Planting the Seeds

This post is dedicated to Grace L. who unknowingly pushed me to write this entry- took me 3 weeks to complete, Onward!

There are many seeds to be planted when living an anticancer lifestyle with variations of growth, transformation, living and thriving.  I had the privilege of attending the MD Anderson’s Cancer Survivorship Conference last month and left with LOTS of seeds.   

So, here are the stats.  In 2014, there were 1.6 million cancer incidences in the U.S.  In 2035, that number will jump to 2.4 million!  I wonder and worry how many of us will be next to be diagnosed.  If you think about it like I think about it, then you will appreciate some of the conference information that I’m going to share with you.

Every speaker I heard emphasized lifestyle choices that we can change to decrease our risks of cancer.  I value that tremendously, because for me, it gives me hope and boosts my confidence to live the anticancer lifestyle.   This integrative model of living combines physical, psycho-spiritual and social aspects.  Who knew that getting chemotherapy, taking a yoga class and meeting friends for tea could have a positive synergistic effect on healing?  Treatment is not just about removing the tumor and cancer cells from your body.  It is about healing your soul, making positive connections, breathing and surrounding yourself with a great team. 

The big lifestyle changes to decrease your risk of cancer are not new to us, but wow!  The measurable evidence of how they work in our favor is increasing.

1. Do not use tobacco- no brainer.

2. Improve nutrition, including decreasing alcohol consumption- the risks of cancer from alcohol use outweigh any cardiac benefits.  Yep, I said it.  BOO!  And cancer loves sugar.  Double BOO!  The ongoing debate with sugar lobbyists is frustrating.  Bottom line, be your own advocate and educate yourself regarding sugar and disease.  I didn’t know this but, vegetarians have a 10% decreased risk for cancer and vegans have a 20% decrease.  What does that mean for all the carnivores?  Eat more plants!  I try to cook meatless at home, but believe me, it is a struggle to please everyone.  Some of my meatless dinner ideas are: 

Taco Tuesday with beans, rice, avocado salad and lots of veggies. 

Breakfast for dinner with omelets, fruit and pancakes or maybe breakfast tacos with eggs, veggies and fresh salsa or maybe quiche with a green salad. 

Soup! -  tortilla soup with veggies, bean soup or clam chowder.  How about red beans and rice with a green salad? 

Any seafood with veggie sides. 

In my opinion, it really is easy to incorporate meatless meals in your family life.  It’s called In-ten-tion-al.   Honestly, my kids would be happy eating bean and cheese quesadillas, cabbage salad, guacamole, fresh salsa & chips and watermelon every night!  Be sure to consider organic, non-GMO and minimal preservatives. 

3. Decrease sedentary lifestyle- walk, walk, walk.  The scientific evidence on the benefits of walking is ginormous.  I love the craze over Fitbits and the like.  What a genius idea that can benefit all ages.

4. Decrease obesity- it is always stunning when a speaker shows the yearly CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) maps of the incidence of obesity in our country.  The CDC defines obesity as having a BMI of 30 or greater.  In just 20 years, we have surpassed all the pretty blue colors of the map that indicate low obesity rates.  We have now entered reds and maroons (aka, we weigh too much).   What states have the greatest obesity population?  That would be Arkansas, Mississippi and West Virginia.  Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MDA, told a story of a chef at MDA who was extremely happy about the new donut machine in the hospital.  Of course the chef had no idea who he was bragging to, telling Dr. Cohen that they just needed to sell, sell, sell many donuts to keep the machine.  After a couple of donut photos sent to the higher powers at MDA, the donut machine was gone.  Which brings me to another story.  At my last check up at MDA, I was in between appointments and needed a snack.  I knew my options would probably be slim, I just wanted a Kind bar and some water.  What I found was disappointing.  The gift shop was full of white, processed, sugary items (not food in my opinion).  The Waterfall Café was no better with their over the top selection of pastries, fast food and sodas.  I took pictures and messaged Dr. DePinho (president of MDA).  I told him I had a letter I wanted to send him.  He was kind and asked me to forward it to his secretary.  I forwarded the letter which basically asked him how we could improve the nutritional options at MDA- the very place which sends me weekly e-newsletters with measurable data supporting weight loss and proper nutrition to decrease cancer risks.  I never heard back from him, bummer!  But after sharing my story with Dr. Cohen and getting his feedback, I suppose it’s time for another letter to Dr. D.   

Gift Shop at MD Anderson

5. Decrease stress- As I heard it, exposure to chronic stress increases tumor growth and speeds the aging process.  And aging is a risk factor for cancer.  What works to combat stress?  Therapy, humor, yoga and meditation to name a few.  

6. Increase social support- It is proven that stress hormones are lower in those with a good support system.  In fact, in the Blue Zones where people live the longest, social support is always a factor in longevity.  I have a group of golden friends that I try to meet with regularly.  In my calendar, our lunches are listed as longevity. 

7. Increase sleep to at least 6 hours per night- period.

8. Decrease environmental toxins- Oh my Lord, I could go on and on about this.  Spend a day or two on www.ewg.org and your family will think you are wacko from all the changes you make.  A recent report came out on pesticides and childhood cancer, it is a must read- http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/14/health/pesticide-exposure-childhood-cancer/index.html .

Dr. Lorenzo Cohen and the late Dr. David Servan-Schreiber (author of my favorite anticancer book!!) have an ongoing study for stage 3 breast cancer patients.  The Comprehensive Lifestyle Study follows recommendations made by Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s book Anticancer : A New Way of Life.  The study includes dietary recommendations, physical activity, stress management, social support and mind-body practices.  If you know anyone who is stage 3 breast cancer, please pass this information along.  You can read more about it here- http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/inside-integrative-medicine/issues/june-2013.pdf .

My mission all started with this book

I always look forward to the medical panel at the Survivorship Conference.  This generally fills the audience with hope as the physicians share the latest and greatest on curing cancer.  I was beyond impressed with Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf, an associate professor and the deputy chair for research in the departments of Breast Surgical Oncology and Surgical Oncology at MDA.  This gal is uber smart!  Listening to her efforts on investigating breast cancer vaccines kinda made me miss college.  Here she is establishing literature between the relationship of cancer and immunity.  Her vaccine is educating T cells to recognize that cancer is “foreign”.  She is involved in numerous ongoing trials that have great preliminary results.  She is making cancer history.  And, here I am worrying about ballet carpool….. sigh.  You go Dr. M!!  Here is an article that was published last month describing Dr. Mittendorf’s research- http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/health/article/Doctors-take-shot-at-keeping-breast-cancer-away-6514603.php
 

The momentum I have from the conference continues as I move onward.  If you have never attended, put it on your calendar for 2016.  It is generally held in September at the Omni, West Houston.  Anyone touched by cancer can attend and you don't have to be a patient at MDA. 

 

I leave you with a couple of fun pictures:

Some of my staples right now, these can be purchased at Whole Foods, Sprouts or online.

Dropping Isabella & Hailey's ribbon off at CFA Pearland- they turn their lemonade pink every October and donate a portion of proceeds to Pink Ribbons Project.

Me and Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf at Sip & Savor fundraiser!

 

Tour de Pink 2015

Finally, there is a lot of information being shared this month on breast cancer prevention, awareness and treatment.  I received this card in the mail last week.  Notice the list of risks for breast cancer.  How many risk factors did I have?  ½ of 1!  Yes, out of all of these risk factors, I had dense breasts (never told they were high density which is why this is a partial risk factor for me).  And that’s it!  My message is this:  Be your OWN advocate, know your body and go with your gut. 

 

 

Be Well,



Is It Enough?

My oldest daughter recently asked me if I had written on Anticancer Amy lately.   “Well, no” I told her, curious as to why she was asking.  She doesn’t read my blog, but I do talk about it to her.  Maybe she is missing those conversations?  On average I write once month, ok, maybe every 4 or 5 months.  This has been a long stretch for me. 

Since her inquiry, I have been having conversations in my head as to why I haven’t been sharing newfound knowledge on anticancer living.  I have read some amazing studies, follow passionate anticancer blogs and have heard cancer specialists speak on the latest on fighting cancer.  So, why haven’t I shared?  Then it hit me.  2014/15 was loss-heavy.  I mean really heavy.  In June, a friend had a recurrence of breast cancer.  She is a young friend with 2 school-aged kids.  My heart has been heavy for her, but I know she will get through this chapter of her life story.  For me, as a cancer survivor, a recurrence is a constant fear.  It is something I probably think about every day, some days more than others.  Later in 2014, a mom in our neighborhood passed away from brain cancer.  She left a 7 and an 8 year old.  She was my age.  Cancer had brought us together and I admired her faith and trust in the Lord all the days of her journey.  During this time, I made two new friends also fighting the cunning disease of breast cancer.  It has been an honor to walk alongside of them.  They have taught me so much.  Then in November, one of Jacob’s teachers lost her son in a tragic accident.  He was 13.  I took my daughter and some friends to the funeral and it was a funeral unlike any I have ever been to.  The Lord was present in a unique and big way.  I was moved beyond imaginable.  The faith of the kids and how they were touched by this young boy was and has been a dear blessing.  Towards the end of 2014 up until now, I have been following a young writer’s story on her fight with end stage breast cancer.  Kara Tippitts is the author of the book The Hardest Peace and writes in her blog Mundane Faithfulness.  Her story and the effect on me has been incredibly loss-heavy.  I keep my kids in the know on what is going on with Kara and her family.  Of course, my kids want to know more about her kids.  They want to see pictures of them and wonder what they are like.  Sometimes I just shake head and tell myself “unbelievable these kids know so much about cancer.  When I was their age it was a foreign word to me.”  But, God’s grace is with us and through our experience I can only beg that the Lord will use me and my kids in a great way.  Kara died this week.  I received the news via my sister and quickly told my kids.  I’m not sure why I did that, I certainly don’t want them to think I am dying.  But, unfortunately (or fortunately) we have this connection with those families also touched with cancer.  It only comes naturally for me to share other cancer stories with my family.  We will pray for Kara and her family and I will be humbled that I am still here wondering what my purpose is.  When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul..  

Until next time, I can’t resist sharing some interesting knowledge on anticancer living.  February was cancer prevention month.  The American Institute for Cancer Research put out some educational tools on ways to prevent cancer.  This short video is a great visual for families- brief and to the point-   http://www.aicr.org/can-prevent/?epubbanner .

Crazy Kris Carr, one of my favs, has created an awesome cheat sheet on food labels.  This is one to print out and carry with you so you can know what you are putting into your body- http://kriscarr.com/wp-content/uploads/KrisCarr-FoodLabelsGuide.pdf .

The University of Missouri-Columbia recently published a paper on BPA founds in cash receipts.  It’s a small change we can do- just say no to thermal paper receipts.  Read more here- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141022143628.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_health+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Health+News%29 .

The Chicago Tribune reported an increase on the discussion of spontaneous remission.  Kelly Turner, author of Radical Remission and Lorenzo Cohen of MD Anderson’s Integrative Medicine Program are both mentioned.  This is an enlightening article!  http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/breastcancer/ct-cancer-remission-met--20140914-story.html#page=1

My friend sent me a link to a new series airing on PBS March 30 (Monday) called Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies.  Thanks E!  It looks like this is based on the book published in 2010 by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee.  The book was fascinating, so I’m sure this will be a must see. http://video.pbs.org/video/2365362396/

Is it enough?  All this information on anticancer living when there continues to be so much loss in our world.  I don’t know the answer.  What I do feel is that information gives me hope and motivation to push onward in this temporary life.  

Be Well,