Sept 4-10, 2024

SarahMaxx
SarahMaxx Posts: 1,989 Member
LW: 130.6
TW: 129.8

Down a little. It's nice to be home and better able to choose what I eat since the diverticulitis seems to have resolved. All my bloodwork was normal.

As you know, today was the day for my appointment with the surgeon. I got good news and not so good news. They do want to take this growth out because there's a discrepancy between the visual on the diagnostic mammogram and the lab results from the biopsy. The biopsy said intraductal papilloma, but it does not look like a papilloma on the mammogram. So she said they need a piece of the growth itself. Apparently with a biopsy, they take samples around the growth. She also said that 75% of the time these are benign, but you have to make sure. They can't get me in for at least a month, so I think I'm looking at a October/November timeframe. But it's an in-and-out procedure and if possible, they'll do it in a surgical center. If not, at one of the local hospitals. Because of the infection rates and costs, I am hoping for the surgical center. Afterward, I can have no physical activity for 2 weeks, so that will be a challenge.

Since worrying won't change a thing, I'm just moving on and taking care of business. Tonight, we're meeting friends at a nice restaurant located between our two towns for hubby's birthday dinner. I've requested outside seating and it's supposed to cool off once the sun goes down. So I'm looking forward to it.

I have a 2 p.m. call with our financial folks and want to do some walking between now and then. So here are my 7-day averages:

Steps = 10,498
Kcals burned - 1,713

Looking forward to hearing from everyone. <3

Replies

  • wiredkell
    wiredkell Posts: 696 Member
    LW: 169.7
    TW: 169.7

    Apologies for not posting. Shawn and I were on vacation & at the cabin from August 23-30. Our daughter got her MRI for her knee done on August 28 and on August 30, the doctor called with super sad news. She has a full ACL tear and requires surgery, therefore is out for hockey this season. Needless to say we were all devastated and don't know what we're going to do with ourselves this winter. I guess it'll mean more time at the cabin. I honestly think that us as parents were more devastated and shocked by the news, as Ella said that she pretty much knew and was preparing herself for that to be the case since it happened. Poor girl.

    On the workout front, I set myself a new daily goal and have completed Day 4. I either have to run 1 mile or I can do a walk/run for 2 miles. Super proud that I have kept up with it. 2 days of waking up at 445am to do it before work, because I know that after work just doesn't work for me.

    My shoulder is back to normal. My eyes seem to be doing well since I went on the Elidel. I can't remember who, but someone mentioned Pataday and I do have those drops too and use them when I notice my allergies are really bad.

    It's definitely been a stressful 2024 for us, as for many of you.
    - The cabin is great, but we've had issues getting the WETT inspection completed for the wood stove so it meets code. Lots of work and $.
    - The house market isn't fantastic so we're still waiting to sell. We've decided that no matter what, we're selling in the Spring.
    - 2 of our windows in our house need to be replaced, and while they are under warranty, it's $300 for the labour to replace them. *insert eyeroll here*
    - Our son is set to take his drivers test for the 3rd time in a couple weeks... Hopefully he can learn out to pay attention to road signs this time...
    - and just yesterday, he was fired from his movie theatre job. He is a smart, good kid, but sometimes makes questionable dumb choices that gets him into trouble. He decided it would be a good idea to listen to a coworker that said it was okay to take leftover food/product that didn't sell but was already paid for by someone, and of course you can't do that without Manager approval, so they called it theft. Brutal life lesson for your first job.

    I know many of you will get it when I say, it feels like I'm just throwing away $ this year like it's going out of style, but not really getting ahead. I sure hope things start to calm down, as we've pretty much had all that we can handle. What next? But you're absolutely right Sarah, worrying won't change a thing. Just move on and take care of what needs to be done. Hugs girl.
    Lois, how's your hubby's eye doing? They thought mine was a sty at first too... but nope. Hopefully his is getting better.
  • GaGasheesh
    GaGasheesh Posts: 1,140 Member
    LW: 134.6
    TW: 135.2

    Dang it. I gained because of the holiday weekend. Baseball game, golf, and eating. I'm back on track as of yesterday. I had no trainer Monday because of the holiday, but I have her tomorrow. Managed to get some treadmill done, but that was it.

    It's tough to read about your tests Sarah, and that you'll need a biopsy. <3 I'm really sorry about all you're going through. I know it's emotional and scary. I'll be sending my positive thoughts and hopes to you over the next few months. You're so right that there's nothing that is produced from worry. I'm glad you're taking the right steps. Keep busy, and just take it one day at a time, my friend. I hope your tummy is better, and that you and hubby enjoy your dinner with friends. Tell him Happy Birthday :)

    Kelly, wow, kids can be so hard. I guess your son had to learn an important lesson . . don't trust what people SAY the rules are. And as far as driving, lots of teens fail the tests, but that's how they learn. In fact, I think failure is the best teacher because it really sinks in. And, it's really disappointing that your daughter will need surgery for her knee. It sounds like she had a sense that was the case. As you know, we had a cabin and really loved it for 30 years. But, they are a money suck. So are houses. We got a good price when we sold our cabin, so between that and all the memories, it was worth it. We just got too old, and with 2/3 of our family living in other states, it was time to move on. Everything changes. I believe that change is good. . that's life.

    As for me, I had a little cold that's mostly gone, but a lingering headache. My check up is in Oct. I feel like it takes longer for my muscles to recover from workouts. But, overall, I feel good. I was remembering how awful I felt before I had my heart surgery, and how much better I feel now. I know there will come other issues down the road (we don't grow younger lol) but for now I feel good and I'm grateful for modern medicine.

    It's late, so I'll sign off for now.





  • wiredkell
    wiredkell Posts: 696 Member
    Sheesh - I forgot to mention how beautiful and sweet your granddaughter looks in those pics you posted. She looks just precious. <3
    And I agree, properties in general are money suckers. Eventually we'll get out of the huge costs and I know it'll all be worth the memories in the end. It's just a matter of getting through it right now.

    On a side note, I'm curious, do any of you take any supplements or vitamins that you find you notice help with anything?
  • SarahMaxx
    SarahMaxx Posts: 1,989 Member
    As I read posts just now, I realized how life happens to everyone, and I'm grateful that most of what we are all dealing with now are not super huge, life changing things. Of course, with the exception of Ella's knee, which is changing her life for a season. But it's great that she has such a good attitude and perhaps having to devote less time to hockey will give her time to do other things that she didn't have the time for before.

    Sheesh, the biopsy is over. It's the surgery that is still to come. But I'm like Ella. I kind of knew that that was going to be the case. The surgeon told me that the fact that the lump is smaller than when it was first discovered is a good sign because malignant growths almost never shrink. But I hope it doesn't shrink too much more because she said if it does, the type of surgery they will have to do will be a little more complicated and I need to let her know if suddenly, I can no longer find it.

    And I'm glad you mentioned your heart surgery. When I remember what you went through and how healthy and fit you are today, it gives me hope. The surgeon mentioned yesterday that she feels good about the surgery because I'm reasonably and physically fit. And I have all of you to thank for much of that. So, hugs and thank you all.

    Kelly, I'm so glad the eye is getting better. I'm the one who mentioned Pataday. Since I can't tolerate elidel, it really helped me. And I agree that kids--and adults--often learn best through making mistakes.

    Hope all is going well with Lois. I suspect that she's very busy catching up at work after her trip. And there was an article in the morning Washington Post about the horribly hot weather in Phoenix--more than 100 days above 100 degrees. Even dry heat that goes on forever gets intolerable. We are having a short respite from heat. We ate outside last night and by the time we left, I wished I had a sweater or light jacket. I'm sure Indian Summer and more heat is around the corner, but this is such a nice break from the awful humid days that have been way too common here this summer.

    Well, time to do some chores and take a walk. Hope everyone has a good day.

  • SarahMaxx
    SarahMaxx Posts: 1,989 Member
    And Kelly, I forgot to say "good for you" for your walking and jogging plan. I can't imagine being disciplined enough to do that before 5 am!!
  • Lastchancelj
    Lastchancelj Posts: 1,356 Member
    edited September 5
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    WOW.... you gals are so encouraging.

    Sarah - I will keep you in my prayers. I have to agree with the doc that it's best to get the biopsy and KNOW what it is... Hoping your hubby is feeling better as well.

    Kelly - So bummed for your daughter's results. Fortunately, I believe your daughter has the gusto to get through the surgery and recovery from ACL repair. She will be good as new afterwards and back on the ice - I'm sure...hockey seems to be in her veins... lol. Friends of mine also had a cabin north of us, sadly, they didn't use it quite as often as they thought and they were urging us to get one near them. When we were younger, I did not believe I'd be able to manage keeping up two houses, so I declined. Not even factoring in the funds to maintain them both. Kudos to you guys for creating another opportunity for your family to create extra special memories there.

    Sheesh - I agree with you with travel, holidays, but it does wreak havoc with my weight.

    Fortunately hubby's eye did improve. Hoping it does flare up again. It was only slightly puffy when we left and pretty clear by Saturday. Disneyland was incredible. We had a fabulous trip with our 12yo grand daughter. My knee was super stressed over the weekend. I kept pushing the leg strengthening by walking. I used the scooter Saturday evening and Monday morning to do a quick run into the parks for last minutes purchases. I did well. Goofy's Kitchen experience on our last day was a huge hit with my granddaughter. She was pretty aloof about meeting the characters in the park, but super excited and engaged with the ones at the restaurant. That meant we left a bit later than normal and we got home super late. Tuesday - I was WIPED OUT. Exhaustion caught up with me. I made it to my PT appt, but had ZERO energy to do any exercises so therapist rubbed it out, added electrical stim and ice. He commented I did well so we are avoiding surgery at this point.

    Bloodwork was done before I left Thursday morning and the results are devastating. I don't know what's going on with my body, but my glucose went from 84 last year to 118. AIC 4.4 last year to 5.8. Unsure if it was the fake sugar processing and handling real sugar when I stopped consuming the Optavia. So I need to do something different and NOW. So I'm going to have to do it NOW. New bloodwork to be done in 3 months.

  • GaGasheesh
    GaGasheesh Posts: 1,140 Member
    edited September 6
    Lois, great photo! It sure does look fun . . and your granddaughter is darling o:) I'm glad your PT person said you did well with your knee! I was concerned. There's a lot of walking at Disneyland! Your report on your blood tests is of concern. I wonder if your chef can make meals that are low in simple carbs and sugars?

    Sarah, I knew the biopsy was taken, but won't they biopsy again while you're under anesthesia before they remove the lump? (Maybe that can't be done that fast.) Or do they take it out no matter what? We've also had cooler temps here, although it's 81 outside right now. I enjoyed the thunderstorms we had last week.

    Kelly, my SIL had ACL surgery from an old football injury that never got better. He is so glad he had it, and he works out all the time now. Night and day difference he says. So, I'm sure Ella will do fine because she is young. And, yes, I take supplements. I have a cupboard full of them, lol. I mix it up depending on what I feel like I need, such as extra zinc and vitamin c if the people I'm around are sick. (too much zinc will upset your system and is toxic though) I take a multi vitamin for women over 50. I take calcium and vitamin D, and try to get outside for sunlight and fresh air. And, I swear by OsteoBiflex, which I've talked about here before. If my knee hurts, I pop 2 every day until pain's gone, then I stop. I don't take any fat burners, other than black coffee. I don't think they work, and they make my heart race and upset my sleep. Good job with the treadmill!




  • wiredkell
    wiredkell Posts: 696 Member
    Lois - Cute pic! B) Looks like soo much fun. I've only been to Disney World, not Disneyland but it was fun and so much walking. I remember having over 25,000 steps in a day when we were there.
    Your bloodwork numbers are concerning for sure. Try use that as much motivation as you can for eating and getting in activity. Just moving, even if you step in place in front of the TV all helps in the end.

    Sheesh - Good to know about the OsteoBiflex. I've been having issues with my knee lately where it's sore when I stand up after I've been sitting for a bit, so maybe that'll help. I already take soo many supplements and have a cupboard full of them too :D
    Daily I take Calcium & Vitamin D, Omega 3-6-9, B12, Tumeric + Black Pepper and Magensium Citrate. I also add Collagen to either my coffee or my protein shake in the morning and I recently started adding in creatine monohydrate to that as well. I've been reading lots about perimenopause/menopause and they say it helps build bone mass density and increasing muscle mass. It is also has cognitive and mood benefits like improved memory, reduced mental fatigue and a more positive outlook. Worth trying out I'd say! I also have zinc lozenges to take when I feel a little tickle in my throat.

    As for Ella's knee, our physio also told us that once she has the surgery and does the rehab, her knee will be the strongest it'll ever be in her life, so that's a plus. It's just the fact that she's missing a whole season of hockey that'll make it difficult for her to stay competitive at her level. But we'll do whatever possible to keep her fit and active. It helps that she's super motivated.

    Sarah - I agree with your comment "I'm grateful that most of what we are all dealing with now are not super huge, life changing things." Shawn and I talk about that daily... when the next thing goes wrong. It definitely could be so much worse. We're also having a few days of cooler weather right now, which I'm loving, but next week it's back to being hot for a bit.

    So.. on top of all of that, Ella and her Mom tested positive for Covid yesterday. The rest of us are good. So we shipped Ella back to her Mom's so they can rest up together and the 3 of us are headed out to the cabin this weekend after work. Also, stuff with our son's termination isn't quite done. We found out more details and it wasn't what he thought it was with taking product from a bin. Him and his coworker decided to split food together one day. His coworker told him he paid for it and asked him to bring it up on the tray to the break room. Once his coworker came up to the break room, Tyler paid him more than half for his portion. They're saying that food was never paid for in the first place, but Tyler wouldn't have had any way of knowing that. They also didn't ask for his side of the story, just told him it was theft, plus they made him sign stuff that said he admits to theft, which he isn't admitting. So Shawn has a call in to talk to the general manager about everything and is waiting for them to call him back before he takes this further. They should never have made an underage kid sign a legal document without parental consent. At this point, we don't want him working there anyway, but we want the theft taken off his name from the company and we don't want him banned for a year.. completely ridiculous. I honestly think they were looking for a way to let people go because summer is over and they don't need that many staff anymore. At no point did he ever get any kind of warning or have any clue this was going on and they let him work there for over a month since the "incident" happened without telling him. He was also just looking forward to applying for a promotion and higher position.. poor kid. Awful first job experience. :'(

    Have a good weekend everyone! Stay hydrated!
  • Lastchancelj
    Lastchancelj Posts: 1,356 Member
    Kelly - that completely stinks about your son. And correct, a minor is not allowed to sign any legal document without the presence of a parent/guardian. So bizarre of his prior employer. and I'm sure Ella will recover quickly and be stronger after her surgery. It stinks that she will miss the hockey season and I understand - I've been there. And COVID. UGH!!! And we did over 20k steps every day we were there. I was almost at 19k before picking up the scooter on Saturday.

    Sheesh - yeah, I've had a conversation with the chef about sugar etc. I'm confused at how my body is now processing sugars/carbs etc. So, I've contacted my friend who turned me on tot he Optavia and she's going to come by and pick up the remainder of what I have on hand. I can't handle it - obviously.

    Sarah - hoping all goes well with the next phase. And yes, we're still over 100 daily. Disney was even over 100 this past weekend. When it's that high, I do my best to stay in the house and not go out unless absolutely necessary. Lots of water and liquid iv/pedialyte when needed. And thank goodness we have remote starters on both vehicles, so we can at least get the air running before we get in and go anywhere.

    Two of my sisters are driving from Cali to Texas to visit our brother. My son and his family and I met up with them for dinner yesterday as they were passing through. Had Texas Roadhouse. I made the error of eating 1/2 of the biscuits. Man are they yummy. But oh they are like yeast rolls and just kicked my tummy's butt. Had a delicious filet with 1/2 sweet potato and green beans. We all skipped dessert so I did well with my menu choice - except the roll. but oh it was tasty. Not worth the tummy pain all night. Did I tell you my tummy hurt? Yeah it was bad. I usually skip most breads for that reason...but not yesterday.




  • wiredkell
    wiredkell Posts: 696 Member
    Ugh.. things at home are not good. This whole thing with our Son has turned out exactly how all 3 of us as parents thought it would, he lied. It had nothing to do with the scenario he told us and he flat out lied and did steal. Apparently a bunch of coworkers were all doing it, where they would punch in an order on a till and then pretend to pay for it using their phones, then cancel the order. Dumb.. F'ing dumb. So we of course are livid that he did that, but we're more upset that he allowed us to go to bat for him and call his work to stick up for him. I have never seen my husband so mad. He can't even look at him right now. His Mom and I are also having a hard time looking at him. I told him it's so disappointing and embarrassing.
    He's always been the kid that needs to do things to look cool or be part of a group and that's terrifying as parents. Especially when he's about to get his licence, he is about to turn 17 at the end of Oct and has a girlfriend. Parenting is frickin hard. Trying to discipline and make sure they have accountability for their actions and have repercussions, all while making sure their mental health is ok. He's always been an overly sensitive kid that doesn't know how to take ownership for the things he does and doesn't do in life. 2024 sucks. I still have hope for it to improve, but man we've been taking the punches this year. What's next? :(
  • GaGasheesh
    GaGasheesh Posts: 1,140 Member
    edited September 10
    Oh Kelly . . So sorry you're going through a parenting crisis with your son. You're right. . teenagers are really hard. All parents go through it. I could tell you so many stories about my kids. . Sneaking out, going along with taking a car and knocking over trash receptacles put out at the curb with the car, underage drinking, fights at school, questionable friends, lots of lying, and more. Hang in there. It will be okay. You and hubby and his mom will figure out a punishment that stings enough that the lesson sinks in. I remember that every punishment was hard too because it had to be enforced by us. Following through feels like you're being punished too. But, they are all okay and good citizens now with their own families. Good luck <3 I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • Lastchancelj
    Lastchancelj Posts: 1,356 Member
    Oh man Kelly. What you are experiencing is the worst part of parenthood. Seriously. Punishing our kids feels like we're punishing ourselves and harder. And all of our kids did wonky things as teenagers. Heck, hubby and did some stupid things as teens as well (heck I got pregnant at 17 - though I count that as a blessing). I recall when I had my daughter, my dad's words were "it will be great to watch her put you through the hell you've put us through...lol... And I was one of the good kids truth be told. We always caught our kids and told them, you think this is new? that this is the first one to do it? man the stories we shared with them. lol. So good luck. It isn't easy but it's awesome once they become model citizens and adults. This is the hard part.