Eating for my life!

Are you Kidney?

2010-05-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ouch.......kidney stones are not for wimps! Holy crap, this, I believe is the worst yet (except for having a baby)!!! I started getting pain two weeks ago, after 3 nights of being up bawling because aspirin doesn't do a damn thing for the pain, I decided to go to the doctor. After being poked and prodded, and peed in a cup, yes there was blood in my urine and that was a good indicator that I had kidney stones. But to be safe, (with my history) they sent me to Penticton to get a scan. So off I go to Penticton....The doctor there said yep....you have kidney stones, gave me some pain pills and that was it. Well it's been two weeks...I am pissed off, tired and at my wits end. It was scaring me...just the thought of maybe the C reoccurring....eating away at the back of my brain.
I had to go for my 3 month blood tests last week, and thought that my oncologist will take care of this and do the necessary checks. I was there yesterday, and all my tests are great. THANK THE HEAVENS!!! Now to deal with the problem...that (as I walked out of the oncology clinic) was going to be up to me. She ordered a CT, but they are backlogged.
Off I went to the health food store.... I told them what I needed, and they were all over it! The ladies at the whole foods store are AWESOME! They gave me a product called CHANCA PIEDRA, which means "break stone" it is to support the health of the kidneys, liver, and gall bladder. Last night and this morning, I can feel this rock inside actually moving....with the pain killers I have and this product, I am hoping that things " move along" just fine....so I guess we'll have to wait and see...off I go with my strainer in hand....

It's been too Long!!

2010-02-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

It's been too long...I've been reminded a few times to get here and update. Since I've last been on I've gone and got another MRI done, and multiple blood tests. I hate going in there, that fear creeps up again and scares the daylights out of me. Sometimes I feel as though they are actually trying to find something wrong. I have been sticking to the plan, water, veggies, good food choices (although Christmas was a total disaster for me, I cheated many, many times, but still did the water, and everything else). My MRI was completely clear...WHOOOHOOO....and all my blood tests came up normal. Even my counts were down from the last time...I was soooo happy to hear that! The guilt about all the Christmas treats, was kinda scaring me. That little scary guy in my head always reminds me when I'm doing something I shouldn't be. I'm sure anyone else faced with this kind of change would have their little "guy" too!
I still read up on anything I haven't heard of...like the Chelation, and Logol's solution....just in case. I think that the plan I am on is the right one for me. Just never give up, don't freak out about every little thing and carry on with your own plan. Overall you always know what is best for you!

Have a Happy Christmas everyone

2009-12-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time. My hubby has had his kidney taken out, and it was cancerous. They say that there isn't any chance that it will return. He is still healing from the accident though. His Left arm is unable to be raised vertical or above his shoulder without pain. He will need some therapy with this. I've heard that acupuncture is fantastic for this kind of problem. So I will get him going after Christmas.
I have gone for my tests and all are good. They wanted me to do an MRI and my doctor says there is a "dark spot" in my lower abdomen and wants me to do another test after Christmas. I don't think it's anything....now they are "looking" for different things, but how would they know if it's been there all my life?! I'm not to worried although it's something that is always in the back of my head, worrying....wondering if I'm doing everything I need to do. Every time I cheat...and eat something like a chocolate, or a little ice cream, the little voice in my head starts ragging on me. It's amazing! Since I started working, it's a lot easier to eat better, because what I take is what I eat. Salad.....nuts and fruit....I am having turkey dinner, no matter what...I'll just make sure I detox after....

WHAT NEXT?

2009-09-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

I got my next set of tests back and they are good.
My thoughts are not about that now. My hubby has got into a accident and hurt himself bad. On the left 3 broken ribs ( with the middle one severly broken in a few spots) and a cracked rib on the right. He may have a punctured lung, but its hard for them to tell. He's having so much trouble breathing, its hard to see. Twice now I've been told God doesn't give you more than you can handle, but I'm starting to question that too. While doing the CT scan they found a Mass on his kidney. The doc said "he's lucky"...hmmmmm. I guess this could have gone unchecked for years, then it would have been to late. Today we find out from the specialist what it is exactly. They have already said its Cancer, and if the specialist thinks it is for sure they will take it out as soon as he is well enough. They don't want to do a biopsy because the cells could leak out of the needle hole, and that is NOT what we want!
I'm numb....what is a person suppose to think at this point? It is starting to feel more like a punishment than anything. I sit here and shake my head, and wonder what will be next? How much more can a person, people or family take. Why is this disease in control? I thought we were supposed to be the smartest animals on the planet. I'm thinkin not at this point. We are all too sick all the time. That doesn't seem to smart to me. I want to get out of this house....this community...is it the air, is it the house? What is it? Believe me, I've questioned everything, and will be for some time.

Decisions decisions.....

2009-07-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

My appointment with the oncologist was as screwed up as ever. I now have a new drug to take, and am contemplating whether I will or not, it's called Arimidex(anastrozole) and is suppose to stop estrogen from being produced. The side effects are high cholesterol, bone loss, and mood swings, ( they are the most common). I've had them since Monday, and haven't made up my mind. Of course I want to just chuck them in the garbage, but that small scared voice in my head says 'Ya better take them'. On the other hand, will what I am doing with the water and the diet be enough? Only time will tell.
I went and saw the Surgeon yesterday. This freaks me out, but I want to be "normal" again soooooooo bad. I will be getting the trans-flap procedure done October 7th. Hmmmm, that gives me enough time to back out. Another surgery, I'm just not one hundred percent decided on this one. Am I being silly? And can I live the rest of my life wondering if my prosthesis has shifted or is falling out? I can't just go to any store and buy a bra, or any shirt I want. Always being conscious of it is tiring. 7 days of 'down' time and 6 weeks to heal fully. It is the perfect time of year for this, and both kids are will be in school.
We will see, I am pretty sure I'll go ahead with this, but it's a pretty big decision.

Don't forget your Vidacell !!

2009-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

I realized this morning that I haven't kept up on this site. As I was reading the post about the changes I've made, I realized that I have forgot one vital piece of information. Vidacell!!! This product is important for maintaining cellular function. Its a polysaccharides/polypeptide, which helps your cells function more efficiently. It comes in a box( like tea) and is in little packets.
I thought that getting better was going to be my challenge, but I am finding that it is much easier to 'stray' from the plan now more than ever. It's the change as a whole,... forever.... that is a concept that is really hard to grasp. I have found it much harder to stick to without someone else to cook for. I find myself getting lazy and just grabbing a sandwich when I'm hungry. It still is the right bread and veggies of some sort, but it's not thought out. Eating a diet with many choices is important to get all the vitamins and minerals. I haven't had any sort of pill, whether it be an aspirin or vitamin. I do still like the odd Timmy's coffee, and can't seem to resist that Lemon chicken when my daughter and I go to the mall every once and awhile. I have noticed though when I do eat it my tummy does some bizarre gurgling and doesn't like it to much. I guess all in all it's not to bad. I still haven't found a good cookie recipe that I can eat and my girls like too.
My biggest baddest habit... I am battling still, but am on it. This is day 3...again....this will be the one that sticks!
I have been harvesting from the garden. I made mulberry juice and froze it. Peas, beans, rhubarb, strawberries. Drying apples, and now I am doing dried cherries.
I figure that canning probably isn't the best way to preserve anything because of the loss of all the nutrients. I will be doing tomatoes though...they are a staple in this house, and there won't be any sugar or that preservative that they use in it( which I found out they use to deice the roads in the winter) ewwwww!
I have to go back to see my oncologist on Monday. I am not looking forward to that. I refuse to take any of those pills! She's going to be choked at me, but to bad. I don't understand why they can't work with me on this. It's all about those damn pills, and I hate the fact that I need to lie to them to stay healthy. I just don't get it. Has everyone lost their Independence? Are our choices, really not ours anymore? It makes me feel sad to think that these people who are there to help us, are there only if we do exactly as they wish. It's not right.
I got my tattoo a couple of weeks ago, and am very pleased with it. It's a side view of a butterfly landing on two pink ribbons ( which are horizontal). This represents the end of this challenge, and the start of my new healthier lifestyle. Being strong is wearing....but will be done.

Some of my recipies...

2009-06-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to share some of my recipes, so here we go:

Coconut fruit bites

1cup dates, cut up
1cup dried apricots, cut up
1cup raisins chopped
1cup chopped walnuts
2cups coconut(unsweetened) Reserve 1 cup for rolling

Grind dates, apricots and raisins or use food processor

Add nuts and first amount of coconut. Shape into balls, roll in coconut. Freezes well, great for on the road snacks, or needing something naturally sweet.
Warning....may not want to go out into public after eating these, they cause flatulence!!!!!!!!!!!

Elke's Altered Haystacks

3cups quick oats
1cup shredded coconut(unsweetened)
1 box pure dark chocolate for baking...
1cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup almond breeze (almond milk) unsweetened
2 tbsp. stevia powder ( depends on which you use) there is a conversion chart on the stevia website ; May need to adjust accordingly

In a large bowl, mix oats, coconut, nuts. In a saucepan combine milk, oil,chocolate and stevia and bring to a boil. Pour over dry mixture and stir until mixed well. Messy, but drop by teaspoon on waxed paper. If needed for firmness, let stand in refrigerator. Freezes well

Excellent BBQ sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1 1/2 cups of organic tomatoe sauce
pinch of stevia to sweeten
1/2 cup cider vinegar....try apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 tbsp stevia
1 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne powder

Mix all ingredients

The Hardest Part

2009-05-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Since I found out my results, friends and acquaintances have asked me, what exactly did you do? When I started thinking about it, it was hard to remember everything. So I am going to try to keep track of everything I eat, drink and do to live a healthier lifestyle.

1. I started drinking alkaline ionized water.
2. I follow some of Dr. Budwigs diet; Muesli and flax oil, with organic plain yogurt and fruit mixed in.
3. sprouted grain bread...not much, but when I'm really hungry it serves it's purpose. My favorite is a toasted tomato with freshly made avocado sauce.
4. Almond Breeze. I don't drink any milk.
5. Vegetables; I make a blender full of "greens" and drink first thing in the morning, before anything else. I eat raw vegetables most of the day. Whether its in a salad or just a veggie plate.
6. Lots of almonds, great for snacks when on the road. Sesame seeds ( for the calcium)
7. Beans; usually as hummus, or chili
8. I use stevia, honey, maple syrup (pure) for sweeteners.
9. tea...lots of it, red clover, make my own ginger tea, green, peppermint
10. For my sweet tooth, I drink hot cocoa with almond breeze,stevia, little cinnamon
and make haystacks with stevia sweetener.
11. I make rice wraps filled with any veggie chopped up to a pulp, with Budwigs dip. It's really good. I use rice in them as well. Way more veggies than rice though.
12. I eat veggie chips- they are really good, but quite expensive.
13. Lots of dried apricots!
14.

Things I avoid like the plague:

SUGAR!! Whether it's in the ingredient list or just plain
Meat - eat free range eggs rarely, fish, and the odd organic chicken
Preservatives- no explanation needed here
additives -
Butter
Margarine
coffee- although made with the highest level of ph, cancels out the acidity of the coffee. But still don't drink it very often, only on days where I just need something from before my changes.

I use natural soaps and creams from the health food store. I use perfume, but on my cloths not on my skin. Mineral oil is one of my favorites. The Body shop carries a really good hemp hand cream that works well!
I am now trying to switch my cleaning products over to vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice..I am a cleaning product junky!
My kids still eat a lot of things that I don't but the choices are better choices, like natural sugar in cookies, almond chocolate milk, or rice dream chocolate milk, bread is made here, or 100% whole wheat. I try to pick the healthier version of what they like. Plus they also drink the water.

I'm sure I've missed things, but I am always searching for better choices. I thought the hard part was getting healthy, but it wasn't. The hard part is going to be STAYING HEALTHY!!

WHAT A RIDE!!

2009-05-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here with complete satisfaction. Wow what a ride this has been! I was trying to post the letter Lila and I sent back and forth yesterday, but I don't know how to use my tools properly. So I will recreate it word for word, it is something to share and who knows, maybe it will give someone else some hope:
To me, from Lila....

Hi Everyone:
I arrived home today to find this amazing email in my "inbox"

I met Leah earlier this year. She was recommended to me by a friend who had a connection to HANS Magazine. Leah explained that this was her latest bout with cancer and as you will see from this email, she's had her fair share with this disorder. After speaking with Leah, I knew she was in the same position I was 9 years earlier, with few answers and more fear about facing cancer, yet again. We set down a time over the phone and I drove to her home that Sunday and I spent a few hours there explaining the importance of the pH of the body. More people know more about the pH of their hot tubs and pools than they do about their bodies. I explained what I did 8 years earlier to regain my health and that what we needed to do was to get the pH of her blood and tissues raised. Leah simply needed to get her body back into balance. Reduce the acid and increase the alkaline. You see, cancer can not thrive in an oxygen rich body with a balanced pH- it simply goes dormant or dies.
Leah was eager to do whatever was necessary to recover and she began her journey to reclaim her health immediately. Her husband was on board and the support from the family was there as well. Leah's in-laws would even drive into town to pick up water from me to make sure she never ran out. I kept in touch with Leah every few days initially, as I knew the detoxing process would most probably be unpleasant. Leah was always willing to do what it took and we laughed together when I told her "Its time to nose down, and tail up, on this one. You are going to be another pH miracle soon". As her process continued, the change in the emotional and physical aspects of her life were dramatic. She continued to expand her knowledge on how to prepare more alkaline structured foods for herself and her family and was diligent about drinking alkalized ionized water. She was a true "trooper". As time passed her progress was so outstanding everyone around her started following her lead. It is a true story of the 'ripple" effect and how it affects those around us.
I have to say that when I received this email this afternoon, I sat quietly hearing only my own breathing while hot tears fell over my cheeks. I am so very proud of Leah and her dedication to honoring her body and taking the necessary steps to follow through and make some simple changes. Leah's vitality and example of how life can be has been life changing for those around here. She has been a blessing in my life too ad I have found a beautiful new friend in Leah. How we came together was another blessing - thank you Gail and Jane Shaak, you are valuable messengers too.

For those of you reading this email, please get informed on the importance of the pH scale and how those markers affect your blood (your blood is what regenerates YOU.) The pH is the single most important measurement of the body as it will dictate as to how your body regenerates. Please forward this email to anyone you feel may need encouragement in terms of their health or perhaps the health of someone they know and love or to those who may want to know more about what they can do to take action to maintain optimal health. I would be happy to offer any information I may have to those desirous of change.
Changing what we eat is not always easy, but as Leah shows, each one of us makes a choice. We are alive beings and therefore need to nourish our bodies with live foods and fluids. Through conscious choices, we are either raising the energy of our bodies and expanding our "aliveness" or we are in the process of decomposition. The truth is out. There is no way to go back to sleep.
Warm regards,
Lila

This was my short version of my battle, requested by Lila:

The first time I went through the system...had a mastectomy, did the chemotherapy and radiation, but it came back. Somehow deep down I knew I needed to take charge of my sickness and my body. I didn't want to go through the system, so I started to research on the computer... and learned a little about a lot! The system didn't work for me the first time, and I had to take charge. Then I was directed to Lila through a friend, this is what happened:
I can't remember the actual date that I called Lila. All I can remember after talking with her for awhile on the phone, that this was it. Lila offered to come to my home and share her information. Lila told me that the choice I make regarding the "system" was something that I had to decide. She explained that the water and pH diet would increase my body's ability to recover sooner from the chemo. She also explained the pH scale, the importance of a proper diet, a pH diet. I believe this was at the end of Jan. 09. Lila brought me some of her pH water, and insisted that I drink this water and use it for tea, cooking food and most importantly to drink constantly. The first 4 days was the hardest, my body was detoxing to the extreme. I was so tired, and just wanted to sleep. It made me wonder if what I chose was right. By the fifth day, I started feeling better, and had more energy. It has just increased since that first week. Here are some changes I noticed over my three months:
My body pH check was off the scale acidic. Within a week, it was at a 7. My energy level increased. Headaches went away by week three, Eyes cleared up, started sleeping through the night, hubby drank the water, and his heartburn went away., More energy! father in law had kidney deterioration, and now his kidneys are fine, Mom in law's knees are not in constant pain, and she finally sleeps better as well., weight loss....ever since the first week, it was "falling" off of me....and I eat ALL day long! Cravings for sugar went away in about 6 weeks, I do still have the odd craving.

The changes I made were extreme, but as I look back, very quite simple. How easy is it to eat raw vegetables? How easy was it to drink this particular water, at first I had to get rid of a lot of foods that I wasn't allowed. Lila was kind enough to supply me my water until I was able to get my own machine, thank you Lila, you are a real Lifesaver!

And finally the Email that started this in the first place:

Dearest Lila,

I needed to tell you right away, I got my test results back. In Jan. when got my ovaries out, my tumor markers were at 500. As you may remember, normal is between 0-35. My tests show ovarian and breast tumor markers at 6. WE WON!! I needed to send this special heart felt thank you to you, for guiding me, and explaining everything, and most of all for being such an inspiration! You are a very special woman, and I sit here with tears in my eyes, because I may not have chose the right path without you. A glass of greens on me!

I WON THIS WAR ON CANCER!!

2009-05-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

I now have proof! I got my test results back today. As the doctor walked in and gave me hell for not taking my wbc cell count test, all I could think of was my results. He told me that I will get a test done before I leave the hospital, and will carry on with these pills ( I don't know what I'm gonna do with them all at the end.)He seemed to go on forever! He is such a nice man, but HOLY CRAP...get to the results man! So...this is what I understand....In January, after they took out my ovaries( which is taking the hard route to getting fixed...lol), my cancer cell count was at 500. Normal range, for anyone off the street, is at a range from 0-35. I am now at...wait for it......wait.....6 !!!!!!!! Yes that's right 6 I say!!!!YAAAAAHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOPEEEEEE, I am walking on cloud # 6 !!! I am sooooo pleased with myself it isn't even explainable! So for all you skeptics out there....I am living proof that diet and water DOES make a difference! Between you and me....I haven't been taking those pills since the first round...they were sucking the life outta me. I still have many battles to overcome, but for now we CELEBRATE!!!

MANY, MANY thanks to Gail, who directed me to Lila, Lila for being an inspriration and my water guru, and anyone linked to the ph water I have loyally been drinking!
To all the beautiful, wonderful friends and family, I have who look at me(thinking I'm loosing it) for putting up with my diet and water lectures!!!! I love you all!
And last but not least, Doug, you are the best, and it would have been really hard to do this without you on board. Thanks to you all ....

Spring....'tis the season

2009-04-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well here I am again, sitting here thinking about all the work I should be doing! Tis the season! I've been trying to get things planted in the garden, but it has been slow going. It will get done, I just do what I can. It's so exciting when I go out and see that the peas are up, so now it's time to put in another batch. I'm going to try to get my spinach in, and beans. That's my goal today. Hopefully the wind dies down enough to put the spinach seeds in without blowing all over!
I had all my tests done, and the doctors want me to do them again. I believe that they need them done again because they are coming up negative. Ha Ha...I win...
that doesn't mean that I will ever stop doing what I am doing! I've never felt so good (maybe when I was a kid, but that was a few years ago)! I've had comments on how healthy I look, and it makes me want to stick to this new eating plan. The water itself is amazing, and can never thank Gail enough for introducing me to Lila!
A dear friend of mine is involved with a product called Monavie, it is the acai berry juice, and sounds very interesting. I am going to order some from her to try. She has noticed a difference in her sleeping habits already after one week, she explained that her back aches kept her from sleeping the whole night through, and now she wakes up in the morning thinking "is it morning already"! I know a few people with joint aches that it would benefit!
It's quite overwhelming to see the changes people are willing to make for their health...but I still wonder why it took me so long to figure it out for myself. We've all heard 'you are what you eat', but that should have said 'eat to stay healthy, and alive'. The Canadian food guide is a crock as far as I'm concerned. I was looking at that the last time I had to sit in the waiting room at the oncology clinic. I think that is why it took me so long to realize what "Healthy" eating really is!!! By those standards, everyone is over eating...and it doesn't show or say how many preservatives, hormones, or pesticides you ingest every time you eat one or more of these groups! Why isn't water a food group? Without it we would die...so what's up with that? We are just not given the right tools for the job. Thank goodness for the Internet, and the people around us to give us that "kick in the ass" to get us going to motivate, and support!

Third Round...

2009-03-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

I've started my third round of Xeloda....as I was talking with my oncologist yesterday, I asked," please will you do all the marker tests, just so I can have some idea what is going on". She insisted that I have had them done, although she couldn't find the paper work for the tests. Well I know why she couldn't find the paperwork, because I haven't been tested at ALL since I had all my womanly parts taken out in January. She then ordered the blood tests and MRI, because "supposedly" they do it after the third dose. She was all concerned that if I know the results, and if anything shows up I will stop fighting. What a crock....it would only make me fight even harder. I know they will not find anything, because I know my own body, I understand the signals it gives me, and I get angry when someone else tells me how I'm supposed to feel.
She asked how my feet were doing, and I told her that a family member had given me some ACUPEDS, they are foot patches that you put on at night, and they take the toxins out of your body. Anyway the day after I started using these patches, my foot pain was gone. When she asked me to write it down, so she could share this information with other patients, I was shocked, but instantly told her the name and where they can be purchased. Hopefully someone else will get the opportunity to be more comfortable during this process.
She also asked if I was doing any "alternative" therapy, so I told her about drinking the ph water, phytoplanktin, cod liver oil, and vidacell. She didn't seem concerned, so I will carry on. Chances are I would carry on without her blessing! She said they were having some problems with other patients. I think she just wanted to know what I was up to! Everything I'm doing compliments the drugs, it makes my body work more efficiently, and heal faster. It's funny, she keeps telling me to go get a steak, and have a huge lunch....that really is starting to bug me. "Vegetables are so boring"...that's what she said....when I think about this I can't help but shake my head.....HOLY!!!She should be advocating eating a healthier diet..
All in all, I feel good, and will carry on...

The Secret....to you

2009-03-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have found that if I am a little to tense I watch this....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phL0RLKL8bc

Well, I've finished my second round, with no problems. My only real concern right now is learning to take every dose when I'm supposed to. I missed 3 half days...not good. I know I didn't want to be taking these in the first place. I know I don't need them, but for the sake of others, and to ease their minds....I am taking them. I think it would be different if they could experience the feeling of it all for just one day....everyone would turn to alternative methods!
Momma Gray offered to help me get the ph ionizer machine that I so believe in...so hopefully it will be here by the end of next week. I will be so happy when I don't have to drive into Penticton every 4 days to get my ph water. I sure notice a difference when I don't have it, I feel sluggish, and pretty much just want to nap. Can't be doing that in my house...let me tell ya! It's supposed to be a nice day...I would love to spend the day outside, cleaning up the yard and puttering around...but I gotta go to Penticton to get some water. I can't imagine how Lila feels about me coming all the time...but she does insist that I not stop drinking it, for healing purposes.

Cheeseburger bird

2009-03-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

When I got up this morning, I usually go straight for the door, to let the dog out. As I opened it, I could smell the spring, and hear the birds singing their "cheeseburger" song. I really want to know what kind of bird that is...a robin? It instantly made me energetic, calm and happy. I have been feeling quite good, and the oil of oregano seems to be doing wonders on my feet.

Tomorrow I need to go into Penticton to get some ink for my printer. I really need to download some petition forms and get going on this! I honestly cannot think of anyone who doesn't use some form of natural health products. I'm thinking I should also write a letter to MP. I was also thinking; how come there is a new sign in Cawston that reads.." Cawston, the organic capital of Canada" and yet I have to go elsewhere to get organic food from somewhere in the States???? What the heck is up with that? I understand that it's seasonal, but there are plenty of foods that a person can buy through the winter that keep. I may have to bring this to the store owners attention....here we go again.....

knowledge is freedom-become an active citizen!!!!!!

2009-03-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

I went to a public meeting last night with a friend and her mom. It was about our freedoms in Canada, specifically our freedom to choose. The topic was How to Protect your natural Health products. Bills C51 and C52 will take this freedom of choice away. I didn't understand how important or serious it was until last night. I use vitamins, minerals, and products that you can't find in Canada...to make myself better, and the government wants to take that away. I shouldn't even write that down, because if someone who could enforce that law reads this, they could pound down my door and take all of this away from me and cause havoc! I never questioned "why" I couldn't get it in Canada, I never thought of my products as "illegal", but they are. WOW! I don't want someone who doesn't know me or the situation I'm in, taking my freedom to choose what works for me, to be the best I can be and the healthiest!!! As it is, we are loosing THOUSANDS of health products EVERY DAY!!!It's because of licencing laws, and the companies can't afford to licence all their products or they would go broke. Pretty scary!!! If anyone reads this and are remotely interested in helping stop these bills, please do, and there is a website http://www.charterofhealthfreedom.org/ to get a petition and read more....or for more information you can visit http://www.nhppa.org/

Another day, another challenge, another fight....knowledge is freedom! Learn, love, laugh...it is another day

blood analysis

2009-03-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! I would suggest that if anyone is interested in checking out what is going on in their bodies to do this! It's amazing!! As I sat waiting to hear the results(which was pretty much instantaneous) I was thinking how bad my blood would be. As I sat and listened to Lila explain what was going on...yeast in cells, crystals, fungus, which is can be caused by the chemo pills I'm on....I was completely amazed! She knew about things that I ignore. For example... headaches, my foot problems, even the fused bones in my neck!! Lila even thought it would be worse than it was. We both discussed the diet and water and how it affects the cells and the plasma. Her analogy for this is; when you have a fish tank and the fish are sick, do you take out the fish and fix them one by one, and put them back into the dirty fish tank? OR do you clean the water and watch the fish get better, because their environment is better? That is the same as the cells in your plasma....the diet and ph water clean your "fish tank" and the cells follow!! I am so happy that I met Lila, she is my tutor...and such a great lady! She could see stress crystals in my plasma...something I have yet to master...to control, no actually to let go of issues that are effecting my health...it's amazing what these little guys do to our plasma! Her suggestion was to visualize the good cells and to let go of the bad...
In my research I found the website to get the ph water ionizer, of course at this time it's a little out of my reach...BUT the good news is they have a "portable" water jug that is within my reach! My friend Gail has contacted the company and for anyone who is interested in getting one( I strongly insist on this) you can get a discount through her website: http://www.scuttlebutt.biz/ Thank you Gail for following through on this! You are awesome!
Every day I realize how lucky I am to have met some really wonderful people, and how sometimes bad things create way more good things in a person's life. Family,friends of course, well...I've been blessed with the most supportive ever, I love them all, and will hopefully never have to return the favour!! If you understand what I mean!
All I can say is thank you over and over!!!

An OHHHHH moment.....

2009-03-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for recipes...not an easy task! There is either a vegetarian diet, with sugar, or a diet with no gluten or diet without lactose, but it's impossible to find recipes without all three, no meat no gluten no sugar, AND, trying to stay within the ph rules. This is my new job, to find recipes which are within these rules and eventually make a book to share! Thanks to Gail who informed me how easy this actually is! I sure don't know how long it will take, but I figure within a year, I'll have some solid recipes, to cover all three meals, and dessert....have a piece of fruit...how hard is that!
I am doing a blood analysis with Lila on Friday, and am really excited about it, I want to see the changes in my blood! I realize that the chemotherapy drugs I'm taking are wreaking havoc, but it will be good to see the results at the end. I have found a portable ph water jug( which I can afford), and filters last a year...so I figure that will buy me enough time to save for a permanent one. I checked my ph again today....not good, very acidic, I wonder if that is the pills I'm taking, creating all that acid...I sure know it's not my eating habits or water intake!
It's something I will need to talk to Lila about...I'm sure we'll figure it out together. She also shared a canning tip with me...which will make canning much easier! No processing, just blanching to get peels off, put in jars, make pure juice, add, then put a piece of crumpled up wax paper on top, lid and freeze. I have never heard this method before, but it makes total sense...we boil all the goodness out of everything we 'think' is healthy...dumbass...just another one of those OHHHHH moments...lol...I have become very passionate about this, and enjoy every moment of learning.

2009-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Happy rainy Monday...I love the sound of the rain, it just seems so peaceful. We get so little of it. I saw my oncologist last Thursday, and they worried me again, I had to take an extra blood test because my wtc count was really low. My first test was on Tuesday, and I guess my count was .84 and then on Thursday (when they did it again) it was at 1.54 which is where it should be at for another dose of poison. She decided to give me an extra week off. Thank goodness, but on the other hand it just postpones the inevidable. I asked what stage it was at and she said stage 3 and invasive. Blah blah blah....it's all just a bunch of crap anyway. I am not worried in the least. My only concerns is the effect on my body, by taking Xeloda in the first place. I hate the way my feet hurt all the time, and have tried everything to make them better. On the brighter side, I have a new oncologist, and she is so awesome, I feel I can truely talk to her without wondering if she understands what I mean.
I cheated last week and got a latte from Timmy's....big mistake, the sugar in it made me sick. Dumbass, I won't do that again. I'll order a black coffee and take my own sweetener. I guess it's a sure way of knowing what different things do to your body. I've also been studing the Laetrile, vitamin B17. Very intersesting. I didn't even realize that alot of what I am eating from the Budwig diet and the 80 percent raw, 20 percent cooked food, is containing this life saving vitamin. It just confirms in my mind that I am on the right track. My biggest problem right now is gathering up the nerve to ask nan and pop for enough money to buy a ph water machine. I'm not sure if it was 3 or five grand, but I know I want to get one. I was drinking it for a couple of weeks then stopped, because I felt as though I was bugging Lila, but have started drinking it again, and it makes such a huge difference it's unbelievable! I would have everyone in the family and friends drinking it all the time!

Never Stop

2009-02-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

Life is good, kids are great, what more could a person want...I am relieved that my boy is working still, he's on the last rig, that hasn't and by the looks of it won't be shut down. He may not get overtime, but is working. I sure wish he lived closer, I miss him. I would love to be able to drop by his house, and bug him and his girlfriend! Elaine and Shirley stopped by yesterday, and we chatted. It was a nice visit. I am concerned for Shirley, she doesn't seem to want to fight anymore(she also has reoccurring breast cancer). She's tired, and all I wanted to do was shake her and say Never Stop! Never stop fighting, but I have been hearing this more and more, once the "system" is done with you, a person is drained...sucks the life outta you. It makes me soooooo angry, I just want to scream! I know I will never stop fighting, but I also know my fight is over. I just have to appease the "system" and everyone that thinks that it's the only way. I won't ever go back to the way I use to eat, and old bad habits....I honestly don't think I could. I like the way food tastes now, and the challenge of trying new things all the time. I'm slowly changing over products which I don't eat for more pure, organically grown,non refined, for the rest of the family. It is a little more expensive, but no one eats meat here anyway, so that makes up for it. No drive through, which saves a ton of money every time we go into Penticton. At least what they eat is a better choice of food, and that is the best thing I can do for them. I have that stupid song in my head...the weather outside is frightful......

Chin up

2009-02-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

I am feeling better today, it's amazing what lots of rest does for a person! My feet are still very sore, but keeping them cold helps a lot. My mom phoned yesterday and somehow just made me feel better. I go into oncology again next week, and will find out more information on how long I have to do this, so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I only have one more dose of the pills and then can heal for the next week. I will talk to my doctor about not increasing the dose, I can barely walk now, I can't imagine what I will feel like if they up the dose.
I had a good talk to Sarah last night, and she was feeling better within an hour. Trying to explain to a 10 yr old, that a person can't just succumb to feeling yucky , and finding the strength to fight all the way, was actually harder than I thought it would be. She was all happy and healthy this morning with no sore throat or tummy ache...it was amazing. She is such a great, strong soul, and I sure love her. I think she just wanted to be here, to "watch" over me. Sooooo, chin up, carry on, and be happy! Another day to enjoy.....

OUCH

2009-02-19T05:57:00.000-08:00

Today and tomorrow, then I have a week off, and the timing is right. I need the next week to heal up as good as I can....my feet feel like someone has peeled all the skin off and I have to walk on a bed of nails! I can't sleep and my bones are aching. It's weird, I have the energy levels, but the pains just seem to.....have it caged somehow. I am worried that some patterns are returning to this household, and I know I can't just sit back and let them happen. I guess I'm just not wanting to go through this again and am feeling sorry for myself. I want my mommy..silly I know but I do. I am so frustrated. I know I'm not expected to do anything and could just sit down, relax and heal, but I don't have that in me either. I refuse to just "sit back". I have a house to run and kids to look after. I just want to bawl. This sucks so bad! I am sad, mad, happy and thankful all rolled up into one. I hope or maybe even know that this fight in me is enough to get me through again.
Another concern right now is Sarah..she seems to be having all the symptoms I have. I've tried telling her that this is part of the healing process, but she is mimicking my pains. I don't know how else to ease her mind...she will make herself sick if she keeps making herself think she is. I am very concerned, and will focus on this today. I will take her back to the doctor, and see if Sarah could maybe talk to someone about how she feels about all this. I don't want to dismiss her pain, and will have her thoroughly checked, but her mental state needs some healing as well.
I also am so thankful for the friends I have, who are silently watching, waiting to help( you know who you are). Thank you, and I will not shut you out this time.... ;) ...

2009-02-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure that the feeling of weakness and being tired are from the caps chemo pill. I woke up this morning with sore feet, like I've been walking across the countyside. Doug reminded me last night that these were the same side effects I had before, minus the sore feet. I have to take the pills until Friday, but I'm not looking forward to the next round when they up the dose. I'm also finding my vision is poor, fuzzy, and can't focus well. I don't think they should up the dose, I have a house and a family to take care of. All I can do is take it day by day, and make myself know this is the last time, and I will be 100%.
I need to make a pot of vegetable soup today, try to make easy meals, I didn't want to do anything last night, and sure would have enjoyed some soup. It's so hard sometimes when everyone else can just grab something, and I can't. I have to learn how to shop, so I always have stuff in the cupboard for myself, and items that everyone can enjoy...still figuring that out...this is definetly a life long challenge!

One of those days...

2009-02-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

It's snowing, I have spring fever so bad that when I saw the snow, it made me cringe. I didn't sleep well last night, I'm finding my bones feel like twigs and there is an elephant sleeping on top of me. I don't know if this is from those pills or something else. Yesterday was a quiet day, it was a little disappointing, but I guess when you've been with someone for a long time, and being busy just takes the fun out of it. I am feeling like I'm going in circles, and don't know if I can stand not working. I need something, I just don't know what right now.
It will be a good day, I just need to remind myself how lucky I am to have a beautiful family, wonderful friends, and support coming out of my ears! It's just one of those mornings.....

PH and Valentines day

2009-02-14T06:10:00.000-08:00

A lady I was introduced to (Lila) is my pH guru. She has gone through the same medical challenges as I am dealing with right now. She introduced the use of greens, pH, water and the importance of them all. When I first met her about 3 weeks ago, she gave me some pH tape to check my pH level in my urine(which is done first thing in the morning). My pH level then was 5.8, completely acidic! I think it was off the chart, but have no idea what the reading was. Anyway that was not good! I have been drinking her water, when I have it, eating greens at breakfast lunch and dinner, and still following the no sugar, meat, sauces, or preserved anything! I checked my pH level this morning and it was at 7.0!!! WOW! It CAN be done, it took me 3 weeks to get it there, and the feeling of accomplishment is grand! This is the best valentines day ever.....Whoopee! I will Not eat any chocolate today, well at least not the stuff in the boxes...I can make my own treats using unsweetened chocolate, stevia powder and whatever else I put in...haystacks are my favorite, and taste great when I get the sweet tooth pounding at the door.

Bring on the Spring!

2009-02-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

As I watched t.v. last night I was angry at the commercials. They advertise all these dinners that are full of sugar and preservatives....holy crap! For example, some guy is looking for meat, potatoes, vegetable and dessert....the vegetable is corn, and I was thinking to myself, how can they say that is a good meal to eat! Protein, starch, and sugar....mmmmm mm. No wonder the nation is full of unhealthy people! Our kids grow up watching these false advertisements, and are filled with the wrong information.
I missed taking my pills on day 5, the evening dose. I really noticed the difference yesterday, my stomach was upset again, but I also had a nasty sore throat and was very tired. I need to go out for a walk, but hate the cold. I want to join the yoga class here, and need to look into that today. I am not one to sit at home and walk on a treadmill or join an aerobics class. I am looking forward to the spring when there is always so much to do there isn't enough time in the day!

Here we go....

2009-02-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

I was thinking that I wasn't going to have side effects from this pill, but have noticed that when I eat now, I get a sick feeling in my stomach. I also was sitting chatting with my parents yesterday, and had a weird experience. I felt hot in the face and started seeing little black things floating around and dizzy. That I think is either low blood pressure or low sugar. I have to start carrying snacks around with me, to make sure I don't get hungry. It's really hard to go anywhere, because you can't just grab a snack, everything is riddled with sugar. So I guess the hunt will be on for snacks I can throw in my purse and eat whenever.
When reading some Cancer support material yesterday I came across a statement, it said;"When you have secondary breast cancer it means that your cancer can be treated but it can't be cured". I cried, then I just got mad. Who can say that when I have met people who have been cured! Why would you write something like that and not back it up with statistics?! I am mad and scared and plan on watching my girls grow up!!!! Statements like this are extremely uncalled for! I will not be going to any Cancer sites again. I refuse to let this kind of sentence bring me down, I am going to be one of those non statistical people, who live strong, long lives!

eat to beat

2009-02-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

As I sit here this morning, I am realizing how lucky I really am. The support I have is astronomical! Everyones concern fills my heart. I am on day 3 of the chemo pill, and am wondering why it's so easy. I haven't had any side effects yet, and am still feeling great. I had fun yesterday creating new meals for my family. I get really excited when my "picky eater" daughter likes the food I prepare. Well one out of two isn't bad. I have also found my youngest daughter, Christine is eating much better also. It's amazing how effortlessly they can change. I think this is the most important thing I will ever teach my children. How to eat, to beat.... any future problems, how important food is, and what we do to our bodies. I've always told them they need to eat their meals, but in all honesty I don't think sitting down and watching a movie together and pigging out on chocolate and chips was a very bright idea. Everything happens for a reason, and I won't miss the boat this time!
I am suprised that I don't have any side effects, it's like you wait to see what will happen next. I actually find myself ignoring my own body and it's cues. This is a transition in itself...learn to listen and respond what you really already know and what your body is telling you.

So Far, So Good

2009-02-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

It will be another beautiful day. Day 2 on these pills, and no noticable side effects. My new diet will help me make it through this phase. I'm doing everything I can to keep my chin up. A friend of mine sent me a little video on U-tube, called the secret to you...I try to watch that every day, I find it calms me and gives me strength and peace. I love my mornings just to sit quietly and read my mail, check everything out on the internet and do more research.
I know I have already beat this, and now will enjoy the coming of spring. I plan on using all my flower pots for herbs, and do have to really plan my garden. I'm already wanting peas....I love peas... I think I should plant a couple of flower pots in the house that way I could get some going right now...hmmm..yes I think I will.
I am going to see what the girls want to do today, it's always an adventure...

Defeated

2009-02-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

I feel empty, blah, and totally defeated. I have to go back to oncology today to get an ex-ray and the chemo pills. I explained to her that I'm on this diet, she said, "that's fine". I told her I'm not doing chemo, that I just wanted 3 months to get better. She said, "well then it could be to late," and there won't be anything we can do your cancer is too agressive." So there it is in a nutshell. I don't know about anyone else but that works on me. My oncologist explained why all these blood tests didn't show anything, because they weren't even checking my "markers" they were checking my white blood cell count. So how come they can say, " clean bill of health" when it's NOT! THIS SUCKS!
I am sticking to my new lifesyle, no matter what, because I know that is the way to heal myself. I will take these stupid chemo pills, until they make me sick, then (if I can grab some balls) I will stop taking them! I will do anything and everything to be 100%, except kill my own cells. The doctors said that they didn't find anything else and the fluid surrounding the tumor was clean from cancer cells. Capecitabine...hmmm, if I remember correctly, if you can't pronounce it, don't put it in your body.... I lose this round.....I am sooooo mad at myself...

The Day

2009-02-05T06:23:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,
Well this is the day I've been waiting for, for a month...I'm feeling apprehensive about my trip to the oncologist. Even though I know what she will tell me, I guess in the back of my mind all I want to hear is, we've made a mistake, it's not mestastisis breast cancer. I don't know what to expect when I tell her that I am not doing the chemo and radiation. I am taking with me another therapy plan,(the scientifically formulated amino acid therapy) which I would be willing to do. The chances of her even knowing about it are slim, but I have taken the time to download and print the physician information. It's weird, I can feel the "fog" rolling into my brain...I guess because I just don't want to hear it. I've always been a passive person, who will avoid conflict at any opportunity. This is the biggest conflict and most important. It seems no matter what I do, or tell myself, there is always that nagging at the back of my brain, "what if", and "why didn't I"....I know that I have to be positive...I know...but still it is there. Will it always be there? I suppose it will, which will be good because I will still be here to hear it.

taking charge of my cancer

2009-02-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog, I have never done anything like this before, but I have something to say. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. I was 40 years old, with a 2 year old and a 8 year old. I have an older son, but is not at home. The surprise or shock or whatever you may call it, I'm sure there are many other people who felt this way, turned me into a brainless idiot. I asked very few questions, let the health care system and "experts" lead my 'recovery'. I had a mastectomy of the left boob, chemo and radiation.
It is now Feb 4th/09, I just had a complete hysterectomy, and will be seeing my oncologist tomorrow. I have Metastasis breast Cancer.

So now what? Well I've spent the last 4 weeks recovering from the operation, and have done nothing but research in this area. Diet, lifestyle, water, what we put on out skin each day to make us softer or smell better....bodily energy....you name it I have probably looked it up. This is my own personal gut feeling and educated opinion:

#1. CHANGE WHAT YOU EAT!! This I cannot stress enough! Raw Raw Raw veggies, fruit, NO REFINED SUGAR, NO MEAT(unless organic), NO SAUCES, ANYTHING THAT SAYS HYDROGENATED
anything that goes in affects how your body works.
#2. LISTEN TO YOUR OWN BODY!!! Don't let anyone else decide what you will do with it..
#3.DRINK WATER, now I've started using water with a higher ph...but you can check
this out on your own, Dr Young and ph...

Now I'm angry, because not one person told me the first time to eat differently, or try drinking more water, there was nothing said about diet or lifestyle, I was just another Cancer victim... no one sat me down and said do you know you can try to make yourself better by trying a new way of life!

I believe I can make myself better....I have found the Budwig diet works for me, with some ph water, proper rest and trying not to stress over this! I have found many sites and doctors all over the world that swear that the only way to not be disease ridden is to fix your own cells first...how come our medical system is more concerned with pumping horrible toxins into our bodies and kill off "cancer" cells AND our 'healthy' cells too!!!!Of course we know why...MONEY!

This is by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life...I'm eating for my life!!

I want 3 months to prove that I can cure myself...I have too much to live for!!!