When life throws a wrench at you, don't let it derail you.

So I just flunked another skin check appointment.   (For newbies- I have been dealing with skin cancer for years.  Squamous cell and melanoma, many surgeries, medical leaves from work, yadda yadda yadda.)

I am ticked.  I am ticked that I had several more biopsies done, but I am far more ticked at myself for going into the appointment thinking that this would be the one that they don't find a reason to biopsy.  And all I want to do is eat a bucket of ice cream, grab donuts, you know the drill... just fill in the blank with whatever crap food you can think of.  

Each of us will have our own wrenches thrown at as during weight loss and into maintenance.  It can be a struggle to not go back to food as a coping mechanism.  I think we can all agree it is a terrible coping mechanism, but a highly seductive one.  

As you work through your journey don't just focus on calories, carbs, protein, etc.  Be sure to develop the emotional skills that you will need to keep you on the right path even when life throws a wrench at you.  Unfortunately, I have had a lot of practice with this- but that also means a lot of successful practice of not allowing something like this to derail me.  At least not long-term.  If I fall off the wagon, I will crawl back on.  Not planning on taking that plunge off though...

 

I'm sorry to hear they have to biopsy :( 

I know what you mean about finding another coping mechanism besides food.  I wish I was good at that.  I still emotionally eat sometimes but I AM going to therapy to get help with that.  It's just been this way for so long that I don't know how else to cope.  I'm trying really hard to not let myself get off the wagon, so to speak. 

I am SO sorry to hear that you have skin cancer and have to undergo another biopsy. I am happy to hear that you are not making this derail you from your goal.  Very inspiring!!

I can understand you being angry and wanting to ease the feelings with food - we've all been there!   I love your advice about working on the emotional coping skills we never developed when we were in the food so we can deal with life when it throws us those nasty curve balls.  

I thought I'd already done a lot of that emotional work but I'm finding that I need to get back to the ol' therapist as there's new stuff that comes up and I need a little guidance.  It's amazing the feelings that come up when I'm stuffing them down with food!!   Still learning after all these years :-)  

I'll be sending good thoughts to you on the results of the biopsies

Thank you.  On a positive note it was only 3 biopsies this time.  Even if they come back with cancer it is not a big deal- just an afternoon to have the excisions done, stitches out 2 weeks later.  Not a big deal during the summer since there is no missed work.  

I am glad to read that you recognize that the emotional work is important!  i suspect that the learning will continue for all of us year after year after year...

I just want to offer up a big HUG. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. It sucks.

So sorry this is raising its ugly head again.  I so do understand the anger............and the need to find a way to cope without turning to food.  Lucky me, I still don't have hunger, so food isn't an issue yet...........but I know that can change at any moment.

Hang in there-- with some good thoughts, hugs, prayers, the biopsies will show benign and all will be good.

Sending your the best of luck and good hugs for a great outcome!

Ree

Thanks Ree.  I know the wrench you had thrown at you was ginormous, but that positive attitude of yours still shines through brilliantly.  Glad to read at least food is not an issue for you!

I'm sorry you got that disappointing news, but damn, your attitude is terrific.  Hope all goes well with your results and any follow-up needed.

That just sucks. I hope the biopsies come back quickly and clear.

My own wrench happened this past weekend, which we spent sitting vigil as my Mum finished her days with us. We were able to make sufficient arrangements ahead that we can focus on caring for ourselves for the moment, but it's not a great time here right now. I'm very fortunate to have a loving church family, knitting group and wonderful husband and daughters. Ronnie and I are orphans now, but not alone.

Food? Well, we didn't eat well all weekend, but I don't much care. Yes, my weight is up a few pounds, but those pounds will go quickly now that my routine can be back to normal. We ate Indian takeaway, Taco Bell and KFC, but since I dislike feeling full my portions were routinely small. (The extra pounds are undoubtedly from all the sodium)

Kelly-Anne