Boom - More bad news for the Family

Well, the wind was taken out of my sails this weekend.  I feel like I was kicked in the guts.  Another cousin of mine has been diagnosed with Cancer.  Initially it was believed they were just pre-cancerous nodes that could be removed from the intestines, but later it was discovered that she had cancer of the ovaries, as well the lymph nodes, spine and various places on the back.  From what I've been told (and I haven't been told much really), it sounds like the Doctors don't believe there is anything they can do for her at this point.  I'm devastated.

I'm frustrated that I can't do anything to help, and crushed that it could happen to someone so young and vibrant.  I can't imagine what is going through the minds of her family now.  Her and her husband have 2 boys and a little girl and I just can't imagine how they will share the news with them.  What do you say?  What can you say?  It's just heart wrenching.

I don't know how to console her without depressing her even further.  I also don't want to be intrusive either and I really do want to offer my support.  I'm not really sure how to be there for her either when she's thousands of Km's away too.

I think I'm just going to reach out to her and offer whatever support I can.  I have to believe there is answer out there somewhere.  There has to be a way for her to win.

Damn it.  This sucks.

Fuck Cancer.

.

The visit with my Cardiologist

Well today was my follow up visit with my Cardiologist.  He's had a chance to review my blood work, my ultrasound and my thallium stress test.  Looks like everything checks out OK.  No new underlying problems.  No new blockages and my heart seems to be operating within normal parameters.  My cholesterol was a tad above acceptable but I have no fear that I can get back to well within normal levels as well.

Great news!  He has given me the ok to go back to exercising and work my way back up to a decent active heart rate again. He was happy to hear that I had already started on a weight loss plan and had dropped a few pounds as well.  I have another apt to see him 6 months to make sure my cholesterol is falling back in line too.

So I'll start adding some cardio to my day and combined with diet I should see more results in the weight loss department.  Here's hoping! :o)

Weight update

Just a quick update.  On June 8, I weighed in at 251.8 lbs.

This past Saturday (the day of my regularly scheduled "cheat" day), I weighed in at 242.6 lbs.  By Sunday morning I was up to 245.8 lbs, which translates into a ~3 lb gain as a result of my binging. This morning I weighed in at 242.8 lbs and have lost everything I put on during Saturday's festivities.  So while I sit at 242 this morning (9lbs lost since June 8) I am sure I will probably fluctuate a couple of pounds up and down this week.  Hopefully the journey downward continues though.  This weekend is the July Long Weekend where I'm planning to be camping out at Buffalo Lake.  If I can maintain my discipline, maybe I won't suffer much as a result of rich camp food!  Wish me luck!