Hi my dear ones,
So it's sunday night, I just wrapped shooting for the evening (workin' on a wellness series for the DVD extras) and me and the hubby are winding down, kicking back and checking in. Perfect time to peel away and visit with you! I know I said I'd blog about colonics and then soy, and I promise I will, but I want to circle back and chat about the importance of transition and reality - not perfection.
For many of you this is all new stuff, it certainly was for me when I first started. The shit hit my personal fan and I dove so deep that my life went into a full tilt boogie tail spin. I had no idea that change takes time and that a roaring river ain't gonna stand for pushin'.
If you want to be successful ya gotta have a big ole chat with yourself - a come to Jesus, Buddha, Elvis. This DETOX isn't a short term fling with a stingy uptight lover. I don't want you to mourn and crave and wonder when all this deprivation BS will be "put-a-fork-in-it" done. If you really want to win and glow you gotta take it in stride. You have to patient and bite off just what you can chew in that moment. Vegan? Veggie? Carnivore? Omnivore? Where are YOU on the chart? It's ok. Be honest, no need for zero to 60! this is about upgrading your life not ruining it. If you want to climb the mountain you have to train. You can't go straight to the olympics and expect to receive gold!
I get anywhere from 50-100 emails everyday and most folks need something big asap. They assume that I have all the answers and that I am a perfect flawless angel. Nope. I struggle just like you do. I may know a heck of a lot but it doesn't mean that I've mastered it all. Yes I can blow your mind and tell you how to vibrate in a way you've never experienced, but one step at a time. Most of us would fall flat on our faces and release toxins so fast that we'd back up the system with trapped debris and kicked-up poisons.
With my recent success some funny things have happened. I go to restaurants and people recognize me. They watch me like a hawk. People cry and hug me as if I've got the granola stigmata and my nail clippings will heal them. That ain't me folks.
I see many teachers or people in my position preach and spank and scold. Then they hit the ho ho's and dive head first into martini's and marrow. As we used to say in nutrition class, "the bigger the front, the bigger the back". The pix of me above illustrates a sunday morning, pre-work cup o' Joe fest. That's right, COFFEE (in my oprah mug). I don't do it often, once or twice a month at most. It's an acid bath, a pH shit storm and I enjoyed every sip. After I drank the yummy sin I waited about a half hour, had my green drink and got right back on track. But I wanted to be honest. I'm working on health just like you. So let's all relax and have some faith and fun. We're gonna get there, some faster than others but when we arrive our friends will welcome us.
Soy? Green tea? Meat? DAIRY? Mercury filings? Panic, Fear, doubt....dis-ease. The stress of it all can be just as acidic as a hunk of no no. If you're reading this blog on a weekly basis you're committed to change and you're on the path. Give yourself a break. Our goal is healthy cells and we're going to do our best to put one foot in front of the other in order to break our patterns of domestication.
You are on the train. Some days you are the conductor, other days you hang on to the caboose. But guess what? We're all on the 5:08 and by God we're moving forward.
Pretty soon we're gonna step away from food for a bit and dive into spirit because you can't separate body and mind, they are one. I have seen people with perfect health, not a drop of cancer, complain, whine and cry over the smallest "mess ups" in their diets. When I was macrobiotic and training to be a counselor I saw folks crumble over measuring their miso wrong. That's no way to live. Life is sweet. Don't toss your confidence into the cosmic dumpster.
Do you get why I posted this tonight? I want you all to enjoy the process of waking up to health. Don't get mad or sad or scared if you haven't figured it all out yesterday. It's a toxic world, the further you dig the more outraged you'll become. Our system is broken and so are most of the tools we've been given to navigate it. Oh, well, we'll triumph anyway.
Find your bliss and your joy, know that you are a white light disco with no ceilings and no limitations.
Peace, veggies and a momentary splash of coffee! DOH!!!! BAD!!!!!! giggles....
K
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Perfection
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Thanks for the post Kris...I waited all weekend for one! I am committed to making a change...and I know it's going to have to be a slow one. I can give up drinking milk, no problem, but I'm going to need to expand my horizons to get my calcium elsewhere. After my thyroid cancer, I'm on synthroid everyday...I've heard that soy is a no no for people on synthroid...it messes with the uptake of the drug. I think that I can get my nutrients from juicing and a better diet. I know I could stand to give up the sugars in my diet...can't wait till you do a blog on sugars and cancer. Juicing will be a huge step for me, and I can't wait to start. I'll wait to see who you give those juicers out to...I may get lucky:) I wrote one of those 500-ish e-mails to put my name in the running! Hey, a girl can dream!! I'm ready for the challenge! I'm going to my nearest Whole Foods this weekend to see what they have to hold, and I'm super excited to look at their body section and see if I can find some new make-up. Nothing wrong with looking hot everyday!! :)
P.S. I can't wait till CSC comes out on DVD!!
Thanks so much. It's always good to see the 'human side' of anyone. So true-no one is perfect. I know my road is going to be slow. I'm cutting back on some of my meds (with permission from my Dr)-so far, so good...switching to better vitamins, trying to eat more veggies, getting more exercise, figuring out how to buy a juicer, etc etc!
Thanks, as always!
Loyal reader (addict ;)),
Rachel
http://iamobsessedwithlife.blogspot.com/
thank you
honestly, ive been obsessing with this new life style like you explained. it HAS been overwhelming. i have a list of things i have to buy. i'm getting headaches :(. i'm actually NOT feeling energized because i'm STRESSING more than i should be gaining
anyway, i tried to calm down today. i ate a crap load of guacamole to get rid of the headache and that worked. and my list of books, juicers, and things will turn into my christmas list :) and i'll just have to wait
perfect time to transition while i wait!
you're awesome and never cease to amaze me with inspiration. again, thankyouthankyouthankyou :D
hugs,
jenn
"Find your bliss and your joy, know that you are a white light disco with no ceilings and no limitations".
Best thing I've heard all weekend. Thanks love.
Your blogs almost always make me cry. So relevent to where I am and how I'm feeling! Much needed encouragement. My motto coinicidentally for the week (in my new dietary changes) has been Progress NOT perfection! I have slipped a few times but did get back on track- didn't beat myself up for it either! Each little step will get me to where I want to be- so thank you for this posts.
Sweet post :) and wise words. your post reminded me of 2 wise proverbs-
Proverbs 12:25 "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad."
Proverbs 25:11 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
thats what your post was...."apples of gold in pictures of silver." :)
and equally funny too!-rofl at "granola stigmata"
so does this mean I can eat a cheeseburger today? ;) can I get a side of nail clippings with that!
Hey Kris, You are Awesome, there's no doubt. It is true we are all human and we will go astray as we strive for a healthier lifestyle. Never beat yourself up. It's all part of the process. We have to figure out whether we're still on the right path. Some may decide not for them. That's ok too. The important thing is that you stay focused on whatever you have made your commitment to. The beauty of making a LIFETIME commitment is that it does take time so we all don't have to rush. So whatever your sidetrack may be, coffee, I'm with ya there Kris, wine, or pizza, shit, yes, I'm still gluten intolerant, I keep forgetting, the important thing is that you keep going. Like making any commitment whether a relationship, an new exercise plan or a healthier diet when you fall off the wagon you pick yourself up and you just keep going.
Love you all and thanks for being around at 5:30a. Sleepy. Baboo
So you go to a restaurant...and WHAT do you order? What if it's Mexican? Eating is incredibly social in our world today...do you eat salad after salad after salad????
Thank you! I became a vegetarian 2 years ago after my mom died from my breast cancer. I figured if my mom died I must be a ticking time bomb. Over the last two years I've read a lot of things. Tried some things that were unsuccessful and now am just trying to find a path that really makes sense as you can be an unhealthy vegetarian!
Currently, I'm headed to being vegan but think I do need to detox but have no idea how. I've tried plans before that were unsuccessful. Is your plan in your book?
Also, you mentioned green tea. Is it bad for you.
Thanks for the inspiration, your courage, and your knowledge. You rock!
Thanks for the post, Kris! The timing couldn't be better- I ate lots of pasta and almost no veggies this weekend, and yesterday went to Bed, Bath and Beyond to look at juicers in an effort to atone for my sins. When I saw them I panicked. The commitment realized... "What if I hate green juice and its really gross? Can I really do this? Man they are expensive"
It's SO easy to get overwhelmed...
I didn't buy a juicer, but I did go to whole foods and bought a ton of veggies- at least I can add more and more good stuff to my meals for now. Its a step in the right direction.
After I prepared a healthy dinner last night (inspired by marathon runners)I downloaded more tips and advice on this blog- and was reminded how grateful I am for this resource! Its nice to get bits of info to digest, and to be able to ask questions and read comments from others...
Now its Monday morning and after reading that post and buying veggies I'm back in the saddle, baby! Woo hoo! Feeling less overwhelmed and very large-and-in-charge. Its a win/ win.
Thank you for making this life change do-able, and helping me be successful.
XO
julie
Hi Kris and thanks for the awesome post! Just a few questions if thats ok...without going into details and besides a colon cleanse what is good for keeping system really regular? I read about aloe vera juice? Whatcha think about that? Also, i just received my Breville juicer (YAY) and i am anxious to start! What do you recommend for green juicing? I am going to make a run to WF today!!! Do you eat completely raw? Kris you have to know how unbelievable you are to so many of us!!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!
Michelle
Hi Kris!
You have just made my day. In January I was diagnosed with cancer and began juicing, eating raw, eliminating coffee all on my own without any book. I just believed it was the right thing to do...and BOY did I feel great! I felt SO good through my chemo treatments. Everyone was amazed at how great I was doing. I owed it all to my new way of eating, a new life I called it. Then June came along, I was announced in full remission and all of the sudden...good bye juicing and hello potato chips and chocolate and cup after cup of coffee with sugar and cream. I have been living for the last four months in guilty and anger at the way I have been treating my body. But today for some strange reason I woke up with a feeling of renewal. I woke up and juiced! Then I turned on my computer, came to your blog and here you were discussing the ups and downs we can all face. We are human....it is ok to f*@# up as long as we get back on the right path. I know that the stress I have put myself through with feelings and thoughts of guilt because of the "I shouldn't be eating this and that I should be exercising" did and does a lot more damage than actaually not doing it...does that even make any sense? I think you know.
Thank you so much for documenting your experiences with canSer...it has been a gift in my life and reading about you and watching you only proves to me even more so that everything is all good....it is what it is and we are all kicking ass at it! Peace...Izzy :)
Thanks for this post, Kris. I've just started a detox yesterday... and yes, I have already begun to feel like I can't make it. At about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon a double cheesburger with bacon and chedder cheese stuffed jalepenos sounded just about right... and this whole journey to health sounded like the dumbest idea I have ever had... but I made it through... got loads of sleep... woke up and sipped my hot lime water for a morning kickstart before my walk and breakfast... and read your blog... and you have just given me enough inspiration to at least make it through breakfast :) thanks!
AMEN Hot Tomatos!
I have to admit, I was a little nervous abou this post. I made Brian read it and I said "do you think they'll split because I'm not perfect?" I knew the answer but the truth is that few people in the profession I'm in really tell it like it is when it comes to their own life. They have every bit of advise for YOURS. So thank you all. You renewed my faith in honesty being the best policy.
OK, to the questions:
RESTAURANTS! Much easier than you think, and no, it's not saladville all the time. Boring! For me it is about staying 70/30 or 80/20 even when I go out and not forgetting to proper food combine. So let's say you are going mexican...
I would get guacamole, salad and rice. OR guac, salad and beans. Stay away from the chips BUT if you do dive into them then don't eat beans with them. I get a great veg burrito in a whole wheat spinach wrap with sauted greens and grilled veg at my mexican rest. I eat about half of it because it is huge and then I have a lovely salad and save the rest for lunch the next day. Play, don't fret. Just remember to eat more of the veggies and comine well. Last night we went to our favorite joint and I had a great salad with lots of fun stuff in it, (some of my hubby's fries) and roasted brussel sprouts. The fries were the hand cut kind that are roasted and not dipped in a vat of rancid old oil, and they were properly combined.
We cooked pasta for the film crew yesterday. Tinkyada rice pasta with fresh tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and grated raw goat cheese - salad too. I ate a bigger portion of the salad and my rice pasta was the side dish. So good, that was lunch. Get it? xo
Aloe is wonderful, I drink it in pure water daily. Aloe cleanses the body and helps with proper digestion and elimination. Also, if you are having a hard time keeping your bowels moving try one of the following cal/mag citrate OR Natural Calm. Both are non addictive, they are not laxatives but they relax your bowel and stimulate movement! I think you can google Natural Calm and get it on line. xo
Mimuna - Oh honey, GET JUICED. I will tell you that the one thing I do not miss ever is my juice. You can move mountains with it, and I don't care what anyone else says, juicing is the key and corner stone to healing and vibrant health. So if you hate all the greens at first add lemon or a bit of apple or carrot. I love adding lemon and oh so alkalizing, great for you liver too. Do it girl, if you regret it and feel like you made a mistake (give yourself time for your tastes buds to change) - but if you hate it, well then I will reimburse you for your juicer! OK? xo
Off to shoot, back tonight! Colonics by Wednesday I promise. Then I'm off to The Lance Armstrong Foundation for the annual Young Adult Alliance Meeting. I'm showing the film, doing a chat and hosting pod casts on nutrition and exercise. Then more good travel I'll dish with ya later. :)
lol, you rock.
Not only is that all very true but you often give me such a good case of the giggles.
It doesn't have to be all at once, every change we all make towards better health is one step in the right direction, it's a journey not a marathon (in my humble opinion).
It took me 30 years to get to less then optimum health so it's only fair that I take my time getting back.
Good Morning Kris,
Your advice is so very timely...you are just like so many of us, canser girls looking to wake up and enjoy each beautiful day!
It is all about the choices peeps, and no matter what, you always have a choice when it comes to YOU! You're right, its not about perfection, because only by learning from mistakes and/or stumbling along the way can you see the bigger picture. Each of us is different and these are the guidelines, just be smart about them!
I believe that you, Kris have the gift and talent for expressing these ideas for many who can't...your experiences have become invaluable to many and allows us to feel empowered to make these choices. I'm sure its scary at times, but what an amazing dialogue we've got going! As I've said before, you are another angel on my side!
Set the goals...baby steps and day-by-day, we all want to be included with those who are progression-free or in remission. Remember to enjoy the journey, don't stress it!
much thanx and hugs
I have been giving myself permission to "fall off the wagon" once or twice on the weekends since I started the new green direction and I feel ok about it. I know the new diet is helping but I also know that veering off once in a while is OK too. Since being diagnosed with my own Stage 4 tumors in the liver, it's been a little of this and a little of that (including lots of chemo mind you). And I am choosing to believe that it is working. My big Scan is this Thursday November 8, my daughter's 7th birthday. If that isn't enough to live for, what is??????? Kris, loved this blog because it gives us permission to be human and also makes you human which of course we all know you are, but you do have a bit of angel quality....that's just me!!!! Thank you so much. Can't wait to hear about the spiritual stuff. That is also my next endeavour.
great post!
I think it's so important to just take it in your stride. And not feel like you are going to reach some ultimate goal. Because once you get there, then what next? Health is hard to measure, but if you feel you have it, then what's the motivation to keep it up?
I think we need to honour ourselves and our bodies. And by doing that we might be able to lessen these guilty feelings.
Enjoy eating good food because heck your body enjoys it and it builds a good YOU. Enjoy a cheeseburger if you want it - but keep it in perspective. If your mind enjoys it, then thats good!
The human body is a wonderful thing, but without the YOU it's nothing, to appreciate what we have and to enjoy making it feel good is something we can do every day without feeling guilty.
don't know why Im spurting this out, more to my benefit perhaps : ) your comment roll is like a therapy couch!
Awesome blog! For me it was perfect timing. I'm starting to eat raw, not sure about combining yet, ordered my juicer, and I may have had my last cup of coffee yesterday. That coffee yesterday felt like an explosion my belly. TMI?
Anyways, I woke up on time for a yoga class this morning! Can't believe it.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Like everyone else, I have to say THANK YOU for this amazing post. It's easy to put someone you admire on an extremely high pedestal and then when you can’t reach that same height you end up being devastated. It’s important to know that we all struggle. I know my partner has mentioned that I tend to get on these big ideas but then can never seem to fully follow through with them. After doing some thinking I realized I get great ideas but then expect myself to reach that goal and make that change in a day. Basically, going from my regular eating to full on juicer and cutting everything else out all in one hour! So now what is my goal? Well, I’m going to start making small changes over time. And after a longer time, all those little changes are going to add up to a big change and it’s going to be gradual and thereby an actual lifestyle change – not just some fad.
It can be hard when we expect so much from ourselves, and especially if we believe that others are perfect and so why can’t we be perfect like them too? It’s good to know we’re all in this together and we all have rough times. The key – failure just means not getting back up after you fall. We’ll all fall sometimes. Just remember to get back up. And remember that we’re all here to help you get back on your feet if you need it!
Thanks so much for the post, Kris. I told myself I was going to be 100% raw this past weekend, and didn't meet that expectation by far. I've been feeling guilty, so this is exactly what I needed to hear!
Thank you!
Also, I have a question: since juicing takes out the fiber of the veggeis, why not just stick all of it in a blender (so you get all of the fiber), so then you don't have to do a colonic?
Kris,
Thank you for your honesty. Honesty is ALWAYS the best way to go. You gave us all affirmation that are human - and for that I thank you.
It reminded me of when my oldest was little and my hubby was on deployment(Used to fly for the Navy). I was trying to be the happy-go-lucky mom all the time but what it did was give her this impression that she didn't have permission to feel sad or angry. Once I let her see my own anger and sadness she let it out and we were on a roll. So thank you.
I have a background in exercise physiology and nutrition and your post also reminds me of what I used to tell my clients (personal training). Instead of trying to make all the many changes at once I would tell them to set one goal per week or so. Make the goal realistic so they were achievalbe and they felt success - which is so important emotionally. We all know negative thought patterns also creates an acidic body.
So cancer peeps, one goal at a time. Tell yourself you will juice three times this week, or try a yoga class, or eat raw until dinner...omething easy-peasy for you. You will be on the progress wheel in no time.
We had company last night - I ate well and food combined correctly, but add those two beers and then we all dove into my kids' Halloween Candy. Ugh. I felt like such crap - gas cramps, you name it. BUT I woke up and juiced and today is a new day. :)
Here's to us all! Cheers with our green concoctions!! Have a happy day everyone and thanks for being such an inspiration to my days. :)
Love,
Kim
Need feedback folks.
I have been reading for awhile, but have never posted. I DID IT...I went and bought the Breville that everyone has been talking about. This morning was my first JUICING experience.
MY BLEND: Cucumber, Kale, Celery, Asparagus, Cabbage, Romaine and Broccoli. When I went to the store, I figured the more green I throw in there the better, is this a good way of looking at it? QUESTION: Was that a good combo?
I must admit that it was gross. I am really going to have to get used to it or throw in some fruit to get started. I do know though that throwing those juiced veggies into my body is not gross and so I must push on. The blend made about 2 cups which I gulped down. QUESTION: Is that a good amount to get in daily?
Kris you rock... awesome post.
You know I think we all relate to you because you are so human and flawed and perfect. Just like me and every other blogger. We are all searching... missionaries on the path of light sharing and learning and thank God we now have a global outlet that allows us all to connect. I worry about you. It can be stressful to begin anything new and you are right. That goes for being famous too. I hope the fishbowl doesn't bug you. From what I understand you have had that a while. But being an Icon can be work. Like being a minister it is hard to be the one.. questions and questions and pressure. I was taught in seminary that if we are at peace our community would be at peace along with us and with themselves. You create your own reality. And while we are creating the learning atmosphere for change we have to accept that we are all changing and that will create a wave of movement in all our lives. I think this blog has tapped into the deepest core of spirituality in people who have faced the possibility of changing this relm for the next and are willing to make today the best most light filled day they can. I know that your words and energy has renewed mine. And the people who blog here have changed me. When humans connect in a place where we all are of like mind miracles happen. You may be our Dali of Veggies but you are also Kris who struggles right along side us. So thanks. I think this blog was your most profound. Life is about being present. Even for the mug of coffee sin.. Deliciousness heals in its own way then flush and go.. hugs, glitter and many blessings. callie
Michelle - Go easier on the "strong" flavored veggies (ie asparagus & kale)! Cukes & Celery are great for the base, then add one of two of the stronger flavors for the nutritional *bang*!
My morning juice usually consists of 1 lg. cucumber, 1 (sometimes 2) celery stick, two or three leaves of kale (not huge leaves..if it's huge, I do two, tops!)and sometimes a broccoli stem (again, not a huge one). I let the juicer run into a measuring cup and usually get about 12 ounces. I've also started growing pea sprouts...another good addition that's full of good stuff and has a sweet flavor. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon, sometimes I add a squirt of lemon...sometimes I toss a small apple in for a different flavor!
Go easy and get used to the simple flavors (cuke, celery) before you try and go head first into every green veggie in the market!!! The bottom line is, if you don't like the flavor, you won't stick with it...start small and gradually make little changes...actually, I think that's what Kris is saying in this blog post. Make baby steps that you are comfortable with...create your own path that YOU can live with! Small changes over time are they key to making it a lifestyle.
Keep playin...you'll start to love it! Good luck!
This crazy sexy blog and our crazy sexy hero Kris has got me hooked on young coconuts now...I think I need to buy a second refrigerator!!! lol :)
Green Goddess asked:
"Also, I have a question: since juicing takes out the fiber of the veggeis, why not just stick all of it in a blender (so you get all of the fiber), so then you don't have to do a colonic?"
I was wondering that too.
According to Natalie Rose, "When the juice is separated from the fiber we can ingest much more of the organic water from the vegetables because the bulk of the fiber does not get in the way and fill us up. This organic water that is extracted from the vegetables contains all the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes from the plant. Fiber is nothing more than roughage...you are going to be getting so much fiber in a raw food-based diet that you don't need to worry about missing it in your juice. Further, because there is no fiber in the juice, your body will not waste energy on digestion. The enzymes go straight to cellular level to do their work. Remember, when enzymes can go straight into the cells they can go to work cleaning out rubbish and making you leaner and healthier! (The Raw Food Detox Diet, p. 50)."
That's Natalia Rose, but what do you think, Kris?
Oops I meant Natalia Rose.
Basic me - what a beautiful post. Wow, you have a gift. Just LOVED it.
Michelle - I agree with Linda. Go easy. Add a small apple (or half) and add that half of lemon. It is awesome - green lemonade. I add a few ice cubes and it is delish!
Besides reading "The Ph Miracle" I am also reading "The Raw Food Detox Diet" and it is great about taking those baby steps. It is so easy to read and understand. She gives you the background (much of what Kris is teaching us) and then you take this quiz to determine your "transition number". This allows you to transition slowly into eating raw and food combing correctly to eat "quit exit" meals as she calls it. She even gives meal plans, recipes, etc.
She makes it so easy and doable. Give it a read!
My puppy is ready for his morning romp. Gotta run. Can't wait to see what everyone writes today...
Peace and light to all,
Kim
I tried wheat grass for the first time this weekend! I went to a juice bar and got a 2oz 'shot'. I have to admit it tasted like it's named - I felt like I was eating grass! BUT it's a quick gulp and then it's gone so I know it's something I could do on a regular basis.
Thought I'd also share something with you folks - especially those that don't have a grocery store near or any close organic produce that you can access regularly - it can be hard to buy enough produce to last until your next trip and have those veggies last long enough! I have these veggie storage containers that I bought from Tupperware quite some time ago. They have air vent settings that you change depending on the veggie (or fruit) that you store in them (there is a list of those on the containers). And I have to say it has really helped to keep my veggies fresh a lot longer! So I can buy more without having to make so many trips to the grocery store.
Split cause you're not perfect?
Honey, you're stuck with us now. No matter what you do (or don't do) there's no escaping your masses.
Heck, there's even a facebook group dedicated to you lol.
I am a vegetarian ( 2 months now Woot woot woot!!!) I've wanted to do it for some time but the stupid cancer kind of made me jump start the "someday I'll do this" attitude. Anyway, I have heard mixed messages on the problems of eating soy when you are on thyroid meds (I had a total thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer-hurthle cell carcinoma). If you come across any info on soy in this manner can you please let us know your findings so we can compare notes? Thanks :) Love ya much! You are way aweseome...
Amen. Great post. I think their is no surer way to go splat (and set oneself up for feeling like a 'failure') that to try to go from 0 to 60 right away.
Dis-ease wasn't built in a day. True health might return as slowly. It will always be about finding balance.
Also want to recommend to your readers a book called "The Yoga of Eating: Transcending Diets and Dogma to Nourish the Natural Self". Title is a bit unwieldy and decidedly unsexy but it's a wonderful book.
ps 'granola stigmata' - LMAO!
Kris, haha, just had to ad, that with my lovely healthy lunch as I was reading this, I too was naughty and drinking a coke with my fabulous concoction of veggies. In time that will be cut out too :) Should be drinking the good old H2O!!!
Thanks, Kris...you're right. We need to take it slow and enjoy the process of transformation. Cold turkey was not for me.....so I'm wheining my self off coffee. I love my coffee, but also know its not good for you.
I have a question for bloggers: I know the Brev. juicer comes in different models. Which model do you recommend. I heard people talk about the plus. Is that the best ?
Thanks.
Del
Great blog Kris...sometimes we need to stop and appreciate what we have which will make focusing on the future a little easier. I am a substance abuse counselor and I am constantly encouraging my client's to be more mindful, live in the moment, and don't beat themselves up over their unhealthy habits from the past. I have to do this myself. I have realized that there are going to be cheat days and I like coffee every now and then like you....today I am ok with this in the past I would not be ok with it....Now I am able to move on and pick up where I left off. Thanks for all of your info, it is useful in so many ways. I am not a canSer cowgirl but my mother has been canSer free for ten years. I have made her sit down and watch the re-airing of your doc and I am hopeful because she is now wanting to read some of the books that I have been collecting from your resource list in your book so this makes me happy. I have bought a great juicer and have given her my old one so that she can experience the wonders of juicing!!!! I read your blog everyday.
Wendy
Hey Lauren - thanks for the excerpt on juicing vs. blending, that makes a lot of sense!!
I think I'll treat myself to a 'green juice' today at my local health food store...
p.s. I've also been doing wheatgrass shots in the afternoons, and I've corralled some of my co-workers into doing it with me - it's makes the 'not so pleasant' fun and even hilarious at times!
You hit the nail on the head, Kris! Just do the best you can, we're only human! BTW, I've started doing the Smoothie Shuffle and the new blender is not too shabby. I picked up a Breville Ikon Hemisphere Blender for $160 (with coupon!)at Linens N Things. Thankfully it works great since I couldn't splurge on a Vitamix type machine! Keep on keeping on! xoxoxoxo Rita
I just want you to know that I really really appreciate you and your sharing of information, thoughts, and love. I haven't experienced cancer first hand (but I have my own version of really big body shit), and I have found your "message(s)", to be...I dont even know what to say...I sure dont want to say inspirational, because people say that to me all the time, and it drives me batshit LOL. I'm just me, dealing with my own personal version of life's big stuff, and I just plug along learning about myself day by day and do the absolute best I can do at any given moment.
That was more than I intended on saying LOL.
I guess I just wanted to say thank you.
:-)
I've got the Breville Juice Fountain Compact BJE200XL. It does a wonderful job and it's easy to clean. Got it at amazon for $80. But after a week I was tired of juicing and cleaning and juicing and cleaning, so I found out about the Green Smoothies, bought a Breville blender and am MUCH happier drinking those. The prep and cleanup is so much quicker. I'm sticking with it. 2 smoothies a day along with some proteins and fats at other times. I believe I'll still get all the nutrients and keep those intestinal muscles working! And now I don't feel like I'm throwing good food away. You have to do what works for you. Stay well.
You know I just have to say I am so grateful for this blog. Kris you touch on so many topics that I have been concerned about,that I've tried learning about on my own with some success,some confusion and often frustration. Thanks to everyone for all your info. I do have a question regarding juicing. I love it ,look forward to it every morning however it does not seem to be juicing my greens. I put kale in,it spins it about,bruises it up and spits it out still pretty much intact,not a drop of juice to be seen. Could it be that the amount of juice is so minimal that it doesn't come out until the next veggie goes in? The juicer works great with everything else just not leaves. It's a centrifugal juicer by Moulinex,although it's about 16 years old. Any ideas? What models does everyone like the best? I've seen a couple of comments on Breville,any others? Thanks.
Katie - I have a centrifugal juicer as well, and it doesn't do a great job with the leafies! Mine has a blade that the veggie hits first and gets "mushed", then it spins against the screen....I get about a tablespoon or so from each kale leaf that I throw in. I try to look for kale with thick stems running thru the middle, as that seems to be the part that my juicer is able to extract best from. Centrifugals are not known to be great with the leafies!
I'm kinda hoping mine breaks so I have an excuse to buy a new one!! lol
Your post is awesome! Its so important to stay balanced like that-and happy! I used to be SO rigid. I would totally stress about dumb stuff. Then I realized what I was doing to myself and I thought "no more!" Ive done a bit of bouncing back and forth but I am getting there! I have been learning so much lately. I have to thank you Kris. You have really helped me move forward in a lot of ways. I have learned so much from you and from the resources that you have made available to everyone. I have read Natalia Rose's book like 3 times now! So thank you.
I love the part about coffee being a "ph shit storm". It made me crack up. I tried wheatgrass for the first time this weekend (I was a wheatgrass virgin) and..........I am ashamed to admit....I about barfed. It is going to take some getting used to but I will keep downing the stuff because it is so darn healthy! I also have to admit another thing-you know, just to get it out since we are being honest here. (this perhaps might be the biggest mortal sin in health world so prepare yourself) I still crave Taco Bell, Wendys and sometimes Mcdonalds. I know. I haven't had them in years but sometimes I think.......MMMMMMM!!! This is the most random comment. Anyway-I hope your shakin it on the dance floor today!
Jessica
My motto is:
Everything in moderation, EVEN MODERATION!! :-)
Kris is truly introducing a lifestyle here, a lifelong journey for health and wellness.
This includes indulging on the things that we find most enjoyable: fine wine, a decadant dessert, Thanksgiving Dinner with the family, a weekend of vegging out on the couch watching movies, etc.
But not everyday. If we did, it wouldn't be an indulgence. Don't think about it so much...allow your body and your mind to guide you. For some people, the longer it takes you to transition, the easier it will be for you to maintain. You won't have to "be disciplined", because you will want to live healthier! Your body/mind will urge you to.
This, I believe, is what Kris is trying to impart on all of us. I think she's doing a damn fine job of it!!!!! :-) Many thanks
Hi Kris,
I love your story and your storytelling. Having a chapter 'c' in our lifestory sucks and blesses us at the same time. Thank you for putting a real and human face on that chapter.
My commitment to change has been evolving for a while. In my hurry to be normal after treatment, I let go of the very practices that kept me so healthy during that toxic time. I tried to start back into the old routine and every time I went back to the ways of last year, I could not stick to it. Recently I finally made a connection...the ways of last year took me back into that experience on some level...I had to find a different path. My mind has finally clicked with my body and spirit and we are on our way out of this chapter...into the healthy practices...only in a new way. I did not juice last year, ate specifically and did other things to support my system while the treatments worked their magic. So I am committed to juicing and transitioning to more raw foods. Also to a new supplement and exercise plan. (including the occasional fat free latte) My goal is to hike the Grand Canyon next year...and to learn to ride a horse. And to write my story...
Thank you again for sharing yours in such a unique way..
I'm about to get pretty busy soon, so I was wondering what you guys pack for lunch?
Happy Monday, everyone! Thanks for the great blog, Kris. It made me feel better about mowing my way through the samples at Costco yesterday. I ate a big salad before I went, but once I hit the big warehouse o'fun, I still went to every blasted station. It was food combining at its worst! But my 8-year-old daughter and I were having so much fun, going round and round, snagging little cupfuls of soup, brownies, sausages, chicken pot pie, pasta, mashed potatoes. One look at the stuff Costco sells and you see why eating this new way feels so damn alternative!
I bought several pounds of organic greens and organic spinach AND a pineapple, and was back on track by dinnertime.
It's true that this health journey is just that, a journey. I started on it about six years ago, after getting tired of being sick all the time after my second daughter was born. There is nothing like living with a couple of preschoolers if you want to be sick every other week. At that point, I amped up the veggies and organics, and tried to go vegetarian a couple days a week.
I've found over the years that I go on and go off, and each time I tackle a greater level of detox, I "go off" to a lesser degree the next time I go off. Where I used to fall off the wagon for seasons, then for months, then it was weeks, then it was days, and now I seem to be down to hours. We'll see how I do after the holidays. That's always a big test because I'm faced with the SAD, the family judgment ("Oh, you'll get too thin; you've got to eat!" "What? No meat? What about protein?" My mother studied nutrition in the 50s and believes she an expert. Uh, no.
Kris, one totally off-the-wall question: Do you still have your cat? The gray one in the doc and in your book? We have a giant gray cat (he looks just like yours) that I'm always scooping out of the refrigerator, so I loved that scene in the doc.
J~ cool! thanks for stopping by! :)
Delnorth Gargan~ I'm not sure that the plus model is best, it only has 2 speeds but it gets the job done... I'm sure the 5 speed model is best- heck if i had the money i would've bought the 5 speed $299, but in the meantime I bought the plus model 2 speed $149 and it suits me just fine :) someone a while back suggested to take the pulp and run it through the machine one more time to just get that extra bit of juice out of it, and it works like a charm.. i actually run the pulp thru 2x and I usually end up with about an extra 1inch of juice.
katie~ 16 year old juicer? lol honey sounds like its time to get yourself a new one ;)
Justme117~ I love fast food too, no worries- I especially crave it late at night....I miss crap food all the time, especially when I work out really hard, my body craves the meat and fat-I'll still eat fast food every now... I have been eating healthy most of my life, alot of greens, heaps of other veggies, and fruits etc. I'd say my diet was about 50/50 besides my starbucks addiction lol,.... but the raw 80/20 thing is new to me, and since starting 80/20 I have stopped my workouts to get used to the 80/20 diet first...so as to stop alot of meat/fat cravings, but this week I plan to start my workouts back in slowly now that its been 3 weeks into the 80/20 I feel like my body is acclimated.
Anne~ you and your daughter runnin' around Costco taking samples-lol that's priceless :) and that's what life is all about!!!! it reminds me of me and my grandpa, we used to do that at Costco all the time too :) sweet memories! that's the kinda thing your daughter will remember when she's an adult :)
michelle ~ I love this combo, 1 cuke, 4 celery, 3 kale leaves, 2 radishes, 1 carrot yumm.. and then from there I also may add a broccoli stem or 2 and a 1/4 of a beet....yumm too!
only once I had a gross concoction- man it was sooo bad lol it was all kale, collard greens, and 1/2 beet! lol awful! but hey I drank about 8oz and had to throw the rest out lol! I think the celery and the cuke really need to always be in it no matter what to give it that great flavor lol!
opps typo- Justme117- *my body craves the meat and fat-I'll still eat fast food every now AND THEN* lol
Hey all you Crazy Sexy blog commenters!
Many MANY thanks, Kris for this awesome-ly HONEST blog entry! I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of person and I keep reminding myself that it takes many links to make a chain, and patience is key. This is what I loved about your book too, that you messed up sometimes and kept trying and kept learning, but sometimes ate fries (oh-no!/YUM) but that's ok!! I applaud all the great work you have accomplished, but also agree that if you constantly deprive yourself, you will only want and never be satisfied. I would love to "go raw" but I really feel it would be too hard for me! I want to strike a balance and eat more veggies than anything else but I need my bread lady! But that's ok! As long as I can stay as natural as possible for most of my food, I will be happy with it. Haven't ventured into the juicing yet, but maybe someday. I'm always willing to try (and sometimes fail!) because this is life and its all just too beautiful!
Also, for your book, maybe Crazy Sexy Eating or Crazy Sexy Nutrition, I agree diet is overused and detox is better, but still has a smiliar connotation. Just my 2 cents!
First, did I miss something - how do you know what to combine together and what not to combine together.
Also, is there any way to try juicing using a blender or getting wheatgrass without making the commitment I'm kind of like mimuna and what to try out but I'm afraid to take the drop.
Thank you for your blog! I have been truly inspired by you. I am in the process of having a big ol' talk with myself. It's hard. I'm not a canSer Cowgirl but I've had some traumas in my past and I am now working on the depression that it had caused. One of the things I am changing is my hightly acidic diet. I plan on getting a juicer really soon! I have only recently learned to live in the moment and it has helped so much. As sad as it sounds I never knew that was an option. I look forward to reading your future posts!
beauty-full, beauty-full post, Kris. it's my first time commenting here. i check in regularly after viewing your exquisite creation on tv. you rock, divine sister!
Once again, right on target, we are all human. Liz, I love what you said, "Progress, not perfection." This could just be where I am personally, and I own that, but I would love a post on the spirit in relation to canSer.
I am loving all the nutrition stuff, but I would love the posse to weigh in on developing another tool for this canSer trailride, how to continue to nurture our spirit in the midst of all that we each continue to face with respect to canSer?
I have lots of "anniversaries" in the next several weeks and I am already becoming a bit cranky: my birthday next week (my party 2 years ago was the last event before I got sick, the last pic of me before my "canSer makeover", the last time my life was normal, ie BC), Thanksgiving was the day I was hospitalized, Christmas when I had my neck node surgery, New Year's moved by ambulance to Boston, January tumor removal surgery. Will these ever just be holidays for me anymore?? I have a BIG set of tests/scans coming up. Lots of recent trips to the Dana-Farber, which somehow all of a sudden upsets me just being there. And I am going beserk!
I am so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! I am trying to move beyond "sick," move forward past the canser, and sometimes, I just feel like I keep getting sucked back. How do I approach all the upcoming tests without that prickly fear creeping in? I would love to know how everyone faces these markers in the calendar, these tests, these anniversaries.
What can we come up with to help one another approach those emotional rollercoaster times we all face at certain times in the year? What canser cowgirl mantra can we come up with to occupy our minds as we lay on those cold tables, sliding through tubes, being scanned instead of thoughts like, "is it bigger, has it spread, am I ok?"
I'm not talking about dwelling on negative. I have lots of positive to mark on those dates, namely, I'm alive. And I haven't forgotten that, believe me. But let's face it, sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's scary. Sometimes the grief of what we've lost surfaces unexpectedly. I don't want to be afraid, but how can you not have some fear about something that is so scary?
Maybe I am the only one struggling with all this, but I would love to hear any strategies all of you have developed to help yourselves through the ups and downs. What can we create to make those times easier?
Hugs,
b
bav~ check out this blog site, she's a fellow blogger here, with an amazing blog about her life with canser. I believe theres many answers on there to the questions you just asked :)
http://www.especiallyheather.com/
Hello Kris and fellow bloggers, just want to let everybody know i have my juicer!!! It's a Breville juice fountain compact BJE200XL. Today i just wanted to try it out and did an apple/celery/carrot juice! It was awesome! Tomorrow, is green all the way! Thanks guys for all the juice recipes. Kris thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am ordering aloe vera juice as we speak!
Michelle
Nicole, there's really no limit as to what you can mix together, however, I'd avoid onions! Here's a good one: 1 cup Spinach, few sprigs of Parsley, 1 Apple, w/o seeds, 1/2" Ginger, 1 Cucumber (peeled if not organic),4 stalks of Celery, and 1 Lemon, peeled. If you want to blend it, cut the apple, cuke, and celery into 1" pieces and cut the spinach up a little. Always add a cup of water so the blender doesn't die. I set mine on smoothie for a minute, and then on puree for another minute and it's good to go. Here are some other combinations:
Half a bag of baby spinach
A big handful of mango chunks
Half a can of coconut milk
A splash of water to get the blender started.
Half a bag of baby spinach
A big handful of mango chunks
Half a banana
Enough unsweetened cranberry juice (thinned with water, because unsweetened cranberry is too strong) to make it blend.
Half a bag of baby spinach
A big handful of frozen raspberries
A banana
Enough water to get the blender started.
The sky's the limit, so just use whatever is in your supermarket and /or health food store.
I was thinking the exact same thing beth. I got upset with a colleague today, and am fighting off panic attacks tonight. I had to take stock, because I shouldn't be this upset. Then I remembered I have a scan on the 19th- I think this is real reason. Its still 2 weeks away, but that's a lot closer than I want... it would be great to be able to work through this instead of popping an attivan and passing out.
Julie,
I hear you, Girl. Hang in there. I try to look at my scans/tests as reaffirmation that I am "ok," but I wouldn't be honest if I said that I didn't get worried. I know I have residual canser in me, and having that knowledge is challenging me to redefine, "ok."
Like you, it is just in the last day or two that it has dawned on me that perhaps all these upcoming dates and tests is perhaps why my mood is not where I normally am.
I do my yoga, my meditation, my surfing etc to keep me centered. But the fear is still there.
As a group, I just know we can come up with some kick ass strategies/tips for these times. We all go through it, if we put our heads together, we can make a difference for one another.
Hugs,
b
I've been so bad over the past few days. The house is just full of leftover Halloween candy & I have to get it out of here - ugh.
But having said that, thanks for this post. :)
Hi Kris & CSBloggers!
Kris--AWESOME post!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the time and energy youu put in your posts!! And thank you for revealing your human side! I find that if I acclimate to things slowly it is more apt to stick. Also, thanks for the restaurant info!! (And yes-knowing too much--especially about our toxic environment--is extremely overwhelming! think green earth too!)
Poopslinger (luv the name!)--yes, I too mostly ate healthy. When I saw Kris' documentary I knew I had to juice. I am not raw yet, but I figure I am slowly heading in that direction as I can.
Mimuna-Before I dove into juicing, I stopped at my local health food store & ordered an organic juice mix, and a 2oz. wheatgrass shot. I loved the juice, but the wheatgrass--yikes! And I had been doing research on expensive wheatgrass juicers! Lucked out and found my juicer at a garage sale :) Krups-works fine for me right now (although I am a wee bit envious of all those with Breville's--LOL)
eternal seeker--thanks for the juicing recipes! Can't wait to try them!
You are all AWESOME & INSPIRATIONAL!!! I love how we are all committed to healthy living without having to be perfect :)
It's getting late--need sleep (also important)hope someone gets to read this ;)
Health, Peace, Veggies, & a Green Living to You All!!!
Thanks for the post. After the dairy post I was thinking this was all too hard core for me. I know I need to start where I am and make the changes that work for my life and my health.
Kris, I love you! You are such a hugggggeeee inspiration to me. I love your spirit and humor. You make me stop and think about life in small/big ways and appreciate the tiny, little wonderous things around me, every day.
:)
xoxo
Lisa
OH MY GOD! I just checked in and I am glowing, still at my office recording VO and wishing the day was over. I just read ALL your posts and could work for another 10 hours. I am so excited that we dish with deep love and honesty. If anything ever gets too radical, let's talk. I can and will teach you EVERYTHING I have learned but remember you and me are differnt folks with different strokes. Take the best and leave the rest, it's never too hard core because I am an open door that always read welcome. My goal is to write from a place that teaches you top shlef stuff but also gives you options for getting there - if you want. Perfection is BORING. Let's be human, happy and as healthy as we can be without feeling like we're entering a cult and the fun, flirting and frolic is over.
You gals teach me so much. I've been really freaked out about writing a book on nutrition but every time I check in with you I feel like I can do it, and that it might be interesting.
OXOXOXO
Sleep with the angels my angel sisters.
Thanks for checking in! Keep up the good work...
To everyone and especially the ones talking about relapse, etc...I wrote about it a little bit on my blog today-I have relapsed twice with a type of spinal cord sarcoma and like Kris, am amazingly in remission now (3.5 years of remission-longest ever!).
Thanks everyone!
Love,
Rachel
http://iamobsessedwithlife.blogspot.com/
For the juicers, remember, canSer babes should take it easy on the fruit. Eat it in moderation only, and then, try to stick to the lower sugar content fruits. That's why Kris promotes the green juices. If you need something to sweeten your green juice, use broccoli stalks, sweet pea sprouts, cucumber or add lemon. Watch your root vegetable intake too, high sugar content as well. Cancer cells love sugar - of any kind. It fuels their high metabolic rate. In fact, the radiolabelled dye used for a lot of your nuclear scans, is tagged glucose. Yup, plain old glucose, it zooms right to your tumor b/c it is like putting gas in the engine. Something to keep in mind. And Michelle, ditch the asparagus, Girl, I bet the juice will be more palatable.
you're inspiring me toward a healthier life...
one post at a time ;-)
sweet blessings,
kirsten
xo
have fun at work! :) oh and...
"cult" lol!
The Kris Carr Cult..
The Kris Carr Kult...lol! thats about the only 'cult' I'd join LOL!
crazy sexy cult! LOL...ahhh goodnite!
Hi Kris and Everyone!
Okay, so I have to admit, I am only at the thinking and researching stage of my transition. I am still eating the dread meat. I know, I know, yuck, yuck, yuck. BUT I do eat more veggies that meat, and I am becoming more aware of what I am eating. Kris, Thanks for the photo, not only did it show that all the Hoopla surrounding you right now has not gone to you pretty little head, it showed you love a good cup a java sometimes just like the rest of us!! My problem is I had colon cancer, Stage III, I had all of my large intestine removed and due to this am not able to digest alot of fiber, in fact it plays havoc on my iliostomy, to say the least, I never get blocked anymore. How do I get the same bennies from the veggies without putting my body into a tailspin. Take care and Be Blessed. Oh just for horah sake,I am in complete remission now. Had my last scan on Holloween, NO SIGN OF DISEASE!!
Susan
Bav- My god, I don't think I could have said it better myself. This has been a rough couple of years for me, and sometimes I find myself getting so overwhelmed, I just don't know what to do with all the pent up feelings. Sometimes, I just feel like if I have to slide through one more MRI tube, have one more injection of dye, get one more student learning how to take blood poking me multiple times in the arm, I'm gonna go berserk. I need something to center myself...and I think that I'm getting better at it. It's like Kris said in her book. I am taking control of my life...canSer will not get the best of me. I AM ALIVE. And right now, I'm gonna do everything I can to keep it that way. I'm gonna start slow, but I've made the commitment. This is what I can have control over now, and I'm gonna do everything I can to make it work.
I blend cukes, kale, ginger, 1/2 apple and a handful of frozen blueberries and celery. It's becoming more potable.
Susan,
That is why juicing is perfect for you, it is all the bennies of the veggies, without all the fiber! Start slow, don't immediately pound a huge glass. Drink a little, wait, see how your system adjusts. I suspect you won't have major issues with respect to your ileostomy. Transition gradually, your greater risk will likely be that of all of us, creating a "toxic detox" by converting too fast for your system.
And congrats on your remission, that rocks!
b
Bav, Thanx!! Duh isn't that what you had just said earlier. I have to admit I still have a pretty bad case of chemo-brain, at least that what I'm going with. I gues it's out to look at juicers today. Does anyone else have horrible insomnia after treatment? I have always been a bad sleeper, but I have tried everything, even the dreaded warm moo juice (to no avail), and still can not get to sleep before 2am, an obviously I don't sleep very long. I don't take naps during the day, and I have tried everything from prescript stuff to otc and natural and can't seem to find anything that will put me to sleep. Any advise would be welcomed. Have a Blessed Day Everyone, will check in tonight, or should I say early morning. hahah Susan
The BEST. Well put! I think the perfection jones and lack of confidence is really the true decay of our soul... it allows others to determine our destiny and, heck, whether or not we take our submission out on a stack of pancakes. We are enough.. right now! Unfortunately, not a lot of people remind us of this. So it's up to each of us to remember and cultivate confidence. Thanks for the reminder. Go Kris! Go Kris! Go Go Go Kris! Cheers, Rhianna
Susan-
Are you in menopause (medical or natural?) I'm am due to my treatment, and my oncologist told me that insomnia is part of the deal. A friend in my (other) canser posse suggested a natural supplement called Remifemin (black cohosh). There's a nighttime formula to help you sleep. I haven't tried it yet, as I am still fighting bronchitis and a yeast infection, but my friend swears by it. You can look into it at www.remifemin.com
best,
julie
oh and thanks to EVERYONE for their advice and encouragement! I suffer from "paralysis by analysis"
I'll stand with my toes over the edge looking down for a long time- but this blog is a great support net and gentle nudge al rolled into one.
Like everyone else on this blog, I check everyday, and smile everytime!
much love to you, my canser babe sisters!
p.s. Kris that picture really cracks me up. You are sooo clever. Please write a nutrition book!!
I read this post exactly when I needed it. I have been quietly sitting in the sidelines, reading the posts and comments. getting inspired, wanting to be a part of the change.
then my mother in law passed away this past thursday of cervical cancer and been away from the post since then. I was determined to get back on today and start planning my new raw life and getting myself healthy. i want to then spread this info and lifestyle to my own family and in-laws. I got so overwhelmed today reading all the past info and then finally came to this one. thanks so much.
i wish i could get a summary of everything. an idea on where to start. i eat meat, drink milk, the works...i need to start from the beginning :)
I would also like to subscribe to some magazines that have lots of info about juicing, or recipes, info...any suggestions?
any help or suggestions would be appreciated!
Hey Girls,
For anyone trying to get off of coffee Teechino is a qonderful alternative!! It even says on the container that it helps reduce acidity! It's made of grains, fruit and nuts. I love it! You can make it in your coffee maker and I add some stevia and some soy creamer (I know soy..bad).. but it's sooo yummy you don't even need the creamer!
--Lauren N.
Rea,
I am sorry to hear about your mother-in-law passing away....my thoughts are with you. And with all of you who are enduring this rollercoaster of a journey. I am in awe and amazed by all of you - your empowerment, courage and stamina to keep fighting and facing each day as it comes.
Kris - girlfriend you could write a nutrition book with your eyes closed honey. Take that step out of your box and leap. You WILL be successful and touch so many others that are in need....you go cowgirl!
You all have a wonderful day....keep on juicing and learning....read The Ph Miracle and The Raw Food Detox Diet if you need help with food combining.
Thank you to everyone for what you share - I am a more balanced person beacause of you all!
Lots of love,
Kim
Kris,
A question for you (in your spare time, hee hee) - Do you have an insight into The National Healing Institue of Naturapathy located just outside of San Diego? They offer some programs (educational certifications??
I emailed Natalia Rose since she has her Clinical Nutrition cert from there and she replied. She basically needed a "cert" so she could practice....she was had someone she learned from...commented on how you cannot possibly learn the true origins of disease from a course. And I agree, but need some type of cert in order to professionally practice.
Anyway, if you have any insight into them I surely would appreciate your time.
I am looking into their program vs. one here in Dever from The Nutrition Therapy Institue (there's is longer, more thorough and definitely more expensive but I can do it via distance learning).
Ok, I am being the babble queen.
Thanks!
Kim
Just checking in to see what is up this morning and something touched my heart. There is someone blogging that is sick and sick of feeling sick. Oh ... do we know how you feel. Husband cutiepie has just spent the last 76 days in bed. Every hour of everyday in pain.. tired. Siezing. But..tada. yesterday he got up. Pain down, sun shining and we rolled his wheelchair into the park and just sat in the breeze. The day will come and the breezes will feel so good. What is the old saying " The middle in what we strive for: beginnings are tough endings are painful.. but the middle is bliss.
Now on to the juicing. I love the greens.. cukes, bok choy, apple, celery. V-8 never tasted so good. I tell you. The juice changes everything. And I hate to go to this subjuect from life is shit to actual shit.. but.. if you add a little aloe to the juice and your meds are causing a traffic jam. Voila trafic eases and life is smooth relief! HAHA
I feel like we have all made a community here and I thank you all. I would not be able to start my day without juice and CSC checkins! Many Blessings Callie
QUESTIONS FROM COMMENTS
I don't know if anyone has done this, so thought I would for this blog.
Here we go:
1.Currently, I'm headed to being vegan but think I do need to detox but have no idea how. I've tried plans before that were unsuccessful. Is your plan in your book?
Also, you mentioned green tea. Is it bad for you.
2.Also, I have a question: since juicing takes out the fiber of the veggeis, why not just stick all of it in a blender (so you get all of the fiber), so then you don't have to do a colonic?
3.MY BLEND: Cucumber, Kale, Celery, Asparagus, Cabbage, Romaine and Broccoli. When I went to the store, I figured the more green I throw in there the better, is this a good way of looking at it? QUESTION: Was that a good combo?
The blend made about 2 cups which I gulped down. QUESTION: Is that a good amount to get in daily?
4.Anyway, I have heard mixed messages on the problems of eating soy when you are on thyroid meds (I had a total thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer-hurthle cell carcinoma). If you come across any info on soy in this manner can you please let us know your findings so we can compare notes?
5.I have a question for bloggers: I know the Brev. juicer comes in different models. Which model do you recommend. I heard people talk about the plus. Is that the best ?
6.Kris, one totally off-the-wall question: Do you still have your cat? The gray one in the doc and in your book? We have a giant gray cat (he looks just like yours) that I'm always scooping out of the refrigerator, so I loved that scene in the doc.
7.I am loving all the nutrition stuff, but I would love the posse to weigh in on developing another tool for this canSer trailride, how to continue to nurture our spirit in the midst of all that we each continue to face with respect to canSer?
I have lots of "anniversaries" in the next several weeks and I am already becoming a bit cranky: my birthday next week (my party 2 years ago was the last event before I got sick, the last pic of me before my "canSer makeover", the last time my life was normal, ie BC), Thanksgiving was the day I was hospitalized, Christmas when I had my neck node surgery, New Year's moved by ambulance to Boston, January tumor removal surgery. Will these ever just be holidays for me anymore?? I have a BIG set of tests/scans coming up. Lots of recent trips to the Dana-Farber, which somehow all of a sudden upsets me just being there. And I am going beserk!
I am so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! I am trying to move beyond "sick," move forward past the canser, and sometimes, I just feel like I keep getting sucked back. How do I approach all the upcoming tests without
thatprickly fear creeping in? I would love to know how everyone faces these markers in the calendar, these tests, these anniversaries.
What can we come up with to help one another approach those emotional rollercoaster times we all face at certain times in the year? What canser cowgirl mantra can we come up with to occupy our minds as we lay on those cold tables, sliding through tubes, being scanned instead of thoughts like, "is it bigger, has it spread, am I ok?"
I'm not talking about dwelling on negative. I have lots of positive to mark on those dates, namely, I'm alive. And I haven't forgotten that, believe me. But let's face it, sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's scary. Sometimes the grief of what we've lost surfaces unexpectedly. I don't want to be afraid, but how can you not have some fear about something that is so scary?
Maybe I am the only one struggling with all this, but I would love to hear any strategies all of you have developed to help yourselves through the ups and downs. What can we create to make those times easier?
8.My problem is I had colon cancer, Stage III, I had all of my large intestine removed and due to this am not able to digest alot of fiber, in fact it plays havoc on my iliostomy, to say the least, I never get blocked anymore. How do I get the same bennies from the veggies without putting my body into a tailspin.
9.Does anyone else have horrible insomnia after treatment? I have always been a bad sleeper, but I have tried everything, even the dreaded warm moo juice (to no avail), and still can not get to sleep before 2am, an obviously I don't sleep very long. I don't take naps during the day, and I have tried everything from prescript stuff to otc and natural and can't seem to find anything that will put me to sleep. Any advise would be welcomed.
10.I would also like to subscribe to some magazines that have lots of info about juicing, or recipes, info...any suggestions?
11.A question for you (in your spare time, hee hee) - Do you have an insight into The National Healing Institue of Naturapathy located just outside of San Diego? They offer some programs (educational certifications??
I emailed Natalia Rose since she has her Clinical Nutrition cert from there and she replied. She basically needed a "cert" so she could practice....she was had someone she learned from...commented on how you cannot possibly learn the true origins of disease from a course. And I agree, but need some type of cert in order to professionally practice.
Anyway, if you have any insight into them I surely would appreciate your time.
I am looking into their program vs. one here in Dever from The Nutrition Therapy Institue (there's is longer, more thorough and definitely more expensive but I can do it via distance learning).
That is a little overwhelming. Are you sure you want us to do this? You don't have to answer that :)
I'm also collecting everyone's suggestions for juice recipes. Would anyone want me to post those after I've collected a bunch?
Once it's all there then you guys could just copy, paste, and save!
Hey Lauren,
You beat me to it! I was just making a list of the questions. It can be a bit time consuming so if you want I'd be happy to help you out with that in the future. You can email me at fray.adjacent@gmail.com and we can work something out (if you want).
Again - want to say how much I love you guys. I'm really happy to see so many say that they are gradually making changes b/c that is where I'm at - one small change at a time!
AND I found a small organic store in our town! Of course produce is seasonal and with long winters that kinda sucks but I'm pretty excited. So today is my grocery day and after the gym I'm heading out to Dad's Nutrition :) They even have a certified herbalist and certified natural products advisor.
Susan,
First important distinction you need to make in sorting this out, are you having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?
Here are some of my thoughts for you on insomnia.
Depending on your treatment, you may have been given lots of hypnotics (sleep medications) that also work great for nausea, ie ativan. To then abruptly stop the med, it can create for some sleepless nights until your body resets. I don't know how far out from treatment you are, but hang in there. It will get better. If you are super sleep-deprived such that you are having a hard time functioning, talk to your doc about a temporary sleep aid which you can gradually wean yourself off so that you don't have the cold turkey jolt to your system. Or, you can seek out a naturopath and see what herbal alternatives there are (and there are several these days, the cohosh, melatonin, valerian root etc).
However, having said that, you may find, given your ileostomy, that perhaps meds haven't been working as great for you b/c, girl, your absorption system is all new. Again, your body will adjust, but honey, it's gonna take some time. You are living in a new body, it is trying to get to know itself, acquaint itself with how the system works. You are now missing a whole segment of your intestines that did some pretty important absorption jobs. The human body is amazing, it will adjust, unfortunately it just takes some time.
Julie is also correct in saying that if you became menopausal from your treatment, that can also cause insomnia. The menopause that people experience from being thrust into it abruptly (ie from surgery or chemo) is MUCH more severe and intense than the gradual menopause our moms/grandmas eased into over time. Therefore, the effects tend to be very horrendous. Hormone replacement is a HUGE topic, that is not necessarily black and white. If you are in menopause, and having lots of symptoms (insomnia, irritability, hot flashes, sweats, racing heart, difficulty focusing/concentrating etc), you might want to talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Doesn't have to be forever, you can create a few month transition plan to allow your body to reacclimate, keep you comfortable, and wean yourself off.
Are you on any medications? At what times do you take them? Check with your doctor, could you perhaps take something in the morning that you currently take at night that is keeping you up? Seriously, sometimes it is as simple as that.
Food - coffee, chocolate, chai, regular tea, soda - are you ingesting caffeine (outright or hidden) in your day anywhere? If so, best would be to remove it from you diet. If that is too cold turkey for you, try not to have any after 12 noon.
I am a fan of acupuncture, it helps with just about everything, yes, even insomnia. You need to find a good, reputable practitioner, so ask around. And if the dynamic doesn't work with the first one, try someone else. I think good acupuncture is really intimate, you need strong communication with the person so they can fine tune treatment for desired effect.
Your environment - what is in the bedroom? Do you do things there other than sleep? (ie watch tv, work, computer, read etc) Ideally, your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. Remove all electronics from the room. I know lots of people do it (myself included in the past), but watching tv in bed is a no-no from a sleep perspective. It activates certain brain waves which can then make it difficult for some people to settle and activate sleep waves. Same concept for any other "work" activity in the room. Your bedroom should be about sleep, and only sleep. (Well, not only sleep, but that is a whole other conversation. Yes, I mean sex. If you have a partner, and you are physically up for it, go for it! Sex really does induce sleep, the guys aren't just anti-snugglers.)
There are some great cds you can try. Sleep meditation cds, guided relaxation after your day etc etc. There are even "sleep entrainment" cds that are noise at certain frequencies that stimulates the appropriate brain waves for sleep. If you are interested, I can find out exactly what you need and where to get that.
Are you getting any exercise during your day? Doesn't have to be hardcore. But that helps sleep tremendously. A short, simple walk out in the fresh air can do wonders. I am a fan of yoga, which has the benefit of physically, spiritually AND emotionally conditioning you. That is a lot of bang for your buck. Again, finding the right instructor, in my opinion, is key, so ask around.
It is important to try to go to bed at the same time every day, and wake up at the same time every day. Yup, even weekends. It helps get your body's rhythms set, so it learns when the time to sleep is. If you can take a nap during the day, I would recommend that too. Try to do that at the same time, set your alarm.
I could go on, but I feel like I have already blabbed too long. I recommend talking to your primary care doc. A good physician should be facile in all this language - not just throwing meds at you. Appropriate sleep, in my opinion, is right up there next to juicing for vibrant health and well-being.
Right now, sleep is super critical for you because your body is healing from all the trauma of surgery and treatment. So I encourage you, support you in seeking out some help. Don't suffer quietly at home, NOT good.
Let's figure out how to get you snoozin'!
Hope that helps...
Hugs,
b
Lauren and everyone else,
Re: Juice, I use all green, I put loads of kale and spinach, romaine, pea greens, peppers, celery, cuke, etc etc etc.
I bought green+ powder (berry flavour) but it's nasty gross so I don't drink it.
Is there any downfall (besides flavour) to using lots of kale?
I don't mind the tastes at all and could honestly drink it non stop all day (because it makes me feel so blinkin' good) but is there any particular benefit to specific combos in the juice mix?
Also, I would love to hear what you guys do with the leftover fibre? I followed someone's (poopslinger?) idea of rejuicing it a couple of times today (worked great) but I usually add an egg and lightly fry up the rest into little green pannycakes.
I don't like the feelig of waste either, plus I can use ALL the help in the 'fibre' dept if you know what I mean ;)
I still am SO looking forward to the forum, it's going to help everyone see all the questions and all the answers.
I also know that each time I see someone else's questions it makes me think of more to ask lol.
Hi Kim,
I think any learning is awesome and valuable to us personally, but the only thing to be aware of from your professional perspective is that if you want to make it your profession and be licensed make sure the organization is accredited. There are sadly so few that are and so many who pretend they are. I haven’t investigated the National Healing Institute of Naturopathy but I do know that if you wanted to be an accredited Naturopathic Doctor and licensed you couldn’t get that certification there. However I think you are looking at it from a nutrition standpoint, which I am not sure about the licensing regulations but it is important to look at not only being licensed but what does each modality allow you to do? Can you diagnose? Can you order labs under insurance? The list goes on. All important questions, especially if you are going to spend the time and money you want to make sure you are getting what you want.
Dear Susan, Lauren and Kim,
Following on from Bav re Insomnia and supplements:
Many studies have shown that melatonin shows promise as an agent against colon cancer. In cellular studies melatonin induced apoptosis of human colon cancer cells while stimulating a direct anti-tumor immune response. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland to regulate our sleeping patterns (circadian rhythm) and regulate our immune response. It has also been seen to improve overall response to chemo while reducing the side effects from chemo
For Melatonin doctors often recommend 20mg per day from a cancer treatment perspective. I personally am not sure if this is based on an actual need or that the products aren’t bio available enough and this is how much you need to get a benefit?
The other perspective is sleep. Please note Melatonin is NOT a sleep drug. The best way to think about it is that Melatonin aligns you to light and dark ie if it is dark you are sleepy if it is light you are awake. So if you take it to help sleep make sure you are in complete darkness (Melatonin is in our skin so if any part of your body has light on it… your body knows!) and vica versa if you want to be awake and not drowsy make sure you are in sunlight. A few things to be careful of is like everything read the ingredients and see if it is mixed with anything or coated with some thing which isn’t good for you. Also remember like adding any hormone into your body the more and longer you do it the less your body will produce and so it is a delicate balance that is why hormone treatments are often cycled.
Re Melatonin products you have three options:
1. Synthetic – If you are looking at taking 20mg per day then apart from speaking to your doctor before you start you will probably want to look at this version as it is the cheapest. I personally don’t know about each product and its bio availability but for a vegan this is a possible option.
2. Animal – Not so good for vegans but similar to the above.
3. Plant – NB I am biased because this is the company I work for but we are the only company in the US with a plant melatonin product. All the other melatonin products… yes even at Whole Foods are either synthetic or animal based but don’t worry Whole Foods buyers as we will soon be in there! If you can prove me wrong I will give the first two people 6 free boxes… but if you don’t you need to post it! bribery will get you everywhere… Anyway back to plant melatonin – this comes from a specific variety of rice and has been highly concentrated but not through the use of any chemicals and all in a vegan cap. If you want to check it out go to Kris’s Good Stuff section and click on the pH Quintessence product and that links you to the site and look for Herbatonin in the products section. Or if you shop at a top quality store like Pharmaca or Elephant Pharmacy you can find it there too.
PS re supplements if you want suggestions state what type of cancer you have and what treatment/drug you are taking as each type has different supplements and different interactions.
Here are some references for the inquisitive minds
Kossoy, G., et al. 2000. Melatonin and colon carcinogenesis. IV. Effect of melatonin on proliferative activity and expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the spleen of rats exposed to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Oncology Reports 7(6):1401-15.
Vician, M., et al. 1999. Melatonin content in plasma and large intestine of patients with colorectal carcinoma before and after surgery. Journal of Pineal Research 27(3):164-69.
Wenzel, U., A. Nickel, and H. Daniel. 2005. Melatonin potentiates flavone-induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells by increasing the level of glycolytic end products. International Journal of Cancer 116(2):236-42.
Winczyk, K., M. Pawlikowski, and M. Karasek. 2001. Melatonin and RZR/ROR receptor ligand CGBP 52608 induce apoptosis in the murine colonic cancer. Journal of Pineal Research 31(2):179-82.
I read this blog every day! Informational and inspirational! I was diagnosed last Feb with colon cancer w/2 small spots on the liver. After surgery to remove part of the colon, chemo to "clean Up" the colon and shrink the spots on the liver (which it did - substantially), and more surgery to resection part of my liver, I was technically cancer free in Sept. Usual protocol, according to both of my oncologists, whom I adore, is to undergo one more round of chemo as a kind of insurance.
I am OK with this -- have tolerated everything quite well and want to get this OVER WITH.
I have had one round of this last treatment, did fine, went back for 2nd and my white blood cells were so low I couldn't have the chemo. Disappointment in the road to getting it over with. Just went back yesterday (one week later) and my white cell count was even lower. I feel fine! But now there is a fear of infection and I'm freaking out just a little.
What is VERY frustrating is, since being introduced to the fab Kris Car on CSC I have been having a great time juicing. Love it. Have been consistent with lifestyle changes. Even though I have always eaten healthily. OK, except for the wine.
My nurse practitioner says no raw fruits and vegetables while this white blood count is so low. Fear of ecoli What?? Irony of irony I am finder it very hard to go without raw.
Has anyone experienced this?
Cheryl
I skimmed some recent comments and I think I may have confused you guys. I'm so sorry.
My list of questions were a compilation of questions from all the people who leave comments here. Those 11 questions were from 11 different people, so that Kris had them all in one spot if she wanted to answer any.
Sorry.
James,
Thank you so much for replying. I appreciate your time in doing so.
I have looked into accredidation as well as licensing regulations here in the Denver area in regards to the program offered locally by The Nutrition Therapy Institute.
I am looking at it from every angle possible in respect to what I am looking to do.
You have armed me with some very good information and vital questions - I will bring them up next week when I have a meeting at NTI.
As for The Natural Healing Institule of Naturapathy in San Diego I have not investigated it. I think what caught my eye was that Natalia Rose listed it in her book as where she got her cert. In talking to her however I learned that she was learning under a teacher and just needed a "cert" to enable her to pursue her endeavors lawfully.
Once again James, thank you for taking your time to answer my questions and give me much to investigate. You are a wealth of info!!
Take care!
Kim
You are welcome Kim and have a look at this link for some helpful info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recognized_accreditation_associations_of_higher_learning
Sorry take 2
Go to wikipedia and look up
"List of recognized accreditation associations of higher learning"
in the US section.
granola~ &
Kiki~ (you guys calling me poopslinger is hilarious lol!)
pulp-i know i don't like wasting the pulp either..i hate throwing it away... i feel bad lol, its such a waste ya know, I tried to add some broth to it, and heat it like a soup...it was just ok..not good, not great, I think I'd do it again but with maybe 1/2 the pulp and add some rice, more whole veggies, tomatoes (chicken if your still eating meats) or whatever and then make a real stew outta it...but the pulp and broth alone, kinda boring lol
Cheryl~ Hi, others have brought up that issue also, I believe Kris has said a few times in various comments to them that have posed the same question, that raw on chemo is ok, just to wash the veggies really well.
Sleep issues- herbs work great-like catnip,skullcap,valerian,passion flower...
there are tinctures of combos of these herbs, like for example called "sleep ease" take 1 dropperful at night...or get them in special sleep teas etc...
And here's an awesome resource for checking herbs and drugs and interactions/warnings/dosages/combining herbs and 'normal' medications...etc-- bookmark this site- (i broke the link up in 3 because the links on blogger usually get cut off for being so long)
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.asp
x?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5
fe33da65dd4
HERBS (ANY HERB LOOKED UP WILL ALSO AUTOMATICALLY SHOW DRUG REACTIONS TO OTHER HERBS AND NORMAL MEDICINE, WHICH IS WHY I LOVE THIS SITE SO MUCH!)
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetConte
nt.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5
fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=33802
CONDITIONS
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetConte
nt.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5
fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=33800
DRUG INTERACTIONS
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetConte
nt.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5
fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=33801
Cheryl,
Low white blood cell counts is absolutely normal, and fairly routine for people on chemo. It is a sign that your chemo is doing its job, it is knocking out cells, good, and also "the bad," ie those pesky canSer cells. Depending on how many treatments you have left, and how low your counts are (it is the ANC = absolute neutrophil count that is the important number, not the WBC as a whole) you may want to talk to your oncologist about getting some neulasta or neupogen. These are shots that stimulate your marrow to produce wbc. Remember, chemo is cumulative, which is why each successive treatment hits you a bit harder than the one before. So if you are early in your chemo, and your counts are dropping low, it is likely your counts will dip lower next time etc etc. That is why the meds I mentioned can be so helpful.
As for your juicing, I think the important thing for you to distinguish is are you "absolutely neutropenic" = ANC below 500, or is your WBC count as a whole just low. Talk to your doctors, press them for informed data, but I think you can still work with the juicing. Ask to be referred to an oncology nutritionist. Make them look stuff up in the literature. Basically, find people who will work WITH you. If your ANC is low, you will need to be super careful, as opposed to just having a low total WBC.
Organic will be key for you, and thoroughly cleaned and washed as well. Might be time to break out the food grade hydrogen peroxide. If your ANC is really low, I would say stick to things you can peel, cucumbers, celery etc. Coconut water would be great, immune booster, yummy, mix with some peeled/juiced cucumber, peeled/juiced celery, that will keep you in the juice ballpark. Make sure your juicer is super clean. If your ANC is over 1000, I think you can continue to safely juice, I would just wash everything. Clearly, dialogue with your docs. Challenge them however, to give you current data on food-related infections. Sometimes advice that is given is by old, rote protocols.
Your counts are temporary, so hang in there. If you are "absolutely neutropenic," be smart. Avoid sick people, crowds, kids crawling on you, pet poop, manis/pedis at a salon etc etc etc. Keep your teeth/mouth clean! (But don't go to dentist for cleaning.)
Hang in there, "greener" pastures to come! haha
b
Kris~ you mentioned how you where 'freaked' about writing your nutrition book and that it "might be interesting"...why so freaked? don't fret :) just write what you know, and the rest will follow :) your book will be so much more than "might be interesting" its gonna be awesome! no matter what you decide to write about, everyone will learn from it! :)
Hi All!! Thank you all so much for your help. I will try to fill in the gaps some, without monopolizing this awesome blog. I am 44yr young, with my ileostomy I also had a radical hysterectomy, so yes I was thrown into menapause. Havent had many issues as far as mood swings or hot flashed. I have always had trouble with sleep. As a kid, I wasn't one to get up for cartoons, mom usually had to come and wake me up. I have tried so many things, both prescription, otc, and natural, but I haven't tried the malintonin, so I will have to check into that. I did find when I was in the hosp that Lortab worked really well.haha to bad it has it's highly addicted factors :( Again Thank you all for being so sweet, I got here because I fell in love with Kris' movie and book, and now I just love the cozy feeling in here. Take Care and Be Blessed. Susan
Bav,
Thanks for your comments. I am frustrated because my first round of chemo went well (everything being relative), my surgeries went well, and my prognosis is excellent. Then I hit this bump. I was used to being the "perfect" cancer person. Thus the post to this Perfection post.
FYI, my ANC was in the 700s this week; 900s last week.
I am washing, peeling, being uber careful. Gotta have the veg!
Cheryl
Cheryl,
Let me reframe it for you, you ARE the "perfect" canSer patient BECAUSE your counts have dropped. It means your system is responding to treatment. So don't look at it as a negative, look at it as evidence that things are working appropriately. It slows the pace, but that is expected. So, you remain the model patient, Girl!
Glad to hear of the ANC. Keep juicing, keep washing and peeling. If you drop below 500, reevaluate with your doctors. Counts usually bottom out at 7-12 days and then start to rise again. Follow your trends and you will get an idea of how YOUR body works, you can adjust food/lifestyle choices accordingly.
Big hugs,
b
Hey Everyone.. Boy this morning was tame on this site... I have missed a lot. Ok.. I have been detoxed and vegan and juicing for almost a month. Question.. How does everyone stand on root veggies.. carrots, turnips, rutabagas, sweet potatoes and potatoes. I am worried about the starch in the potatoes and just have no idea? But is have finally gotten cool Mobile and I am dying for some root veggie soup! Wondering if the starch and sugars are to high or should I just apply proper food combining?
I love the recipet collection Idea. We need a spot for swapping reciepts.
I was so touched by Cheryl. I would have given anything to have this positive community when I was into the 15th round of chemo.. UGHHHHHHHHHHH Cheryl you are doing great and healing. Blessings. hang in there girl and I cannot wait to hear about your progress. This site makes me so happy it is positive and insightful and thoughtful and it came along right when I needed it. We should all throw Kris a party on the years anniversary of Crazy Sexy Canser and give her back the love. What a prophet she is. When i was in Chemo everyone was doomy gloomy..
Want to here a funny canser story girls.. When I went for my diagnosis..I had picked up my films and test so I knew I was "hot as they say' bone cancer.. well I picked my Mother up and off we went to the oncologist. Now my mother is probley the origonal Suzanne Sugarbaker from Designing Women or maybe a later day YAYA scarlett o'hara. Anyway when the dr. told me I had cancer she shrieked and then fainted and then they put her on valium and a rest table all the while I was holding her hand faning her and telling her it would be fine. In the middle of this tantrum she said " Hurry Honey put my lipstick on for me.. I cannot breakdown and look horrid!" cut and resume fit of panic and anxiety attack! I was laughing so hard after the lipstick request I totally forgot why I was there for a mintue. Now i have to say in her defence she is a rock and a Steel Magnolia but she is hilarious! Thought everyone might enjoy that.
have a good night ladies.. Let me know what you think about the soup?
hugs to everyone Callie
I saw you on Oprah recently. What was the name of the juicer you were using? How do I buy one?
Hiya Girls!! I was looking for some natural treatment info for a friend and came across this link for juicing recipes:
http://www.healingdaily.com/juicing-for-health/juicing-recipes.htm
Happy Juicing!!
xo
Callie,
That is hysterical!! Thanks for making me laugh out loud, your description allowed me to picture the scene perfectly. Funny!
As for root vegetables, Hippocrates Health Institute does not recommend them b/c of the high sugar content. Like anything in the raw lifestyle, I think having them on occasion is ok, just combine well. Personally, I would avoid white potato. Sweet potatoes rock!
Hope that helps.
Hugs,
b
Bav,
Thanks so much.. I wasn't about to touch the white potatoe. Danger danger Danger. But I will go ahead with with the sweet just veggie broth and a sweet p. and then celery and rutabegas and turnips change it around some. I glad you like the story she really is a nut.
I called the Hippocrates Ins. and I hope I can go after Jan. I am pscyched although husband cutiepie is terror stricken!! I have rocked his world with this new program but he is well and happy so THERE! HA!
Have you been? Poor Duncan he just thought I had run out of schools to attend. Whamo!
The wheatgrass thing has him a bit off kilter. He just knows there is more to come. Anyway. Have a great night and thanks again.
Hugs and Gardinas.
Callie
I am so addicted to this blog!
I'm 14 months out of treatment (bc, chemo, rad) and had been pretty convinced that I was doing a good job of keeping the c from returning. Then my mom, who believe it or not got bc the same time I did, was diagnosed with stage iv lc in July. Suddenly her illness through me into a tailspin - I began to feel like the c is gonna come back, it's just a matter of when... In an attempt to pull myself together and focus on mom I found CSC.
I now feel like I have control back and can actually get through this. Mom and I are juicing and the kids have even created a Grandma juice!
I'm pysched to finally understand that I am in charge and can create a place where the c can't come back. THANK YOU Kris!
Hey Cheryl - you're doing great! Chemo is do-able, ya just gotta take one day at a time. Eat good, wash your hands, wash your veggies, sleep.
this is the BEST BLOG EVAH!!!
I agree--this blog freakin' rocks! There's so much positivity and solidarity on this board, I love it!
I just started reading your blog. It is something that reminds me to wake up and live every moment. Thanks for the reminders. I look forward to reading about spirit. Your mindset is something I admire and strive for. Thanks for everything.
Kris,
You have a magical aura. I watched your movie and bought your book. I loved them both. They have brought me so much comfort. My mother is a sarcoma survivor (2 1/2 years now - hee haw!! I now feel like we have better tools because of you to help fight back. I'm going to become a juicer-babe - that's for sure. YOU ROCK SISTA!
Callie, I can so picture your mom, especially since we moved to Mobile in Feb/2006, I have seen alot of the yaya sisters. I think I freaked out my surgeon when the first thing I asked was, so how much weight will I lose??! Thanks ya'll for being here Susan
Bav, How about: It is NOT bigger, It Has NOT Spread, and I AM AN AWESOME CRAZY SEXY COWGIRL!! Just turn it around. It is ultimately out of our hands, so stay strong in your faith, and don't let the negativity in. I had my scan on Halloween and didn't get my results until Monday, at first I thought is was going to be a very long weekend, then I just said hey, you can let it ruin your weekend or you can trust that your great. And I am. Stay Strong, Take Care and Be Blessed. I hope this helps. Susan
bav,
just wanted to let you know I did it. Delicious. One sweet potatoe, veggie broth the greens of turnips, kale and one carrot. heaven with the heat even able to keep the 80/20 miss with soup and then lots of green veggies in salad. I didn't think it was possible. thanks for the help. callie
ps.. duncan didn't look at the dog longingly for a roast!
Susan,
Your in Mobile, TALK about a small world. I am everyhwere here. I bet you did get it then these old Mobile ladies are hilarious but I am just over the 40 so I am determined not to turn into my mom.. but I am counting on a Bay house and have a Christmas Jubilee shift with the Junior League this weekend. The morph is happening. Feel free to contact me. calliekyle@comcast.net have a mission near the tunnels..Live out west. Hope to meet you. Many Blessing and it made me feel so good to have a cancer cowgirl in mobile. Is there anything I can do for you?
Hope to see you soon. Callie
Hi! OK, tomorrow is my big Scan after summer with different drugs then they decided to hit me harder because the spots on my liver didn't do anything). I have been really up the past few weeks, like really up. I've been wondering if it's the new green in my life (1 big juice a day with cukes, ginger, 1/2 apple, kale and celery) and then being careful the rest of the day. I've been listening to music which has not been my MO since being diagnosed 8 months ago. But now the fear is creeping into me like a draft. We don't get our results til Friday because Thursday also is my daughter's 7th birthday and I want it to be all about her and waiting for the phone to ring....well, you've all been there. Anyway, how to calm down? Haven't cried in ages and now I don't know...any suggestions for armor? Humor? Common sense? Glad for this blog. Thanks for listening.
In reading back, I am realizing, Bav, that you are going through the same thing and are wondering the same thing. So, I'll be thinking of you!
Becky - I know exactly where you're coming from sista! I have my CT scan this afternoon after being on an experimental chemo drug off and on for a little over a month. UGH! The dr. thinks the drug is working because of all the side effects. I'm a guinea pig since there's no know treatment or cure for EHE, so I'm sitting on pins and needles right how. Apparently, there has been success on this study so I'm praying I'm one of the success stories. I hope your results are positive!!
Peace and veggies,
Charleen
Charleen, I am praying for you right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hang on to what the doc said. Docs don't tend to be very positive...or I guess they tend to be very cautious. At least mine is...Can't wait to hear the GOOD news. Thanks for your kind words!
Ugh!
Today I ran out of time so not only did I not make my juice but I had a coffee and a muffin for breakfast.
I can not tell you how much my stomach and head are killing my right now. I can not wait to get home and fix this.
We need a portable juicer that we can take to work or school or wherever we go.
:'(
oowwwwwww!
PS. If I am (was) eating almost all veggies, how long shoudl it take before my ph is not acid? If it's been a week or more should I assume my prescription meds are affecting my ph?
Didnt juice and pretty much ate like crap today and BOY do I feel it. It's amazing...
Looking forward to the colon chat.
thank you, thank you, thank you ms. kris. for some time i've been quietly following your blog community and all the wonderful canser cowgirls and gents he that enourage and inspire me. i thank you kris (as well as all the dear commenters!) for this glorious place. it helps me stay on my "train", the "#192". smooches!
angela
http://princesstinybutt.blogspot.com
hi kris,
is green tea bad? per my doctor it has a lot of antioxidant...and i've been drinking that eversince,
please be advice...
thank you,
jean
Kris,
é emocionante ouvir você,ver você, conhecer sua nova vida.
Eu tive com você uma tomada de concincia, ao ouvir sua entrevista^para o Dr. Oz.
Parabéns, eu e minha turma de medicina chinesa estamos maravilhados com você.
Richardson Valle
richardsonvalle@hotmail.com
5521-82660123
Hi Kris and all: I have been reading your blog and a lot of the posts. It is so inspiring. I do not have the "c", but I have always thought it is part of most people's body... sometimes it decides to show face and sometimes not. Ya just never know. It may be on my mind a little more, my Mom is a "c" stayer...and then there were some that were "c"... hmmmm won't go there. On and off for the past several years I have been intrigued with the juicing. Have done it some in the past, but silly me could not stand cleaning that messy juicer. I gave it away and will not shop for a new one.
Kris, when I seen you on Oprah, I thought what a gal, SHE HAS IT RIGHT! Of course I know that you don't have everything right, but you are there and you are in touch. It is great.
Yesterday, 11/26/07 I start blended green drinks. It was good.
I blended: spinach leafs, 1/2 cuke, parsley,slice of slimcado ( it was much bigger that an avocado). The drink was nummy and tasted healthy.
I am going to stay in health for the holidays. More later....
Thank you, cowgirls... Kimberly
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