Here is an Introduction that I should have done before.

[Kristi]

Hello All,

I thought it was about time I formally introduced myself...

My name is Kristi. I am married to a Chief in the Navy and we have a 10 year old son and a near 14 year old daughter.

I have been struggling with weight for years. In 2004, at that time I hit my ultimate high in my weight.

That scared me. So in September of that year I joined weight watchers. I was actually doing very well in my weight loss and

went from 215 to 152 by August 1st, 2006. ( Hard work but worth it.)

Within a week from Aug 1st. I felt like I had gained weight & by the 3rd week, I weighed in at 173. Which meant I had gained 21 pounds in 3weeks. None of my clothes fit and something was wrong.

Saw 1st doctor who blatantly told me that he wanted me to keep a food journal for the next 3 weeks and then see me again to see what I was or wasn't eating that would cause the gain so fast. So I reached into my purse and pulled out my food & exercise journal and asked him to explain to me what I was doing wrong. He couldn't explain it except that I might be leaving out some things. He asked me for another food journal starting that day and I left PISSED OFF and ANGRY to say the least.

My 2nd opinion Doc, 4 days later, decided to do a full physical & blood panel to see what wrong. She went straight for my neck and realized I had a lump. Of course she said it could be nothing, but it could explain the malfunction of my posible metabolism issue which caused the weight gain.

In September, after the ultrasound revealed a mass (found that mass on my 34th birthday), and lo and behold, In October the biopsy was Pappillary Carcinoma..Cancer...

Had Thyroidectomy on November 28th, 2006.

Also to find out that the pathology report proved that my weight struggle was not in my head because

I had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis disease.(a Hypothyroid condition)

So with the last few years and the doctors trying to figure out the correct dosage of my thyroid meds, I hit 238 pounds. Ouch..

Working out the whole time too... Talk about frustrating.

The good news, is that after 2 whole body scans, I am CANCER FREE!!!!!!! Yeah...

So now I am actually on the right meds and doing much much better.

As for my surgery, it was done at Balboa Naval Hospital. I hope no one is upset or feel betrayed that I didn't have it at the OCC. It sounds like such a wonderful place. But being a Navy wife for the last 16+ years, this is where they sent me.

The support group that I could go to is in San Diego and I live in Riverside County. Really far to drive. So I called the hospital at Camp Pendelton and they said to look for a group online.

So here I am. I found this site and immediately loved the support that everyone had for each other.

I am really grateful to have found everyone here.

Hugs to all,

Kristi

[meerkat]

Kristi, welcome from a fellow cancer survivor and bandster. I don't post very often but I really enjoy reading about everyone's journey. I also find a lot of useful information on this forum. I wish you good luck and much success. Dianne

[Smiley]

Yea - glad you found us. The nice part about this forum is that you can find support 24/7 as opposed to just once a month or so. Congrats on your band and your cancer free news!

[tootsie_lou]

Welcome Kristi!

Thank you for your introduction. You will find many friends here--and we are all pulling for each other. I feel bad for you that you didn't go to OCC. They are the greatest (bias noted here-haha) and really make it an awesome experience for their patients. So where are you weight-wise? Did you just get your band? Have you lost any weight yet?