[nataliecmu]

So back when we had all of the diet topics I mentioned I had started weight watchers (I joined Nov.1)... well, I just LOVE IT!!! I have lost 14.4 lbs in two months. I had only wanted to loose 15! Now, I see what I look like and I think I'm going to go for 5 more!

ANYWAY! I also mentioned that I when I was in college and for the 6 months post-grad I taught aerobics. Being that I taught like 12-15 classes a week for 4 1/2 years I got a little burnt out and gave up teaching/working out all together (oh, if my students only knew...

). So, I have started to get a little antsy! I really like to talk and spread my "knowledge" of things I truly believe in, so I have set my goal of becoming a Weight Watchers Leader.

The only problem is THEY have to ask

HAHA! So, all I have to do is loose my 5 more lbs, then keep it off for 6 weeks so I can become a lifetime member. After you become a lifetime member you can be asked to be a leader. How fun!!!!

So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. This way I am still promoting fitness and healthy living which I feel is SO important.

Now, I'm going to send a little note to Oprah because I have a new "Wildest Dream" I want to help young (15-20 year olds) who are overweight learn how to manage food and excercise...

This may mean I have to go back to school to get a health science/ or some-sort-of-other-health-degree. Or maybe I should get a doctor to be my partner... Can you tell I am on a roll? I am just so excited! I could burst right now. I think I finally figured out what I want to do with my life... I want to help people!!!!! YEAH!!!!

 

[Caesar's Mommie]

That is just wonderful!!!

Best of luck to you in losing those lbs and becoming a leader!

You will have to let us know if Oparah has you on her show, that would be awesome!!!

I think you definantely have the motivation and determination to accomplish your goal of helping people to lose weight. It is such a stuggle for so many especially if they don't have adequate support. Because it is hard to change habits or start new owns (what your eating and how your exercising.) My husband is an ex college football player so when he was done playing (he tore some stuff up in his knee and he didn't want to have surgery on it, the idea scared him, I think because of all the rehab stuff the sports trainer was doing with him before surgery caused pain (especially the under water exercises) so he quit after that season). Anyway, he gained quite a bit of weight because the exercising he was used to he was no longer doing. It really bothered him

Anyway he lost 45lbs, and would like to lose alittle more if he can, so we are working on it. He is eating better and weight lifting 3 times a week after school. It still is hard for him though because he loves ice cream and candy bars, but he is doing a great job so far. I make sure and eat the same stuff he can that way it's a little easier on him. I don't drink the diet soda though because I think that I am too skinny and don't wanna limit my cals too much.

 

[ButterCloudandNoriko]

That's awesome! That really is something to be proud of!:chili:

 

[nataliecmu]

Let me tell you why I love this site.......

Everyone is just so supportive! I LOVE IT!

I was thinking to myself... I havn't told anyone yet, I'm going to run it by the SM board and see what they think! YOU ARE SO GREAT!! THANK YOU!!!


I may need some help with my Oprah letter... I'm going to work on it a bit and then post it!

EDITS WILL BE WELCOME!!!!

 

[Brinkley & Neyland's Mom]

That is great that you lost so much weight so quickly!!!!

I did a back-slide over the holidays

. It is SO hard to get back on track!!!

I am very proud for you!!!
Good luck with the rest of your goals too!!!!

 

[sheila2182]

You'r doing GREAT,keep up the good work.You have the right attitude

 

[nataliecmu]

Let me know if this is too cheesy!!

Dear Oprah,

My wildest dream is actually a dream to help others! I am a 23 year old who has struggled with my weight since my early teens. After my first year in college I felt as though I really ‘kicked the unhealthy habit’ and I was in the best shape of my life. I went from doing no physical activity whatsoever to teaching 12 aerobics classes a week while going to school full time. I was so lucky to be able to share what I loved doing with at least 75-100 people a day! I loved helping people my age reach their fitness goals.

The summer after I graduated I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had a major operation with the removal of a 5 lb tumor and my right ovary. For 8 weeks I couldn’t exercise and I had a MAJOR slide down hill. Lucky to be alive and not have to have any other treatment besides regular doctor’s visits I was still scared to do anything. I was scared if I were to move to fast something would happen inside, or my hormones might “make another tumor.” I lost control of my life and turned to eating to make me feel better. Of course, I felt worse. November 1st I made a vow to loose weight and get healthy. My life is too precious to waste. Since November 1st I have lost 14.4 lbs and I feel great! My attitude has changed once again; I will continue to strive to be the healthiest person I can be.

My wildest dream is to help teenagers and young adults (12-20 year olds) who are overweight; learn how to manage food and exercise. I would to have a 7-9 day cruise that is dedicated to seminars, workout options, healthy eating tips, etc. I think it is so much easier to talk with someone who has been through an “unhealthy stage” for young people to understand they are not alone.
Oprah can you make my wildest dream come true????
Sincerely,
Natalie

 

[ButterCloudandNoriko]

Awww Nataliecmu! Sorry to hear about your tumor! My mama had 2 benign tumors in her breasts...but they werent 5 lbs

.

Anyway, where are the teachers? I see some mistakes...let me read it afew more times

.

 

[ButterCloudandNoriko]

Dear Oprah,

I am a 23 year old who has struggled with my weight since my early teens. After my first year in college, I felt as though I really ‘kicked the unhealthy habit’ and I was in the best shape of my life. I went from doing no physical activity whatsoever to teaching 12 aerobics classes a week while going to school full time. I was so lucky to be able to share what I loved doing with so many others! I loved helping people my age reach their fitness goals.

The summer after I graduated I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had a major operation with the removal of a 5 lb tumor and my right ovary. For 8 weeks I couldn’t exercise and I had a MAJOR slide down hill. My fear of regression made me lose control of my life and I turned to food to make me feel better. But, I only felt worse.

On November 1st, I made a vow to get healthy. I realized my life was too precious to waste. Since then, I lost over 14 lbs and I feel great! Once again, I was completely changed my attitude and now, I strive to be the healthiest person I can be.

My wildest dream is to actually help others! There’s an epidemic of young people being overweight. I want to help the teenagers and young adults manage food and exercise. I have an idea to have a week long cruise that is dedicated to seminars, workout options, health eating tips, etc. I think it is so much easier to talk with someone who has been through an “unhealthy stage” for young people to understand they are not alone.

Oprah can you make my wildest dream come true????
Sincerely,
Natalie

I haven't critiqued or written a paper in a long time

. I also tend to change too much.

TEEHEE Good luck Natalie!!!!

 

[Brinkley & Neyland's Mom]

I just pm'd you...

 

[kodie]

It sounds really good to me!

OMG... a tumor? How do you know you have a tumor? Is bad cramps a sign? does birth control create those? I've always been paranoid about having something wrong inside me and not knowing until its too late.

 

[ButterCloudandNoriko]

Originally posted by Kodie@Jan 5 2005, 04:37 PM
It sounds really good to me! 

  OMG... a tumor?  How do you know you have a tumor?  Is bad cramps a sign?  does birth control create those?  I've always been paranoid about having something wrong inside me and not knowing until its too late. 
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[/QUOTE]

I knew this lady who said she had to get a hysterectomy because she had a tumor the size of a FOOTBALL! She said she was getting a pooch(belly) but she thought it was something that came with age! She was driving home from a long trip and her tummy was hurting or something. She felt like she couldn't control her bladder. I think she said it was pushing against her bladder. That's how she found out. And you know what the freaky thing was? We were talking in the nail shop and the lady sitting next to her said she had a hysterectomy because of the same reason too! THAT FREAKED ME OUT..that it's more common than you think!

 

[kodie]

Originally posted by ButterCloudandNoriko+Jan 5 2005, 05:46 PM-->

<!--QuoteBegin-Kodie

@Jan 5 2005, 04:37 PM
It sounds really good to me! 

  OMG... a tumor?  How do you know you have a tumor?  Is bad cramps a sign?  does birth control create those?  I've always been paranoid about having something wrong inside me and not knowing until its too late. 
<div align="right">index.php?act=findpost&pid=27875

I knew this lady who said she had to get a hysterectomy because she had a tumor the size of a FOOTBALL! She said she was getting a pooch(belly) but she thought it was something that came with age! She was driving home from a long trip and her tummy was hurting or something. She felt like she couldn't control her bladder. I think she said it was pushing against her bladder. That's how she found out. And you know what the freaky thing was? We were talking in the nail shop and the lady sitting next to her said she had a hysterectomy because of the same reason too! THAT FREAKED ME OUT..that it's more common than you think!
<div align="right">index.php?act=findpost&pid=27879
[/B][/QUOTE]
That scares me then! ever since i went on the pill for cramps... my stomach sticks out a little! omg.... There is no other signs?

 

[Brinkley & Neyland's Mom]

Originally posted by ButterCloudandNoriko+Jan 5 2005, 05:46 PM-->

<!--QuoteBegin-Kodie

@Jan 5 2005, 04:37 PM
It sounds really good to me! 

  OMG... a tumor?  How do you know you have a tumor?  Is bad cramps a sign?  does birth control create those?  I've always been paranoid about having something wrong inside me and not knowing until its too late. 
<div align="right">index.php?act=findpost&pid=27875

I knew this lady who said she had to get a hysterectomy because she had a tumor the size of a FOOTBALL! She said she was getting a pooch(belly) but she thought it was something that came with age! She was driving home from a long trip and her tummy was hurting or something. She felt like she couldn't control her bladder. I think she said it was pushing against her bladder. That's how she found out. And you know what the freaky thing was? We were talking in the nail shop and the lady sitting next to her said she had a hysterectomy because of the same reason too! THAT FREAKED ME OUT..that it's more common than you think!
<div align="right">index.php?act=findpost&pid=27879
[/B][/QUOTE]


Yeah, I had a friend that had a baseball size one removed. It was really nasty...they showed the pictures to us.

She had lots of symptoms before that. I can't remember what they all were though.

 

[nataliecmu]

Typically cancerous tumors tend to go undetected, with no warning signs... ovarian cancer is somewhat known as a "quiet cancer"...

I had been on the pill since I was 17, usually being on the pills helps prevent fbroids or cysts. I'm usually a very upbeat, can't get me down kind of girl, and last January I started to have "break downs"... I was on an emotional rollercoaster and I had no idea why. Also, I was noticing I was starting to have crazy dreams (I know,

)... but I honestly think your body tries to tell you things.

After a month of the ups and downs and the dreams I started to notice I was having back pains. SO... I thought I was pregnant

Went to the doctor, came back negative. Got tested for gall stones, kidney stones... negative, negative.

This brought me to May, when I had the worst period of my life. I was in tears for 2 weeks straight. Now, I didn't have an OBGYN, I just went to my physician for my yearly physicals...well she checked me, and obviously felt something. I had to go get a few different ultra-sounds, and a CT Scan. After the longest day of my life it came out to be a 4" long "tumor". Then I had to get a blood test (CA-125), this could have shown only a cyst, or a fibriod, endrometriosis, or cancer. A normal persons blood count is in the 30's, mine came back at 436.

A week later I went in for a laporotomy (about a 5 inch incision) for removal of right ovary w/ possible hysterectomy. LUCKILY for me (and I thank God everyday) they only had to take the right side. My lymph nodes, and all surronding tissue came back normal so I was so lucky my "cancer" did not spread. This being the case my doctor did not recommend I go through Chemo or radiation. I now go to an unreal amount of checkups, but to me it is totally worth it.

Fibroids and cysts are very common, some have to be removed surgically, but a lot of the time a change in hormones will shrink them. I was so lucky to have caught this and listened to my body. PLEASE, if you feel like something may be wrong, don't take the chance get tested.


Alright... there is my plea!!

 

[sherylmint]

Originally posted by ButterCloudandNoriko@Jan 5 2005, 03:44 PM
Dear Oprah,

I am a 23 year old who has struggled with my weight since my early teens. After my first year in college, I felt as though I really ‘kicked the unhealthy habit’ and I was in the best shape of my life. I went from doing no physical activity whatsoever to teaching 12 aerobics classes a week while going to school full time. I was so lucky to be able to share what I loved doing with so many others! I loved helping people my age reach their fitness goals.

The summer after I graduated I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had a major operation with the removal of a 5 lb tumor and my right ovary. For 8 weeks I couldn’t exercise and I had a MAJOR slide down hill.  My fear of regression made me lose control of my life and I turned to food to make me feel better.  But, I only felt worse.

On November 1st, I made a vow to get healthy.  I realized my life was too precious to waste.  Since then, I lost over 14 lbs and I feel great!  Once again, I was completely changed my attitude and now, I strive to be the healthiest person I can be.

My wildest dream is to actually help others!  There’s an epidemic of young people being overweight.  I want to help the teenagers and young adults manage food and exercise.  I have an idea to have a week long cruise that is dedicated to seminars, workout options, health eating tips, etc.  I think it is so much easier to talk with someone who has been through an “unhealthy stage” for young people to understand they are not alone.   
     
Oprah can you make my wildest dream come true????
Sincerely,
Natalie

I haven't critiqued or written a paper in a long time

.  I also tend to change too much. 

TEEHEE  Good luck Natalie!!!!
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[/QUOTE]



At 31 I was diagnosed with Ovarian, an other cancer. After extensive surgery I pulled through. It left me disabled but thankful to be alive! It teaches you to live everyday to the fullest! It taught me an appreciation for life that I do not think I would have had. That was over 10 years ago and I still get a stilled heart when I go for my check ups. I Never take a minute for granted. Helping others is a great gift to them and to you. It is a great feeling of accomplishment when you help yourself, even greater when you help someone else. To help someone else shows that you are a very caring person who has the unique gift to look beyond yourself. You are a beautiful person and I hope all your dreams come true. What a beautiful gift you are giving to others! I look forward to seeing you on Oprah!

 

[k/c mom]

Originally posted by sherylmint@Jan 5 2005, 08:24 PM
At 31 I was diagnosed with Ovarian, an other cancer. After extensive surgery I pulled through. It left me disabled but thankful to be alive! It teaches you to live everyday to the fullest! It taught me an appreciation for life that I do not think I would have had. That was over 10 years ago and I still get a stilled heart when I go for my check ups. I Never take a minute for granted. Helping others is a great gift to them and to you. It is a great feeling of accomplishment when you help yourself, even greater when you help someone else. To help someone else shows that you are a very caring person who has the unique gift to look beyond yourself. You are a beautiful person and I hope all your dreams come true. What a beautiful gift you are giving to others! I look forward to seeing you on Oprah!
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[/QUOTE]

I'm glad you're doing OK now..... Best wishes for continued good health!

 

[Mystify79]

I am so sorry to hear what happened to you! I'm glad you are better now! I'm one of those people that refuses to go to the doctor unless I'm forced to go by someone else..

This is a real wake up call to me because I always wait til something has gotten very bad before I go.

Anyways, your letter to Oprah is wonderful and you would be an inspiration to young people!

 

[Caesar's Mommie]

Nataliecmu and Sherylmint: Awww, I am sorry you 2 had to go through that.

It must have been so scarey.

I am very glad to hear you are both okay now though!

 

[nataliecmu]

Originally posted by Mystify79@Jan 6 2005, 12:18 PM
I am so sorry to hear what happened to you!  I'm glad you are better now!  I'm one of those people that refuses to go to the doctor unless I'm forced to go by someone else.. 

This is a real wake up call to me because I always wait til something has gotten very bad before I go.

Anyways, your letter to Oprah is wonderful and you would be an inspiration to young people!

 

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[/QUOTE]

Originally posted by Caesar's Mommie@Jan 6 2005, 02:47 PM
Nataliecmu and Sherylmint:  Awww, I am sorry you 2 had to go through that. 

  It must have been so scarey. 

  I am very glad to hear you are both okay now though!

 

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[/QUOTE]

I've really tried to stay positive...I truly believe everything happens for a reason... Thank you for your all of your kind words and thoughts!