Biopsy Results

Well, first off, sorry it's taken me this long to post again. I had the open lymph node biopsy on October 11th. While I was waiting in the holding area at the hospital, the surgeon's assistant came in and marked under my right armpit for the lymph node. It seemed to move around a lot, so at the last minute she decided the surgeon would take a larger, more pronounced lymph node from my right groin. Nine days later I got the results ... no evidence of follicular lymphoma. Thank you Lord. Unfortunately, I was told there was no guarantee that lymphoma or some other cancer wouldn't turn up sometime down the road (I have four very enlarged lymph nodes). It has now been suggested that I be tested for Toxoplasmosis and Human Parvo Virus. It's always somethin' ... To make matters worse, my father-in-law passed away this past Monday morning right in the middle of Hurricane Wilma. My in-laws live in Coral Springs, FL. He himself was a cancer (lymphoma) survivor over 20 years ago, but his health had been deteriorating over the past 3 years or so. They are still without power as I write this, and his funeral arrangements could not be held for two weeks. So my husband and I will be flying down to Ft. Lauderdale on 11/8 and staying for several days. Our daughter (who will be turning 5 in just a few weeks) will be staying with my Mom. While we did explain to her what had happened to Pop-Pop (and thankfully she "gets" it), we feel she is too young to be exposed to all the funeral stuff. Not to mention dragging her all the way to Florida and seeing relatives she's never met, etc. would just be too much for her at this young age. The saddest part of all this is that my husband was scheduled to fly down to Florida just next week to surprise his Father for his birthday. My FIL would have been 63 next week. They moved to FL almost one year ago, and my husband had not seen him since the move. Unfortunately, he was a little too late and now we are faced with this tragedy. As for me, I feel like there are four walls closing in on me this week. I am feeling pretty sad and depressed. My weight has been bouncing anywhere from 153 to 151. I seem to be holding at 151 and not going any lower. I'm okay with that, really. I am wearing a size 7 jeans and Medium (sometimes Small) tops/jackets. I definitely find it harder these days to make "wise" choices, especially since I dump on NOTHING and can eat way more than I did when I was first post-op. I have been cramming in the protein like a mad woman for the past two weeks. I've been living on EAS CoffeeHouse shakes, Strawberry Sorbet Unjury, and AchieveOne Cappucino Lattes. Well, that's about it. I'm feeling pretty down tonight. I do read here every day just to keep up with everyone's progress. Miss you guys. ~ Christine ~ 257 / 151 / 137

Just me again ... replying to my own post. LOL I forgot to say that I added a new photo to the bottom of my profile. Just taken today. Sometimes I have to stare at it for a very long time to even realize that is me. Hugs everyone, ~ Christine ~

Christine, Go for some long walks and talk to friends. You sound quite depressed and need to get some thoughts in order. I've noticed a regular pattern of depression that seems to come with this surgery. I don't know how anyone thinks about that but it is clearly connected to WLS for me. I am so glad for you that your test was not cancer. Just know that modern medicine is amazing (just think of WLS) and so is the human spirit, let prayer and friends help you through the tough times. Take care

Christine - (((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))) ((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))) (((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))) I'm so sorry. You and your family have been through alot. That was great news about the biobsy. I am very sorry about your FIL. He was still young too. Your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. BTW You look great in your pics. I like the one in the black tank blouse. Very Kelly

Donna hugging you close sorry to hear your going through such an ordeal. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you and your family will get through this with lots of prayers. I'll be thinking and praying for you. Hugs Donna 338/167

Hi Christine, I am sending many hugs and prayer your way.... Know we're here with ya when you need us. Hugs, Susan

Christine, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm sorry to hear about your FIL. Take care, Mary 302/189/1??

Hi my WLS buddy You look GREAT!! You photograph very well! And your little girl What a CUTIE!! I bet she looks just like you when you were a child. I think you really need to talk to someone. A best friend, a pastor-priest-rabbi (whatever your faith may be), a support group, a therapist. But someone. We all love and support you here!! Try posting here everyday to start. But I know how helpful it is to have a professional to help you. My husband (married 19 years!!!) suffers from clinical depression most all of his life! His therapist has been the best and I go with him often and she is AWESOME!! BUt the very best thing is our relationship with the Lord. The struggles with WLS is very emotional all by itself. Not to forgot all the things you have been facing with your health, a new home, and now the death of a family member. Honey that is a lot for anyone!! I do not know how close your hubby was to his dad. For me being a daddy's girl it was one of the most difficult thing I have had to deal with in my life! Men sometimes have trouble letting their feelings show. Encourage Hubby to let it out!! It has been 14 years since Daddy has gone to be with the Lord and there are days I would do just ANYTHING to talk to him and have one of his great big-o bearhugs !!! But I do have the comfort of knowing he was saved and baptized 2 weeks before he died and someday we will walk the streets of gold together!! AMEN!! Now back to you--sorry I get a little carried away sometimes!! Sweetie everyone here loves you and cares about you! We are your WLS family!! We are here to listen, support and encourage you!! Please consider all things I have mentioned. If you want to email me feel free [email protected] I check my email every morning and afternoon after work. PLEASE keep us posted and some around more often!! We all love You!! Blessings Tonya

Christine, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers - I lost my father to cancer when he was just 53 - I still miss him everyday. It's a hard thing to lose a parent - so hold your husband close. Depression is hard for us because our best friend has always been food - make sure you turn to your husband and be each others best friend - you have many people in your lives that love you and are here for you. You are doing great on weight loss and right on track. I had surgery on 12/15 and I'm bouncing between 150-152 - started out at 266. We're doing fine - it's just coming off slower. Keep to the rules. I don't always make wise choices either - none of us do. Just make sure that you make wise choices more often than not and you'll be okay. (((HUGS))) Candy 266/150/140