My New Best Friend - Dr David Brownstein

Man, have I had an interesting day....too busy for me, time to deflate a little!

Here are a couple more answered questions, from the back of Dr. Brownstein's Newsletters...again, not revealing the asker's identity....just sharing their concern, and his answer; enjoy!!

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Q: I have Type 2 diabetes and want to know if it can be reversed naturally. Do you have any advice?

A: This type of diabetes is caused by a confluence of factors including obesity, inactivity eating a poor diet, and nutritional deficiencies.

I often refer to Type 2 diabetes as a "lifestyle" illness, because the great majority of patients suffering from it are struggling due to nothing more than poor lifestyle choices.

Eating a poor diet is the main reason we are seeing such a rise in Type 2 diabetes. The standard American diet contains way too much refined sugar, flour, salt and oils, and not enough nutrient-dense food.

These refined foods lack basic nutrients and contain toxic byproducts from their manufacturing processes.

This picture was added by me, guys. But, you get the idea, right?

This combination of nutrient imbalances, along with toxic overload, is a perfect recipe for developing Type 2 diabetes.

How can you avoid or overcome diabetes? First, eat a healthy diet full of unrefined food. Avoid all sources of refined sugar and fructose, as well as other refined products. Finally, daily exercise can help the insulin receptors restore their sensitivity.

My experience has clearly shown a holistic approach can help a person beat Type 2 diabetes. More information can be found in "The Guide to Healthy Eating" (I have this book...it's amazing!!)


Q:  My 17-year-old daughter has been on birth control for one year. What is your opinion of the risks of having her on them at such a young age?

A: Birth control pills contain synthetic forms of progesterone and estrogen in order to inhibit ovulation and implantation.

Unfortunately, birth control pills are associated with a host of issues, including problems with the thyroid gland, blood clots, heart attacks, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of cancer of the cervix and liver.

Some studies have even shown an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took birth control pills. (I was on birth control pills for a while)

Regulating menses can often be accomplished by cleaning up the diet and avoiding allergenic foods. Food allergy testing can be done through blood tests or via an acupressure technique called NAET (Namburipad's Allergy Elimination Techniques).

Finally, heavy menstrual bleeding can usually be controlled by ensuring adequate thyroid function and/or supplementing with vitamin A. High doses of vitamin A (10,000 to 100,000 IU per day) can slow down heavy bleeding in the majority of women.

One note of caution: Vitamin A should be prescribed by a knowledgeable healthcare provider, as high doses can cause adverse effects.

Women who are pregnant should not take high doses of Vitamin A.

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The emphatic moments, in both questions (in italics), are my own interruptions; as is the caption, under the photo I shared.

The first Q&A is a subject near and dear to my heart, because both of my parents are diabetic (Type 2) and my Dad passed away when I was 13 years old, from complications of the disease. He spent his life demanding the right to eat as he pleased, and was very stubborn when it came to following doctor's orders.

My mother developed Type 2 diabetes later in life, and she's been dealing with it a little more maturely than my Dad did! LOL!

I, unfortunately, developed my Dad's eating habits; the end result is dealing with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, in my 40s. However, the more I learn, the better equipped I am to overcome this disease, and hopefully add some years that would have otherwise been stolen from me.

Here's to a healthy life!! Have a blessed day! oxoxox

My New Best Friend - Dr David Browstein

As promised, I am back! Hey, today's my birthday, so I'm gonna take it easy, today.....hope ya don't mind! LOL!

While I was researching Dr. David Brownstein, reading his Newsletters, etc. I noticed he did a Q&A on the backs of all his Newsletters...so, I decided to share a couple of those, today! I'm not going to tell you who asked the questions, for privacy sake; I'll just post the questions, and the Dr's answers.

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Q: When I take my blood pressure at home, it ranges from 116/66 to 122/77. But, at my doctor's office, it went up to 150/70. Do you think I need medication?

A: Just because your blood pressure is elevated in a doctor's office does not mean that you have high blood pressure.

The American Heart Association says that normal blood pressure is a reading of 120 mmHg for systolic (pressure on the vessels while the heart is beating) and 80 mmHg for diastolic (pressure on the vessels while the heart is relaxed).

Prehypertension is classified as a blood pressure reading in the range of 120-139/80-89 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as a reading higher than 140/90 mmHg. I can sum up these numbers in one word: rubbish.

If we followed the American Heart Association's recommendations, a huge percentage of Americans over the age of 40 would be placed on medications that they do not need.

In cases like this, where blood pressure readings are widely different between home and the doctor's office, I suggest that people have their home blood pressure machines calibrated at the doctor's office. Once your sure of the readings, take daily blood pressure measurements at home.

This phenomenon is often called "white coat hypertension." White coat hypertension does not necessarily require medication. I have many patients who bring me blood pressure readings from their home machines instead of, or in addition to, having the test performed in my office.

Finally, there are many other tests, such as electrocardiogram (EKG) and heart ultrasound that can also ascertain if blood pressure is damaging the heart.


Q: I was diagnosed with thyroid nodules approximately one year ago. Happily, the nodules were found to be benign. Should thyroid nodules be treated or simply followed to ensure they are not cancerous?

A: Nodules on the thyroid, breast, ovaries, uterus or prostate are not normal. When the architecture of the glands becomes damaged, nodules and cysts start to form. If the condition worsens, it can lead to cancer.

One cause of cysts and nodules in glandular tissue is iodine deficiency. I would suggest that you have your iodine checked by a healthcare provider knowledgeable about iodine levels.

If your levels are low, iodine supplementation may help this condition. Also, avoiding toxic halogens such as fluoride and bromine helps.

I have seen many patients cure nodules and cysts in their glandular tissue, including the thyroid and breasts.

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I may post a couple more questions and their answers, later today, but I think two is good enough, for now! LOL!!

Dr. Brownstein has an entire Newsletter devoted to the health benefits of iodine; and he's written a book on the subject, called "Iodine: Why You Need IT, Why You Can't Live Without IT". I'm totally interested in reading that book, now that I've read the Newsletter!

Well, I'm going to go enjoy my birthday...stop by my Facebook page (The Savvy Survivor), if you can! I'm throwing a birthday party, and I've invited everyone to post their favorite recipe that contains anti-estrogenic foods in them.

Here's a list of those foods....

Barley Grass

Broccoli

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Garlic

Kale

Kohlrabi

Onions

Sweet Potatoes

Watercress

Wheat Grass

Apricot

Avocado

Banana (high glycemic)

Berries

Blackberries

Cantaloupe

Coconut, fresh

Currants

Figs, dried

Grapes

Grapefruit

Honeydew Melon

Lemon

Lime

Muskmelons

Nectarine

Orange

Peach

Pear

Pineapple

Raisins

Raspberries

Rhubarb

Strawberries

Tangerine

Tropical Fruits

Umeboshi Plums

Watermelon

Almonds

Chestnuts

Millet

Herbs (all)
Corn
Winter Squash
Blueberries
Cranberries
Currants
Plums
Prunes
Flour, white
Rice (white)
Butter (grass fed animal)
Cheese (grass fed animal)
Cashews
Legumes (not soy/edamame)
Pecans
Walnuts
Beef (grass fed)
Lamb (grass fed)
Tuna
Veal (grass fed)
Venison (grass fed)
Wine (red wine)
Coffee

I hope to see you at my Facebook party...don't forget to "Like" my page!! Have a blessed day! oxoxox

Do You Get Enough Sleep?

Last night, after weeks of not being able to go to bed until after midnight (sometimes not 'til 2am), I finally crashed around 10pm. And, I didn't get up until 9am, this morning.

Ever since I began this battle with breast cancer, I've been struggling in a few areas....getting my internal clock to regulate, is one of those areas. While I was on chemo, all my body wanted to do was sleep; if I had given in to it, I would have been doing very little, except sleeping. Since I've been off chemo (four months now) my body is still trying to find its rhythm, once again.

I wanted to use this opportunity to touch on the benefits of getting an adequate amount of sleep. This is not part of my series on Dr. David Brownstein...but it's equally as important!

Getting an adequate amount of sleep can benefit the body in many ways...keeps us more alert, protects us from colds and flu, it can keep us from becoming obese, improves memory function, and so much more! I encourage you to research this, further...especially if you're not getting enough sleep.

There's a great article by MUSC Health that goes into a little detail about some of the benefits. You can read that, here. And, on this site, there's some more info and a few tips on how to get a good night's sleep, if you have an issue with that.

I would love to be able to regulate my body, so I can get on a schedule...but, right now...I'm at the mercy of my body, as it learns how to be normal, again.

Have a great day, and be blessed!! oxoxox

Soy – Dynamic, or Destructive?

There are a host of sites out there that will brag about the health benefits of soy; this product has been around for almost 5,000 years.

Nowadays, soy can be found in practically everything packaged, boxed, or canned, at the grocery store (even in the organic stuff!). If you're traveling through the inner aisles of the grocery store, chances are, you're purchasing something that has a soy product in it.

Soy has been touted as a beneficially healthy meatless protein source, because it’s a complete protein; I've read that it can also lower your cholesterol (low in saturated and trans fats), and may reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s even been said that it can help menopausal women, because it has phytoestrogens.

Here’s what else I've learned about its benefits -

• Good source of iron
• Reduced risk of certain cancers
• Protective benefit to cancer survivors
• Great alternative to cow’s milk

The recommended daily intake of soy is 25g per day. With all these benefits, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal, does it? Well, it probably wouldn't be, if it weren't for a few things we’re not being told.

The link I just gave you (click on the highlighted word “benefits”), is a website sponsored by Silk, whose parent company is Dean Foods. Dean Foods spent $253,000 in the cause to defeat Prop 37; kind of signals a red flag that the soy they peddle is GMO soy, doesn't it? Not only that…but we, the average consumer, don’t eat just 25g of soy a day. Remember, I said soy is found in practically everything packaged, bottled, or canned?

Read your labels...soy lecithin, soybean oil, and soy flour are all in our packaged, boxed and canned foods. Some of these may be, as well. Always read the labels!!

We, unfortunately, are eating WAAAAAAAY more than 25g, on a daily basis! And, you know what they say…too much of a good thing, is a bad idea!

Let me show you what Dr. Brownstein says about soy….this is an excerpt from one of his Newsletters:

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“I wrote about soy in both the December 2008 and November 2011 issues of Natural Way to Health. Soy is a type of plant called a legume – a category that also includes peas, beans, lentils and peanuts. And like other legumes, soy has been touted as a healthy food.

I can assure you that the vast majority of soy food sources are not healthy products. In fact, most soy products cause a myriad of health issues, including thyroid problems and deficiencies in many vitamins and minerals.

Then why is soy promoted as such a healthy food? For one thing, it is incredibly cheap to grow, so it is added to many products to increase volume. There are estimates that the food industry has added soy to more than 50 percent of supermarket food products. The vast majority of these products should be avoided.

Soy can be processed as a fermented or non-fermented product. Fermented soy is produced by using bacteria to break down the soy. Examples of fermented soy include miso, natto, tempeh, and fermented soy sauce.

The fermented forms of soy can be eaten in small amounts without causing nutrient deficiencies, or thyroid problems.

Non-fermented soy products, on the other hand, contain anti-thyroid agents and enzymes that block the absorption of many vitamins and minerals. Soy in its natural form contains protease inhibitors. Protease enzymes, such as trypsin, are used by the body to break down protein into amino acids. Amino acids are used to maintain muscle tone and bone strength.

Soy is one of the most potent trypsin inhibitors known to science. Animal studies have shown that trypsin inhibition results in illnesses of the pancreas as well as cancer. Examples of non-fermented soy products include soy milk, soy-based meat substitutes, soybean oil, tofu, and many kinds of spreads with soy in them.

Non-fermented soy use leads to hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune thyroid problems such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease.

I have seen many patients develop thyroid problems due to soy ingestion. And it is nearly impossible to rectify thyroid problems in patients who continue to eat soy as a major protein source.”

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Ever hear of hexane? It’s a neurotoxin used to process soy milk. And you may not see the words “USDA Organic on soy products anymore…it’s not required. Hexane-processed soy milk can still be labeled “natural” or “made with organic ingredients” if there are any ingredients that were grown organically; regardless of how they’re processed.

Dr. Mercola is another voice of reason that I completely trust, when it comes to honest healthy lifestyle advice. His website as an article focused on soy; click here to read it.

To gain the benefits of soy, without consuming any, you can eat foods from these sites:

Balancing Hormones (the numbering system is a bit confusing, but this is a great list!)

Meatless Sources of Protein (#3, #6 and #9 mention soy products…we already know that’s not an option!)

Meatless Sources of Iron (this one also mentions soy, but there are a LOT more foods to choose from!)

Cholesterol Lowering Foods (soy alert!! Choose the other options!)

Cancer Fighting Foods (it’s an alphabetized list...skip over the soy!)

Alternatives to Cow's Milk (soy milk is mentioned first, but we won’t hold it against them! LOL!)

My own Oncologist even told me to avoid soy, since I was diagnosed with Estrogen-receptive Breast Cancer! Considering how much of our packaged foods have soy in them, it's not an easy task!

Soy is also used in products we don’t eat, so be mindful of labels on all your inedible products, too (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, make up, etc.); it can still infiltrate your system, through your skin!

Considering all the possible ways soy can get into our bodies, it's frightening to think that it could cause an estrogen overload, in all of us, if we're not aware! Let me know if you have any more ideas for improving the overall condition of the body, without the use of soy products!

Have a great day, and be blessed! oxoxox

My New Best Friend - Dr. David Brownstein

Yesterday, we didn't get the mail until after my sister and I came home from meeting with our church group. I was pleased to see that the biggest piece of mail was for me! I got a book, and a series of newsletters from Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., and have been digging through them, this morning! LOL!

I do believe, there will be a series dedicated to the information I garner from the book, and the newsletters! Not sure how long this series will be, but this should be fun! Already, I'm blown away by some of the things I'm learning! LOL!

Dr. David Brownstein is a Board-Certified (not sure what that means) family physician; and, apparently, he's one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. His website says so! He's got a plethora of information on a wide variety of health issues; and he's got a Blog, too!

My next Blog will be about the lies we've been fed about a particular health food. And, yes...the pun was intended.

Stay tuned for further developments!!

The Body's Own Balancing Act

I recently posted a blog called “Clean Eating to Fight Cancer”. In this blog I listed foods which are alkaline forming, and also acid forming to the body. It’s very important that the body maintain a balanced pH, to avoid diseases and other health related conditions. I’ll explain why.

Acidosis is a condition of the body where the pH balance is too acidic; there’s too much acid in the body’s fluids. Our body's become too acidic, when we consume too many products from the Acidic Foods list. Things like animal flesh (beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, etc), condiments, coffee, alcohol, and medications (over the counter & prescription) create an acidic environment in our bodies.

Acidosis can cause health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, infections, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue, depression, headaches, anxiety, gastritis, and osteoporosis, among others. If the body can't get rid of the excess acid, it stores it in the body's fatty tissue. And without a proper acid/alkaline balance, the body cannot heal itself.

Alkalosis, on the other hand, is a condition of the body where the balance is tipped too far, the other direction; the body has too much alkali in the fluids. Arrhythmia, coma, lightheadedness, nausea, involuntary muscle spasms and an electrolyte imbalance are all possible complications of alkalosis. However, these complications could be signals of other issues, so it's always best to see your doctor, if you experience any of them.

So, how do you maintain a balanced pH? It's been said that a proper balance is anywhere between 7.36 and 7.44, although many researchers believe the range should be smaller. In order to maintain a proper balance, we need to be consuming foods at a ratio of 8:2 - 80% alkaline forming to 20% acid forming.

As much of an issue as this is for me, at this time, God is good!! My sister tells me that when the weather breaks, and it gets warmer, she's going to clean out a fridge that's in the garage; she says I can use it, to make the transition from omnivore to vegetarian easier for me! Looking forward to having my own refrigerator full of fruits and veggies, non-dairy milks, and all things yummy!! I'll also be able to experiment more with recipes, because I'll have more available to me. Super excited for spring to get here!! LOL!

Do any of you have a favorite vegetarian dish? Let me know, in the comments! Have a great day, and God bless!! oxoxox

Are You a Good Fat, or a Bad Fat?

Cheesy title, I know...but, I love the Wizard of Oz, and I just couldn't resist! LOL!!

The human body needs to consume fat, to lose fat. And our brains are made mostly of fat, so fat is a necessary part of human growth and development. However, a lot of people, unfortunately, still don't know the difference between good fats and bad fats; so, this Blog will, hopefully, shed some light on the subject.

Bad fats (saturated, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated and trans) can raise your cholesterol levels and put you at risk for heart disease. They can also cause a host of other health concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Good fats (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and fatty acids) can help you lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and build lean muscle mass. So, as much as you might love a nice, juicy steak...a broiled salmon fillet will do your body more good, in the long run.

In keeping with my Wizard of Oz idea, I'll post lists of some of the different sources of bad fats and good fats....


Good Fats

• Almonds and walnuts
• Avocados
• Seeds & seed oils (pumpkin, sunflower, flax, etc.)
• Olives and olive oil
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Cold water fish
• Coconut oil

Bad Fats

• High fat cuts of meat
• Whole fat dairy products
• Lard
• Commercially baked goods
• Packaged snack foods
• Margarine
• Fried foods

Those fried food'll really get ya! And, if you're going to broil or bake your chicken, make sure to take the skin off, before you cook it...that's another source of bad fat.

I definitely encourage you to do your own research, and learn more about the what foods to avoid and which ones are beneficial, when it comes to the type of fat. Especially when it comes to the overall function of the brain.

The things that we eat directly, or indirectly, affect our brains, in some manner. Our brains are our central core...they are responsible for not only our thought and reasoning skills, but also for the involuntary inner workings of our nervous systems, and our hearts & lungs. Our brains are, in essence, our home...without them, we cannot exist.

So, eat lots of good fats, and stay away from the bad fats if you can....because what they say is true...

"There's no place like home!" oxoxox

What's Raw Foodism?

Raw Foodism is not a recent phenomenon...it's actually been going on for centuries. Adam and Eve were "Raw Foodists" (Genesis 1:11-12). The modern day philosophy behind raw foodism is that most of your foods should be uncooked; the trend is approximately 80% raw, 20% cooked.

If you're a person who frequents the inside isles of the store, buying a plethora of boxed, packaged, or canned foods, and you eat a piece of uncooked fruit, or any uncooked vegetable, you're eating raw foods. You are a raw foodist, at that point. And, I'm sure most of you eat some fresh fruits and vegetables, from time to time!

Cooking your fruits and vegetables, depletes the nutrient value of that food. The idea behind a raw food diet is that our bodies will be better nourished by the foods we don't cook; this is why, if you're going to cook any veggies, you should steam them instead; you can also stir-fry them, as well. Steaming and stir-frying will allow most of the nutrients to remain in your fruits and vegetables, while at the same time, providing you with a hot dish.

Some of the benefits of a raw food lifestyle are higher enzyme levels, vitamin and mineral levels, higher levels of antioxidents and phytonutrients, less free radicals, less denatured proteins (those are processed), and improved digestion. There are variations of how to follow a raw food lifestyle. I've posted some links at the end of this Blog, as resources for you, if you're considering becoming a Raw Foodist.

As beneficial as raw foods are, convenience (processed foods) are devoid of nutrient value. A steady diet of these types of foods is a one way ticket to health issues like cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and malnutrition. A friend of mine has a Blog, and she does a great series called Processed Foods Exposed, where she breaks down the bad in foods that we've been told are good for us! I encourage you to check this out!

And, as previously mentioned, here's that list:


The Benefits and Challenges of a Raw Food Diet (5 part series)

From SAD to RAW

Raw Guru

Raw Food Diet

Foodie 411: Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food Word Store

The Rawtarian (recipes!)

The Dangers of Processed Foods


If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments! oxoxox

Clean Up Your Life!

I'm sure you've heard of the term "clean eating"; right? It's a new buzz word flying around...and, all it simply means is doing away with conventional (processed), convenience foods, and opting for home cooked meals, instead.

When I came to terms with what I had done to my body, and the consequences of those bad choices (cancer), I made it a short-, and long-term goal to clean up my life! I'm so glad I did, before it was too late...I'm learning SO much!!

I'm starting with food; it's a difficult transition, for a couple of reasons. One, I'm living with relatives who have their own way of doing things, and enjoy the foods that they enjoy; two, after being stuck in my own world of unhealthy eating, my body is still adjusting to healthier foods! I'm sure it'll get easier, with enough time and practice; and, I've decided to clean up my home environment, as well....once I'm able to live on my own, again.

I've researched, and I've read article after article, learning how to transition from SAD omnivore, to clean eater (I've become a "flexitarian"). One of the sites I learned from, has an article explaining what clean eating is, and how to go about it. Click here to read that article. They have a lot of great recipes, too!

Are you considering a clean eating lifestyle? Here are some great resources for you, if you are:

Clean Eating Magazine
Eating Well Magazine
He and She Eat Clean
My Whole Food Life (she's got a great series called "Processed Foods Exposed"!)
The Conscious Kitchen
Eat Cleaner
The Organic Momma (she follows The Maker's Diet)


God bless you; and have a great day, today!! oxoxox

Don't Worry...Be Happy!

When I was first diagnosed, I seemed to have been the only person who was taking the news in stride...everyone else was flipping out about it. I totally understand why they did, but I'm not quite sure why I didn't. I'm still the only one in my circle who's attitude toward my diagnosis is "meh..."; I simply don't believe in worrying about it.

The Bible says we should not worry about anything; and pray about everything, with a thankful heart (Philippians 4:6). Jesus, Himself, asked if we thought worrying could prolong our lives (Matthew 6:27). Honestly, it can do the exact opposite.

Too much worry can cause a number of health concerns, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and accelerated aging, to name a few. Dr. Mercola says, "Most people fail to realize that you typically will manifest whatever you focus your attention on. If you are constantly worrying you will tend to have a self-fulfilling prophecy and experience the target of your concern through the very process of worrying about it."

However, there are several techniques we can use to relieve stress, so we're not worrying too much. Click on this link, to learn about one of them. Also, The Mayo Clinic has a wonderful article on stress management; I encourage you to read that, as well.

Another piece of advice the Bible gives, is found in Philippians 4:8..."And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." If we practice following this piece of advice, we won't have any time to worry! LOL!!

Have a great evening! oxoxox

Exercise and Live!

Doctors have said, in the past, that cancer patients should employ as little energy as possible, during treatments; so they can save up their energy to fight the disease. But, recently, researchers and doctors, alike, have been changing their minds; more and more of them are now saying that cancer patients who exercise on a regular basis are more likely to beat the disease, than those who don’t.

They’re finding that if a cancer patient gets as much exercise as a healthy person (about 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic activity), they are more successful at beating the disease and leading a better quality of life. In my case, this has proven to be difficult, on a few levels.

As part of my cancer treatment plan, I had to have major surgery on the lumbar region of my spine. One of the tumors had degenerated my L-5, and it had to be removed…too much damage had been done. I was in surgery for hours, and came out a bionic woman! LOL! The surgeon placed a “cage” between my L-4 and L-6 (and I discovered, you’re only supposed to have 5 lumbar vertebrae!), so now my spine, at that point, will fuse together.

I was in the hospital for three weeks, and then was placed in a rehab center for a week. Everyone involved in my recovery said I did better than anticipated! *Yay, me!!* However, it was a completely bizarre experience, trying to teach my body to do things that I had normally taken for granted…like walking. And, I never realized just how heavy a 4 lb. dumbbell was, until I was given one, in Occupational Therapy, and told to lift it above my head! Oh my goodness!!!

It’s been 7 months since my life was changed by my diagnosis; and, recovering from surgery has been a tediously long, and often times painful, journey in and of itself. The onset of winter, in Ohio, has convinced me that I need to move further south (I have family, here); I don’t do well on the ice, and the lower half of me does NOT like the arctic chill of the air! I even had to forgo Physical Therapy for three weeks, this winter, because of the winter storms that blew through. My sister (I’m staying with her through this) is also affected, in a negative way, by the cold weather; she has arthritis, so when her body gets “cranky”, we don’t leave the house….we can’t (she drives, I don’t). I’ll be getting back to it, today, but I’m sure I've lost some momentum, by now. We shall see just how much my body remembers it can do, when I get there!

Exercise can also reduce fatigue, and the loss of muscle and bone mass, as well. So, my best advice to those who are battling cancer (or any other debilitating disease) is to treat yourself the same way any other healthy person would…develop a regular routine of physical activity, weight-bearing exercise and stretching, as part of your new healthy lifestyle! Don’t overdo it, though….pushing yourself too hard may cause more harm than good!

When I get back from Physical Therapy, I’ll leave a comment and let you know how things went!

Welcome to the World of Food Allergies

My sister had said that, the day I found out I couldn't eat certain foods, because of the way they would affect my body. She's allergic to citric acid, so she knows all about avoiding "offending" foods!

I posted a series of Notes, on Facebook, with that statement as the title; they were originally posted on October 12, 14, and 18, 2012...but I wanted to share them with you, as well. I'm going to include all three of those posts in this Blog post.

I hope this gives you some insight....


(originally posted - Oct 12, 2012)

My sister, Deborah Ochsenbein, said that to me, the other day. She's right, though...I have a serious food allergy; the worst symptom of my food allergy is commonly known as Estrogen-receptive Breast Cancer. I'm learning, through research, that it's brought on by what's called an estrogen overload/dominance; this is when the body has more estrogen than progesterone/testosterone. The excess of estrogen goes haywire, and as it continues to build, it forms tumors in the breast tissue.

I spoke to a Dietician, yesterday, and was given some advice...stear clear of foods that are high in phytoestrogens, like soy; she told me that as long as the soy is fourth, or further down, on the list of ingredients I should be fine. Previous research led me to discover that almost everything packaged, bottled or canned (convenience foods) has soy in it. And, in continuing my research, and I have also discovered that there are quite a few whole foods that are rich in phytoestrogens....alfalfa, apples, barely, cherries, chickpeas, black eyed peas, eggs, oats, olives, papaya, plums, pomegranates, potatoes, kidney beans, black beans, peanuts, oilseeds (sunflower seeds, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed), wheat, licorice, beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, peas, pumpkin, peppers, dates and yams are now off my list, as well!

It's a bit overwhelming, but the alternative....being sick, and eventually dead....is more overwhelming than having to cut out specific foods from my daily intake. I'd rather battle this disease by living a healthy life, than by spending time in "The Chemo Chair" being poisoned. So, I'll take my "Available Foods" list with me, when I go grocery shopping; and I'll read every label I come in contact with! I'm also going to have to start buying organic, grass-fed meats and poultry...factory farms feed their livestock hormones, to get them to grow bigger. Can't have a hormonally balanced internal system, if I'm stuffing myself full of hormone-laced meat!

I'm a big girl....I'll get over my limits!! God can't use me, if I'm dead!!

Common Symptoms of Estrogen Overload

PMS

Migraines

Mood Swings

Cramps

Uterine Fibroids

Depression

Unexplained Weight Gain

Fatigue

Osteoporosis

Insomnia

Allergies

Memory Loss

Acne

Hot Flashes

Thinning Hair

Irregular Periods

Breast Tenderness

Miscarriage

Low Sex Drive

High Blood Pressure

Facial Hair

Inflammation

Foggy thinking

Water retention and bloating

I've had to deal with a number of these symptoms, for about 25 years, and no doctor I ever explained them to even once mentioned that I might have a hormone imbalance! If you have any of these symptoms, please bring them to your doctor's attention...and have him/her run tests on you, to see if you have a hormone imbalance!!

I also wanted to share some info I found about products....

Plastic containers have a chemical known as bisphenol-A, a potent xenoestrogen (substance that mimics estrogen and binds to estrogen receptors in our body). The main concern with this type of estrogen in our environment is most prevalent when the plastic is heated, causing the bisphenol-A to leach into whatever food or liquid contained.

Almost all body care products contain one or more of the preservatives known as methyl-, ethyl-, butyl- and propylparaben. These parabens are mildly estrogenic and because they are introduced topically into our system, they go right into our bloodstream and on into our tissues and organs. Phthalates are a chemical found in most cosmetics and fragrances which have been found to have a negative effect on male and female reproductive health. PABA and 4-MBC are chemicals found in sunscreen that are also highly estrogenic.



(originally posted - Oct. 14, 2012)

If I tagged you in my last Note, please read this one, too! My daughter, Cindy Linginfelter, has asked me to post my “Available Foods” list; and so, I shall. But I wanted to touch on a few more points, before listing the foods I can still enjoy.

Everything we eat…veggies, fruits, nuts, meat, grains....has some level of phytoestrogens in them. Regardless of what we eat, we get an abundance of it, every day; however, some plant foods can inhibit the production of estrogen…hence, inhibiting an overload!

Also...as stated in the previous Note, any meat we consume that came from a factory farm, will be loaded with hormones, which can cause an imbalance in our systems. The best way to avoid that is by buying organic, grass-fed meats (and milk from grass-fed animals). Granted, you’ll spend a bit more at the grocery store…but it just might be worth saving your life!

My “Available Foods” is a small list that consists of foods that inhibit estrogen, or are low in phytoestrogens. Enjoy!

Available Foods

Broccoli                                                                      Organic, grass-fed meats

Berries                                                                       Milk (from grass-fed animals)

Cabbage                                                                    White Rice

Cauliflower                                                                 Pineapples

Celery                                                                         Pears

Green Beans                                                             Citrus fruits

Kale                                                                            Mushrooms

Radishes                                                                    Buckwheat

Sweet Potatoes

Melons

Squashes

Millet

Tapioca

Radishes

Spinach

Nectarines

Lettuces

Onions

Figs, dried

Grapes

Raisins

Raspberries

(originally posted - Oct. 18, 2012)

Pardon me, while I get a little excessive with my praise, here…

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! HALELUJAAAAAAAAH; THANK YOU FATHER GOD!!! YOU ARE ALWAYS FAITHFUL, MY LORD AND KING!! I PRAISE YOU’RE FAITHFULNESS…AND GIVE YOU THE GLORY, IN MY TRIUMPH!! YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT, FATHER GOD!! YOU ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOUR WORD!!

(*ahem!*) Ok…now to explain my zealous display: I just got back from Chemo, and an appointment with my Oncologist. He tells me that, after next week’s Chemo treatment, I will only need more Chemo…IF I need more Chemo!! The pill I’m taking (Tamoxifen) is all I’m going to need, as I rid my body of the rest of the tumors; the three months of Chemo was just a kick-start toward getting rid of the breast cancer. It’s going to be “hormone therapy” from here on out! I should be on this pill for around 5 years.

I’m now allowed to begin taking a multi-vitamin, as well (after Chemo is done)! And, he also explained to me that, although I will need to start eating healthier after Chemo is done…I don’t have to avoid anything, but soy!! He says, as long as I’m eating healthy foods, I can have whatever I want (just nothing with soy in it).

So…here is a revised “Avoid This” list:

Anything that is boxed, bottled or canned (pre-packaged convenience foods)

Tofu

Soymilk

Edemame

Roasted Soy Nuts

Miso

Soy/Teriyaki sauce

Veggie Burgers

Vegetable Oil (yes…this is actually soybean oil)

Tempeh

Seitan

Baked goods (time to re-learn how to bake!)

I know I’m forgetting something on this list…but I’m sure you get the picture! Soy, although tooted as a “good for you” food, is not good for the body that’s prone to estrogen overload/dominance.

And again…when choosing meats (beef, poultry, pork, etc), it’s a good idea to look for  “Free Range”, and “Grass-fed” on the labels. Animals who are raised in factory farms are pumped full of hormones and other things that are poisonous to our bodies! So when you drink milk, or eat eggs, from animals that were raised “Free Range” (or Grass-fed”)…they won’t have been pumped full of hormones and other poisons.

There ya go…EAT!! Stay healthy, and well nourished!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments. Have a wonderful day!! oxoxox