Cancer Tips For the Newly Diagnosed

People often contact me when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. It's such a frightful time initially, most people simple don't know what to do, and just step in line with whatever the doctor tells them. I have put together a list of tips that should be helpful to newly diagnosed patients, regardless of the method of treatment you chose to go through.

1. Your cancer did not appear overnight. That's right, you did not wake up one day and have cancer, it's been slowly growing in your system for years, YEARS, before you or your doctor discovered it. What does this mean? It means that there is no need to rush into a treatment plan. While you might not want to wait months or years, you have a few weeks to explore your options, get multiple opinions and do some resesearch before diving into a plan. Your doctor will likely attempt to immediately drag you into the chemo room, but hold fast little cancer patient. Take some time to discover what treatment options feel right for you. 
2. Get more than one opinion. I've talked to people who had one oncologist insist they needed a port, another both chemo and raditation and another wanted to try localized chemo treatments, no port, all for the SAME cancer. It's also important to realize you will be working very closely with this person, so having an oncologist that is supportive and informative is very important. And if you are interested in incorporating holistic methods, or going holistic all the way, see a Naturopath as well. In fact, if you have more than one in your area, shop them too. They will also likely have different treatment suggestions. 
3. Read this blog entry: What Your Oncologist Never Told You About Cancer before letting them cut into you.
4. Before starting chemotherapy, read Chris Beat Cancer's excellent blog entry: Why I Didn't Do Chemo. Great source of information.
5. Chemo and radiation are extremely hard on the body and can make you feel very sick. Ginger is great tool for battling the nausea. You can get them as chewable tablets, buy fresh ginger or pills. Personally when my stomach is upset I think slowly chewing the pills helps a lot. I have a friend that swears by this for enduring chemo treatments. Also, chemo can cause a lot of nerve pain and damage. Acupuncture is a great tool for healing this. Set up your appointments directly after your chemo treatment, therefore you won't be spending the night in agonizing pain. 
6. Become a nutrition expert. It's so important to support your body during cancer treatments. Cancer feeds on an acidic state and loves sugar. Green smoothies are an easy way to get started. Check out Victoria Boutenko's book "Green for Life" and the "Green Smoothie Revolution." Crazy Sexy Cancer chica Kris Carr recently released a wonderful book called "Crazy Sexy Diet." This book gives you a step by step process for transforming your diet. She's a kickass cancer warrior and I highly recommend all of her books. 
7. Shake Your Booty. I realize that fatigue is a big issue for a lot of cancer patients, but the more you move your body, the better you will feel and the faster you will heal. Your lymphatic system does not have it's own pump, it only moves when you move. When it gets sluggish, toxins can re-enter the bloodstream, making you feel sick. One of the best ways for cancer patients to exercise is the rebounder. This mini-trampoline is fun and easy and 10 minutes on it is worth 30 minutes of walking. It gets the lymph pumping and for those with little energy, do 5 minutes multiple times a day. Keep that lymph moving. Yoga is also a great tool. It helps with your breathing, flexibility, stress levels, etc. 
8. Detox, Detox, Detox. It's so important to move those toxins out of your body. If they don't come out, they will just be recycled back into your bloodstream, yikes! Dry Skin Brushing, neti pot, enema's, parasite cleanse, colonics; these are all great tools. Read more about them on my blog entry: Detox Your World
9. Not every treatment works the same on everyone. I have tried many different treatments during my cancer journey and some have had amazing results, and others not so much. However, some of the things that didn't work for me did wonders for others. Each person is different and the best way is to do something, and get frequent blood tests to see if the treatment is having an effect. Holistic remedies can be expensive, so there is no point wasting money on something that is having no affect. Also, if it's not having an affect, you definitely want to find something new that will benefit you.
10. Read other cancer blogs. Here is a list of wonderful blogs that are written by people healing themselves from cancer: Chris Beat Cancer, Polly's Path to Health and Happiness, Crazy Sexy Life Blog, The Wellness Warrior, and Walkstrong.
11. Take Care of Your Emotional Health. I believe that cancer is an imbalance not only of the physical body, but the emotional and spiritual as well. Plus, a lot of emotions can come up when diagnosed. Healing modalities such as EFT (emotional freedom technique), Reiki, meditation, affirmations, etc. can be a great help. Louise Hay is a wonderful woman who healed her cancer using daily affirmations. She has a great book called "You Can Heal Your Life" that I highly recommend. 
12. Read this blog post: Let Your Ladies Hang Free: Why I Stopped Wearing a Bra.
13. Educate Yourself. Read anything and everything you can on healing. There are a ton of resources out there and more coming out all the time. I've created an Amazon module at the bottom of this post with my recommendations of cancer healing books. Check it out!
14. Get social. People who are not going through cancer treatments are often sympathetic, but don't always understand everything we are going through. Crazy Sexy Life is a social networking site run by Kris Carr that has over 23,000 members, all healing from cancer. Many of these people are combining converntional medicines with holistic rememdies. There are many "Groovy Groups" for supporting people going through cleanses, specific cancers, people new to yoga and meditation, recipes, etc. Great resource for support. 
15. Buy This DVD. Cancer is Curable Now. An amazing look at the cancer industry and how you can heal now, without chemo or radiation. Watch it before you decide on a treatment plan.
16. Read the incredible story of Jane VanBenthusen, who healed herself from cervical cancer after being told there was no cure. Read her story here: Jane VanBenthusen

This is really a starter guide. Dive into this, then if you have further questions or want more information, feel free to email me or leave a comment on this blog post. I wish you the best in your cancer journey. Click here to read about my personal cancer journey. 

21 Day Adventure Cleanse: The Wrap Up

The last week of my cleanse went well. My detox symptoms slowed, as my body adjusted to the new diet and finished releasing it's baggage. I had several days where I had extreme fatigue, but my mid-week that improved greatly.

Some of the lessons I learned:

1. I do not have a gluten intolerance, so I will allow it back into my diet. However, I do know that overdoing it, makes me queasy, and pasta seems to be the biggest culprit. So when at home at least, I will stick with Quinoa pasta, which, tasty! I also don't want to overindulge on white flour, so I will be staying away from that, making it more of a treat, or simply using gluten free and healthier flours when I do indulge my baking bug. 
2. Drinking green smoothies each day gives me energy and keeps my system clean. I really enjoyed getting back into smoothies over this 21 day period and intend to continue incorporating them daily. 
3. I need to refocus on exercise and find ways to motivate myself. I'm sure the weather is part of it, but still, that's an excuse. 
4. I am a chocoholic, which, not a surprise, but I think I need to do a sugar detox at some point. I may have an emotional attachment that needs to be addressed. 
5. I didn't eat a lot of dairy anyway, I've been drinking almond milk for the last decade, but still indulge in cheese from time to time. I really didn't miss dairy at all, and in fact was glad it was gone, so I will focus on not letting it back in. If I do indulge, local/organic only. 
6. I journaled about my progress daily, and rediscovered my love for keeping a journal.

What things are you doing to improve your health? What would you like to learn about health? Have you done a cleanse?

21 Day Adventure Cleanse: Days 8-12

This week has been filled with ups and downs.  As the week progressed, I started to get a little neurotic. This can happen as cravings kick in, toxins crawl their way out, etc. Tip #4 Go to the grocery store every 4 or 5 days. Too long in between trips and certain food items may go bad, fewer choices can create some mental craziness, and sometimes what's left doesn't constitute a properly balanced meal. 

Tuesday night I started to go a little nuts, and by Wednesday I had completely lost it. Fortunately/Unfortunately, I didn't have the ability to really break the cleanse because I only had certain foods left and a shortage of cash. My vegetables were all gone, the fruit as well, most of the snack items, and so for dinner I made an extremely bland portion of brown rice, black beans and sweet potato. I was so hungry, and out of balance, I hadn't meditated or exercised or done any of the other things for the emotional/spiritual aspect of my cleanse. Around 9pm, I started getting a headache, I felt like crap, but knew that the next day I would be able to buy food, but still....hungry! Then my inner guide said "Eat some almonds." Whew! Those almonds saved my sanity! My headache went away, my sanity restored, and I had a good nights sleep. I woke up with a new attitude, meditated, had a delicious green juice and veggie sandwich at Coffee Girls, went to Whole Foods, and got back on track. I bounced on the rebounder and made a delicious Gluten-Free, vegan, sauerkraut pizza. I felt fabulous and motivated once again.

Today I had a delicious kale/orange/goldenberry/cacao smoothie for breakfast.  Lunch consisted of gluten free falafel and baba ganouj, locally made with a lovely side of veggies.  Tonight, I'm thinking Buddha Bowl.  In a bit, I'm hopping back on the yoga train, going to finish the laundry, and get things done.  Cleansing can be difficult at times, but in the end, all the releasing, new wonderful habits, and re-establishing previous good habits is certainly beneficial.

How is your cleanse going?

21 Day Adventure Cleanse: Days 4-7

I've made it a full week on my cleanse now and I'm feeling pretty good.  The last few days I've been a little fatigued, and spent some extra time resting.  Today, however, I feel great, alert, and ready to get things done.  There is a list of "check in" items, to review at the end of each day.  In addition to tracking each item of food, I am also tracking how much water I drink, what supplements I take, how my eliminations are, what time in the evening I have my last bit of food, and how the cleanse makes me feel physically and emotionally.  I also record if I abstained from: coffee, alcohol, gluten, animal products and sugar and whether or not I did: dry brushing, neti pot, exercise, meditate, chew mindfully, laugh out loud, spend time in nature, get a good eight hours of sleep.

I've been doing a great job abstaining from everything but sugar. I have been eating a piece of dark chocolate at the end of each day. I admit that I haven't even resisted the urge. This week, though, I would like to see if I can go a few days without, and break the hold sugar has on me.

Chipotle Hominy Stew

I have been meditating everyday to the Vortex meditations, which I highly recommend.  Exercise has been hit or miss.  We had several nice days last week and Triton and I ventured out on walks, which gave us our "time in nature" quota as well.  I can't say I'm as motivated to walk in three feet of snow, in the 12 degrees. However, part of my 2011 Intentions included daily yoga, which I can't say has happened so far. The Yoga Journal online started a 21 day yoga challenge, today, which I signed up for. This should get me back on track for my intention and daily exercise.

I've generally been pretty good with the detox tools, but I haven't done a lot of laughing and as for chewing mindfully, I am terrible at this! So this week those are the things I will focus on.  I have been sleeping pretty well, except the last two nights, I've had to get up and pee every 30-45 minutes, no joke! Apparently my lymph is moving stuff through, which is great! However, it makes solid sleep very difficult.  Let's hope that chills a bit this week. 

How are you doing with your 2011 Intentions? 

Crazy Sexy Diet

I've been following the work of Kris Carr for a few years now.  Eight years ago she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, incurable. Instead of giving up, she decided focus on healing herself. She filmed a documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, that showed us doctor's visits, emotional breakdowns, and discovering green smoothies.  She has written three books now, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips, Crazy Sexy Cancer Journal and the new Crazy Sexy Diet. 

Crazy Sexy Diet is a great tool for anyone hoping to heal themselves from any ailment, or someone simply wishing to convert to a healthier diet. In her book, Kris encourages readers to "eat your veggies and shake your God pod."  Eating a high alkaline diet, and moving your body, are two important keys in her lifestyle guide. Ten chapters cover topics such as testing your PH, the truth behind sugar and milk, detoxing your body, juicing tips, meditation, healthy snacks, supplements, and most importantly, her 21 Day Adventure Cleanse. The cleanse is worth the price of the book.  Kris' cleanse does not restrict how much you can eat, only what you eat.  She provides daily encouragement, through affirmations, fun tips, and exercise suggestions. The cleanse also includes a weekly juice fast, giving your body a day of rest to release as many toxins as possible.

With guest articles from greats such as Dr. Brian Clement, Emily Deschanel, Rory Freedman and many more, this book is packed with excellent tips for converting to a healthy lifestyle that will make you feel great and heal your body.

Existing's Tricky Healing Workbook: Week 1

Today's Archangel Oracle Card: You Know What to Do. Archangel Uriel: "Trust your inner knowledge, and act upon it without delay. You are far wiser than you realize, and your inner wisdom has already given you the answers you seek. Embrace this knowledge, and trust it. If you're doubtful, ask me to give you clear signs to validate your thoughts and ideas. I can also help you put your ideas into action, and make decisions about the next steps to take. Just ask me. And then be willing to work with me by taking action."

Doreen Virtue Archangel Oracle Cards

Some days I feel alot like this polar bear, hanging on for dear life. However, as Archangel Uriel stated, we often know what we need, we just don't always know how to get there. There are a lot of amazing workbooks out there with exercises, affirmations and guidance on how we can manifest the life we desire. Each week I'm going to post some exercises, tools and tips from some of my mentors. I encourage you to invest in a journal, and take the time to do these exercises each week. I also would love to hear how you are doing, what discoveries you make about yourself. We are a community here, so post your experiences and let's grow and manifest together!

Workbook Exercises: Week 1

Affirmation: "In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete. I believe in a power far greater than I am that flows through me every moment of every day. I open myself to the wisdom within, knowing that there is only One intelligence in this Universe. Out of this One intelligence comes all the answers, all the solutions, all the healings, all the new creations. I trust this Power and Intelligence, knowing that whatever I need to know is revealed to me, and that whatever I need comes to me in the right time, space and sequence. All is well in my world."
--Louise Hay

Exploration Question: "What is an inherited belief you have about money that inhibits your experience of abundance? What is something you would like to believe about money that would have you aware of abundance? Share both of these beliefs with someone in your life"
--Abounding River Workbook, Cafe Gratitude

Art Project: Break out the crayons, stickers, etc. Visualize yourself, how do you see yourself? Draw you incredibleness and see what that "inner billboard" looks like. This tool will reveal a lot about your feelings of self-worth.
--Kris Carr

Exercise: Write "I Should" on the top of a piece of paper (or in your journal) and make a list of 5-6 things to finish that sentence. Read each one aloud to yourself, and ask yourself "why?" Should is an obligation and often times means being wrong. Reread the list, one item at a time, except this time begin each sentence with "If I really wanted to, I could _____________" Then ask yourself "Why haven't I".  You may have some fears come up after doing this. Focus on letting go of the "shoulds" this week and focus on things that empower you.
--Louise Hay

Exercise: Focus on your Feelings. What emotions are coming up for you? Experience those negative emotions, than re-think them. Ask yourself, "What are the beliefs about myself that are holding me back?" Then put on an upbeat CD and dance it out! Release those negative beliefs and refocus on gratitude. 
--Gabrielle Bernstein

Your Homework
1. Purchase a journal or notebook
2. Say your affirmation each day. If you can say it to yourself in the mirror, it will be more powerful.
3. Work through these four exercises this week. Journal your thoughts, what comes up for you? If you need any releasing tools, let me know.
4. Take time each day to list at least 5 things you are grateful for; morning and night is really empowering.

Let me know how you do with the exercises!

Love and Gratitude,

Shanna ♥

My Inspirational Bookshelf

This week I wanted to share a list of wonderful books that have inspired me and influenced my healing process.  Most of these wonderful books would apply to anyone in the process of healing themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.  If you've read any of these books, please share your thoughts!

1. The Crazy Sexy Cancer Series. Valentine's Day 2003 Kris Carr received the news she had Stage IV Epitheliodid Hemangioendothelioma, a rare cancer that encompassed most of her body. Only a handful of oncologists in the country have any knowledge of this disease and there is no medical cure at this time. Kris decided to take matters into her own hands and became a health expert. She read books on the raw food diet, macrobiotics, yoga, meditation, herbal treatments, etc. She formed her own Cancer Posse and started CrazySexyLife. The first book has a list of great tips for those going through cancer, and those assisting friends/family with cancer. Her second book is a journal, with exercises to explore the emotional side of the disease. In January she will release Crazy Sexy Diet, filled with health tips every cancer patient should know about. Kris is a strong woman, living with cancer, and getting healthy every day. I strongly recommend reading her powerful books.




2. The Sara Triology by Esther Hicks. The Law of Attraction is a powerful Universal tool, but some of the information out there can get confusing at time. Esther Hicks created this wonderful series, written for young adults, that explains the Law in a simple manner. We follow the life of Sara, an unhappy young girl living in a small town, who meets a talking Owl that changes everything. It's a wonderful, easy read, and a great way to learn the laws of the Universe.




3. Detox Your World by Shazzie. This incredible book takes you through the process of detoxing physically and emotionally the toxins and blockages that prevent you from achieving optimal health. She provides many tools for detoxing, including details on skin brushing, deep breathing techniques, colonics, etc. She has a detox diet program that gently allows people at all levels to release toxins from the body and shift their perspective. This is a unique read, a gem that I reference reguarly.
 



4. Superfoods by David Wolfe. I wrote a three part post earlier this summer on Superfoods, and later turned it into a lens on Squidoo.  This amazing book has changed my life. I had issues with anemia, hypoglycemia, hormone imbalance, fatigue and of course cancer. Since I started using Superfoods in my smoothies, my energy level has improved (with indicates a balance in blood sugar and iron), my periods have normalized and I just feel better. I can't say enough about this book.





5. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. It took me a long time to read this book, I resisted for quite awhile. I simply did not want to deal with my feelings. However, I finally did read it and I'm glad I did. This incredible woman healed her breast cancer doing mirror work and affirmations. Her incredible story inspires and her exercises leave no room for denial. Everyone should own a copy of this book.




6. Knockout by Suzanne Somers. In this book Suzanne shares a story of a near-death experience, which nearly became fatal, because of the practices of the medical industry. Misdiagnosed, pumped full of drugs that never should of mixed, ignored and poorly treated, Ms. Somers is lucky to be alive. After this experience Somers interviewed a slew of medical doctors who were curing patients of cancer, without chemotherapy. Doctors who were listening to their patients, looking outside the drug industry, and some who were legally persucuted for it. If you have any doubts regarding how powerful big Pharm is, read this book.
 



7. Greens for Life by Victoria Boutenko. This book breaks down the science behind green smoothies and shows you just how important greens are for our diet. Written in an easy to understand manner, and with an index of recipes. the Boutenko family have long been leaders in the raw and health industries.




8. Anastasia by Vladimir Megre. I don't even know how to describe this series. These books are powerful, moving, magical, astonishing, breaktaking, I could go on. You will be moved.




9. Add More ~Ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein. I've mentioned this book on several books, but it's worth mentioning again. Bernstein takes concepts from "A Course in Miracles" and breaks them down for the 20-30 somethings in a way that we will connect with.  Each chapter covers a specific topic, from Forgiveness, Mirroring, Releasing Romantic Illusions, etc. She provides exercises to do over a 30-day period to change your life. You can read more about my impressions and how this book has influenced me on my Squidoo Lens: http://www.squidoo.com/add-more-ing-to-your-life-a-hip-guide-to-happiness




10. Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God. This gorgeous book by poet Rilke will move your soul. Split into three parts, these poems are questions, observations, and spiritual hugs to the Universe. "I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world. I may not complete this last one but I give myself to it. I circle around God, around the primordial tower. I've been circling for thousands of years and I still don't know: am I a falcon, a storm, or a great song?" Beautiful.




What's on your Inspirational Bookshelf?

No TV for 30 Days Challenge

Recently Crazy Sexy Cancer chic Kris Carr release a challenge based on a blog by Skinny Bitch Diva Rory Freeman Giving Up TV . While this may seem daunting to most people, I'd like you to take a moment and do a couple of things for yourself.

1. Add up all the hours you watch TV each week.  How many TV shows do you watch?  Do you watch the commercials?  News?  Random flipping?  Have a number yet? Good.

2. Take that number and divide by seven.  This will give you an average daily viewing time.

3. Now ad up how many hours you sleep, work and eat. Subtract this number from 24 and you'll get the number of hours on average you have each day to exercise, attend your kid's activities, socialize, read, enjoy a hobby, have some "me" time, etc.  Then take that "free time" number and subtract your daily TV viewage. Think about it, is this number "big enough" to fit all of the things you want to accomplish?  Do you feel like you "never have enough time" to do what you have to do?

4. First, things first, cut out the News.  This will create a HUGE opening for joy if you eliminate this one program.  The world will continue spinning, regardless of how many murders, rapes, wars and crisis are reported.  Mentally and emotionally, the News is draining, and shouldn't be a daily focus.  Also, reality shows are simply gossip mills.  Eliminate those life suckers.  Check out my blog post Peace, Love and Happiness for a refresher on how going on a Media diet and eliminating gossip can create Peace.

5. I want you to envision all the shows you watch, and recall how you feel during each broadcast.  Any of your scripted programs leave you feeling a little sick, frightened, angry, dirty, shameful, guilty, depressed, disgusted by the world? CUT THEM OUT!!!

6. What is your TV viewing number now?  Could you reduce it further?  Are there shows you watch out of habit, simply because you've watched all the seasons, but truly don't enjoy anymore?  Cut them. 

Look at all the free time you have now!! If you choose to continuing watching TV, focus on shows that inspire, make you laugh, are uplifting, bring you joy.  If you are interested in tackling the challenge, or maybe want to try cutting out TV for a day or a week, just to start, follow it on twitter #notvfor30days. 

Now, what to do with all the extra time....

Knit, crochet, Yoga, read to kids in the cancer ward at the hospital, meditate, read a book, join Meetup, start a blog, adopt a pet, Soduku, jigsaw puzzles, plant a garden, visit a museum, go to the park, attend the ballet, exercise, go camping, dance in your living room, take Tango lessons, learn something new, draw a self portrait, meet your Spirit Guides, journal, listen to podcasts, send letters to friends, become a Soldier penpal, volunteer at an orphanage, clean out the basement, learn Reiki, attend a spiritual service, create your own Vision Board, go to the Symphony, play with a child, visit your parents, write a poem, learn an instrument

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!!

Love List

Crazy Sexy Cancer survivor Kris Carr recently started a fabulous trend at her blog CrazySexyLife, the Love List. Love Lists are just an acknowledgement of things we adore.  You can put a list together anytime, keep adding to the one you've got, shout out a new love daily, whatever rocks your boat.  It's a sweet reminder of the beautiful loving world we live in. Check out Kris' lists (which she will be posting every Wednesday) here:
Love List: Chandeliers & Airstreams
Love List: Flea Markets & Snapshots

You can also check out Gala Darling's version Things I Love Thursday and follow the conversation on Twitter #lovelist. 

Here's my Love List for this lovely Tuesday in August

Triton
I LOVE spending time with my wonderful puppy dog, going to the park, walking down the Trolley Trail, watching him play with his artichoke, car rides where both his head AND tail hang out the window, random people taking pictures of him on the plaza, the busboy at Eden's Alley asking about him every time I go in, taking him to eat on the patio at restaurants, chasing squirrels, giving him baths, swimming at the dog park, cuddling on the sofa, he's my number one :)







 Superfoods smoothies, shiny clean house, blogging, werewolves, musicals, meditation, raw cacao, meeting lovely new lady friends, Doreen Virtue, the rose garden at Loose Park, Ben&Jerry's Smores, coconut oil, zinc, Twitter, Reiki, being an ~ing girl, rebounder, affirmations, gratitude, forgiveness, teddy bears, LOVE LISTS, meetup.com, Her Future




LOVE THIS SONG!!

Squidoo, Warehouse 13, Eureka, Kris Carr, snail mail, meeting my Spirit Guides, Thai food, Laura Bell Bundy, Pandora, mini-golf, pecans, journaling, dancing it out, running barefoot in the grass, smiling, laughing, Naughty Monkey shoes, dolphins, ocean sounds

Jane Austen spinoff books Mr. Darcy's Daughters
This oil spill benefit zazzle store Art for Oil Spill
Gabrielle Bernstein Videos Gabrielle Bernstein on Vimeo
This beautiful gal's blog My Hip Guide to Happiness

The Magical, Mystical Unicorn

HUGS!!!

What's on your Love List?