Julys posting

I almost forgot to update you all.

We spent a lovely holiday in Spain during this month, temperatures reached 46 degrees in the sunshine. It was a good week to unwind, relax and to remind my hubby who I was.

Health is fab, apart from not being able to loose any more weight. I know I let it slip whilst away, but been good since I been back. If it doesnt get shifting, the doctor will take me off of the Orlistat.

So back to the Gym tonight, to pump those machines,and get my body burning fat - well I can hope, cant I?

Back to see Mr Merrick on 5th August, for my 3 monthly check up. He has said previously, that he would be happy for me to transfer to my local hospital under a different consultant after this visit if I wanted. But think I am happier with the person who operated on me, and with whom knows my history and makes me feel comfortable. So I will stick with Mr Merrick, after all he did save me from this tumour last year!

June General Update

Thought it was about time, I posted here. Health wise everything is fine. I phoned my GP to get results regarding thyroid. No abnormal results ... so that was good. Will just request that Mr Merrick monitors the nodes that were picked up on my MRI fairly frequently.

Since posting last time, I have joined a local gym. Attended two fitness classes so far. One is just women, doing areobics, and the other is Circuits, where we alternate between exercise machine and cardio workout every 45 seconds. I really enjoyed it and hope it will boost my weight loss!

Working quite a few extra hours, as some of the girls are on holiday and we have to cover the hours.

Not much happening, between work, exercise and sleep at this end.

Will update you all again during July

Race For Life 2009

I took part in the Race for Life on Weston Super Mare sea front on Sunday. It was pouring with rain. A very emotional day, with lots and lots of people taking part.

I did attempt to run, but running on sand in rain, when you havent done any training is pretty hard going, and I probably lasted 20 seconds (at the most). But walked a very brisk walk and completed the 5km distance in 52 minutes, running across the finishing line.

I do have two very sore areas the back on my heels, from my trainers rubbing, but I am so pleased I took part.

Well Done to every who has or will be taking part this year - Keep Up The Good Work
x

PS. No news from hospital with reference to thyroid - so I am assuming no news is good news!

Thyroid .....

Had to go to musgrove park hospital myself yesterday for my check up. My consultant is happy with me, except nodules on my thyroid have been detected (via MRI). The majority of nodules found generally are benign. But as I have 6 he is a little concerned. There is no swelling in my neck, and I do not have any symptoms that my thyroid is not working correctly. Sent me for a thyroid blood test and full blood count - fingers crossed - I dont want to go through anymore of this shite.

The funny thing is - I had reflexology a few months ago, and that was the one thing that was picked up - but I didnt really think reflexology worked .... I do now!

Also havent lost any weight this month, and I have been so good. Time to up my exercise I think.

I am taking part in the Race For Life on the 17th May, on Weston sea front

Before and After photos

At the age of 12, I chipped both my front teeth. After 30 years, I was brave enough to get them fixed, and this was the result

MRI on Sunday 9th March

Had my first MRI on my head and neck area last Sunday. Quite a daunting machine. Strapped down to a table, whilst listening to Phil Collins. Took about 30 minutes I guess.

Still not had any results back, which I am hoping no news is good news. Also still awaiting my next check up appointment.

Managed to keep taking my orlistat whilst on holiday in Austria. Didnt loose any weight, as most of the meals were served in a cream sauce, even the soup had dollups of cream on it. Had a beer every night too. But didnt gain any weight either, so was pretty pleased with that.

Back to work today, after almost a two week break. Still shattered from the holiday, but will soon get back into the swing of it.

extended to 3 monthly

Hospital appointment went ok, although he was running rather late. Wants to see me in 3 months time (woo hoo).
But I will be having an MRI done in 4 - 6 weeks, as a yearly precaution, obviously any problems, I will be contacted sooner than the three months

Start of 3rd week

Three weeks since I started Orlistat. I have lost 10lbs in those 3 weeks. I am not hungry and coping quite well. I've not cheated once, no chocolate, no crisps, no biscuits etc

Weather here has been pretty bad, lots of snow, schools shut. Not sure whether I am looking forward to going to see 'more' snow in Austria, almost snowed out now.

I have my 6 weekly hospital check up next Wednesday, hopefully that will go the same way as all the previous ones have, with the 'all clear'

Day 7

Day seven of taking Orlistat. At the beginning of the week, I was so tempted to chuck the whole thing in. Suffered from backache, headache and fatigue. Those symptoms seem to be lifting now.
I also bought myself some extra vitamins yesterday. Vitamin E and Beta Carotene, which apparently get lost whilst taking these pills
I'm not due to the drs for a weigh in until Monday 2nd Feb, but will weigh here tomorrow to see how I have done in the first week.

Getting quite excited about our holiday to Austria, only 6 weeks away now, already bought the snow boots. Just me and the hubby, no kids, phones, internet etc.

hmm

First day yesterday taking Orlistat

Went to bed last night with a thumping headache, and woke up this morning, feeling like I have been run over by a bus. Head still hurting.

Not sure if this is the effect of the tablets, or something else .... will stick it out a bit longer and hope it passes

Xenical

My Gp prescribed me Xenical(Orlistat) today, after i asked her too. They actually help you not to digest the fat from foods. So taken 3 times a day, with a very low fat diet, they SHOULD help with weightloss. I shall be monitored quite closly at the doctors, being weighed every two weeks. Fingers Crossed

Still Happy

Saw my consultant on Wednesday, no problems at all. I asked if he did a clinic more local to me, and he said his colleague did, but he didnt want to transfer me until I had been clear for 18 months. So as it stands at the moment. I have another appointment in Feb, one beginning of April. We will then be upto a 12 month, so my appointments go from 6 weeks to 3 monthly. Mr Merrick will see me twice following that, so July and October, and providing alls well, he will transfer me to my local hospital.

I am considering going to my dr next week, and asking if they can prescribe me Orlistat. I really have trouble losing weight, and I know these have to be taken with a low fat diet plus exercise, but it might give me the boost i need

Merry Christmas to all

Make a Smilebox greeting

recovering from a flu-type bug

This bug has knocked me side ways. So much for the flu jab protecting me!

Started off an achy feeling, which slowly took over my whole body, and a temperature. I then lost my voice, and was left with a hacking cough. It wasnt until about day six until my nose started running and I got a thick head, which was more like a cold.

I am hoping to go back to work tomorrow.

Forgot to mention. Dr said I had a virus when I went a few weeks ago, probably the start of this bug.

Hubby, did get some wages, which will mean we can pay the bills and buy some food. Not too sure about being able to afford xmas pressies though.

Consultant Happy still

Mr Merrick was really happy with my mouth. I mentioned the pins and needles, to which he said it was probably scar tissue, building up around the nerve. I told him it was painful, and that I could cope with it. He wants to see me in 8 weeks time.

I have been having a constant ache in my stomach/chest sort of area. Its been there for most of the last three weeks. I cant make my mind up whether its the lining of my stomach thats been aggrevated by my aspirin. Or whether its my muscles in my chest. I've put it off for a few weeks and have decided today to see the GP at 4pm. I am hoping its just stress related and nothing more. Obviously, being a cancer patient, it doesnt take much for the brain to run away with itself. Is it my heart? Do i have an tumour in my stomach? Are my lungs playing me up? etc etc.
It doesnt wake me at night, its just there when I get up in the morning, exactly the same as when I go to bed. Food doesnt aggrevate it, neither does alcohol.
Of course it could be down to being overweight and just putting a strain on my body.

I am off work this week, and not really had much time to myself, thankfully my boss doesnt want me in until next Thursday, so it almost runs into 2 weeks . . . she is so kind!!

Oh by the way, I havent taken a Prozac since 20th October

Ups and Downs

Life at home, has become rather stressed.

My son has split with his girlfriend, leaving a 9month old boy between them. Obviously my son and both myself and my hubby still want to have access to him. Which at the moment is not very forth coming.

My hubbys employer has changed, and we are still awaiting wages due to him since July.

My health is ok - I hope
I had my flu jab on Monday, and I have my check up at the hospital next week. I have noticed that recently, every time I move my tongue over the right hand side of my mouth, I get a 'pins and needles' feeling all across the lower part of my jaw. I am assuming that is the nerve doing that. I will ask my consultant on Wednesday.

I have decided that I am too overweight. I must do something to try and reduce it. I love my food and have a very sweet tooth. I do walk to work every day, but that is about all the exercise I manage. Course, having no boobs makes my belly look even bigger than it really is ....

Good News

My part time temporary job, became a permanent part time job today. I am really pleased, the bunch of girls I work with are great.
I am so happy

Please Help

Can I ask a huge favour

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-quaywest-107410081024-fm
Please sign the above petition, to attempt to save something very dear to our hearts
Sue & Dave x

Prozac

Today I decided not to take my Prozac. I am going to take them every other day for a week or two, and see how I go. With the hope of coming off them completely.
I do feel quite positive at the moment, what with the new job and new friends, I am enjoying life at the moment.

Hubby has decided to take me off to London for a few days next week, we are currently looking at possibly going to a west end show ... not sure which yet! Any recommendations?

1 hour 15 mins

I completed the Midnight Beach Walk in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Sam (my boss) and Kira (daughter in law) took part with me too. It was a clear night, with a full moon.

There were over 1300 women taking part, alot of which were wearing flashing rabbit ears. With both me and Sam dressed in our outfits, which seemed to cause alot of publicity.

I have managed to raise £350 for the local hospice - which I am really pleased with.

I am now about to crawl into bed!