Eight is Great!

Yesterday marked 8 years since my diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer.  I can remember just wanting to reach year 1, then year 5.  But now year 8… we’ve come a long way!  I told my kids that I still think about cancer every day.  It’s hard not to when I have to look at numerous scars, changed skin and feel the constant numbness on my chest and back.  But, that’s not all there is to my daily cancer reminder.  I continue to seek out information on cancer prevention daily.  It is exciting to see the anticancer changes that have occurred between 2008 and 2016. 

Recently, I was bombarded by emails recommending a new book How Not To Die by Michael Greger, M.D.  I ordered it right away to see what all the fuss was about.  This book not only is about cancer, but about many chronic diseases and how diet can prevent and reverse many of the causes of death by disease.  The scientific evidence of how nutrition transforms our genes is empowering to say the least. 

After reading the preface and introduction, I went straight to Chapter 11, How Not To Die From Breast Cancer.  This easy to read chapter reiterated a lot of what I already know; however there were a few surprises.  Greger writes that early detection is actually late detection.  By the time a tumor is detected, it may have been forming for decades!  Yes, I said decades.  Autopsy studies have shown that 39% of women in their forties already have breast cancers that are too small to be detected by mammograms.  Greger suggests that if we improve our diets and lifestyles, we can keep these cancers at bay, hampering the promotion stage of cancer.  Reading this makes me a little queasy, but at the same time pushes me onward to “Go, Fight, Win” this #$@% illness. 

Another study followed a group of postmenopausal women for over seven years to measure breast cancer risk.  Many recommendations were made, but most significant were three life changes: limiting alcohol, eating mostly plant foods and maintaining a normal body weight.  Combined, these three changes resulted in a 62% lower risk of breast cancer.   Alcohol isn’t the risk itself, but rather the breakdown of alcohol once it enters your mouth called acetaldehyde.  I know, not the news you or I want to hear.  But, Greger does highlight a Harvard Nurses study that found that drinking red wine was not associated with breast cancer risk.  There is a compound in the skin of purple grapes that apparently cancels out some of the cancer risks of alcohol.  Good news for the red wine drinkers. 

Other reminders include eating less meat.   Carcinogens are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures- folks, this includes beef, pork, fish and poultry- YIKES!  And what about cholesterol?  Cancer appears to feed on cholesterol and the result is astounding.  One study reported that tumors ate so much cholesterol that cancer patients’ cholesterol levels drastically dropped as the cancer grew.  Hmmm. 

Greger is all about plant food- fiber, fiber, fiber.  Yes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  Eat the skin and buy organic J.  Cruciferous veggies and their ability to suppress cancer in the lab is significant.  Specifically broccoli, seems to be a BIG winner.  I bought broccoli sprouts yesterday and plan to throw them on all my meals- easy, peasy.  Other recommendations include flaxseeds and soy.  I know there has been controversy on the estrogen-like effect these foods can have.  However, Greger is a fan of both of them.  Green tea and mushrooms!  Need I say more?

Greger ends his book with his version of Daily Dozen.  I’m happy to report that I could check eleven of his twelve recommendations.  My kids…. Not so much.  I haven’t read the entire book, but have read Chapter 4, How Not To Die From Digestive Cancers.  I was diagnosed with colitis right after having my first child.  I can’t help but to believe that the inflammation I have experienced contributed to my risk of cancer promotion (among many other risks).  This book is full of research, 132 pages of notes to be exact.  Yes, I highly recommend it!

Christmas 2008, Year 1

Spring Break 2016, Year 8

Be Well,

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,

 

I Heart MDA

I Heart MDA.

After a brief hiatus from Anticancer Amy, I’m back!  My relationship with the cancer world will never end but sometimes distractions are good.  Things like summer, kids’ schedules and vacations.  I sat down several times in the past 4 months to write on Anticancer Amy, but was always interrupted (mostly by young humans). 

The cancer world has been knocking on my brain and tugging on my heart like crazy.  A friend was diagnosed with a breast cancer recurrence, two neighbors were diagnosed with breast cancer, Pearland Chickfila asked for Isabella’s giant pink ribbon for October, another neighbor friend lost her life to brain cancer, the kids had a pink lemonade stand, my brother in law accepted a job with the MD Anderson Head and Neck Cancer Clinic, I heard a new friend share her story on inflammatory breast cancer, we biked Tour de Pink, I’m on the board of directors for a new local organization called Positively Pink,  Waltz Warriors met our ticket quota to bring the movie Decoding Annie Parker to Houston, I attended a reception for a friend who was a finalist in patient care at MD Anderson and spent a weekend at the MD Anderson Survivorship Conference, the kids had more pink lemonade stands and finally, I went to an event on Living the Anticancer Life.  Whew!  10 years ago, I would have passed out if I knew what my 2014 world would look like.  Yes, God had a slightly different plan. 

At the MD Anderson Survivorship Conference there is a table with a rainbow of lanyards.  You choose a lanyard for your nametag based on how many years you have been a cancer survivor.  This is my second year to be blue (5-9 years).  It’s a blessing and all but, oh how I have my eyes set on red!  Caregivers wear white lanyards, the color for angels.  Some people wear several lanyards- those are the folks who have had more than one cancer diagnosis. 

As always, the conference is filled with data, stories, recommendations, scientific evidence and most importantly HOPE.  I heart MD Anderson, not just because I am a patient there, but because of the profound knowledge they are spreading to the planet!  This institution is hyper-specific.  MDA docs are writing the textbooks, publishing 10 papers per day!  The marrying of academia, biotech, government, clinical and biopharmocology is extraordinary.   In 2014, the US incidence of cancer will be 1.6 million, in 2035 it will jump to 2.4 million.  Cancer is now the #1 cause of death in the world, surpassing heart disease. 

A highlight of some things I learned or was reminded of at the Survivorship Conference:

1.       50-70% of cancer can be prevented by LIFESTYLE.  This is not debatable, there is measurable data out there. 

2.       Major drivers of cancer include viruses (think HPV), age, habits (think smoking & tanning beds!), genetics and environmental factors.

3.       MDA harvests 50 placentas per day to be used for stem cell transplants, the largest clinic in the world.

4.       There are over 1,000 current clinical trials at MDA, also used as standard of care.

5.       There IS scientific evidence that attitude, stress, exercise and nutrition matter in regards to cancer.  As one oncologist put it “The best way to thank MD Anderson is to do your part for cancer prevention and be healthy.”

6.       MDA is working to prevent ovarian cancer in first degree relatives by testing for BRCA.  Mind you, these services are FREE if not covered by your insurance company.

7.       MDA is also working in several areas to create vaccines for cancer- this is huge!  Dr. Amy Heimberger, a brain surgeon and immunologist, is working on a vaccine for brain cancer.  Can you imagine?

8.       Buzz words I heard:

·         Targeted Therapy

·         Immunotherapy

·         The Angelina Effect/ Surgical Prevention

·         Sequencing Genes

·         Molecular Understanding

·         Antibodies

9.       Dr. Lorenzo Cohen with the Integrative Health Clinic sends a daily email highlighting scientific findings reported in the news relevant to integrative medicine, cancer, health and wellness.  To subscribe to Lorenzo’s Health Corner email KMTaniguchi@mdanderson.org.  This clinic is doing some great things for those touched by cancer.  How does Tibetan meditation sound?

Every year I leave this conference with a newfound spirit of wellness.  It’s mental, it’s physical and it’s definitely spiritual.  Thank you Lord for this opportunity!

Be Well,

The Road to the Perfect Post Mastectomy Bra

Rated M for mature audiences :)

It is hard enough to find the perfect bra for someone with normal breasts.  Walk into any lingerie department and you find a slew of cups, widths, coverage, padding, wires, minimizers and colors.  Then, look at the price tag and you will understand that this is serious business.  Normal breasts?  Maybe I should say natural breasts.  I have seemed to have forgotten what that feels or looks like.  For those of us who have had remodeling of the breasts (a little addition here or there, an update, or in my case a demolition), finding the right bra can be very, very difficult.  

I was diagnosed with breast cancer mid-March of 2008.  A month later I was waking up from surgery being told that the single mastectomy I had just endured had revealed positive lymph nodes.  Hence, I was not a candidate for immediate reconstruction and I would have to live with one breast till the end of my treatment.  Cry, scream, fear, disfigured, anger, shock.  One breast?  I couldn’t imagine me, a 30-something year old mom trying to figure out how to cope without one of my breast girls.    

Chemo started May 13, 2008- my sister’s birthday.  My college roommates Shannon & Katie drove in from Dallas to be with me and my family for that first round.  Talk about angels.  Brett was with me at the hospital and my friends were taking care of the circus at home- because we all know that life does not stop for cancer.  The day after chemo, we were off to the prosthesis store.  It had been a month since my mastectomy and my skin was healing “nicely” so the docs said.  Up until that point I was wearing bandages, comfy sports bras and big t-shirts.  Now, I was ready for a prosthesis and a bra.

Shannon, Katie and I found ourselves at a lovely boutique that sold everything breast cancer and more.  The owner was there and she calmly helped me get fitted for a prosthesis and a new bra.  I was in denial.  From one side I looked like an adolescent boy with my torso concave.  My ribs protruded and my skin was not nice, it was tight and wrinkled.  Cry, scream, cry.  I mean really, who says “Gotta go get my breast prosthesis today”.  Oh Lord, what a humbling experience.  After hours of shopping at the breast store (because I needed that lace cami and the arm sleeve in case of lymphedema and the pink note cards and the feel good book and the empowering pink t-shirt and the burn cream for radiation) we had become best pals with the owner.  My new bra had pockets to insert what looked like a squishy swim toy.  Many of you probably have no idea what a breast prosthesis even looks like.  Well, here is a pic of a typical breast prosthesis.  And, yes mine was heavy-

I got used to the prosthetic bras and swim suits.  But, never fully comfortable.  It took searching and searching to find a mastectomy swimsuit that fit skinny ‘ole me.  Everywhere I went I was told the smallest size was an 8.  There were no cute binkinis or tankinis.  It was depressing!  Finally, I found more fashionable swimsuits in small sizes at www.landsend.com .   If I was more of the entrepreneur-type, I would have created a line of mastectomy swimsuits for young mothers with children.  Stylish suits that looked just like the ones the others mommas were wearing.  In fact, I still think there is a need- hint, hint for any of you out there. 

Fast forward a year later.

Reconstruction was planned and staged.  I had so many surgeries I simply lost count.  I had to be careful with bras and most of the time wore a post-surgical tank top from Amoena that I loved.  It even had pouches for drains that could be velcroed on the tank.  (Now that was a genius invention!) 

 
      
Soon I was into Champion sports bras from Target- I slept in them too.  They were good at keeping bandages in tack and hiding tape, etc. 

Once I graduated from Target bras, I was off to Nordstrom.  There I found the sweetest ladies trained in measuring breasts.  At the time my doctor only wanted me to wear wireless bras and I was able to find several from Wacoal that were decent.  For years I wore mostly Wacoal, up until last week.

Fast forward to present day.

After months of telling myself I needed to go for a bra check-up, I finally made a stop into Nordstrom at the Houston Galleria.  I was looking in the Wacoal section and asked a woman for help.  Kim Ayrom was her name and she was an angel, I swear I could hear her wings flapping.  She handed me her card which read Certified Fit Specialist, Prosthesis Specialist.  Oh Kim, where were you 5 years ago?  Kim took me to the back of the dressing rooms where there is a room with certificates hanging on the wall with important titles all related to bra fitting.  She was so kind, professional and not alarmed by any of my crazy scars.  She had me fitted into some great bras and a swimsuit.  And guess what, I had been wearing the wrong size.  Yes, I needed wider coverage for my implants.  I know you are thinking TMI, but this is a great resource, cancer or not.  This gal was heaven sent.  She kept apologizing for me not knowing about the Nordstrom Breast Prosthesis Program.  http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/breast-prosthesis-program?origin=leftnav  Nordstrom has a program that helps women through all stages of breast cancer surgery.  Most insurances reimburse for the products, which is a huge bonus!  Last week I made a vow to spread the word about Nordstrom’s Breast Program.  So here it is!  Whether you have had a lumpectomy, mastectomy or cosmetic implants, it is worth a visit for a bra check-up at Nordstrom.  It is free of charge and there is no pressure to purchase from Nordstrom.  You can just go in to get measured and then go elsewhere to purchase if you choose.  Kim Ayrom’s number is 832-201-2700 x1240. 

This week I received an email from Nordstrom informing me of the Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids.  And lo and behold, one of the bras I purchased is on sale.  I will be grabbing a couple of more because this is a great price!

Natori
'Mod' Low Cut Underwire Push-Up Bra
Was: $58.00 Now: $38.86 33% OFF Free Shipping

• item #923779

You might be curious now about breast surgeries and what it all looks like.  Last year, Pink Ribbons Project had the honor of bringing The Scar Project exhibition to Houston (www.thescarproject.org) .  This project is a series of raw photos of young breast cancer survivors.  It is difficult to find the right words to describe how I felt at this event.  Sad, empowered, angry, proud, sad, cry.  I’m not sure.  But, what I am sure of is that the photos I saw of men and women touched by breast cancer was a crystal clear definition of breast cancer awareness. 

The road to finding the perfect post mastectomy bra has been bumpy, newly paved, graveled and yeah, fu-nee!  Sometimes I just have to laugh.  If any of you would like a friend to go for a bra-check, I am always available.  Our Nordstrom has a yummy café next to the lingerie department where we can have lunch after meeting with Kim!

Be Well,

6 years!

Thank you everyone for the sweet birthday wishes, it is good to be 42.  The past year has been filled with a range of emotions.  I attended 3 funerals in 2013, all related to cancer.  Each celebration of life was intimate and beautiful, but at the same time devastating.  Cancer continues to be a part of my daily life, but isn’t that true for so many of you too?  I have many friends who have or have had cancer.   I read about cancer daily whether from my initiating a search or something coming across my desktop.  I see cancer in my scars that I have to look at every day.  And yes, some would just see a warrior or a badge of courage, but I can’t help but wish my scars were gone.  It is a burden I carry because at the same time I feel guilty that I’m complaining about scars.  I’m really looking forward to the perfect body in heaven.  But Lord not yet, I’m truly thankful for another birthday.

In March I celebrated 6 years as a cancer survivor.  My 12 year old daughter and I were on a ski lift together when I remembered it was 6 years!  We were surrounded by God’s landscape of beauty and it was a perfect time to share with Isabella how thankful I was and am for the 6 years.  Let me clarify, I’m thankful for life not cancer.   My 6 year check up with my wonderful oncologist Sharon Giordano http://www2.mdanderson.org/app/peoplefinder/person.cfm?id=3D5DD9DACF1D was uneventful.  For the first time, I had no anxiety-filled questions or concerns.  Whew!  I never thought I would get to this point, it is refreshing.  I will have to stay on Tamoxifen for 5 more years as the new studies are showing significant benefits on 10 years v. 5.  Onward with the hot flashes and other ‘not fun’ gynecological side effects……………  Oh Lord, I’ll take it!

I want to give back and am praying for God to show me how Waltz Warriors can best support breast cancer survivors this year.  Locally, I continue to serve on the board of Pink Ribbons Project www.pinkribbons.org.  I love this group of passionate men and women and appreciate what we are doing in the Houston community.  Speaking of Houston, I am enjoying the cool, spring weather and what a perfect time to eat outdoors.  Houston has some wonderful places to eat an anticancer meal alfresco.  To name a few- Local Foods (now with 2 locations), Adair Kitchen, Ruggles Green, Harvest Organic Grill, Radical Eats, Corner Table and Sparrow.  There are many more, which makes me proud to be in Houston.  This spring, Fox Restaurant Concepts www.foxrc.com will bring True Food Kitchen to the Galleria area.  I am thrilled!  This is a must eat restaurant and makes me feel like Houston is becoming one with the earth like those Colorado and Arizona folks. 

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Ali Miller, RD, LD, CDE www.naturallynourished.com.  I first heard Ali speak at a Food as Medicine event at Sparrow.  She immediately had my full attention with her discussion on cancer prevention.  Soon after, I made an appointment to see her.  Ali is a dietitian with both conventional and unconventional training- she marries the two perfectly.   She told me “we are going to put out the fire and rebuild the house.”  Aaaaaaah, someone who speaks my language.  I look forward to this newfound knowledge of detoxification.  Currently, I am awaiting results from a blood test that will identify pro-inflammatory foods in my body.  I know (I think I know) some of what this blood test will tell me.  However, hopefully these results will solidify many of my theories on types of food, inflammation and cancer/ disease prevention for my body.   And what am I going to do with that information?  I am going to start putting out the fire and rebuilding my house J.  To be continued.. 

The Shift

Last week, the World Health Organization reported that new cancer cases will skyrocket globally in the next 20 years.  Cancer deaths are predicted to rise from 8.2 million to 13 million a year!  Currently the most common cancers globally are lung, breast and colon.  Tobacco is to blame for 33% of cancer in the U.S. and poor nutrition, obesity and physical inactivity account for 28%.  This report is heavy, burdensome and depressing.  Clearly, what we are doing is simply not enough.  Yes, cancer advances have been incredible and miraculous in some cases.  But somehow the human race is balancing these advances with lifestyle choices that support more cancer. 

My belief is that God’s will is good, he wants us to live and be healthy.  He has given us tools and blessed us beyond measure with ways to fight cancer.  Why are good people diagnosed with stage 4 cancer?  Why are some of the most faithful faced with months to live?  Why are innocent children admitted to cancer centers every minute?  These questions blur my mind, give me a headache, make me sad.  Years into my cancer survivorship, it hit me that God wanted to use my circumstance for the GOOD.  Use me Lord!  I have prayed for (almost) 6 years! 

Where then lies the shift?

Even if you have not been touched with cancer, although really, everyone has.  It is up to us to make the shift towards longevity.  I’m not talking perfection, just baby shifts.  Baby shifts, hmm.  There are many things we can do to support good health and fight cancer.  I’m not saying A+B= cancer, it is not that simple.  So much in our environment effects our genes and can turn that one gene on that promotes tumor growth.  If we make small shifts in a variety of areas in our environment, I believe we will make a difference in our health.  What do these shifts look like?

Maybe you smoke 1 pack a day instead of 2
Maybe you join a yoga studio and attend 4 days a week
Maybe you schedule a weekly longevity coffee with friends
Maybe you get involved with your house of worship more
Maybe you start reading food labels and try to decrease consumption of processed foods
Maybe you start buying organic
Maybe you never miss a medical checkup
Maybe you start juicing
Maybe you eat less meat
Maybe you join a tennis league
Maybe you change your beauty products to phthalate/paraben free
Maybe you just say NO to fast food
Maybe you join an advocacy group that supports cancer research
This list can go on forever…
 
Anticancer advocacy is growing!  Not a day goes by that I don’t see something related to fighting cancer.  One blog that I recently started following is Food Babe- http://foodbabe.com/ .  Talk about passion and GO for clean food.  This gal is a shifter!  As you enter 2014, I am praying for good shifts.  It’s a daily task for me, one that has to be intentional. 
So, onward to fighting cancer my friends and Be Well,