I'll never capitalize cancer
I have alot going on in my life, more than just cancer and chemo. Sure it's a big part of my life right now, but it's not the most important part of my life. You will never see me spell it with a capital "c".
I'm a Wife and Mom. I love my Family. I have good Friends. We do fun stuff and dumb stuff and sometimes we argue and then we laugh again. We go to work and to the grocery store and we go swimming and have birthday parties and get ready for the first day of school.
I keep saying that I don't want ovarian cancer to define me, but sometimes I just can't help it.
A good friend put it this way for me "cancer may be defining your life for the moment, but it is not your entire life. You seem to just make time for it." That made me feel better.
If you want to see it from the beginning, my cancer story begins in March.
The rest of my story is happening now.
It happened again - while I was talking with a woman who was telling me about a great salad that is part of her new weight loss & fitness plan. She wants to lose about 50 pounds. "Oh but you're so fit," she says, "you don't need to worry about this stuff." I just smiled and said "Thank you."
Should I have told her? That I lost 35 pounds the hard way. That I have cancer, started chemo and was so sick that I couldn't eat and when I did it just came right back up.
I've gained alot of it back. I am really conscious of what I eat and work hard at putting the weight back on with healthy calories.
At times, there's a brief moment there when I want to be offended. But then I realize how crazy that is and this person, bless her heart, is just trying to be nice and is really proud of being able to accomplish her weight loss goals and I don't need to bring her down by launching into my story.
So I just say "Thank you." It's kinda like when people ask how I'm doing and I say "Fine, thanks for asking."
I found this article about Advocare's #1 Endorser, Drew Brees. His diet is free of gluten, egg & dairy. He still is able to use Advocare products.
THIS WEEK ...
particularly for the "Boomer Stage" of Life!
I guess that's pretty much simplifying things, but really that's how I feel these days. But I have so much that I want to write about that I get stuck and end up just not writing about anything.
I have decided that something is better than nothing. I need to take a clue from one of my favorite bloggers MissNewOrleans - she is great at keeping up to date with just a few lines.
I am back on the air and having a great time! News/Talk radio tha is locally owned and live. Listen in online KSETlive.com.
And the cancer thing is under control. It's still serious, I am in clinical trials at MD Anderson and have to go to Houston for chemotherapy twice a week for six weeks, then I have another CT scan to see if I need to do it again. My CA 125 is down from around 300 to 34, and a tumor that appeared after my surgery has shrunk 50%. I guess all is good, the last time I was in to see my Drs, they all had big grins on their faces and were high fiving me.
That's the short of it.
Advocare still keeps me going. I really can feel the difference if I don't take my CorePlex or have a Spark. And the Meal Replacemet Shakes are always a perfect breakfast. Mornings also include OmegaPlex and Probiotic Restore. Then at lunch I take a couple more Calcium Plus - chemotherapy messes with calcium levels. I have been having some menopausal symptoms since my hysterectomy. Formula W is good for hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. Rehydrate, Catalyst and Zzzs before bed for a good night's sleep and no puffiness or leg cramps.
Ladies, another call done by Robbie Page for you! Product info, facts of AdvoCare and stories to validate.
Today (Tuesday) 12:00 CST
Dial 712-432-0075
access 377712
Time to take care of some business.
I just found out about a special conference call where we'll hear about the benefits of AdvoCare - especially for Women:
Tuesday August 25th @ 12:00 Noon CST
Dial in:712-775-7100
Access code:462259
This is a special call with a focus on WOMEN. We have just introduced some fantastic new products. You'll hear about those and more with an emphasis on weight loss, energy and female nutritional support! We'll also learn about AdvoCare's financial opportunity.
If you have any questions or miss the call, be sure to contact me.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again during First Friday in Groves. Be sure to stop by under the blue tent to sample some Spark and find out more about Advocare nutritional products and the financial opportunity.
Advocare helped me get back into shape after my pregnancy and has since kept me and my Family fit and healthy. The additional income that I have earned each month has made it possible for me to be a work from home Mom and enjoy more time with my Family.
My cancer is inherited from my Mom's side of the family. We have cancer back through at least 5 generations of Women. There probably is nothing I could have done to prevent it. But, the excellent nutrition that I get from Advocare supplements has helped keep my body and my immune system strong through this recent health crisis. And the income each month has helped keep our bank account strong, especially during these times of economic uncertainty.
I'm feeling especially good today, and the weather is perfect for some outdoor family fun. So come on out and join us.
First Friday in Groves is three full hours of non-stop family friendly enjoyment. The monthly celebration along Lincoln Avenue offers free entertainment on Friday, May 1, from 6 to 9 pm. Highlights include door prizes in honor of Mother’s Day, a Cake Walk, the Mexican Heritage Folkloric Dancers, and a Community Blood Drive.
There will be door prize drawings throughout the event. Door prizes include gift baskets, gift certificates, plants, and flowers. Entry forms available at participating shops along the avenue. Entrants must be female, 18 years or older, and present at the time of the drawing.
Val Verde will host the Cake Walk and bake sale. Beginning at 6:30 with the first cakewalk at entertainment center.
The Mexican Heritage Folkloric Dancers, group of girls and young women, will begin the Cinco de Mayo celebration by performing several symbolic dances beginning at 7.
The LifeShare bloodmobile will be parked at the intersection of Lincoln and Jefferson from 6:30 – 8:30. Blood donors may credit the community, their church, place of employment, or a family blood plan with their donation.
Healthy donors weighing at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood every eight weeks. Diabetes and hypertension under control will not prevent blood donation. Potential donors must have photo identification and should know what medications they are taking.
First Friday, a merchant sponsored event, is celebrated the first Friday of every month and provides free family entertainment, special sales, food and door prizes. Most stores along Lincoln Avenue will remain open until 9 and The Courtyard Café buffet line is open from 5:30 to 8.
Dr Judith Smith of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the Advocare Sci/Med Board sent me this article that she had written about nutrition. I am going to share it with you here.
Remember that I mentioned that my blood tests were good this week, I just need to be sure to keep eating and get enough good calories everyday.
Well, I'm not a doctor and I cannot make medical claims, but for me personally, this is what I am doing. In addition to Dr Smith's recommendations, I have been trying real hard to stay away from refined white sugar and red meat. Lots of fish, chicken, raw veggies, fruit, good fats and whole grains. I also have been using Rehydrate to keep my electrolytes balanced. I have been thinking that I will try Excel Gel for my electrolytes after this next round of chemo. Keeping fluids down while I was nauseous was a problem this last time, and maybe the gel will be easier. For good easily digestible protein, I drink a Muscle Gain shake for a snack. Sometime I mix a Peaches & Cream Fiber Drink with Vanilla Muscle gain for added calories and to help keep me regular (still not pooping everyday). The branch chain amino acids in Catalyst feed my lean muscle and keep them tight so I don't get flabby. And this week, I have started adding Post Workout Recovery to my shakes because they are higher in good calories.
The next round of chemo will be easier because now I know that it does get better. That was seriously 4 days of the worst flu type symptoms ever. Now, I am just kinda feeling funky because I haven't eaten much for 4 days. I have kept up with my CorePlex with Iron and OmegaPlex. The Meal Replacement Shakes and Muscle Gain for protein and nutrition have been very easy to keep down as well as the Rehydrate for keeping my electrolytes balanced. I'm drinking Spark again. And even taking Catalyst, because I am losing weight, mostly muscle, pretty quickly. I will have some blood work next week and I will learn more how I am doing then.
I am getting lots of advice about nutrition. Much of it similar - stay away from red meat, dairy & sugar. Raw is best. Stay hydrated. Most appealing to me now is comfort food - homemade soups, pasta, casseroles. Vegetables are good, as well as apples, grapes & watermelon. But sweet is just TOO sweet. I think the Hydrocodone is affecting my sweet taste buds.
Dr Judith Smith at MD Anderson Cancer Center has written an article about Cancer and Nutrition. And this article about integrating nutrional supplements into cancer treatment plans. This is what Dr Smith has to say about the after effects of chemotherapy.
That's my goal. I have realized that for the past week I've been walking aroung in stretch pants and a big shirt - a sure sign that things need to change!
Great weather today, too. So I have no excuse for not at least taking a walk around the block.
Of course Advocare is going to help me do this. I need to be sure that I get good nutrition in my body so that it works more efficiently.
Here's the plan -I do a 10 day Herbal Cleanse and then Lean in 13. Lean In 13 focuses on eating clean protein, from lean meats and Muscle Gain, as well as fruits and vegetables in a "zig zag" kind of combination that helps you burn fat, cut cravings and get over that plateau.
After that I get back to the everyday routine that I learned with Commit2Fit. You know, 5 small meals, lots of water, etc.
I am doing the Citrus Herbal Cleanse. I like the "scrub ya clean" type of fiber. It's Old School, you have to stir it up & drink it fast - not for everyone. Peaches & Cream Herbal Cleanse is smoother and may be a better choice for most.
I have to remember what the Herbal Cleanse is all about - CLEANSE. So the only other supplements I will be taking are OmegaPlex and Catalyst. Of course I also will drink Spark or Slam and have a Meal Replacement Shake for breakfast.
As for what to eat, pretty simple really, just stay away from alot of fat and don't eat anything white (rice, sugar, flour). And drink lots of water.
It's just a couple of weeks, and a great way to get back to healthier eating, drop a few pounds and have more energy.
MyFitnessPal.com is an excellent free website to use to keep track of your daily foods, calories, protein & carbs.
This is a good time to get started. Advocare Success School is coming up Feb 20, I don't want to be wearing stretch pants that weekend.
Congratulations to Advocare Endorser Drew Brees
Brees named AP Offensive Player of the Year.
The New Orleans Quarterback threw for 5,069 yards, only the second time in history a player has surpassed 5,000 yards passing in one season.
Brees' performance earned 22 votes in a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league.
Click here to learn more about Brees' accomplishments and his favorite Advocare products.
We had a fantastic team call Sunday night with Hall of Famer Mark Leitgeb and other Advocare leaders.
For those of you who missed it, CLICK HERE to listen now.
8 Top leaders gave their insights for exploding your business in January.
This is an enormously important training/team call. Hope you enjoy...and pass on to your new team members! You are champions, and we appreciate each and every one of you...and your contribution to this incredible company!
We're almost 2 weeks into the New Year, how's it going so far?
Our wonderful contributors at Advocare have some things to say about New Year's resolutions. You can read about them on our blog SupplementalScience.com and I have posted them here:
Making a New Year’s Resolution is a practice followed by millions of Americans at this time of year. The most popular ones seem to repeat year after year - you can probably guess what they are (and maybe you made some of these yourself):
Lose weight
Manage debt
Quit smoking
Eat right
Reduce stress
Such resolutions have the potential to change our lives in dramatic ways, but remaining committed to them throughout the year(s) can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Try again. Everyone has made, and broken past resolutions, that does not mean that you won’t succeed this time. Start with a positive approach, including thinking about what has disrupted your good intentions in the past. Don’t discourage yourself with a negative outlook.
Don’t make too many resolutions. Trying to eat better, exercise more, quit smoking, and reduce stress is too much to tackle at once. Pick a realistic, attainable goal with a reasonable time frame.
Choose your own resolution. Make sure this is something that you want to accomplish for yourself and not for friends or family. When you attain the goal they will benefit from your success as well.
Make a plan and write it down. Plan what you’d like to accomplish in three or six months. Achieving small goals over time gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going. Writing your goals down is a good way to keep track of your progress.
Involve friends and family. They can support your efforts, and can motivate you to keep going. Setting a personal goal is not a “promise” which can never be broken. Don’t paint yourself into a corner by overstating what can be a realistic change you plan to make.
Forgive yourself. If you get off track, don’t think that you failed. Review your plan and make adjustments.
Congratulate yourself. Reward yourself when your intermediate goals or resolutions are met.
The most important point to consider when deciding on your resolutions is to decide if you are truly willing to make the change in your life. Deciding to make the change just to have a resolution will not keep you motivated to attain your goal. Many people fail because they are afraid or don’t fully realize how the goal can benefit their every day lives.
When you decide on your resolution, make a plan of action and list the ways it will improve your life. When you can see the prize, you are more likely to keep up the fight.
Possibly related posts:
10 Great New Year’s Tips
Reinvent Yourself! 20 Tips to Accomplish Your New Year’s Resolutions
Stick to your New Year Fitness Goals!
Ring In The New Year With Resolutions You Can
Sunday, January 11th 8:00 PM Central
Call in: 773-945-1010 Access Code: 381-974-948
This call will be conducted again 9:30 PM Pacific
Call in: 484-589-1010 Access code: 475-977-860
Join Advocare Hall of Fame member Mark Leitgeb and a host of other major company leaders on this dynamic team training call.
You will get insight on:
1. Daily Method of Operation
2. Next Saturday's nation wide Two Thousand and Now training day
3. Information on the next big recruiting call to get you business!
4. Insight about the upcoming, explosive NEW product launch at Success School!
This training will range from 20-30 minutes in length. If you have a desire to make money in 2009, you do not want to miss this call. Your Check growth is parallel to the amount of distributors that you have on these calls. Help keep your team in "the know" by calling and promoting the call personally....The #1 reason why people fail in this business is lack of communication.
Advocare is offering up a $500 bonus to everyone who qualifies - no limits. Believe me when I say that it could be easy - but you have to be an Advisor.
Do you know 10 people who are disgusted with their health and want to lose weight and gain more energy? Do you know 3 people who are disgusted with their financial situation and want to earn an additional income every month.
Let's go - we'll do it together. Give me a call and let's get started and put some money in your pocket now.
I was just thinking about what a great deal these bundles are. Discounted retail is great, but add to that your Distributor discount, and it gets even better.
So, If you would like to get the absolute best nutritional supplement products on the market at the absolute best price, now is the time to get on board with Advocare.
Buy a bunch of bundles to reach the Advisor level and you can get alot of product for your money. And be at the 40% discount level for life.
Besides the benefit of just taking the products and looking better and feeling better. You have an opportunity to turn around and sell them to make a profit, get tax benefits as a small biusiness owner, you'll get the award winning Debt Buster program for FREE and you'll be eligible for all kinds of great incentives and bonuses from Advocare.
Now is the time to do it. The prices are fabulous and Success School is just around the corner.
Look beter, feel better, make more money - it really is that simple.
Oh, did I mention the money back guarantee.
Give me a call so that I can share with you more how Advocare has changed my life and see how it can change yours.
OK - No excuse - my little distraction is back to school today, Hubby's at work, got a few more 'Thank You' cards to get out, still gathering stuff for my garage sale, but right now I gotta focus, get back on track.
I need to drop a few Holiday pounds. I think I'll start with an Herbal Cleanse, and do the Lean in 13. I need to restock my Advocare shelves. This is a perfect time to do that now since Advocare is running some special pricing on bundles. Really, you need to check this out!
Advocare Trim bundle includes the new MNS Max3, Catalyst and ThermoPlus - Core nutrition, fat burning and toning, and energy for just $80! these normally retail for $104.40. And if you are an Advisor at the 40% discount level, it's just $48.
Advocare Active bundle includes a canister of Spark, Slam and Chocolate Nougat Snack Bars - that's your morning & afternoon beverage & a snack, a healthy sugar free pick me up, for $90! regularly $113.85. Advisors get the 40% discount making this bundle just $54.
A guy called me this morning, wants a canister of Spark - that's all. He's paying retail, that's $51.50 just for the Spark. I'll just order the Active bundle. So for me, with my discount, it's like I get the Slam and Snack Bars FREE.
Advocare Performance bundle includes a canister of Muscle Gain, Muscle Fuel and Nighttime Recovery - No matter your age or fitness level, feed & strengthen your muscles with this bundle for just $110! 40% discount makes this bundle $66 - about equal to the retail cost of a canister of Muscle Gain alone.
By the way, I cannot tell you enough about how great Nighttime Recovery is. If you have Tylenol PM in your medicine cabinet, you need to throw it away and replace it with Nighttime Recovery. Of course it's great for achy muscles after a workout, or anytime, like after a long day of driving or any kind of stress. And you won't have to worry about ruining your liver. Has a bit of Arginine too. Guys, try it and see what happens when you have increased circulation and try to roll over in the morning - I think you know what I'm talking about!
There's more - including the incredibly easy way to get a $500 bonus! But it's late.
I'll finish this up tomorrow with hot links and pics. Call me if you need something sooner.
Look for me under the Advocare tent this Friday December 5 during First Friday in Groves. 
I'll have Holiday specials like hot Apple Cider Spark, Jingle Slam, Coffeccino, and Chocolate Muscle Gain Truffles.
Chocolate Muscle Gain Truffles
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3 tablespoons honey
2-1.46 oz packets Chocolate Muscle Gain
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Melt butter and honey together in saucepan over low heat. Pour into mixing bowl. Add Muscle Gain powder. Beat thoroughly. Shape into one-inch round balls. Roll into pecans. Place on plate. Chill until ready to serve. Makes 16.
Spirit leaders of Port Neches Groves High School will be welcoming in the Holiday season as they kick off First Friday at 6P. Varsity Cheerleaders are set to show off Indian Spirit as they perform a routine with Cherokee.
Santa Claus will be taking some time off from his workshop at the North Pole to come stroll Lincoln Avenue, visiting with the children and listening to their requests. Be sure to bring your camera to snap a shot with the man in red.
Madnonnie.com is blowing up the big screen and featuring the movie The Polar Express. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Show time is 730P.
LifeShare Blood Center's bloodmobile will be parked at the intersection of Lincoln and Jefferson from 630 – 830P.
First Friday, a merchant sponsored event, is celebrated the first Friday of every month and provides free family entertainment, special sales, food and door prizes. Most stores along Lincoln Avenue will remain open until 9P. and The Courtyard Café buffet line is open from 530 to 8P. Free street entertainment includes contests and music from DJ Donna Marx sponsored by Selman Chiropractic, balloon animals by Sunny the Clown, and face painting by the Jester.
Be sure to join us this Friday 6 - 9P on Lincoln Ave for First Friday in Groves.
Check here for a previous post about Fibo Trim. Then be sure to take advantage of this fantastic offer before it ends Tues Dec 2.
I have bottles of Fibo Trim in my purse, in both bathrooms and on the kitchen counter. Taking Fibo Trim is an easy way to add fiber and control your apetite, your weight, your blood pressure and your cholesterol. Along with fresh fruits & veggies and whole grains, get even more fiber from your Meal Replacement Shake (6 grams) and Fiber Drink (10 grams) have a snack with a Fruit & Fiber Bar (5 grams) and you are well on your way to the American Dietetic Association's recommended 20 - 35 grams of daily fiber.
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