KimberlyMarie
I have PCOS and find it IMPOSSIBLE to lose weight!!! I also have High Insulin, Hypoglycemia, Acanthosis (nasty skin disorder from PCOS, causing blackened stained skin patches) and suffer from Infertility, severe depression & panic/anxiety disorder.
I weigh 560 pounds, My goal is to weigh between 250 - 180!!! I am in constant pain from weight induced arthritis, I have ZERO energy, I am always dizzy, tired and sleep most of the day away, I have undiagnosed sleep apnea and sleep sitting upright on my couch (where I spend all my days) I have a hard time breathing and am almost constantly out of breath! Just to walk across my living room to my bathroom takes an unbelievable amount of strength and energy, when I return to the couch I am breathless for about 10-20 minutes and my knees and back are throbbing!
I CAN'T WAIT TO BE ABLE TO LIVE AGAIN!!!!!!!
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I have passed my psych evaluation, I am now awaiting an EKG & a sleep study! I had my blood tests today (07-24-03) My sleep study will be soon!
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Sleep study went fine, I have SEVERE sleep apnea. I need a C-PAP machine but have yet to get one.
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I had a cardio exam today, my heart is PERFECT!!! That is great to know!!! =o)
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I had a Greenfield filter placed today to catch potential blood clots from surgery. Quite a PAINFUL experience, but glad its over!!! I now have an IV port in my neck until surgery for IV fluids. Its a pain in the neck (ha ha), but better then being stuck a million times!
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I HAVE A DATE!!! Friday, April 9th is my big day! I am sooooo scared!!!! They plan to do awake intubation, my biggest fear!!! Anyone have this done? PLEASE email me... I need to know what to expect pain wise... etc.... Thanks!
* They never did an awake intubation, THANK GOD! My anesthesiologist said I had "a great big mouth and didn't need that unnecessary procedure". That was the only time I ever enjoyed hearing that said to me! (laughs)
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April 17th - Surgery went well!!! I came through just fine, but I needed a blood infusion. My hemoglobin levels were quite low. No other complications thus far, I am a week post-op. I have been home now 4 days as of April 14th. I am in quite a lot of pain still not only physically but mentally as well. I am craving hamburgers, fries and taco bell more then I ever dreamed!!! Its been very hard to adjust to the liquid diet as I have never been one for eating broth & Jell-O.
I get my staples and drain out on Tuesday, not sure how I feel about that as of now because of the pain. I have had surgery before and this one is quite a LOT more painful then I remember the last one!!! So far I have lost some inches, not sure about pounds. I really need to buy a scale!!!!
I have been going through many emotions including wondering if I have made a huge mistake. I didn't quite picture it this way ... but then I don't really know what I expected. I was hoping for more weight loss at this point and much less pain ... but everyone says give it time!
It is frustrating not knowing if I am hungry or not, my stomach hurts all the time and the nausea is the pits. I eat just a bite or two and then feel so sick. My surgeon wants me to eat up to 8oz now but I can't get much more then 4oz at a time. I am scared I am going to lose my hair as a result of the lack of protein. I hope when the drain and staples come out, maybe my stomach will feel better!!!
My husband has been an Angel through this whole thing, he brings me my meds and makes my "meals". He gives me my blood thinning shots 2x's a day and flushes my IV ports. He is being very supportive and is even on Slim Fast while I do this. He doesn't complain about the loads of laundry he has to do from my belly leakage, or the constant care I need, he is the BEST I couldn't do this without him!!! God Bless The True Hubby's!!! =o)
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April 22nd - I went to see Dr. Pesta on the 20th and OMG WAS I SHOCKED!!!! I stepped on the scale and too my surprise I have lost 30 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!! Its only been 2 weeks and I am down 30 pounds I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!! I was soooo excited, I cried! Gotta love that feeling!
He removed my drain but left my staples in because the bottom of my incision wasn't closed completely yet. Feels so good to have that nasty leaking thing out of my belly!!!
Since then I have been feeling better, I have a bit more energy and have been up and about. My cravings are getting less, which is great! I am still having problems getting all my liquids in though. Other then that things are going great!!!! I am happy!
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April 25th - Well, I had a very interesting last 5 days ... between nausea, puking and not eating/drinking ... I went to the hospital and found out I have a blocked stoma. WONDERFUL!!!! So I have to get a scope tomorrow and see how bad it is. I hope they can fix it soon because this nausea is the pits!!!!!!! I am soooooo hungry!!!!! =o(
I also got my staples out today, I must say... IT REALLY HURT!!!!!!!! But its sooo much better with out them! =o)
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April 26th - Well I went and had my scope done. All went well, My stoma was closed to the size of a pen tip because of scar tissue. They re-opened it and now I am able to keep liquids down! I have to go back to clear liquids for 3 days so that sucks. But my DR says that next week its PUREE TIME YAY!!!! lol I can't wait to get some real food in my belly! This liquid stuff has gotten really old! =o(-
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April - 27th Well I got my IV neck port out today and I also got weighed today and I AM DOWN TO 513 from 560 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
I AM SOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I go back in a month to see what I have lost, but on the 9th (my one month anniv) I am measuring myself! That should be rather interesting!!! =o)
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May 26th - Well, its been a while since I have written! Tomorrow it has been 1 month since I was last weighed and I can't wait to see what I am down to!!! I must admit I am very nervous though!!!
I took my measurements at my 1 month post-op anniversary! I was impressed with my results... I have not seen that much loss EVER on a tape measure!!! GO ME! lol
I am still suffering with gas, nausea, vomiting and with the food addictions... I am HOPING they all go away SOON!!!! I still want so bad to buy a Big Mac and mow down!!! ugh
I will write tomorrow to share my results, wish me luck!!! =o)
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May 27th - I went to see DR Pesta again today, I am down to 488 lbs!!!! Its been less then 2 months and I am already down a total of 75 pounds!!! I am so proud of myself! =o)
I get to start solid foods come the 9th of June. I'll be starting my 3rd month post-op then!
DR Pesta is VERY happy with me and says I am doing great! He is amazed at how fast I am losing and how well I am doing. Except the usual problems ... depression, food cravings, nausea, vomiting, not eating but once a day ... I guess I am doing well... (laughs)
Well, that is all for now! =o)
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May 30th - I got my hair cut SHORT today!!! It was long before, to my butt! But it was sooooo hard to keep tangle free and washed. I figured since I keep it in a bun all the time, why not cut it and be able to wear it down... I think it looks great! My face looks so much thinner now so the short hair flatters my face! I feel lighter and oddly younger now... (laughs)
I wanted to share some happy news not surgery related... =o)
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June 29th - I am just back from the DR and have AMAZING news!!!! I am down to 457 lbs (from 560) in 3 months that is 103 lbs LOST FOREVER!!!
That is 25% of my body weight that I need to lose!
I am VERY excited to see what else I lose and I can't wait to actually see it myself in the mirror!!!
Mostly though.... I CAN'T WAIT to go clothes shopping, I am so sick of wearing the same outfit EVERY day! I bet in few months or so I will be down in a clothes size or two and can finally get some new clothes!
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know how well its going, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers! This is still by far not an easy adventure, but it seems to be well worth it so far!
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November 13th - HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!!!
I am SOOOO sorry its been so long since I have written!!!! So much has happened!!!!
I am now 7 months Post-Op ... I weigh 411 LBS!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!
I am doing FANTASTIC, I am SO VERY HAPPY I had this done, it was worth all the pain and sickness!
I have been given my life back! I HAVE A CHANCE for a REAL LIFE!!!! I am happy, I am getting healthier, I CAN WALK without pain, I can breath easier, I can touch my toes, I can take showers again, I can sleep in my bed for about 4 hours a night which is PROGRESS... I CAN DO SO MUCH! To think ... this is only 7 months out of surgery... So much more success and dreams are yet to happen, I am EXCITED!!!
My depression is gone, my anxiety is gone... My food craving's and addictions are gone! I eat about 4-8 oz of food about 2-3 times a day and one snack. I really am not very hungry at all except come dinner time. I get ravenous then, but thankfully it doesn't last very long! I have NO food intolerance's EXCEPT sugar... I can only have about 6 grams and then get VERY VERY sick if I do more. Which I am happy for that because who really needs sugar? By the way - Splenda Sweetner ROCKS!!! There is some AWESOME sugar free things out there now.. you wouldn't know they were sugar free! Russel Stovers sugar free candies are DA BOMB !!!! =o)
I do have one very serious complication right now, I am severally anemic. My iron levels are 9.0 ... they are supposed to be over 120. So I am very sick right now. I am very tired and always cold. I have been having extreme dizziness, chest pains, palpitations, weakness and headaches. But I see the Hematologist on the 18th and I may need an Iron-infusion. That should make me feel a TON better. I am on 45mg's of Feosol Iron pills 3 times a day which is equal to 225mg's of Ferrous Sulfate which I was on for months. So you can see I am getting a TON of iron.. but not absorbing it anymore.
All you men reading this might not wanna proceed... I will be talking about my CYCLES... (laughs) I am ACTUALLY having what appears to be REAL NORMAL periods ... for years I have not had a normal period.. I would say its been a good 10 years since I had anything remotely NORMAL.... I now have a 4 day cycle... and then STOP bleeding until the next month... THAT IS AMAZING FOR ME! Before surgery I bled NON-STOP for about 3 years... I mean I would stop, for a day or two.. but it NEVER went more then 2 days and that would be every 6 to 7 months ... but now... THANK GOD, They appear to be getting NORMAL....HALLELUJAH !!!!!!!!!! Sorry.. its just a HUGE step in my life... Forgive me... =o)
I get weighed again in 2 weeks, I will make sure to let ya'll know what it is. I still can't believe in 7 months I have lost 150 LBS!!!! TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =o)
I will be having pics added... Check me out! WOOO HOOO!!!!!!
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December 4th - Hello Again!!!!
Well, I am now UNDER 400lbs!!! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
I weigh 395, GO ME!!! I tell you, I NEVER thought I would EVER see those 3's on a scale again in my life! I just couldn't be happier at this very moment! I know, I will say this with any of the weight I lose, so just get used to it (laughs) I am just thrilled, I can't say that enough!
I got my first of many iron-infusions on the 2nd. That went very well. It took about 3 hours and my nurses were fantastic and caring! I was comfortable the whole time except for that needle... UGH lol
They had the best darn sugar free cocoa I think I have ever had! I look forward to having that again through the next 10 weeks. I have to go EVERY Thursday now for 10 weeks. But at least it was pleasant.
Anyway, I wanted to add many more pictures but I am told space is an issue. So I will try to find a way to make a website and post all kinds of pics. If anyone is even reading this of course, (laughs)
Take care everyone and good luck with your journey to LIFE, LIVING & HAPPINESS!!!!!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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February 1st 05 - I'm Back! (laughs)
Ok well a lot has happened since I last wrote back in December. I have had several infusions and this Thursday will be the last one for a few weeks. My Hematologist wants to check how fast my iron levels drop, to determine how long I can go between infusions and how many I will need each round. I may need these for several years he said. Small price to pay really when I think back to being 560 pounds and staring death in the face! My iron levels are not perfect yet, but are no longer in the severely low range.
I have been having unexplained heart palpitations, dizziness and shortness of breath. I had a heart monitor back before Christmas and it came back normal. However the symptoms I had been having became worse and I had another heart monitor done last week, no results yet. This Thursday after my infusion I have to have an echocardiogram done. This will show ANYTHING that could be wrong with my heart. I don't anticipate that they will find anything however as its ALWAYS been healthy. I don't really understand why I am having these unpleasant symptoms that can't be explained though. "Anorexia" has been mentioned as a possible cause... read on and I will explain (laughs)
I have been having problems getting in 2000 calories and 80 grams of protein a day. I also do not drink very much of anything. My IV nurse has told me that I am pretty dehydrated and that I need to drink more. My surgeon also said that I have symptoms of being anorexic... that I must say is VERY ironic... NEVER in my life would I have ever expect to hear myself labeled that! Anyway, I was told that if I do not start eating more then 300-700 calories a day I will end up in the hospital with a feeding tube... not a pleasant thought!!! I have been keeping a food journal and MAKING myself eat every 3-4 hours.. not an easy task! After I get the calorie & protein levels under control I will work on the 64 oz or more of water.. YUCK!!! (laughs) I do drink Propel however, 2-3 bottles a day... when we have it in the house. Otherwise its usualy a protein shake or two. I also like to treat myself to a can or two of Diet Pepsi (that has become flat)
As far as my weight loss goes, I have been holding the 390 mark still as of January 7th. (sighs) Its either my first plateau or the fact that I am "starving myself" by not getting enough calories and so my body is keeping hold of those nasty fat cells!!! GRRR Who knows... I HOPE that my weigh in on April 7th ( 2 days shy of my first year post-op) will show major results! I PRAY TO GOD that I am 350 or much less..... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!
Despite the nutrition difficulties and iron problems, I still do not regret my decision for WLS. Though I will admit I am very frustrated when it comes to having to make myself eat all the time when I really have NO DESIRE to! Again, so ironic!!!
I will update again if something huge comes about with my heart test results, other wise I will update on April 7th!
WISH ME LUCK!!!! =o)
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February 23rd 05 -
Hello again,
Ok, here are the results of the echocardiogram I had done a couple weeks ago. Everything looks ok except that the left side of my heart is swollen and one of the valves is "leaking". I have to go in for some tests and some chest/heart x-rays in the next 2 weeks. I really hope they can find out what is wrong with my heart as I am getting very concerned! ***UPDATE*** Nothing was found wrong with my heart, the Dr. said sometimes after major weight loss, the heart is slow to catch up with the loss too.
I am still working on my nutrition needs, I am just not hungry enough to eat more then 2-3 times a day. I have been told to eat between 5-6 times a day but I just plain DON'T WANT TO! I have stopped counting the calories and have been trying to focus on the protein intake and drinking my water. I have included a lot more fruits and vegetables into my diet lately as well. I crave fruit a lot now! Very good thing! (laughs)
I went to the local hospital here and got weighed as I just couldn't wait any longer to know! According to the scale there I weighed 368 as of last week! That makes it TWO HUNDRED POUNDS LOST!!!!!!!!! Now its not official yet... but OMG I DON'T CARE! I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will have my official weigh in on April 7th. I REALLY hope to see under 330.... that will really WOW Dr. Pesta I think! It would WOW me.. that is for sure!!!! =o)
I don't have to have another iron infusion for about 3-4 months according to the hematologist... we will see though. I am sure in April when my labs are done it will reveal I need them again. I have been getting those tired, sickly feelings back that I had before I started the iron infusions. But time will tell!
Anyway, I plan to have another unofficial weigh in, in about 2 weeks.... I will post that if its another whopping amount! =o)
Otherwise I won't write again until either I get my final heart results or until my OFFICAL weigh in on April 7th. I can't believe it will be a year already... WOW!!!!
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HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9th 05 -
Its been a wonderful and interesting year! I have lost 200 pounds to date, and I'm feeling GREAT!
I have 180 more pounds to go till I am at my goal! YAYYYYYYYYYY
Nothing new to report right now, just that I am still dealing with the anemia and receiving the IV iron infusions every Thursday. I have been eating better however, some days a lot better.... EeeKs!
I see Dr. Pesta this Thursday for my official weigh in and general check up! I can't wait to see my OFFICIAL weight! I was supposed to see him on the 7th, but he had to cancel due to emergency surgery.
I am just so happy to have had this done, its just been an amazing year! I look forward to reaching my 180 pound goal! I PLAN to be there by April 9th 2006! Wish me luck!
I also CAN'T wait to get all this extra skin removed... ewww!!!
I'll write again and update soon!
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June 9th 05 -
Hi again!
Ok, so a lot has happened since I wrote back in April! I am now just about 350 pounds. I can now ALMOST fit perfectly in most 26/28 clothes. They don't look the greatest on me JUST YET, but I'd say come August, I am SO there!!!! I will have to update my picture!
I am also doing well with my "anorexia", I get about 1000 - 1500 calories in a day and I am moving my body several times a day! I can walk about a half mile now, major progress for me, considering before surgery I couldn't even walk next-door to my friends house!!!!
I think my PCOS is getting under control, I am having pretty normal cycles, my acanthosis is GONE and my skin is clearing up! My excess hair growth is almost gone too! I tell ya, life is getting so much better these days!!!! =o)
My heart palpitations, chest pains and dizziness are pretty much gone now! Since I have been working on eating more and exercising almost daily. I am really thinking they were seriously due to the lack of calories!
I see Dr. Pesta again in August. I am really hoping to be close to 320-330. I am still shooting to be 250! Anything less will be icing on the Sugar Free cake! (giggles)
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October 2nd 05 -
Hello Everyone!
Well, as you can see by my picture, I am QUITE happy with the way I am looking these days! I am now 349 pounds, this shirt is a 26/28! Its not a perfect fit just yet, but WOW am I close!!!!
I saw Dr. Pesta back in August, he is still pretty happy with me! Always a good thing. He had a look at all my extra skin, said I am DEFINITALY in need for some serious skin removal! Which, I already knew... HA!!!! If you look close at the picture, you can see the extra arm skin coming out of my sleeves... eww!!!!! I don't plan to have any skin removed until I am in the 200 range. Since my insurance won't cover the surgeries twice. Darn them! lol
Over all I am feeling great, I am healthy and on top of the world in regards to the weight loss. I wish it was still as fast as in the beginning. I am only losing 2-5 pounds now. Its hard to get anymore then that. I have to eat every 1-2 hours. my hypoglycemia has come back. Its been making things hard on me food wise. Having to make myself eat all these extra times a day. I liked eating 2-3 times a day and being done. But now its every hour or so. I have had a lot of tests done lately to figure out what is causing the extreme dizziness, headaches and why my blood sugars drop so much through the day, only thing they can figure is that I need to eat more and very often. BIG UGH!!!!!!! Oh well, just have to deal with it, right?!
My 28th birthday is in 14 days now, my friend is taking us to a Nine Inch Nails concert on the 6th. My husband and I are excited!!! This will be his very first concert and the first main attraction I have been to in over 7 years!!!! WOW! I'll keep you updated with how that goes! =o)
This Halloween I am REALLY wanting to go to some haunted houses, its been YEARS since I've been able to go to one! I sooo can't wait! There is just so much to do now, so little time it seems! lol
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April 9th 2006
Hello Everyone!
WOW, I can't believe today is my 2nd Anniversary! It doesn't seem possible! =o)
So, what's new with me... well not much. I have been holding at 350 since last summer. I haven't gained or lost anything. I am seriously stuck! But, I've lost 206 pounds total, I only have 150 pounds to go. I've lost more then half of myself... so I can't really complain! The amount of life I've gained is amazing!
I can walk up to 4 miles now, bowl, swim, dance and actually be 28! I don't have much pain anymore. I generally feel pretty good! I still have bouts of depression, and my anxiety has come back a bit. But, over all, life is great!
I see Pesta in 2 weeks, I plan to talk to him about having my skin surgery. God knows I have a TON of it to lose! Hopefully he will agree to let me have it, and I can lose another 50 pounds! =o)
I'll try not to let things go so long before I update... I just keep so busy, I tend to forget. By the way, for those who are wondering... I DID go to some haunted houses over Halloween, I loved every minute of it too!!!!
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June 13th 2006
Wow, ok so its been a while since I have posted... I apologize! So much has happened since April! I went back for my 2 year post-op follow up in April, and sad to say... the scale only moved down 1 pound. So, I talked with my GYN about treating the PCOS, to which he put me on Glucophauge. I have lost at least 15 pounds since going on it May 1st. I have also started to get better in many other ways, my female issues are all regulating. I am VERY excited about that!!! Perhaps mommy-hood is on my not-so-distant horizon!!! I sure hope so!!!!
At the end of April, I gave up drinking ALL pop and ALL artificially sweetened foods & beverages. Since switching to all Natural Foods & lots of ice water, I feel AWESOME!!! I was tired of feeling sick all the time, and like I was drugged, bloated and exhausted... I can't really explain it... but since I stopped eating & drinking all of that synthetic crap, I feel SOOOOO much better!!! I refuse to even use the Splendia I was once so fond of!!! All of that stuff just makes me feel sooo bad! All NATURAL is the way to go!!!
I also talked to Pesta about having my skin surgery, and he said possibly next summer. I still have 150 pounds to go... but with the Glucophauge, I might just make it after all!!!
I see Pesta again in August, I'll update you on my Glucophauge-related weight loss! =o)
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August 30th 2006
Hello!!!
Well, I just got back from seeing Pesta! I am down 12 more pounds since April!!! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!! The plateau is OVER!!!! (Doing a very happy dance)
He said that after 2 years out, which I am... its VERY hard to lose much more weight. So the fact I've managed to lose 12 pounds - in 4 months, is really inspiring! All I've done since my last visit in April, was STOP all artificially sweetened foods, drinks etc! They are SOOOOO BAD for you! My sacrifices to give up the diet pops and "sugar free/ fat free" crap has really paid off!!! I've increased my protein a LOT, lowered my carb intake, I drink ONLY ice water! 3-4 20 oz bottles of it a day actually. =o) I also started walking a mile a night, but had to stop after about 4 days.
I see Pesta next month, for another weigh in... hoping to be down some more. I am going to see a cardiologist, I've been having some chest pain again lately. After I get my OK, I'll be starting up my nightly mile walks. I started doing them a few weeks ago, but only got to do it about 4 nights. The chest pain started up, which worried me... so I stopped. I need to get back at that though, it was actually fun! Anyway... as for the skin surgeries, Pesta checked all of my extra skin... said I have quite a bit, but only about 10-15 pounds of it right now. I plan to wait until I lose around 50 + pounds before I decide to pre sue that further. Hoping that I lose another 3-5 pounds before I see Pesta next month!!! Please pray for me! THANKS!!!
I'll update again soon!
***NEW PICTURE COMING SOON***
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Thank you to everyone who has written to me and prayed for me. Its been greatly appreciated!!!!!!
God Bless!
~ }i{ ~ " Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away." ~ }i{ ~
About Me
Before & After
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