Yomping & Stomping<br/> — Gladrags & Bags

*This blog contains talk of weight, so if that’s something you’re sensitive to please feel free to skip a week. 🤍

I think it’s pretty clear from reading my blogs that I have a very lovely life. I have wonderful friends, and the most incredible family, and a husband who is as obsessed with me as I am him. I’m incredibly blessed and grateful for it all.

My luck of surviving cancer has heightened my sense of joy of life, and happiness forever after.

I am lucky enough to have had very few down days since mine and Sam’s survival, of course I’m not immune to the grief we all face when losing loved ones, but on the whole I am usually full of the joys of spring.

Sometimes I forget what we’ve been through as a family, and it’s only when I tell someone about our health blips, and I see their faces, in full horror mode, I remember, “Oh yeah, that was a lot wasn’t it”.

I tend to just plod along, enjoying the ride, loving life, grateful for the new day.

And to continue to do that, I want to be as healthy as possible, for as long as possible.

Part of that plan started when Chris and I started our healthy eating lifestyle changes two and a half years ago.

I had piled on weight in the lockdown chaos, baking cakes every other day, and eating them at an equally fast pace.

And to be honest, so what, it got us through the toughest times, being separated from our family and friends.

It never bothered me that I had gained weight, it just was what it was.

I’m not really into the whole “before and after” photos, probably because our body size goes up and down throughout our lives, but our essence stays the same.

Weight is the least interesting thing about anyone.

Plus I felt I looked great then too! Bigger, yes, but you know what…Alive is so very beautiful, it’s almost irrelevant what the shell looks like.

I’m me, bigger or smaller, simple as that. And I certainly didn’t lose any sleep over it.

But, 2 and a half years ago, I started to worry that I could end up with ill health caused by eating unhealthily, and that bothered me, a lot.

So I employed a health and fitness professional, and made the changes I felt would give me a better chance of a longer, healthier life.

I know plenty of people who have had great successes on other forms of weight loss from Slimming World to GLP1 medication and everything in between.

And that’s fantastic for them, how ever you want to do it is best for you. But I didn’t want anything that would cost me money in the long term, I didn’t want be part of an organisation again. I did SW years ago, but it didn’t teach me the right way to eat.

…and I’m definitely not great with medication. I hate it in fact. I hate having to take medication that doesn’t even cost me any money as I get it free on the NHS, so I’m definitely not going to spend any of my own money on it. Plus I would literally pay millions to never feel nauseous or sick ever again, so for a lot of reasons I didn’t want to go down that road.

That’s where Annabelle came in, she took me back to basics with my food, and showed me where I was going wrong.

I still love food, but it has to work for me now, as in, each mouthful has to bring health benefits…it’s far more joyful than it perhaps sounds.

My focus is on 30 grams of fibre a day and protein. When you do that, you’ll be getting the micronutrients you need anyway.

I lost a stone and a half (21bs), and Chris lost 2 and half (35lbs). We’ve kept it off for 18 months, and we love the way we eat.

With the focus on eating only food made from scratch. No ultra processed foods, no junk, no crap.

When I started working on it I assumed I’d crave all the “yummy” things I was used to eating. But the less I ate them, the less I craved them.

And now most of it makes me feel sick, which I think has been the biggest shock. I hate seeing food videos on social media. They make me super queasy.

I want whole foods, high fibre foods. Food you can feel the goodness in.

That bit is well and truly sorted. Two and an half years later and it’s our normal.

Anyway, Chris and I were chatting a few weeks back, he’d seen something about getting checked for bone density and visceral fat deposits.

Because we can all do the best we can eating well, but still have no idea if it’s paying off. And you simply can’t tell from the outside.

He discovered that it was especially important for someone like me, who’s had a young age cancer diagnosis, radiotherapy, chemo, and an early menopause, caused by the treatment.

I was 36 when I was diagnosed and treated.

So he researched the best place to get it all tested, and booked me in.

I went for a Dexa bone and body scan on Saturday.

I just wanted to preempt any health issues. I wanted either reassurance that I was okay, or the knowledge to do something about it if I’m not.

Turns out I have Osteopenia, which has come as a bit of a shock to be honest. It never occurred to me that I was at risk. No one bothers to tell you about the on going health issues you may face. They get you cancer free and in their remit, you’re good to go. Live your life.

But as I had radiotherapy, chemotherapy and menopause at 36, it’s possibly not that shocking that my bones aren’t whet they should be.

The handy thing about finding out now is that I can do things to work on that so that’s fantastic news, I get a chance to change the course of my future.

(*osteopenia is a condition of lower-than-normal bone mineral density, defined by a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5, which often acts as a precursor to osteoporosis. It causes no symptoms but increases fracture risk due to weakened bone structure. Diagnosis, commonly after age 50, occurs via [DEXA scan], with treatment focusing on lifestyle changes to prevent progression).

Anyone who has the means to get checked would really benefit from it, I totally recommend getting it done. It’s easy, quick and painless.

The bit that did surprise me, in a good way, was that I don’t have any visceral fat around my organs, which is actually very surprising. I assumed I did because of my bulging gut.

I always joke and say it’s not fat, it’s the 2 hernias and a stoma that I carry around - turns out it is just that, with a little tiny bit of belly fat, and very slack muscles in the mix.

It was so interesting, and weirdly reassuring because it’s not too late to work on the parts I need to.

This isn’t an ad, I paid full price, and I have no actual recommendations about who to go through to get the scans done. A bit of googling and you’ll find a place near you I’m sure. I just have found it so comforting, and empowering.

I’m not out of the woods yet, I’ve got to put the work in. I need to build muscle, on account that I’m lacking in it, and lose some visceral fat from my thighs and arse, and I need to build bone strength too.

Lots to do, loads to work through. But I like to be in control of my destiny and I kind of feel like I am now, as much as any of us can be.

I’ve started taking Vitamin D3 + K2 after discussion with my GP. I don’t need any medication because I’m not at that point yet. I need to see what I can do with some more lifestyle changes, daily stompy walks are a must.

And more sets of hand weights. Little things I can keep up daily.

The greatest indicator for longevity is muscle mass. So I need to get a wriggle on.

This is not a before and after, this is just me and me.

Like I said, nothing changed but the size of the silhouette. No matter what I weigh I always have big boobs, belly and bum.

I’m just very happy to find out that I’m not carrying an excess fat around my organs. That’s the silent assassin, because you just can’t tell from the outside, so it’s worth having a peek inside.

Survivorship will not allow me to hide in the shadows ~ no matter what I weigh. It didn’t then (above), it doesn’t now (below).

I’m not a skinny minnie, and nor do I ever want, or intend to be.

I want to be strong, healthy and loving life. Honouring the fact I get to have one.

Upright, I manage to hold in the belly bulge, but it’s most definitely there. Full of hernias and a stoma.

What do I mean by every bite has to be bursting with goodness…

Lentils, beans, pulses, whole foods, apples, pears, berries, nuts, seeds, dates, 90% dark chocolate, fibre fibre and more fibre and all utterly delicious.

(I eat chicken and fish in with all that, I’m not veggie or anything).

My chia seed Bircher muesli is a delight. Topped with raspberries blueberries home toasted almonds. Heaven…and you guessed it, it’s full of fibre! 🥰😂
I make a big batch and it lasts for a good few days..

Thought I’d mention this, I’m on all of Bowel Research UK’s social media this week, so that’s nice. Always happy to help this incredible charity.

Spreading hope and positivity along the way…

Right then, now onto the main event and why we’re here. What have I been wearing, and what have I been doing while wearing it…

I’ve always said, and actually it’s the reason I started this blog to begin with, dressing well, doesn’t have to stop just because you have a stoma.

It’s just about finding what works best for you.

Top from Me&Em, Jeans from Paige, Shoes from Russell and Bromley.

We had some really lovely weather lately, which does make life that bit easier and better.

We headed into London for lunch with a friend.

Then I ended up in Maje again (how does this keep happening to me!?! 🤩🥰😂).

In fairness Maje and Me&Em are taking up a lot of my time, and pocket money. I’ve had so much success with them. Including this gorg number.

I feel so good in the stuff I’ve bought from them. And that’s a hard battle to win when you’ve had body altering surgery.

It doesn’t always come easily. But finding your groove again after surgery is so important.

Different doesn’t have to mean worse.

Top from Intimissimi, Skirt and Jacket from Maje, Bag from Tod’s

We met James for lunch and then went for a wander…to the shops.

I tried this beaut dress on, it felt amazing, Chris said it looked amazing, but sadly it was just too tight across my belly (the damn bulge again). And although it was perfectly wearable, I wouldn’t have been able to poo in it (yes, that is something I have to factor in). There’s no point in buying anything if it’s going to increase my risk of leaks.

I did however buy a fabulous skirt from them and I can’t wait to wear it.

But how cute is this dress!! 🤎

My life’s not all fun and games and shopping…I mean, it mostly is, but as the sun was shining we thought we’d better get on with some garden chores.

We spent a fortune in a garden centre, and I’ve got to be honest, I don’t get the same dopamine rush that I get from clothes and accessories shopping.

We’re just not gardeners, he’s got hayfever, and every insect in the neighbourhood seems to dine on me like a two for one meal deal.

The weather is uncharacteristically wonderful. Which makes me feel like getting out and doing something.

I took myself off to yoga, I can’t even remember the last time I went, I took my other car and put the roof down, and had the best time.

Sunshine makes all the difference.

Yoga kit from Tesco.

I did laugh, I had about 4 things to do that day, including a meeting with the committee I’m on for EAES.

The rest of the week I had fuck all to do 😂

That said I did have a shift at the Foodbank, so that took up some time.

And I’ve decided that as the weather is so nice I might as well cycle when I can.

I rode all the way to the Foodbank, and a few of the other staff seemed very impressed with my efforts…it’s an electric bike, I made almost zero effort really. I took the praise though, I’m like that. Needy much!?? 🫣😂🤩

I am trying to use it as much as possible though.

I’ve actually been doing my food shop, loading up the panniers. It’s really very enjoyable.

Again, being needy, I really like it when people say what a lovely bike it is. I’ve had some many compliments, even from men, who you’d assume wouldn’t notice. It really really is a beauty.

Top from Intimissimi, Trousers from Ralph Lauren, Jumper from Reiss.

She’s been out and about all week.

I did laugh the other day. I was like a child. I was out and about cycling when the chain came off, and I don’t know how to put it back on. I’ve never ever done it in my entire life.

So I walked it all the way to Chris’s office and asked if I could ditch it there, and I’d walk the couple of miles home.

But star that he is he came out, put the chain back on and off I went.

He is my favourite husband so far 🤩🥰

Then last weekend I had my bone and body scan, then out for lunch after, and a museum after that.

It was a really lovely day. A mixed bag, but really good.

Top - Maje

Skirt - Maje

Cardigan - Maje

Shoes - Gucci

…And then to the Schiaparelli exhibition at The V&A.

If you love clothing/fashion/engineering you’d love this exhibition!

The collection is incredible!

It was a packed weekend, but thankfully with no gardening.

Going to lunch with friends saved us from that!

T shirt and Jumper from Ralph Lauren, Jeans from Tesco (and they are so comfy! Soft enough to poo in. Firm enough to conceal cellulite, what more could a girl ask for?).

Are white jeans advisable with a stoma?

Errrrm, probably not, but when have I ever done anything inside of advisable?

I have a few rules I follow for skinny jeans in general, but especially white ones.

I would not wear them on days that I haven’t got the car parked nearby.

For example, I wouldn’t wear them to get the train up to London in for a day out.

I’d feel too nervous and vulnerable. It would impact my enjoyment.

But Sunday I was out with friends, with the car near, with spare clothes and colostomy supplies within.

I pretty much knew I wouldn’t need them, but the risk is always there. It doesn’t mean I can’t wear them, it just means that I think about my escape route, should a leak happen.

The restaurant they chose was amazing!

The decor was exactly what I’d want if I had an older house. It was spectacularly well done.

Congratulations to Adrian for such a great find!

I’d definitely recommend The Farmhouse at Redcoats Farm in Hitchin. I’d like to go again because I’m regretting not taking photos of all the different rooms.

Very fortunately for me, I decided to start back at yoga before the chap at the scan place suggested I give it a go. Clearly I don’t look like someone who attends regularly 🫣😂

So Monday morning I was back at it. And again, very fortunately, I really enjoy it.

Yoga wear from Tesco

It was outside this week, which I had a feeling it might be. So rather cleverly of me I took sun screen and insect repellent.

I want to be zen and chill, and enjoy the great outdoors, but not be something’s lunch 🤩🦟

The weather is still holding, so I’m getting up, getting out and getting moving.

I went on a bone density increasing yomp, I have no idea if stomping around the countryside will help. But I did read trampolining and jumping is good for it, so I assume stomping around is a similar thing.

Then it was back home to shower and dress in my day clothes. More white jeans because they are so comfortable, and I wasn’t venturing far.