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in Breast Cancer· Diary· Rebecca and Dan· Weight Loss· Weight Loss Weigh Ins

Rebecca and Dan’s Weight Loss Update {October}

Welcome October!

One month ago in our Weight Loss Weigh in I talked about how much I love this time of year and all the exciting things I have to look forward to during this season. I also mentioned receiving some bad news just a day before the end of the month which partially derailed our best efforts to get back on track the last couple weeks of August, just before our monthly weigh in.

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Well as life goes, a wrench has been thrown into those plans. “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9).

Brittany shared with all of you that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This has thrown us for a loop, it came out of nowhere. I went in on August 30th for a routine annual mammogram where they detected a mass and confirmed it by ultrasound. 7 days later a biopsy was performed and  8 days after that I received the results of confirmation. Invasive ductal carcinoma. (For those who may wonder it has not yet been staged). The next day is when Brittany opened her heart to you and shared the news, as she took a day to spend with her family and absorb the news and deal with her emotions.
Side note: To the ladies, please get your annual mammogram done. It is essential to earlier detection. I never felt a lump and my mammogram exactly one year earlier was clear with not even a suspicious area. I just turned 47 years old on Sept 25th. Breast cancer is not just an ailment of the elderly.

There is still much to discover about my surgical and treatment plan. I have an appointment with a surgical oncologist that specializes in breast cancer on October 3rd and expect I will be having surgery shortly thereafter. The extent of which I do not know at this time. I have since discovered that the tumor is HER2 positive which means it’s aggressive and has a higher risk of reoccurrence and metastasis. So I assume we will be tackling treatment aggressively. I appreciate all your prayers this month. By the time I update you again in November, I suspect I will be recovering from surgery.

How am I doing?  My faith is in God, I trust my life in His capable hands and my hope is in the shelter of His arms. He has given me peace that exceeds understanding and a support system that is stronger and larger than I ever knew I had. I am in good spirits. I am positive in my attitude and thoughts and I am hopeful in my future and in the capable hands of the team of doctors at City of Hope, where I feel God has guided me.

Now back to our weight loss and nutritional journey, which is now intertwined with my health and healing goals. Due to the stress, frustration and emotions involved in the waiting process for insurance approvals and waiting on pathology results for answers, we gave into comfort eating and not really caring much about our food choices. I didn’t feel like cooking or shopping and so we ate pizza and take out sandwiches and even hamburgers and french fries. We just didn’t care. Although, my emotions created a suppressed appetite most days so my portions were usually small.

My husband has also struggled with emotions and desire to comfort eat without a suppressed appetite. It has been a rough time. After the results on Sept 14th, Brittany’s posting on Sept 15th and some suggested comments about nutrition, fasting and how it effects cancer, I decided to do my research into studies on fasting and cancer and nutrition and how it effects cancer.

I have experience with fasting for spiritual and health reasons. This was something I knew I could do and if it helps to stop growth of cancer cells it was a way to take some semblance of control back in a situation that was out of my control. Especially in the interim while I await appointment and surgery, it gave me a proactive solution to attempt.
I want to state right now that I do not recommend fasting unless you consult your doctor for your specific health situation (it is strongly contraindicated for certain conditions and situations), and thoroughly do your research and understand the how, when, and whys of fasting. Fasting can be effective for weight loss and health restoration. There are many myths and fallacies in regards to fasting which should be researched and understood. My motivation for fasting is strictly to stop the growth and multiplication of cancer cells within my body and prepare my body and immune system for what is to come.

So I embarked in a combination of extended fasting days with days between consisting of intermittent fasting and low carb, high fat, moderate protein diet of just eating real food! #jerf I have totally cut out sugar of all kinds for now including natural sweeteners like agave, honey etc. I have adhered to a very strict protocol including not indulging in any sweet treats for my birthday. (I will have more birthdays!) Dan took me out for a very healthy dinner date on my birthday and we had a wonderful evening.

This strict adherence to fasting and healthy eating has resulted in weight loss in the second half of the month as you will see in my weigh-in scale results.

I sincerely thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts, encouragement and prayers. Your support to my family is deeply appreciated. We will continue in our pursuit to better health, despite the mountain that has revealed itself on our road to victory but also because of that mountain! Our God is the mountain mover!

On a lighter note: we are overjoyed for the release of Brittany’s cookbook on October 2nd! An occasion we have been looking forward to since last December! We are so very proud of our daughter and all that she has accomplished, the people she has inspired and the lives she has blessed! Congratulations Brittany Williams and everyone in the Instant Loss community that has made this all possible!
We love you Brittany!

October 1st weigh-in results:

Dan: 259.7 +2.5 for September (-39.3 total)

Me:  192.6  -10.4 for September (-57.4 total)

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Filed Under: Breast Cancer, Diary, Rebecca and Dan, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Weigh Ins

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Comments

  1. BC Sister says

    October 1, 2018 at 11:26 am

    I was diagnosed in July 2106 at the age of 46. Triple positive breast cancer, stage 2. Chemo, radiation, & surgery and I am stronger than ever. The diagnosis will change your life, no doubt. You will learn who & what matters and what is just fluff. Once you absorb the information and the path you are set on, please find a group (I went to breastcancer.org) and join. Ladies going through the same treatments will be able to help you learn what is normal and what is cause for concern. They will lift you up when you need it and you will support them and make friends for a lifetime. They have better suggestions on how to combat symptoms than a lot of doctors do. Put yourself first, but take help when you need it. Allowing others to help you helps them to feel a part of your recovery and lets them let you know how much they care. God Bless and Welcome to the Sisterhood that none of us wanted to join, but is forever a part of who we are.

    Reply
  2. Karen says

    October 1, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    Thank you for the update and for your clear faith in God. Many will hear about Him because of you and your difficult trial. I will pray for you and your family. ❤️ From one sister to another! ❤️

    Reply
  3. Jeri Davini says

    October 1, 2018 at 6:06 pm

    Wow, you are doing quite well with the weight loss!
    You are in my prayers. 💗

    Reply
  4. Teresa says

    October 1, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    I was diagnosed with oral cancer the end of September last year. I had surgery on October 5, 2017, to remove the cancer and then started radiation in November. I turned 46 last May. God granted me a sense of calmness and strength throughout my treatment. I pray He provides your doctors with wisdom and steady hands. I pray you feel shielded and protected in His presence throughout your journey. Your battle has already been won.

    Reply
  5. Carolyn says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:10 am

    Prayers are with all of you. Rebecca, One of the best things you have done is to already incorporate a healthy lifestyle before your treatment. Prayers for strength, and healthy as you will best this! Prayers for your husband to stay strong by your side. Brittany, as a child of a parent with cancer, my prayers are with you and your siblings as well. It is a hard place to be in. Looking forward to getting my book today!!!

    Reply
  6. Bailey says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:21 am

    Rebecca, I am praying for you and Dan and your entire family. Your faith is so strong and you have an amazing attitude. I am praying for complete healing, strength, and peace. I’m so proud of you for having the discipline to eat healthy in this trying time. You’re doing amazing, and you look incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your story, you are inspiring! Keep on going, God has this!!

    Reply
  7. Kay Horton says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:35 am

    I was diagnosed HER2+ and then MRI guided biopsy revealed a little ER+ in April 2014. Mine was also discovered by routine ultrasound. It was small. Although aggressive, I had no lymph node involvement and I had clear margins. I had 12 weekly infusions of Taxol and 1/3 dose of Herceptin and then Herceptin for nine more months every three weeks. God amazed me in the journey, and I do not feel I suffered. I chose double mastectomy and no reconstruction. I am still happy with that decision, and my wonderful husband has loved me through it all. He held me and prayed for me daily. Prayers for your journey! My last Herceptin was June 16, 2015. I am still taking Anastrozole, an estrogen inhibitor for two more years (pill). God is good and life is full of love and joy. I pray the same for you!

    Reply
  8. Holli says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:46 am

    I do not know you or your daughter personally, but like so many others have been inspired by the beautiful stories of your family. Thank you for stating that Breast Cancer does not discriminate. I was diagnosed at age 37. I had 3 young children (breastfeeding the youngest actually), no family history, no risk factors, and under the age of 40. I was also diagnosed in “pink October” of 2013. This will not be easy. But it will be easier because of what I see on social media of your family – a great support system, strong faith, commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and a positive attitude. Praying for you and yours. As silly as this may sound… please feel free to DM me in IG for anytime you need to talk to someone “who’s been there”
    @bluebonnets_korus
    Stage III , + nodes
    double mastectomy with DIEP
    IDC, ILC, DCIS, LCIS. ER/PR +
    Chemotherapy ACT, RADIATION
    Arimadex

    Reply
  9. Colleen Ross says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:59 am

    Keeping you in my prayers. I just turned 50 and more of my friends than I’d like to count have been diagnosed with breast cancer…one with the same diagnosis as yours. It’s been a couple of years now since the surgery and all is well (with the exception of Tomoxafin induced hot flashes! Ugh!). It’s a journey for sure but I hope you take heart in her positive outcome. It’s easy to see where Brittany gets her ability to intelligently share how to overcome adversity!! 😊

    Reply
  10. Dianna says

    October 2, 2018 at 6:04 am

    Bless you as you embark on this journey knowing He walks with you. “ Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go “ Joshua 1
    You have a precious family!! Rebecca. 💕

    Reply
  11. Ellen says

    October 2, 2018 at 6:06 am

    Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

    Reply
  12. Patti says

    October 2, 2018 at 6:15 am

    Echoing the encouraging words of prayer, support shared already. You are blessed to have a strong faith and loving community behind you. A friend told me about a product that may be of great value to you. It’s more widely known on the west coast than the east coast. I can send you her info if you’d like to check into it. Feel free to email me.

    Reply
  13. Terrie Dover says

    October 2, 2018 at 6:26 am

    I’ll keep you & your family in my thoughts and prayers. HER2 positive is a long treatment plan. I was diagnosed 4 years ago as Triple Positive about a month before my 48th birthday. I found lots of information and inspiration on the BREASTCANCER.ORG page and especially the community discussion boards. Just tips on what to expect during treatment and preparing for treatment from ladies that actually been in my shoes before and lots of support. Stay strong!

    Reply
  14. Kay Grant says

    October 2, 2018 at 6:52 am

    Rebecca,
    I do not know you or Dan, but you are in my prayers. My sister just went through exactly your story, and is doing well. I will keep you in my prayers especially tomorrow as you have your appointment.
    Kay Grant

    Reply
  15. Bonnie says

    October 2, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Our God is the mountain mover, indeed. Please carry the love of this community that Brittani has begun, and hold it close to your heart in these next days ahead.
    Your photos are beautiful!

    Reply
  16. Sharon says

    October 2, 2018 at 8:39 am

    Prayers coming your way. I just had a mammogram this week and was called yesterday that they found something in my breast and need further imaging. I have never had any problems with mammograms in the past. I am 60 years old!
    I am scared. I have also been hit with another call that I have a enlarged liver and file duct. Talk about coming in 3s.
    I am overweight And I believe when I loose the weight my body will get better.
    I do believe God has a plan for all of us. I will put all my faith in him. Please take care for yourself.
    Sharon

    Reply
  17. Therese says

    October 2, 2018 at 8:53 am

    Please know, Rebecca, that I am keeping you and yours in my prayers daily!

    Reply
  18. KCary1031 says

    October 2, 2018 at 9:02 am

    Brittany, please tell your mom that I, too, was diagnosed with the same type of cancer at the age of 41. No family history of the disease, no risk factors other than having my kids “later” in life (at 32 and 34). Great news that she GOT that mammogram!!! She will have lots of decisions to make about treatment. Tell her to trust her instincts and pray. The right course will become clear! We that have gone before her are praying for her, the doctors that will treat her and the family!

    Reply
  19. Kathie Ryback says

    October 2, 2018 at 9:31 am

    I’m sorry you have to go through this. The first months are a whirlwind of fear and confusion. Take one day at a time. Some will be good some bad, but fight fight fight you will get through it. My surgeries, chemo and radiation were 8 years ago. You can do this!!! Good luck and prayers to you.

    Reply
  20. Lynn says

    October 2, 2018 at 10:12 am

    Praying for definite answers, clear direction for treatment, and peaceful hearts for all of you!

    Reply
  21. Kathy says

    October 2, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Prayers for you and hubby as you continue on your journey to health. Your weight loss is one of the most important journeys you can take. Keep up the good work as you prepare your body for surgery and recovery.

    Reply
  22. Jodi Sharman says

    October 2, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Send much Love and Prayers your way!!!!!

    Reply
  23. Sara says

    October 2, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    All the best to you. Take care.

    Reply
  24. Traci Johnson says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. I love your honesty and transparency, but mostly your faith and trust in God. He is the ultimate healer and I know He will walk with you during this journey.

    Reply
  25. Joanne Towne says

    October 26, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    Keep the faith! I was diagnosed at 40 with stage 2B. I had to have chemo before surgery due to the size of the tumor. Surgery followed, 12 lymph nodes removed. More chemo and radiation. Then Tamoxifen. It was all worth it. After 15 years I have officially been released from my oncologist. I have gotten to see my daughter grow up, graduate from college and law school. It’s been a long journey and God was with me every step of the way as he will be with you. Stay strong in mind, body and soul.

    Reply

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I haven’t had a lot of words lately. My creativi I haven’t had a lot of words lately. My creativity is being used in other areas right now, I’m sure the words will find me again soon.⁣
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In the meantime, for #transformationtuesday I want to honor the woman on the left who  took risks, followed her gut, and evolved through trial and fire into the woman on the right. ⁣
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We are the same. ⁣
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We are so very different.⁣
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And I look forward to the day where the photo on the right becomes the photo on the left and I can step back and say, “look at all that we’ve become and have yet to become.”
My sister got married last weekend and I was final My sister got married last weekend and I was finally able to wear the dress I bought on clearance right before quarantine. 

It felt nice to get dressed up again. 💗
I posted this in stories last night but felt like I posted this in stories last night but felt like it should probably live on the feed too. ⁣
Growing up I thought the only reason someone would eat “healthy” was to lose weight. The way I thought about food evolved as an adult as I began to learn more about how important nutrition is.⁣
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Eating well isn’t exclusive for weight loss. @syattfitness did a YouTube series where he ate a Big Mac every day for a month and lost 7 pounds because he stayed in a calorie deficit. You can literally eat anything and lose weight if the amount you’re eating keeps you in a deficit. But you cannot eat anything and be well.⁣
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When I was a kid I would get these bumpy red spots on my upper arms, my doctor said it was keratosis pilaris, a common kid thing and that I would grow out of it. She wrote a prescription for a steroid cream and that was it.⁣
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The steroid cream ran out but the bumps stayed. After my first pregnancy they began to spread, little bumps began to show up on my forearms, my upper thighs, then my bottom, and eventually my shins. I was super self conscious about it, I always wore sleeves and pants. Shorts were a major no-go, I don’t think I owned a single pair.⁣
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Eventually I stopped hopping from fad diet to fad diet and I started to listen to my body and how it felt after I consumed certain foods. I began to experiment with food elimination and go-figure, not only did my over all health improve but things like those pesky bumps began to fade.⁣
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My KP was a direct result of dietary choices I’d been making for years. These photos were captured only 30 days apart. As you can see my KP was aggravated after several months of indulgent eating. ⁣The photo on the right was taken after 30 days of eating mindfully and eliminating dairy and gluten again. 
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Food matters. ⁣
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I don’t care if you’re 500 pounds or 100– Our entire bodies are literally made up of and exist off what we consume, to think that the only thing food would affect is our weight is crazy. These bumps were a signal that my body was sending me to let me know that something wasn’t right, I spent 27 years of my life ignoring her. ⁣
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It’s high time I choose to listen.
#fashun ⁣ ⁣ —> I finally created a LikeToKno #fashun ⁣
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—> I finally created a LikeToKnowIt account. It’s an app where you can find clothes and products that people online wear. I’m always getting asked, about sunglasses, clothing, and products— I figured this might be easier. 🙂 You can find me over there @instantloss ⁣
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I don’t know how I’d describe my fashion choices. Must be: comfortable, breathable, and cute. Probably a little boho, little surfer, little California girl. I like to show a little skin, so if my arms and legs are covered you’ll see a little tummy because I’m 31, not dead, and I told Brady that when I do die, he better bury me in a crop top. 💛✌️☀️⁣
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ISO a tailor because GF is way too short for 99% of the things she buys. Rocks it anyway. Like mini trains everywhere I go.
WEEK 4 UPDATE!⁣ ⁣ Start measurements: ⁣ Uppe WEEK 4 UPDATE!⁣
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Start measurements: ⁣
Upper right thigh: 25⁣
Upper left thigh: 24 1/4⁣
Hips: 41 1/2 inches⁣
Bust: 36 1/2 inches⁣
Waist: 31 3/4 plus a little⁣
Left arm: 11 1/4⁣
Right arm: 11 3/4⁣
Neck: between 12 1/4 and 1/2⁣
Above Left knee: 18 1/2⁣
Above Right knee: 19 1/2⁣
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End measurements: ⁣
Upper right thigh: 23 1/2⁣
Upper left thigh: 22 3/4⁣
Hips: 38⁣
Bust: 34 1/2⁣
Waist: 29⁣
Left arm: 11 ⁣
Right arm: 11 1/4⁣
Neck: between 12 ⁣
Above Left knee: 16 1/2⁣
Above Right knee: 18⁣
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Start weight: 151.8⁣
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End weight: 140.6⁣
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Result: I lost almost 16 inches overall and 11.2 pounds. ⁣
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What did I do?⁣
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I ate real, whole, minimally or non-processed food. I drank 80 ounces of water a day. I tried to get 7k to 10k steps a day. I implemented an earlier bedtime so I could begin getting 8 hours of sleep every night. ⁣
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No magic pill.⁣
No detox tea.⁣
No BS.⁣
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For recipes visit InstantLoss.com/Recipes
I have tried a lot of gluten-free cookies recipes I have tried a lot of gluten-free cookies recipes over the years. I’ve developed them, tried ones written by other bloggers— but this recipe. This one takes the cookie cake as hands down the best gluten-free chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever had! 

Click the link in my bio for the recipe! 😋😘
Our monthly challenge is coming to a close today s Our monthly challenge is coming to a close today so make sure you submit your final weigh-in by midnight on the 29th! ⁣
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Don’t mind the toothpaste splatter on my full length mirror, this is where my kids brush and floss 🤣. I lost 10.2 pounds during this months challenge. The scale doesn’t reflect one of those pounds because the day after my first weigh-in was the day that Brady and I decided to have our pizza veg day. 🎉 ⁣
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Better than losing 10 pounds is the way I feel. I feel energized, excited to take on the day, less bloated and inflamed, slower to frustration, and I haven’t had an anxiety attack in 26 days! I am also much stronger! A hike that took Brady and I over an hour on day 1 took us 48 minutes yesterday and we still had energy for more!⁣
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The benefits of a whole food diet extend far beyond weight loss. 💪 Join us for our next accountability challenge, it begins today, you can read more on DietBet.com/instantloss
We bought a farmhouse! 💗⁣ ⁣ Brady and I hav We bought a farmhouse! 💗⁣
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Brady and I have talked about buying a house in another state for years. Before Instant Loss we were landlords and we’ve always been fixers. ⁣
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This farmhouse was built in the 1970’s. It had some major reno work done in 2010 but unfortunately is going to need some foundation help. We’ll need to move a few walls, remodel the bathrooms and kitchen, add a master bedroom (because it doesn’t have one)— it’s going to be a whole house makeover. We’re on the job, and we’ll be hanging out in Texas this Summer as we get it all started!⁣
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I’ll post photos of the house soon. Should I post here or start a new Instagram for our projects?
The new recipe of the week is up on the blog! Clic The new recipe of the week is up on the blog! Click the link in my bio for written instructions and make this super quick and easy salmon and potatoes for lunch today!
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1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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