Vegan-ish

Of all the emails I get, the one about "diet" is probably the most prevalent in my inbox.  This "lifestyle" book by Kris Carr has been a "crazy" ride to read.  Her book is informative in a way that any newbie like myself can completely digest and set into motion quickly.  As a young newly diagnosed woman with all kinds of cancer throughout her body, Kris searched and searched for a team of doctors who would help her fight her cancer in a holistic and natural way.  Seven years later, while still living with cancer (which is now stable), she is the picture of health, inside and out, despite the cancer.

At stage 4, the progression of our cancer is too advanced and we're told by our doctors "We can't cure you of your disease any longer."  But Kris says, who cares (?) in a little bit more colorful language, and says "Change now.  Love now.  Live now."

I've been carrying her book everywhere, and whatever "your" personal cancer might be (heart disease anyone?  Chronic fatigue?  Arthritis?  Overweight?) she has a plan for you!  I've been surprised by how very "doable" changing my diet has been.  My energy has improved, and overall I feel better than I have in a long time.  Of course, I am still following my conventional treatment plan and doing my chemo as advised, so I do have side-effects to contend with, but I've also found those to be manageable.

These green smoothies, or liquid salads, have become a staple for me.  We found an old Vita-Mixer on ebay for a steal and I've been blending away for weeks now.  Colton has even joined me in his enthusiasm for them and will drink one alongside of me.  I've embraced the green and have done away with most meats, dairy, sugar, and most kinds of gluten.  

My doctor's only hesitation has been in doing away completely with red meat as its the only natural form of vitamin B12.  So I do work in some hamburger or fish to make sure I am getting that vitamin.

And for all of you making meals for my family, no worries on what you make!  We haven't met a meal that we didn't love and you shouldn't alter anything you are making.  My family is till eating mostly the standard american diet (SAD) and this momma is happy when her family has food to eat for dinner and I didn't have to plan it, prepare, or cook it.  Its one of my energy "lifesavers" and allows me to be with my family and spend my time enjoying being with them.  So thank you to all of my dinner-maker- warriors! You guys are my heroes and I couldn't do this without your support!  

Every once in awhile, a bracelet photo escapes my reach and goes through to my spam.  I'm sorry if I've unintentionally not posted someone's photo!  Feel free to let me know I missed you somehow!  

This bracelet photo is Lindsay who not only is a fellow Cobber (class of 2002) but she shared this with me "I'm on a committee for our local Relay for Life.  We had a BBQ fundraiser today, so I wore our team t-shirt.  My team has a baseball theme this year, and our motto is "Hitting Cancer Out of the Park."  It's been fun to raise money for a great cause."  

Thanks so much Lindsay!  

So today is THE day.  At the end of the day I will be taking down my bracelets button.  So you have a few more hours to get in your final orders!  Thanks to Pam for all of her hard work!  Thanks to you for all of your support!  

I remain humbled by all of the people who show up at our door with the most thoughtful goodies!  My family thoroughly devoured these cookies along with some banana muffins.  I've never met Angie even though our kids have been in the same class before.  It takes a special person to come to a "stranger's" house and offer them kindness in this way.  But each time this happens, I find that my circle of friends just increases.  My moments of gratitude just keep piling up.