My New Normal

 My last treatment for Breast Cancer was November of 2009, but I find myself still dealing with long term side effects of the chemotherapy.  Since the completion of the treatment and surgeries,  I have had to add  a Primary Care Doctor, Endocrinologist, and an Opthamologist.  I continue to take blood tests, echocardiograms and tests for my thyroid on a regular basis.  I thought once I finished my treatments and surgeries that it would be over and my life would get back to 'normal'.  Well, it seems I have a NEW Normal, a normal that I have come to accept.    I consider myself blessed that my team of doctors are still working together to ensure that I have a long and healthy survivorship. 

I often consider what survivorship looks like for those of us who have gone through the journey.  When I speak to other women, we all agree that some changes are to be made in our lives.  The obvious changes include incorporating a plant based eating plan and more exercise.  But other changes that women speak of are, being more in tuned with their bodies, staying connected to the creator, expressing  their feelings to loved ones and eliminating procrastination.  We have a new perspective on life, self love and time spent with loved ones seem to take priority. Although not intentionally, It is very easy to take time and people for granted but since my experience with Breast Cancer, I must admit that I am more aware.  I make it a habit to tell my family and friends that I love them and how much our relationship means to me.  Although sometimes still a challenge, I make time for myself...time to just be still and listen to God and my body.  I take a moment to notice the little things, like the warmth of the sun, a gentle breeze, the blue sky and yes, even the rain. 

Through the advances made in modern medicine, more and more people who are diagnosed with breast cancer are surviving.  So much so, that Hospitals are now creating Survivorship Programs to monitor progress and assist survivors with their needs.  The Commission on Cancer is implementing a National Survivorship Program in which all hospitals around the country will not only be required to have a Survivorship Program but will also have certain criteria each program will have to meet.  I believe this is a turning point that will improve care for all cancer patients and survivors. 

Having survived cancer twice, I am THANKFUL to be alive.  So, my Pink Diamond Sistahs and I are embracing our New Normal as we realize we are no longer the women we used to be.  We are stronger, better and more beautiful.  Please feel free to share your New Normal experience with us....

Is Cancer Becoming An Epidemic??

 I am a 2 time cancer survivor. First of Hodgkin's in 1984 then of Breast Cancer 2009. It seems that the more people I talk too, either they or someone they know is dealing with some form of cancer. It wasn't until I did the BRAC Analysis (Genetic testing for Breast Cancer) that I realized that cancer runs in my family. My mother was naming aunts and uncles that made their transitions before I was born. It seems I hear about someone recently diagnosed every week! Why is that?!

Research states that most of the population has some cancer cells within their body, but they don't always develop into a cancer. Apparently, it's within a damaged DNA chain that tells the abnormal cells to form into a tumor. But what triggers the damaged DNA and makes it go crazy in some people and not in others? Why do the abnormal cells develop as different cancers?

What is happening to the population? Is Cancer an Epidemic? Is the planet finally fighting back after being abused for centuries? Some people believe that our food supply has played a significant role. I can believe that! Not only is cancer on the rise, so are other food related illnesses.

The good news is that modern medical advances have increased the survival rate of cancer fighters.  There are more cancer survivors than ever before.  So much so, that now, the Commission on Cancer is putting in place a Survivor Care Plan that will have standard requirements for all hospitals to meet.

The radiation therapy and the chemotherapy has taken a toll on my body, but I am determined to continue to fight to stay healthy and strong. The experience has made me more conscious on what I eat. I'm incorporating more of a plant based diet, organic as often as possible. Staying connected to my Creator, keeping a positive mental attitude, staying active and surrounding myself with positive and caring people is also key. This has helped me during the fight and now in survivorship..

I often wonder... if one day we will be able to not only cure cancer but prevent it. What are your thoughts?

For the Love of Juicing!!

 Juicing is a great way to get your daily quota of fruits and veggies. For some people, when going through cancer treatments, the taste buds change. Foods may taste different. Some people find it difficult to eat solid foods. Juicing can be a great alternative. One of my favorite juicing recipes is called The Green Lemonade. And although its green, it not only tastes great, it tastes like LEMONADE!

Although, many people have been juicing for decades, the benefits of juicing are now starting to be recongnized by medical doctors as a very beneficial way to incorporate the required fruits and veggies into our eating plan.  There are some people to claim to have not only improved their health, but who have been able to eliminate certain medications and have even been cured of chronic ailments and diseases.  However, diabetics should pay close attention to the amount of fruit used due to the sugar content. 

Juicing is a great way to cleanse the body, provide essential vitamins and nutrients and promote weight loss.  I personally, like to do a juice cleanse 2-3 times a year.  It helps the body eliminate waste and toxins.  If you are new to doing a juice cleanse, I suggest you first consult with your doctor or nutritionist to be sure you will not have any reactions if you are taking medications as well as to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and liver funtions.  Once you have the doctor's approval start with juicing 2-4 days.  Some people choose to adding a juice to an eating plan of only plant based foods while others will choose to only juice for the duration of the cleanse. Whichever option you choose, you will want to pay close attention to how your body reactions.  The first few days you may experience withdrawls such as cravings, headaches, low energy, low patience and irritablity.  These are all very normal as the body is removing toxins.  Be patient with yourself and be strong, this is probably the most difficult part of the cleanse.  But it will be worth it.  You will feel so much better, cleaner, lighter and energized.

If you are looking to purchase a juicer, I suggest you do some research to see which one best fits your needs. I have chosen 2 different juicers for different reasons. I have the Jack LaLane Power Juicer, which has a large opening in which to fit fruits and veggies into the juicer. I use this one if I'm doing more veggies than fruit and want it in a juice. The larger opening doesn't require to cut the food into small pieces. And it cleans up fairly easy. The second juicer is the Montel Williams Living Well Health Master. I like this one for smoothies, sorbet, salad dressings and soups. It's just a matter of preference. I am not suggesting you purchase both juicers. Do your research and determine which one best fits your needs, but you want to make sure you will not have to cut the food in pieces and the the appliance is easy to clean.

Green Lemonade

2-3 bunches of Fresh Kale

1 peeled lemon ( 1/2 lemon if you choose to use it unpeeled)

2 medium Fuji or Gala Apples

Add to juicer in order listed. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Here is another favorite.....

A Powerful Pick Me Up 

1-2 stalks of celery

1 small beet

2 medium Fuji or Gala Apples

2-4 carrots

Add to juicer in order listed.  Pour over ice and Enjoy!!

Life is a Precious Gift!

June 24,2012

So many times I have taken life and the people I love for granted. Not intentionally, but still I have. Its unfortunate that it takes a sad or tragic event to realize how important it is to tell the ones you love how much they mean to you. Today I received a call that one of my Angels has made her transition. I had only known her for a little over a year, but we made an instant connection. She was a young, beautiful college student facing the challenges of Lupus, but full of life and energy. She was always positive and had only a smile and kind words whenever we spoke. She was a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit and she will be missed. I pray that her family is blessed with strength, comfort and peace in knowing that she is illuminating the heavens. Today, tell your loved ones how much they mean to you because tomorrow may be to late.

The Prayer of Love, Peace & Light

Love behind me....... Love at my left...... Love at my right....... Love above me...... Love below me..... Love unto me..... Love in my surroundings...... Love to all...... Love to the Universe. AMEN