Styling Curvy

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BIG AND SMALL CHANGES – a health update

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Eight weeks ago I did something I never EVER thought I would do, I sought help from a professional trainer. Uh huh, I’d had some recent health hiccups (again) and to be honest I threw my hands in the air, said ‘Fuck this shit” and made the call. You can read about the start of my ‘big and small changes’ HERE.

So here we are eight weeks down the track and what’s changed? Am I fit yet? Skinny? Healthy? Well, I’m a work in progress. Actually the ‘healthy’ part took another knock with news my bones are just a litle bit rooted. Yes, after some bone scans and comparisons to previous scans I received the news I have freakin Osteporosis.

Here’s a big health change I’m not happy with.

I know! I’m 45 and  mybones are in a bad way ,so guess what? MORE treatment, MORE meds, NOT happy Jan! Look I know I should be bloody grateful for drawing breath when many now don’t, I should be getting on with life because many are losing theirs and I should be blessed that I have access to treatment.

Well shit…I am. I’m well aware of how #blessed I am but the truth is, I have just had enough. Enough intervention. Enough prodding and poking. Enough hospital visits. Enough prescriptions. Enough worry. Enough fear. Just ENOUGH ok.

I’ve also given the doctors enough too, they have put stuff in me, on me and also taken parts of me. They have poisoned me, seared my skin until its raw, cut me open and sewn me up. Some days I just feel like a Raggedy Ann doll.

Some days I wake up and wonder what the fuck happened to me? How do I keep going? How much more will I endure? Hey, I got cancer (I’m not unique), I keep going because what is the choice and I will do whatever it bloody takes to live this beautiful life surrounded by family and friends. So while I may be glum and have shed bucketloads of tears over this latest setback I do what I’ve always done.

I adjust my sails and get on with it.

So now I’m preparing for infusions to help my rooted bones. My calendar is being cleared for blood tests and scans and sitting in that god awful chemo chair…I hate that chair! I’ll do it though and I’ll most likely post a pic with a smile on my face but that smile will be for the nurses…just know, I hate that chair!

Am I skinny yet?

I’m also eating ‘something green’ with every meal…yes even breakfast! Green leafy vegies help bones so I’ll do it. I’m taking supplements and I’m still exercising regularly. My trainer Kelly from FitM.U.M. has been amazing, her understanding and ability to tailor a programme just for my needs has not gone unnoticed and I’m grateful to have her on my side. We train twice a week and I’m improving.

I’m not going to pretend I love exercise because I really don’t but it’s just an hour and then it’s done and I DO love how I feel afterwards. Except on legs day, driving home with jelly legs is a special kind of torture. So is sitting on the loo.

I haven’t lost any weight on the scales but I am definately stronger, fitter and my endurance is improved. I can do sit ups, I bench press and while I really struggle to breathe…I get on the rowing machine and pull until I feel a lung will burst. And then…it’s done.

Just like treatment, I bat up, do it…and then it’s done.

What goes in my gob matters.

Getting the food side of things sorted hasn’t really been a priority for me, making too many health changes all at once just overwhelms me and leads to failure. Instead I’ve been making small changes but this week I’m going to ramp things up a bit. I swapped out cheese for one made with coconut oil,and milk for almond milk. Before you all write me that I need milk because my bones are rooted please know that dairy hurts my guts, bloats me and messes with my bowels, so I’m choosing to get calcium pleanty of other ways.

I’ve also started drinking dandelion tea, almond milk lattes (yum), ditched bread, lowered my carb intake, upped my protein and I’m still keeping a food diary, it keeps me accountable. You know what else keeps me accountable? This ‘know it all’ band on my arm.

health tracker

Its a *fitness tracker from POLAR, you can grab one online from my trainer, shop HERE. I chose this one because it’s slimline, stylish and doesn’t get in the way when working out. It tells the time, tracks steps, calories, heart rate and much more. I can also set it to track dedicated training sessions, bike rides and walks, and then get an overall picture of how I am tracking using the app on my phone.

Being informed and accountable with my health helps me. It motivates me and some days it’s just like a slap in the face with a truth stick. All these health changes big and small are making a difference and will continue to do so.

I’ve been making changes ever since that diagnosis almost five years ago and over the weekend I stumbled on a photo that took my breath away. It was taken about six months after treatment, I had one tit, a huge gut and ‘some’ hair. When I looked at this photo I realised how far I had come, mentaly and physically. It made me really stop and remember where I truly was when this photo was taken. I was at the start of my brand new life, and look at me now. Oh, and still loving the same dark nail polish 🙂

And because we all love a ‘before and after’ here’s one from the gym, taken eight weeks apart.

styling curvy health

Let’s not kid ourselves, the difference isnt ‘huge’ but I don’t need it to be. I’m just gonna keep plugging away making big and small changes, and all the while I’ll be loving my body for all that it can do. Let’s see you here in another eight weeks for an update.

Tell me, have you made any health changes lately? How’s it going…any struggles or wins? Let me know in the comments below.

Til next time,

Jen x

*item sent to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy HERE
I am not a medical health professional, this a recount of my life in my own words, if you require health advice seek the opinion of a health professional.

 

Comments

  1. I beg to disagree, the difference in both before and after pictures is totally huge! Look how far you’ve come! You should be so proud and if not, don’t worry, I’ll be proud on your behalf. Plus you’ve inspired me to get back on track with my food diary, I’ve fallen off the wagon but now I’m going to climb back on. I know you can adjust your sails like a boss, here’s to new healthier horizons!

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  2. Jen, I can see a huge difference. I am so sorry to hear about the challenges you are having to face. It’s all relative as I’m constantly being told, remember to be kind to yourself.

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  3. I can see a difference in the photos ! Good on you for making healthy and achievable changes to your life. Your allowed to feel angry and pissed off, its your life and your health and you are allowed to feel how ever you like. Thank you for sharing the highs and lows with us as most people don’t realise the after effects of cancer treatment on the body.

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  4. So sorry more treatment is coming your way but your attitude will see you through. You are fitter and stronger inside it’s never the number on the scales it’s how you feel and the changes you make. Keep going there is nothing like the high you get after a training session lifting weights my trainer tells me it’s my drug of choice

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  5. Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused and positive and keep on enduring. I guess we have two choices in life, we can allow it to eat us up and spit us out or we can put a smile on our face and get through the best way we know how. I practice being ‘grateful’ everyday and believe it or not I am grateful for you too, you are a great encourager and positive role model, you keep on going, regardless. You have come a great distance, be super proud of yourself! Lx

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  6. I too can see a huge change! You’ve inspired me to work towards a healthier lifestyle too, so thankyou!

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  7. I agree with Sammie, the difference is HUGE Jen! And not because the after photo is markedly different but because you are on this journey and not being blindsided by the inevitable dips and blips along life’s way. We need to be celebrating all our successes and adjusting our sails. I have severe osteo in my feet which is now impacting my daily life. You’ve inspired me to find a gym that will tailor a routine for me that doesn’t involve painful walking. The horizon is looking good!

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  8. Jen, I like the others can see that you have made huge changes. Your before and after shots look amazing for just 8 weeks. I am sorry you got such awful news from the Dr’s and can completely understand how undertaking more treatment is going to take you right back to when you were going through your chemo. You were put here for reason Jen. Keep up the great work inspiring others and your family.

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  9. huge difference in 8 weeks 🙂 .. its sucks you now have to have these infusions.. but it’s making your bones stronger.. maybe the chair needs a new name Jenni.. the ” making my bones stronger chair” good luck with it and hoping you don’t have any yucky side effects. you got this Jen xoxoxo

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  11. You are totally amazing and and inspiration!
    Before and after is amazing , and more than anything your alive , and a mentor to so many women that need you in there lives ?

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  12. You can certainly tell the difference Jen. Your strong mind keeps everything in balance… you get to have a cry when needed cos you always get up and get on xx

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  13. Thats a huge difference! You’re body shape has completely changed! Well done Jen, you’re doing so well… very inspiring!

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  14. I’ve only just stumbled across you on FB and whilst there are many motivational and inspirational people out there, you caught my eye because of how ‘real’ you keep it. Today marks my first day of making a positive change in many aspects of my life one of which is to follow a Low Carb/High Fat diet and keep a food diary – too many stress hormones zipping about in my body for my liking! I’ve just tried cauliflower rice for the first time (I don’t get out much!) and boy was it yummy.

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  15. There is a big difference more definition in the arms, and your legs look slimmer, bum perkier and posture is straighter. When we get to a certain age and are on lots of Meds it is a hard slog to lose weight but don’t lose heart the clothes do get looser and you feel happier in yourself and just remember how far you have come.

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  17. You go girl! 🙂 To me the after photo already looks confident and strong, and you are rocking your tights! So sorry to hear about your osteoporosis
    Diagnosis. All the best for your upcoming treatments. Your story gives me strength on days then I feel like giving up. I’m six months into my own breast cancer journey and currently being trashed by chemo. I too have the wonderful Fit M.U.M to thank for helping me through tough times and for giving me the foundation of fitness to face the dreaded chair! I’ve no doubt your humour and courage help so many of us who are facing the big C, and are learning to love our bodies, one tit and all 🙂

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  18. Jenni – not only can I see a huge difference as a result of your personal training efforts but you recently inspired me to make an appointment with my Personal Trainer for the first time in two years!! I am sore, stiff and cant sit on the loo properly but I know it will get easier if I keep going regularly. Thanks to reading back issue of your blog, I have also felt more like stylin’ up instead of wearing my black on black on black uniform so THANK YOU xxx

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  19. As the others said before, the difference IS huge!
    You are such a amazing person!
    I wish you all the best!
    Love from Switzerland
    Barbara

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  20. Actually it is huge Jenni, so own it lovely! Congratulations on staying positive and thanks for reminding me that I need a bone scan. No chemo here but as I age I know the risks. Power to your strengthening arms x

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  21. Hi Jenni I admire you so much. You are an inspiration not just for your styling but to be brave enough to share everything with us. Most of us are ok to share the good but we “swallow” the bad stuff. I love you tell it like it is and that is healthy. Sorry for the news about the diagnosis . I hope you have great results without any pain. Never forget how truly amazing you are.

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  22. I have infusions for my rhuematoid arthritis. I know the feeling of being poked and prodded and just wanting to say enough is enough! Leave me alone!! So I decided to do something just for me- something physical that says Fock you RA. So I’m doing a half marathon. It may be slow and it won’t be pretty but I’m chipping away and I’ll do it, -and like you after it will hurt but it will feel good and I’m doing it just for me.
    So good on you, you look fantastic and the changes are noticeable already! Go your hardest!

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  23. Jen, they are massive changes, you should be proud of what you’ve achieved. It is the little things, last week I decided, or rather MY bowel decided, that coffee is no longer my friend. I have reduced my coffee to one a day (I used to have heaps more!). Instead I’ve replaced it with warm water with a lemon slice in it – I love it and it has rewarded me with losing 2kgs ! ?

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  24. Absolutely you can see the difference! Wow ???
    What’s most important, is feeling the difference in your body when you put your clothes on, from the changes you’ve made every day by choosing to exercise. That shit is what makes you turn up again! Well done girlfriend ?
    Your diagnosis truly sucks balls. I cannot tell you how much I admire your strength in adjusting your sails, flipping the bird and shining even brighter!
    You are one amazing woman, never forget that! X

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  25. Cancer and treatment = the gift that just keeps on giving!

    Cry the tears, smile the smiles, keep being true to you – because you are so genuinely refreshing, so honestly real and so magnificently amazing to me.

    Much love and strength to you. Xx

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  26. You are doing so well and looking great too. Keep up the good work. You are rocking this ?❤️?

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  27. You are an inspiration, I love that you tell it like it is. I’ve just started (again) on a journey to a healthier me. I had a body composition scan done on Friday. The results weren’t pretty but have given me the kick up the backside that I needed. I would highly recommend having a body composition scan if your aim is to reduce fat and increase muscle (my visceral fat – the scary type of fat is way to high, will be very happy if that reduces!). The scan also gives accurate body measurements.
    I’m in Adelaide, happy for you to contact me if you want to know more about it (no affiliation with the provider, just really impressed with the info the scan provided)

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  28. I think you have managed wonderfully well and can see how much you have changed. I am a believer in using food as medicine and have made changes to my diet to good effect. I hope you don’t hate it, but I understand celery is good for bones. Munch away if you can. Xxx

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  29. You are doing a brilliant job & with such enthusiasm! Well done & you look so great. Hope your new meds help you. Have my fingers crossed for you. xx

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  30. You’re looking great Jen – and I love that you smile no matter what (even when you snap a shot in the bloody chemo chair). Your smile and the sparkle in your eye always brightens my day. We all go through shit, some more than others, and sometimes it feels like one curve ball after the other. But what makes the difference is how we choose to handle that shit – and you’re great at grabbing it by the throat and not letting it hold you back – that is how you inspire me. I’ve been guilty of burying myself away from the world when the “one thing after another” shit gets too much for me, but now I’m so much better at moving forward. Sometimes I might slow down a bit, but having awesome women like yourself to post inspiring and motivating stuff helps to give me a push in the right direction (often with fantastic timing).
    Here’s to you Jen and all the proactive stuff you’re doing to improve how you feel and for being a great role model for other women who have faced their own health battles. xx

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  31. Omg. Jen there is a huge difference in your before and after… you look amaze balls !!!!!! I wear a fit bit and I have the setting on 15,000 steps a day I do achieve this which is awesome. I spose it does help I stand and are on the move all day. I also have increased my water intake my skin is loving that.
    I’m sorry you have to start jane treatment it suxs. But we are all here for you. You have got this. It’s our turn to motivate and cheer you on. Hang in there girlfriend and keep dong what you do
    Much Love xo

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  32. Ditch those scales, they are only numbers that can destroy your emotional state and don’t show all the wonderful changes that are happening for you. All three of these photo’s capture your amazing spirit and beautiful infectious smile that touches so many, regardless of your size. Thank you so much for having the courage to share the good and bad of your journey, even when you feel as though you have hit rock bottom and don’t feel like celebrating. Telling it like it is, is a breath of fresh air. So much of the health and fitness stuff in social media is all with rose coloured glasses on, with no mention of the roller coaster ride that many experience. Having your body invaded by the medical profession sucks, i’ve been there too. Not on the same scale as you, but continual with different things for over 20yrs now. I know what it’s like to get to a great place and then something else rears its ugly head to challenge me all over again. When I’m feeling at a really low ebb, full of dears and loaded up with chocolate. I know its time to revisit some of your previous blog posts to give me that much needed motivation to get off the coach and start living life again. Keep being you Jenni, you are an inspiration to us all. Jenni xxx

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