I've got the "all clear" from all the docs. I've healed well, am handling the daily dose of Tamoxifen relatively well (it's messing with my sleep), and have few post-cancer treatment complaints. I still have joint pain regularly, some mood issues from the surgical menopause, and the extra weight to deal with. My hair is growing back in like gangbusters. In fact, I'm already at that awkward "can't do anything with this mop on my head" stage. Woohoo! My doctors are impressed. My surgical oncologist has cleared me for a year. My radiation oncologist wants to see me in a couple of months to check my skin (which is healing just fine) and then he'll clear me for a year too. I'll see my medical oncologist every six months for awhile, as standard practice, and everything goes back to normal with gyn visits. Two thumbs up, eh?!
As you know, my focus is now shifted to figuring out what "normal" will be. There are ups and downs. Some days I push myself a little too hard and end up crazy tired. But, for the most part, I'm fantastic. Part of finding the new normal is figuring out a healthy diet and exercise routine, altering some habits, finding ways to enjoy life everyday and I need to get (and stay) healthy for the long haul. I'm planning to stick around a long time.
When all of this craziness was getting started, several good friends made mention of dietary changes I should consider, but I was so overwhelmed with everything cancer, I just did what I could, when I could. Now that I have more time, I'm looking more closely at their advice. I have good friends! Before you read on, let me make one important distinction: when I talk about "diet," I mean it in the food-we-eat sense, not the food-we-eat-to-lose-weight sense, though that is an obvious added benefit to making many of these changes, and weight loss is crucial for my long term health. I'm focused, as I've said, on the long haul, not just short term benefits, so I'm working hard to find dietary changes that are evidence-based, healthy, and realistic for me.
First, there's
The China Study, a study turned book turned diet plan that is centered around the health benefits of a plant-based diet. We all get it; veggies are good for us. After having read the health stats and comparisons between the Standard American Diet (no coincidence the abbreviation there is SAD) and plant-based diets, like those in rural China, it seems obvious that we standard American dieters need to "get it" a little better. Dr. Campbell's study of plant-based nutrition and disease in China,as discussed in the book, has been a game changer stateside. It's not new, in fact I may be the last person on the planet to have read it, but if not, I've linked to the Amazon page so you can buy it and read it too. Campbell's findings have significant power in terms of US dietary policy (the change in FDA food pyramid to "My Plate" is largely based on the findings and work pioneered by Dr. Campbell), and have influenced research foundation recommendations, like those of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Basically, eat a lot more plants and a lot less (or no) animal-based proteins. But really, the book will blow your mind.
Another, and related, piece of advice was to check into Alkaline diets. While I am still researching and learning about alkaline vs acid foods and how they impact our bodies and our health, some of the basics seem, well, basic. Largely plant based, though some fish is ok, alkaline diets consider the pH of foods and place them on a spectrum from acid to alkaline. The more acidic our bodies are, the more disease and other health related issues stir up. Acidity and inflammation in the body are closely linked. And, as it seems, the more acidic our diet, the more inflammation in our bodies, the more health problems we have. In terms of evidence-based recommendations, there is something to be said for alkaline diets, mostly because they promote healthy eating habits and a predominantly plant-based diet, as well as pushing you to rid your diet of processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine. There is no scientific data that proves any of the claims made by the "alkies," but even WebMD (a mainstream, popular medical info site) says that there is some
"evidence that a diet low in acid-producing foods like animal protein (such as meat and cheese) and bread and high in fruits and veggies could help prevent kidney stones, keep bones and muscles strong, improve heart health and brain function, reduce low back pain, and lower risk for colon cancer and type 2 diabetes." I'm not jumping ship on my morning coffee routine just yet, but I can cut it back to one cup of java a day, drink more water, eat A LOT more veggies ( i do love them anyway!), and keep reading and researching. Don't worry, I'll do the leg work and share it all with you!
As I was writing this blog about diet and nutrition, my tummy started rumbling. I've already walked off (3 miles in the heat and humidity) my morning indulgence of fresh-from-the-oven Sweet Beer Bread that mom made (I really should ask her to share that recipe with all of you). I had a head of cabbage in the fridge that needed to be used up, and mom had mentioned earlier that a stir-fry would be a good option. Here's what I whipped up. Seriously tasty. Eat it on its own, add "ramen" noodles for a yummy noodle bowl, serve over rice or quinoa, serve as a side-dish to homemade Chinese food..whatever, just eat this! You can thank me later.
Cabbage Stir-Fry
1 small head Cabbage, sliced thin (most varieties will work)
1 medium or ½ large sweet onion, sliced thin
½ cup vegetable broth
1tbsp Hoisin sauce
Kosher salt, powdered ginger, black pepper, garlic powder to
taste
2tbsps. Coconut oil
Heat Oil in deep skillet or wok-pan on med/high heat. Add
thinly sliced cabbage & onion, sprinkle with kosher salt & pepper. Stir
occasionally. In small bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, Hoisin sauce, garlic
& ginger powders. Once cabbage and onion are wilted, pour in sauce mixture.
Cook 3-5 minutes on med/high heat, stirring frequently.
The first, Pretty in Pink Foundation's Pink Fashion Walk was an amazing gala event. Held at the Coastline Convention Center with around 400 people in attendance, this was an outstanding party and they were able to raise a lot of money to help local breast cancer patients pay for care! 40 survivors modeled evening gowns and party dresses from Camilles; hair and makeup done by professionals back stage. There was an awesome shadowbox at the front of the intimidatingly long runway (a la Project Runway). I made so many new friends that night. The energy back stage was incredible. Food, bar, music, swag, THE WALL OF WINE.... every detail was thought of. Listen folks, you don't want to miss this event next year. Let's start planning our table(s) now!
The second event, hosted by Love Is Bald, was a fashion show at downtown Wilmington's Bakery 105. It was really cool to see survivors of all types of cancer, and their loved ones, come together to raise money. This group is a 3rd party fundraiser, and they give funds to other charities each year. This years money goes to the Lo Tide Run, helping local cancer patients pay for treatments. Lots of fashions were modeled this year, including Lure (one of downtown's coolest shops) and The Wedding Dress Shoppe. I had the pleasure of stomping around in two stunning wedding gowns. Not sure I did them justice, but I know they looked better at the show/in person than in the pics I have from the event. Regardless, it was awesome and the energy was great. My favorite part was getting pampered by Adrienne and Lori at Brush Salon. Flecks of gold in my hair and AIRBRUSHED makeup. So much fun!
Don't forget the Run for the Ta Tas 5k race is in less than 2 weeks. Your participation in the race can be in support of either of these charities. I've got the 3rd largest team for the race. Team Brave Like A Tree (discount code TaTas13) may not be the fastest, but we've got SPIRIT! Last day to register for the team is Oct 1 (https://its-go-time.com/
