out and about after that bout with Covid! Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us.

March accountability: 1 days AF
Alcohol: 3 days (1 drinks)
Days over 2 glasses: 0
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days this month.

3/1 - AF; Clausthaler Grapefruit Non-Alcoholic. First sleep over babysitting our 8 month old granddaughter
3/2 - 2 wine; Bunco
3/3 - 2 wine; pre dinner drink AF Fever Tree Lime & Yuzu. Split 1 bottle at dinner between 3 of us (6 glasses total so small pours)
3/4 - 1 wine; pre dinner drink AF Fever Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer. Split 1 bottle at dinner between 5 of us.

mfowler883

Oh hey, last minute pic upload:


-m

lmlmrn

Hey everyone!
LOL life is still sailing along as normal as can be, really. My A days and AF days are 50/50 right now.

We are taking our vehicles in for tune ups next week. The last thing we want is to break down on our travels!

We are really looking forward to exploring our way East.

OMG the deer head story had me rolling out of my office chair.....that is so classic and wish I had been there.

This is short, my down time is been too little lately so trying to cut back on my screen time.

joans1976

Hello! I’m Amanda, I’m a crazy cat lady from Michigan! I joined this forum in June of 2022 and since September I have decreased my drinking to one day a month! This is a huge accomplishment from where I was and I absolutely could not have done it without the wonderful mix of people in this group!

March goals: just make it through the month unscathed! (27 doctor appointments)
Alcohol goals: 95-100% AF

3/1: AF
Yesterday was a rough one but I didn’t even think about having a drink. Radiation continues to suck the life out of me but I can’t fight it, I have to do this. After today I will be halfway through treatment!

It’s almost Friday!

3/2: AF
Yesterday was a tough day on the radiation front. Skin breakdown and fatigue affecting my daily routines. I have 10 more sessions of radiation, or 2 weeks and then those effects can continue for up to 4 more weeks. I’m trying to manifest the complications away!
29 days AF

3/3: AF
Big blizzard here. March in Michigan. I hope anyone else who was hit by it has power and is warm and cozy and safe.

3/4: AF
31 days AF

joans1976

@dawnbgethealthy Im glad to see you’re back and out getting a walk in. I always love your pictures! You make snow look good! I bet the sound of the River under the ice is heavenly. We got 8 inches of snow here Thursday with heavy winds and I know 3 people who wrecked their cars driving in it. Yesterday it was 42 and sunny so it’s melting.

Pokey4321

Back again. Marylander. My goals are to increase my AF days and reduce during A days. Not been successful so far. Actually worse. Two high alcohol content IPAs daily turned into 3 or 4 daily. Been a bad two weeks. Lots of stress from my daughter who at 23 is not maturing. Stressing also because I have not been able so far to drink less. Worried alcohol now controls me. Weight blew back up because of all the calories and drinking leads to bad food choices. On Friday we went to our friends to celebrate her first grandchild. It was small gathering at her sister's house. They have a beautiful house on the water and turned their upstairs into a party room. Full stocked bar/fridges lined with beers/ and everybody brings food. I probably drank 8 IPAs in 2.5 hours. My wife drove us home. On Saturday I felt like garbage so my wife went to our grandchild's soccer game. Knowing I need changes, soon as she left, I drank my last two IPAs (9 percent alcohol content). Drank the last sip of the second at 9am. A little buzzed I got up and started to clean up. Once I felt sober I packed all of garbage and recycles into my jeep to take to the transfer station. The recycle bin told the story of this mass of empty IPA beer cans from just one week. It's like "Did I really drink this much"? Only good news is no vodka bottle. I have been sneaking some vodka and cranberry into my Yeti rambler I use for ice water to hide my drinking from my wife. I stopped doing that a couple of weeks ago when the massive Absolute bottle finally was empty. Have not replaced it and no plans to do it. Well in 20 minutes from now I will have my first 24 hour AF in a long long time. I managed to do all my chores and shopping on Saturday so Sunday's plan is to do the exercise bike for an hour and then take my real bike for a ride on the base I work at which has a beautiful stretch for several miles along the Chesapeake Bay.

Goals this week:
- No IPAs/No vodka
- More AF days than A days
- If I have an A day, limit two low cal/low alcohol content
- Go into office three days (I have the option of going into work or working from home. I think going in the office works better for me.)
- Exercise everyday (exercise bikes-running-lifting

If do these, the weight will take care of itself.

RockinRobyn672

Hello My "LA" friends! Happy March! I am SO ready for spring! My goal is 16 AF days.

3/4: Drinks (3) - I had one more drink than planned and I'm sure I went way over calorie budget. Planning AF today. Today, we're going on a driving adventure, heading south towards Nag's Head so food tracking/choices will be a challenge.

Rolling Total: 2 AF Days out of 4

Michieb125

Hello all LA members, wishing you a great Sunday. I can’t wait until we change clocks in CA next Sunday morning!

@mfowler883 for sure life can get overwhelmingly busy at times or we may need break from too much screen time. You’ve been doing great, best wishes!

@Lilylady3k Thanks for sharing about your sister and how our stories are so similar. Reading your post I just kept nodding my head yes! Both my sister and I have historically had ample
bottles of wine when we get together ‘ready to open’ - kind of ridiculous (my personal opinion). I think we both use A for celebrations and as coping mechanisms. I do like the positive example you demonstrated to your sister and I definitely plan to change up my approach to our get togethers. I’m also getting older and enjoy waking early and feeling rested.

@Pokey4321 good to see you come back. I can tell you are having an honest conversation about your A drinking and that will put you in the drivers seat to move forward with little changes. Stress has been a major reason I relied on A for many years and I think others would attest to it. I have found my stress and anxiety has actually gone down since I’ve cut way back. Best wishes finding answers for your situation.

Last night I had my first real desire to have some wine in a month since I started here but I reminded myself of the ‘why’ I’m doing LA…..after about 10 minutes that desire changed and I lit a log in the fireplace, and made some favorite tea instead. I suppose there will be lots of days like this.

Planning no A this week until Sat. night.
March accountability: my goal is 20-23 AF days

AF - 3
A - 1
No more than 2 glasses on A day