BRCA: Hysterectomy - Yes? No?

Yesterday was a Yes or No day. So, I made a decision that finally gets us moving forward in this process. After meeting with my OB, I decided to have a full hysterectomy. Her office is getting the paperwork together and they will call me to schedule the surgery for sometime in April. 

Was the decision easy? No. But, like the picture says, "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same." I'm excited to be moving forward, but I wasn't happy to hear about the 6-8 week healing process. I honestly thought that I could get the surgery on a Friday and be good to go by Monday, maybe Tuesday. Wrong. 6-8 weeks is a LONG time, folks. I'm used to going to boot camp three times a week, playing soccer once a week, and running. I don't "rest" well! However, I do believe that God will heal me in His time so I will just have to wait and see what His time frame is (and maybe say a few extra prayers that it's quick). Oh, there I go trying to control the situation again. Big surprise!

Here's what we know after yesterday's appointment:

• Surgery will be scheduled for sometime in April
• Healing time is 6-8 weeks (supposedly)
• No lifting over 15 lbs until I'm fully healed, which will be virtually impossible with a 2 year old!
• The surgery will be laparoscopic so I'll have two small scars on my abdomen. I don't mind scars - they build character. And by the time the hysterectomy and mastectomy's are all said and done, I'll have LOTS of character!
• Surgery will take 1 1/2 hours and I will have to stay overnight in the hospital.
• If the Breast Specialist agrees, I will have to take hormones after surgery for menopause. Ah, menopause at age 34. That sounds delightful!
• Menopause could last a few months to many, many years. I'm praying for a few months, for my husbands sake!
• Technically, I'm not suppose to take hormones because of the breast cancer risk so the doctor will have to decide what's best in my situation.
• After surgery, I will still have a risk of developing cancer, but the percentage will be much lower than 55%, which is what it is now. The risk will still be there because the ovaries rest on other organs and therefore they share the same cells. I will be tested once a year for cancer during my routine yearly exam.
• We have a pamphlet to read and a video of an actual surgery to watch. Even though I've had three kids, I'm pretty squeamish so we'll see how long I last during the video. Yuck.
• I'll meet with my OB one more time before the surgery to answer any other questions we come up with between now and then.
• When I asked my doctors opinion, she said she would have both surgeries in a heartbeat. She then shared with me that she is a breast cancer survivor and she had the double mastectomy. I never knew that.
• Oh! The biggest bonus to this appointment was that I got to keep my clothes on. No flashing and no pants dropping. This is huge! I've had 7 appointments since Dec and this is the first time I've stayed fully clothed. It was glorious!

As the appointment was ending, my doctor asked me a tough question. She said that she loves my attitude toward the situation, but she said, "How are you doing? Like, really, how are you doing with this news?" She was my OB for all three girls so we've known her for many years. But, before I answered she turned to my husband and asked him the same question. His response was that he thinks I'm handling it ok, but he doesn't want me to bottle anything up and fall apart at some time. 

My response was that I'm doing good. I was definitely overwhelmed at my first few appointments, but things are settling in now and we're taking it one day, one appointment, at a time. I knew from day one that I needed to go through both surgeries, but it's still hard to say that out loud. Yesterday was the first step in moving forward, which I'm ready to do. I want to get all of this behind me and I want to be fully healed. I'm not upset that I'm going through this (I'm actually blessed to have this knowledge), and I know that the alternative (developing cancer) would be much worse, but I still have many hurdles to jump to get to the finish line. I just pray that this blog will help someone else going through this journey now or in the future. I hope that my honesty about the journey will encourage others. I'm fully aware that my girls will be reading this one day, and that they may be facing these same statistics, so I move forward for them. I'm ready to pave the way for their future. 

If my girls get tested and they do have the BRCA gene, then I leave them with this bit of encouragement...

Ecclesiastes 6:10 - "...no one can contend with someone who is stronger."

Product Review: Male Model - No More Shine

Look at that lovely face! That's my awesome dad and I'm very proud of him. In this post, I'm going to share my weekly Arbonne product review, but I want to first give my dad a high five for the 20 pound weight difference in this side by side comparison! The picture on the left was taken in June of 2013 and the picture on the right was taken in Feb 2014. The 20 pounds was lost in the month of Jan 2014 while my parents were participating in the Arbonne Clean Eating Challenge. Amazing!

What else do you notice in that picture (besides the facial hair)? If you guessed, No More Shiny Face and Less Red Spots then you're exactly right! Well done! 

In Dec 2013 my dad started using the Arbonne Intelligence Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads & Solution. I'm pretty sure that my mom made him do it, but they were both pleased with the results. My dad was about to make an appointment with the dermatologist to discuss microdermabrasion to have some rough spots removed from his face. Instead, he tried this product and saw tremendous results!

The resurfacing pads improve the overall look and feel of skin texture to restore a healthy, radiant glow to dull skin. It helps reduce the look of dark spots. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It provides the appearance of smooth, even-toned skin texture. And, it shows significant improvement in the skin clarity and blotchiness.

Clinical results show that in 2 weeks:

• 100% showed an improvement in the appearance of skin moisture, firmness and elasticity
• 82% said they loved how the treatment was less irritating than a chemical peel or exfoliating scrub

How does it work?

• Arbonne's proprietary high-performance complex Phytinol, combines two botanical extracts, Alfalfa extract and Chicory extract, which work together to help promote improved skin tonicity and surface smoothness for an even, less-lined look, to fight the visible signs of aging.

Who is this product for?

• Suitable for All skin types
• Teens (above age 12)
• Ages 20+

What issues does this product target?

• Skin tone/clarity
• Skin texture
• Dullness
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven pigmentation
• Oily skin

How long does the product last?

• 60 day supply

Please remember that ALL of Arbonne's products are Pure, Safe, and Beneficial so you're almost always guaranteed to see even more results than what's listed here. If you have any questions about the Intelligence Genius Pads or the Clean Eating Challenge, then please contact me at morrison25@cox.net. I'm passionate about these products and how they are improving the lives of those around me. 

BRCA: Topless Model

I took Lou and Parker to their Pediatrician today for their 4 and 2 year old check-ups. After getting my breast MRI on Monday and seeing the Plastic Surgeon on Tuesday, I felt it only fitting to show the Pediatrician my boobies today, too. But, I restrained myself. After all, it's not his specialty.


MRI: If you've never had one, they're LOUD. I mean L-O-U-D! I was given a set of earplugs and then headphones on top of those to drown out the machine. Unfortunately, the music was terrible (and loud) so I took the time to tune it all out (like I do my kids - what?!) and I prayed. It was peaceful. I just laid there on my stomach for 30 minutes with my goods hanging in an opening in the bed. Good times!

The worst part about the MRI was the IV in my hand that was used to put a contrast in my veins for the second part of the images. The contrast is used to detect any cancer or abnormalities. Of course, the tech was using a new piece to the IV and I was the first person for her to use it on. Needless to say, she blew my vein. Lesson learned? When it has to do with needles, don't be the guinea pig!


Plastic Surgeon: We met with him yesterday. While driving to the appointment, I got a text from a friend with one of my battle verses. I reread that verse again in the waiting room just before the doctor came in. The verse is Psalm 29:11, which says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blessed his people with peace."

Also that morning, I got a text from another friend that included a picture with these words, "I declare that I am calm and peaceful. I will not let people or circumstances upset me. I will rise above every difficulty, knowing that God has given me the power to remain calm. I choose to live my life happy, bloom where I'm planted, and let God fight my battles. This is my declaration." -- AMEN!

In my last blog about this journey (you can read it here), I would have called this a Bomb appointment. However, it wasn't a bomb at all. I prepared for this appointment with the help of my friends and family (that's you). We knew that God's hand was upon the appointment because my husband and I walked out clear headed. We didn't feel confused like we did after our last "big decision" appointment. Sure, we were given a ton of info to process, but it wasn't overwhelming. There was a peace about the situation.


So, this is where we stand after this week's appointments:

• I should get my MRI results in 5-7 business days. I'm curious to hear these since the Breast Specialist did feel some small lumps at my appointment a few weeks ago; although, she doesn't think they're anything more than cysts.
• I have a pretty accurate sketch of my chest with all kinds of measurements. In case you're wondering, it's the white paper in the picture above that's sitting on top of the purple binder. I covered it to give myself some kind of privacy since I feel like I've flashed my boobies enough this week.
• The purple binder is filled with the questions that we take to each appointment; however, the most important words in that binder are my three battle verses and the declaration (listed above) that are written on the inside of the front cover.
• The second book down is something that I need to read to gain more knowledge about my possible surgeries. It's only 91 pages. Ugh. The best part is that inside the front cover, is a place to hold the two serial numbers for my potential new boobs. That one made me laugh because I never would have thought of that. So much to learn!
• The top brochure is a flier that I picked up in the waiting room ... you know, so I could cram for the test before we met with the doctor.
• The mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries will be done at the same time, and they'll take approx 3 hours. The surgeries will more than likely be outpatient, but that won't be determined until I'm in recovery.
• The healing time is 4-6 weeks of NO lifting. Meaning no picking up the kids, no boot camp, no soccer, no housework, no grocery lifting, no cleaning, no laundry, etc. Let's be honest, only the first three will be difficult!
• The full recovery should be complete in 3-6 months once my expansions are done and then replaced with implants (a second surgery).
• The doctor did say that my recovery should be easier since I'm in shape and overall healthy. Whoop! Focus on the positive! Focus on the positive!
• By the way, the results of my Ovary Ultrasound, that I mentioned in my last blog, came back clear. Praise the Lord!

Next week, we see my OB to discuss the full hysterectomy. Another bomb calm appointment!


Matthew 7:24-25 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Time to Relax!

Raise your hand if you need to relax? Raise your hand if you don't have time to relax? Did you keep your hand up? I'm the same way, but now I've found an excuse to slow down! The Aromassentials Unwind Bath Salts from Arbonne are amazing! I sprinkle 1-2 scoops in a hot bath and I make myself tune out the world and ... Unwind.

What's that? The dishes are dirty? The laundry needs to be folded? The house is a mess? Oh yes, I'll get to that, right after my long, hot bath! I was not much of a bath person before, but now I sneak one in any chance that I get. And, I kid you not, I sleep more soundly the nights that I use these bath salts. I highly recommend them!

Product Features: Soak up the calming, soothing effects of a warm, luxurious bath enhanced with mineral rich salts and the Unwind Essential Oil Blend. This product is all natural, and safe for every skin type. Use daily. Retails for $22.00.

More items from the Unwind Collection include:

• Unwind Rejuvenating Body Mist - $18.00
• Unwind Massage Oil - $32.00
• Unwind Body Lotion - $22.00
• Unwind Bath & Shower Gel - $19.00

If you are interested in trying the Unwind Bath Salts or any of the Arbonne items listed, then please contact me at morrison25@cox.net. You're more than welcome to pay full retail, but I would love to share the discount options with you as well as these amazing products. Trust me, they're worth it!

BRCA: Coming Out of the Fog

 

I actually laughed out loud when I came across this picture because it shows EXACTLY how I felt over the weekend. It's pretty safe to say that I had a million and one thoughts running through my head after meeting with the Breast Specialist on Thursday to discuss my BRCA2 positive gene. I had to deal with some tough "thoughts" this weekend. I'm strong in my faith, but I also know that the Devil is very clever, and he likes to take your doubts and throw them in your face ... especially when you're going through a difficult time. Here are some of the thoughts I encountered over the weekend.

• If I have these surgeries (full hysterectomy and full mastectomy) am I not trusting that God will heal me?
• Am I playing God by holding the key to change my future?
• Why have I been given so much "power"?
• What will others think if I have implants? I've never looked at implants in a positive light and maybe that's because our society has skewed my image of them so badly. That being said, I have friends with implants and they are wonderful people, but it was just never on my radar as something that I would do.
• Will others think that I'm just getting implants because the insurance will pay for it?

And the thoughts just kept coming. I've never been one to care what others think of me so I know that the Devil was working REALLY hard on me this weekend. It was just a "weird" experience. I felt like I had a wall up and it was going to be hard to break it down ... on my own.

 

And that's where my friends come in. I'm so thankful for the army that supports me, prays for me, and checks on me. With each phone call, text, song, verse, and fb message ... the wall was coming down ... and not on my own power, but by the power of God speaking through those that love me. Here are a few of my wall breakers:

• Prayer. Just simply praying for wisdom and clear decisions to be made for our future.
• I met a friend on a fb page that is walking a very similar journey to mine. We both heard our news within a week of each other, we're both facing the same surgery decisions, and believe it or not, we both have a daughther with the nickname Lou. This friend has been a big support for me and I pray that I'm the same support for her.
• I recalled my Boot camp instructor saying that "lots of people will speak to you, but very few people will speak through you."
• In other words, people will say stupid things so I need to let those comments bounce off of me and I need to let the supportive comments sink in to my heart.
• The below story was sent to me, which showed me that God is saving me by allowing me to know about this gene before potentially getting cancer. This was my hardest struggle because we pray over our health every day and so I questioned why I would get this gene, but then I realized that God IS protecting my health. He's giving me a way out, if you will. He's answering my prayer ... His way, not my way. I had actually used this same story about a week before, but I quickly forgot about it and never thought to apply it to this situation until a friend reminded me of it. The knowledge of this gene is my helicopter.
• There was a very religious man named Jim, who lived near a river. One day, the river rose over the banks and flooded the town, and Jim was forced to climb onto his porch roof. While sitting there, a man in a boat came along and told Jim to get in the boat with him. Jim said, "No, that's okay. God will take care of me." So, the man in the boat drove off.
• The water rose higher, so Jim climbed onto his roof. At that time, another boat came along, and the person in that one told Jim to get in. Jim replied, "No, that's okay. God will take care of me." The person in the boat then left.
• The water rose even more, and Jim climbed onto his chimney. A helicopter came along and lowered a ladder for him. The woman in the helicopter told Jim to climb up the ladder and get in. Jim said, "That's okay." The woman said, "Are you sure?" Jim replied, "Yeah, I'm sure God will take care of me."
• Finally, the water rose too high and Jim drowned. Jim got to heaven and was face-to-face with God. Jim said to God, "You told me that you would take care of me! What happened?" God replied, "Well, I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What else did you want?"
• In addition to that story, another friend put it very simply on Saturday when she said, "if someone is told that they have a 57% chance of dying of heart failure if they don't eat better and exercise, then you know they'll change."
• She's right. I've been given certain health statistics by the doctors that are educated to make those percentages, and it would be wise of me to make the changes that I need to make to allow me to live longer.
• These lyrics from the song Stronger by Mandissa spoke to me: "When the waves are taking you under. Hold on just a little bit longer. He knows that this is going to make you stronger, stronger."
• And also these lyrics from the song 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman: "Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me. Let me be singing when the evening comes."
• Over the weekend, I had a conversation with my best friend and she nailed it when she said that each appointment with the various doctors is like a bomb going off. After some times has passed, the dust settles and we rise above the ashes. I couldn't have described my experience any better than that. So, with that knowledge, we face a few more Dr's appointments next week and we will be more prepared for those bombs to go off. This may not make the situation any easier, but it does put it in perspective.

I finally felt my fog lifting and the wall crumbling down on Sunday night, so with the urging of my best friend, I chose my three battle verses to get through this process. Please read these and pray them over our family. Each day will bring different news and different directions so we are "putting on the full armor of God" and we are preparing for whatever may come our way.

•  Psalm 29:11 - "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."
• Footnotes: The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to help us with our daily problems. When you feel weak and limited, don't despair. Remember that God can give you strength. The power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you.
• Nehemiah 8:10 - "This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
• 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 - "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
• Footnotes: Although God did not remove Paul's affliction, he promised to demonstrate his power in Paul. The fact that God's power is displayed in weak people should give us courage. We will turn to God to seek pathways for effectiveness. We must rely on God for our effectiveness rather than simply on our own energy or effort. Our weakness not only helps develop Christian character, it also deepens our worship, because in admitting our weakness, we affirm God's strength.

I truly hope that this post can help someone else that may be going through a tough journey. I want you to know that it's ok to be confused. It's ok to get lost in the fog. It's ok to lean on others to break down your walls. It's ok!

 

BRCA: The Good 'Ol Breast Specialist

Yesterday was the big day. I finally had my appointment with the Breast Specialist to talk about my BRAC2 positive gene. I thought the day would never come and when it did, I kind of didn't want it to. I knew that the doctor would answer my tough questions, but I also knew that this appointment would open the door to many more appointments. And, it did.

Yesterday afternoon, I stopped by to visit one of my best friends who is quarantined at her house while undergoing radiation for thyroid cancer. This woman is amazing! We met over 20 years ago and now we sit and have way to many discussion about cancer. I told her that I knew I was anxious about the meeting because my back was tight. She could sympathize. She asked if I had written down my questions. I had not. I had plenty of questions to ask the doctor, but maybe if I didn't write them down then the appt wouldn't happen and I could just go about my day. She could sympathize.

Needless to say, the appt time came and my husband and I went ... with my spiral notebook and lots of questions. The doctor was great! She answered every question we had and then some. So, here's what we know at this point...

• She confirmed that I'm very high risk to develop breast cancer (87%) and ovarian cancer (55%).
• Because my mom had breast cancer at age 41, my risk started at age 31 (I'm now 34).
• She felt a couple of cysts in my breasts so she's scheduling an MRI to check everything out. She did an ultrasound right there and she didn't seem too concerned by the cysts, but we need the MRI for my records anyway.
• She advised me to find out the results to my ovary ultrasound that I had 2-3 weeks ago. I had completely forgotten about that appt, which is not like me. When I call to check on those results then I will also schedule an appt with my OB to discuss a full hysterectomy.
• A full hysterectomy will lower my breast cancer risk by 50%.
• A full mastectomy will lower my breast cancer risk by 90%.
• If I choose to do the surgeries, then it's better to do them sooner than later, while I'm young and healthy.
• She is scheduling an appt with a plastic surgeon so that we can discuss the option of a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

So, my friends, that's were we stand. One appt down and many more to come. After the appt, my husband and I went to dinner so that we could discuss everything before picking up the girls. Our main focus was coming up with a list of questions for the plastic surgeon. I mean, it's not every day that you have to decide whether or not to cut off your boobs and get new ones to save your life. That's huge!


When I woke yesterday morning, I had these two verses on my mind:

• Jeremiah 29:11 - "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."
• Psalm 29:11 - "The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses his people with peace."

My devotional for yesterday was also very fitting. This excerpt is from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I highly recommend this book!

• Come to me and rest. I am all around you, to bless and restore. Breathe Me in with each breath. The way ahead of you is very steep. Slow down and cling tightly to My hand ... Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift. When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things ... Return to Me: regain my Presence.
• Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Product Review: Healthy Hands

I've chosen to write an Arbonne Product Review once a week. I hope that these posts will make you more aware of the products that you use on a daily basis, and how they can be replaced (over time) with the pure, safe, and beneficial products that Arbonne has to offer. Here is a list of ingredients that you will NEVER find in an Arbonne product: gluten, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, paraffins, diethanolamine, formaldehyde-donating preservatives, synthetic fragrances, animal-derived ingredients, or artificial dyes or colorants.

 

 

WARNING: The following picture may be disturbing. View at your own risk!

 

Since you survived that gruesome photo, I'll let you in on a little secret ... that's my hand. Gasp! Winter weather is not kind to me. Do you see the cracks, the flaky skin, the bloody knuckles? It's brutal. I've tried many things over the years, but nothing seems to help. Sounds familiar?

 

 



 

These products were part of my winter routine for years. If you're unfamiliar with the blue tin, it's called Veterinary Balm. Over 10 years ago, I  was introduced to this product that was originally made for animals, but was now being used to smooth the dry skin on people's elbows, feet, and heels. A good dose of Vet Balm on my knuckles and Eucerin lotion on my hands and I was good to go. Did I ever read the ingredients? No. Not until I joined Arbonne and became more aware of the products that I put on and in my body.

 

The ingredient list for the Vet Balm consists of Hydrozyquinoline Sulfate (toxic, coal-tar chemical that may cause cancer) in a base containing petroleum (discovered as a paraffin-like material coating oil rigs), lanolin, cetyl alcohol, and purified water.

 

The ingredients list for the Eucerin lotion consists of water, mineral oil (a liquid by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum-based products from crude oil), Isopropyl (flammable chemical compound) Myristate (an ester that makes our products feel less greasy), PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate (mixture of oleic acid esters of sorbitol condensed with an average of 40 moles of ethylene oxide), Glyceryl Lanolate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Stearate, Lanolin Alcohol, BHT, Methylchloroisothiazolinon, and Methylisothiazolinon.

 

Are all of these ingredients bad? No. Are some of them hard to pronounces? Yes. Does this make you stop and think?! I sure hope so! I had to stop describing them because the description didn't give me any more details than the actual name, which to me means that I need to be more aware of what I'm using on my skin.

 

So, this is my new winter regimen.

 

Arbonne's FC5 Skin Conditioning Oil & FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Creme ingredients consist of cucumber extract, birch leaf extract, watercress extract, clover blossom extract, and St. Johns wort extract. FC stands for Fresh Cell. The Fresh Cells remain intact, pure and potent, while encapsulated. With each application, the encapsulated cells "burst" and deliver fresh, skin-hydrating benefits. The result is healthier-looking, more radiant and perfectly balanced skin.

Now that's something that I can agree to! I rub the oil onto my knuckles and cuticles and then follow up with the hand creme. The oil absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy film, which is wonderful!

If you would like to purchase these item, or any of Arbonne's pure, safe, and beneficial products then please contact me at morrison25@cox.net. And, feel free to browse the website at www.arbonne.com to see all that we have to offer.

Clean Eating Challenge: Results!

Click Here to read about Days 1-4.
Click Here to read about Days 5-11.
Click Here to read about Days 12-20.


On January 31, my team finished our month long Clean Eating Challenge. I'm SO proud of everyone that went though this change. In the beginning, we were a little nervous about cutting things out of our diet, but that's because we didn't know that we were strong enough to say no. These 30 days were bigger than a diet change. They helped each of us realize that we are strong, we are powerful, and we are worth it. Thankfully, we now hold the key to a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our families.

Team Results:
We lost a total of 135 lbs! Our weight loss ranged from 4 lbs - 20.5 lbs. The highest male loss was 20.5 lbs and the highest female loss was 15 lbs. That's amazing! Yes, the inches/weight loss are wonderful, but keep reading to hear more about the changes that really kept us going ... and that are keeping us going into a second month of this challenge!

Team Testimonies:
"Today (day 6) was rough. Everywhere I turned I found something that sounded good to eat (pancakes, oreos, French fries, breakfast casserole). Just a good old fashion case of the munchies. Proud of myself for choosing a Fit Chew and a 2nd helping of my dinner veggies, sprinkled in with a couple of fizz sticks. I survived the day and I'm so glad I stuck to the plan. My family isn't doing this with me. And even though I hardly know anyone else here, it is nice to have this group to share our struggles and successes with."

"I lost 5.3% body weight and my husband lost 6.2%. I was really proud of both of us. It became much less about the food and following it strictly, but more about self control. I no longer needed things that I 'needed' before. I had a choice and decided to make good ones."

"We have completely enjoyed this past month. We are doing something positive about our weight and energizing our bodies with clean fresh eating. This has been so easy. We are going to continue with the program in Feb, too. We are making a life change for the better! My husband lost 20.5 lbs and 5 inches. I lost 8.5 lbs and 3 inches. Besides the weight loss, my Blood Sugar has been getting better and better every day. My hands aren't hurting all the time from arthritis. Now I'm a believer in eating right and flushing out harmful toxins. Thank you to everyone that encouraged us this last month!"

"I'm claiming a victory of 9.6 lbs lost and 3 inches."

"I lost 7 lbs (5% body weight) and 3 inches. I sleep better (I thought I slept fine before), I have more energy (with three kids ages 5 and under), I'm more alert, and I don't drag toward the afternoon or even at the end of the day. This is a life change for myself and my family. We will continue this type of eating for the rest of our lives. The 4 Week Menu and Shopping Guide were just what we needed to make this program work for our busy lives."

"I just realized that the eczema on my scalp that has bothered me for TWELVE years is gone!!!" - this quote was not from my immediate team, but from our larger team as a whole.

"After my daughter died on Aug 9th, 2009, I thought I would die too, and I didn't care. Depression and stress overcame me and I gained weight. On that same date in 2012, I could hardly walk from the pain in my joints and decided I had to lose weight if only to be able to survive and take care of myself. I did low carbs, much like Arbonne, but no shakes and the weight went slowly due to my age and low thyroid. It was even more important after my holiday weight gain to get back on a program and lose more weight. I incorporated the shakes and fiber and enjoy them and thus my journey back. I'm 71 1/2 and this will probably be my last diet so it has to last forever for me to be as happy and as healthy as possible, and I am thankful. I thank God for this gift."

"At the times that I thought I was going to lose control, a cup of the detox tea or fizz sticks surely helped. I have definitely learned a new approach to life without binge eating. I am totally sugar free, refined carb free, and next month I will be walking on the treadmill."

"I was depressed looking at my swollen ankles. Fingers and ankles feel much better."

After week 2 - "Wow!!! I am very excited about my Blood Sugar number: 126. This is amazing. Last week on weigh in day, it was 209. A year ago it was staying in the 300's, and I was put on more meds. I take 6 pills a day to lower my Blood Sugar. Yesterday, I only took 4 of my pills and still got a great number. We started this quest to feel better, lose weight, and to change our eating habits to healthy choices. We were hoping for better Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure numbers and to take less pills. We both are progressing successfully toward our goals and the weight will come off with more time. We are satisfied with what we have lost and are going to continue on this plan next month, too."

"This challenge has gotten me back on track and I do enjoy the shakes. I also will say that I think the Arbonne fiber is probably the best fiber I've ever taken."

"I feel great, sleep really, really well, am not as moody or irritable, and my clothes fit much better. That's all the proof I need."

"I lost 15 lbs from 1/2 to 1/31. Feels great! I didn't take measurements but the weight mostly came off my middle. And that's a good thing! Thanks for the support!"

"I lost 4 pounds and gained some yummy, healthy recipes!"


February Team:
My Feb team is already going strong. I will share their success stories with you at the end of this month. Like I said in a previous post, each team member is given a 4 Week Menu and Shopping Guide, and a full team of support to answer any questions that may come up over the length of the challenge. We are all here to help you succeed!

March Team:
This team is currently forming and it has a spot with your name on it! If you are interested in cleaning up your diet, feeling better, losing weight, and all of the wonderful things mentioned above then contact me (morrison25@cox.net) so that I can give you more information about the Arbonne Clean Eating Program.


1 Timothy 4:15 - "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress."