A Question For those who have been on MFP for more than 1 yr

maureensm

I started in Jan 08, and was down over 20lbs when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in April of 08. Totally lost my head, the only thing that mattered was her and getting her well. I tried halfheartedly a few times to lose the weight while she was going through her 2 1/2 years of treatment, but was never fully committed so continually gave up. In all, I put on the 20 I lost, plus 10ish more, I forget the exact amount.

I got semi-serious again last July, but then my Dad was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer at the age of 55 (he's still going strong, but will not live to see his 70s... we're praying he sees part of his 60s and for a cure!), so that shot that attempt out the door.

Finally at the end April of this year I thought, what am I doing to myself? I can't help my daughter or my Dad if I'm an overweight mess (and the stressed out "strong one" of the family... I was thisclose to punching the next person that said that to me after my Dad was diagnosed "Oh, you'll get your sister and everyone through this because you're the strong one." *insert scream here*), so I completely and utterly recommitted myself to getting ME healthy. Which is a bonus, because after my daughter finished her chemo, they told us that she has even more of a chance to be obese because of the steroids she had to take, and her father's side of the family are all obese. I hope that if she pays as close attention to me as I know she has been, she'll see that even though her Mom is "old" (haha, I'm only 35) and can get healthy, that it won't be much of a stretch to keep herself healthy too.

As a bonus, my husband joined this site in May or June and has now lost 40lbs and is about halfway to his goal weight, and avoiding diabetes too!

Your story touched my heart. My mom died of leukemia when I was 19 and now that I'm grown and have a son of my own, the thought of him getting cancer is one of my greatest fears. I am truly in awe of your courage and perseverence. I believe that when you're working torwards your own health, you will be setting the standard for your family. I wish you the best of luck in your journey and hugs to your daughter!

nopeekiepeekie

Aww ladies, I cannot even begin to described how your words have lifted me up. Let me tell you, most days I don't feel either strong nor courageous. I can't even tell you how many times I've literally locked myself in my closet and cried until I couldn't any more.

Like Jeanne said, if you're not honest with yourself and how you got the way you are, how are you going to be able to change it? Since I've got back to it in April, I've been diligent with my logging (even yesterday after a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings and huge calorie dinner :blushing: ) No point in making excuses any more because it'll just bite me in the butt later. :laugh: