Earth Day PSA

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend! I have a PSA (public service announcement) to share with you...

Do you celebrate Earth Day? What’s your celebration like? A great way to “celebrate” the earth is to reduce our carbon footprint. Bill Gates says we can reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the number of people who live on the planet!

In this video, you'll hear him dance his way through it by touting vaccines and "reproductive services" (aka: abortions). What???

Instead of committing global genocide, how 'bout we all work together to take care of our planet??

Here’s the plan...

• Use cleaner transport
• Walk, bike, or take public transit (or carpool) whenever possible.
• Avoid allowing your car to idle. If you'll be waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine (except in traffic).
• Don't take the drive-through (fast food junkies)....park the car and walk inside instead. Or, better yet...cook at home, and skip the fast food!
• Have your vehicle serviced regularly to keep the emission control systems operating at peak efficiency. Check your car's air filter monthly, and keep the tires adequately inflated to maximize gas mileage.
• Driving over the speed limit and excessive acceleration wastes gas (reducing mileage by up to 33%), money, and results in an unnecessarily higher carbon footprint. Slow down!!
• Combine errands to make fewer trips. Remove excess weight from your car. Use cruise control.
• Avoid short airplane trips-take a bus or train instead.
• Eat more local, organic, in-season foods.
• Plant a garden....it doesn't get more local than that!
• Shop at your local farmer's market or natural foods store. Look for local, in-season foods that haven't traveled long distances to reach you.
• Choose foods with less packaging, to reduce waste.
• Eat lower on the food chain...going meatless for just one meal a week can make a difference. Globally, it has been estimated that 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with meat consumption.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle!
• Recycle all your paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic. Don't forget electronics!
• Buy less! Replace items only when you really need to...like after they break, or stop working!!
• Compost food waste for the garden. Garbage that is not contaminated with degradable (biological) waste can be more easily recycled and sorted, and doesn't produce methane gases (a significant greenhouse gas contributor) when stored in a landfill.
• Buy recycled products, particularly those labeled "post-consumer waste."
• Adopt water-saving habits
• Take shorter, less frequent showers...this not only saves water, but it also saves the energy necessary to heat it.
• Don't use the garbage disposal...compost instead.
• Run the dishwasher and the laundry machines only when full. And, if you can, dry your clothing outside on a clothes line (this saves electricity)!
• Wash cars rarely, or better yet, take them to a carwash. Commercial carwashes use less water per wash than home washers, and they are also required to drain used water into the sewage system, rather than storm drains, which protects aquatic life.
• Avoid hosing down or power-washing your deck, walkways, or driveway.
• Regularly look for, and fix, leaks.
• Choose sustainable building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products.
• Explore green design features for your building, like passive solar heating, a rainwater catchment or grey water recycling system, and recycled materials.
• Choose efficient appliances, including low flow shower heads, faucets, toilets; also furnaces, air conditioning units, dishwashers, and refrigerators. ENERGY STAR labeled products are recognized as having superior energy efficiency.
• Choose furnishings that are second-hand, recycled, or sustainably produced.
• Plant drought tolerant plants in your garden and yard.
• Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products.
• Add solar panels to the roof of your home. This costs a little more than the above options, but many providers offer financing options which minimize upfront costs. Two examples are SolarCity and SunRun. If you live in a state with a Net Metering law, you could eliminate your electricity bill, or even earn money, by selling electricity back to the grid.

Every day can be Earth Day; if everyone on the face of this wonderful planet of ours would consciously make these points a part of their everyday life, our CO2 emissions would be drastically reduced...without reducing the size of the world's population!

Have a great day, everyone...and God bless you!! oxoxox

A Few Small Updates

Good morning, my loves! I just wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some things...the first "small update" is BIG news!!

My granddaughter has been born! She came into the world two days ago, and is the light of my life! Per my youngest daughter's wishes, I am not permitted to show you any pictures; but her name is Alice, and she weighed 8 lbs 2 oz at birth. She's beautiful!! And, officially speaking as a newborn Grammy...I can't wait to see my little angel; I'll be heading to Atlanta, in September, for the official meet-n-greet!

Next update....my chemo pill (Xeloda) is officially kicking my butt!! I was so tired, last night, I went to bed at 9:30pm (I can typically stay up until midnight). I've been able to tolerate four pills a day (haven't thrown up, yet); so after this bottle is empty, I'll take a break for a week, and start the next bottle, taking five pills a day.

My Oncologist wants to try and get me back up to six pills a day, if I can tolerate it. So far, on this reduced dose, the only side effects I'm experiencing are some minor hair loss and serious fatigue.

Last update...still praying that God will open doors for me to be able to move to Knoxville, by the end of the year. Of course, I understand that it's all about His timing, not mine. But, I've discovered that most of the apartments I qualify for have dishwashers, and some have washer/dryer hookups!

I've also discovered that there's a "Whole Foods" type store in the Knoxville area that will take food stamps (being on disability, I had to go on food stamps to be able to feed myself); and I'll be living within the city limits, so I'll be able to take the bus wherever I need to go...which will come in handy, since I don't own a vehicle! LOL!

I'm totally excited about the new life God has planned for me! And, I'm completely grateful that He continues to give me another day! I'm blessed beyond measure, and glad I can share my life with you!!

Have a great day!! oxoxox

Survival Update

Although I've been on hiatus for a bit, I thought I should still keep all of you in the loop about things. An Oncology update, and an interesting  opportunity, are on tap this morning!

I saw my Oncologist, yesterday, to discuss further treatment options due to the growth of a few tumors...he said it was more a couple lymph nodes and a tumor; he even showed me where they were, using his own torso as a model. A node in my left armpit, one in my breast bone, and a tumor in my upper lumbar region have given him reason to discuss another round of chemo with me.

I agreed with him, and will be taking this round in pill form! I'll be able to do this at home, and can take the pills with me for my back-to-back trips to Atlanta, coming soon! The drug I'll be taking is called Xeloda (Capecitabine); I was told, this is a drug that only targets the tumors...my healthy cells will remain relatively unharmed!! Yay!!

I've also discovered that, thanks to my "detour", I've gained a few pounds back! Not happy!! My sister made an observation, as well; she said she noticed that ever since I went back to conventional/cooked foods, I've spent almost every day in my pajamas, and don't go outside much. She said, when I was eating my raw, whole foods regimen I was dressed almost every day and couldn't wait to get outside! I can't wait to get my teeth fixed, and get back on track!!

Now, on to the interesting opportunity...my oldest daughter recently joined Mary Kay, as an Independent Beauty Consultant. She's taking the world by storm, too...so proud of her! LOL!!

During a text conversation I was having with her, a few days back, I mentioned that I was praying about signing on with Mary Kay, myself. I certainly don't want to stay on disability, for the rest of my life...I don't do well with fixed incomes! And, there are too many things on my Life List (f/k/a: My Bucket List) that will require more money than my disability check can afford me.

When I mentioned this prayer concern to her, she answered back that she was also praying about my signing on...as part of her team! LOL! I had no idea!!

I've since had a conference call with her, and her Director, to get more familiar with the business; and, I'm now praying about if I should sign on now, which would help me save up money for my move to Knoxville, TN....or wait until I get moved, and then sign on. I just want to make sure I'm following the path that God wants me on!

I hope this Blog entry finds you well; I'll be back in full swing, soon! God bless!! oxoxox

General Updates

Wow...it's been almost a month, since my last Blog entry! Sorry about that...I've been otherwise occupied! LOL!!

Ok, so here are some updates for you:

First of all....Happy (belated) Mother's Day, to all you Mommies out there; I hope yesterday was full of love and great memories for you! Mine was not too bad...although I only heard from my girls; my son isn't really that keen on remembering minor holidays...the big ones like Christmas and Easter, are easier to remember. But, I wish him well, where ever he is!

Next...I've been working on my crochet project. I'm making a blanket for my granddaughter...July is fast approaching!! I can't wait to hold her in my arms, and smother her with hugs and kisses!! I'm going to LOVE being a Grammy!!

I've also had some issues with dental health, recently. I suffered from a terrible abscess, a couple weeks ago. I've got several broken teeth (seven, to be exact), and one of them decided it was time to get infected. After I was well again, I scheduled an appointment with a dentist, who referred me to an oral surgeon so I can get those broken teeth removed. I was so happy when my dentist told me I didn't have to lose all of my teeth!! LOL! After I get the broken teeth removed, I'll start the process to get a set of partials, so I can eat real food, again!

And, I'm totally getting excited for my back-to-back trips to the Atlanta area, coming soon! In June, some friends and family are invading Atlanta to shower my youngest daughter with tons of love and support; she said she didn't want a traditional baby shower! So, our Atlanta Weekend will be all about her; the plan includes lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, and lots of shopping, the last weekend of June! LOL!! And, around the last weekend of July, I'm planning on spending a few days with her and her boyfriend, in their new house. It'll be my official "Meet Up" with my new granddaughter!

I'm not getting anywhere, leaving the responsibility of ending  the marriage to my estranged husband, either. Looks like I'm going to have to be the one to get the ball rolling; he keeps telling me he doesn't have a job, so it's going to take a while for him to be able to file the papers. I don't know why he just doesn't borrow the money from someone else...he's very good at conning people out of money! Oh, well...it's not the first time I've had to be the responsible one, in this relationship. I'll be glad when it's all over!!

Let's see....what else is there to update? Oh, yes....I'm promoting my Facebook page, and would love if you'd go "Like" it; the link is here! I'm spending more time on Facebook, than anywhere else, online; so it just makes sense to steer folks toward the social media platform I use most often.

I have my own business card, too!!

Thanks for sticking around, as I continue my journey; your love and support mean a great deal to me!! oxoxox

Please, Share in My Joy!

I want to share a triumph with you...I'm super excited, and so proud of myself!!


Back to Normal - Triumph #26...I SHAVED MY OWN LEGS!!! It's been a year, since I was able to shave my own legs; the last time they got shaved, someone did it for me, because I couldn't bend down that far, yet (too soon after surgery). GO, ME!!!

I can do all things, through Christ who gives me strength!! (Philippians 4:13)


As you know, I've been working very hard at getting my body back to normal, since my back surgery in July 2012; every little step brings me closer to being independent, once again. I know I won't be 100% normal, but I'm determined to get as close to it, as possible!

I even nicked my legs a few times, in the process...battle scars! LOL!! Here's the proof...

Have a blessed day!! oxoxox

Don't Worry, Be Happy (Part 2)

A few weeks ago, I wrote a Blog about what worrying does to your health; I was planning to touch on that subject a bit more. However, I'm getting the feeling I should take this in another direction...so I will! LOL! You can read that Blog, here.

The other day, some of my new friends blessed me by telling me I was an inspiration...one of them specifically said it was because I can keep a positive attitude, even at a low point.

I just want you all to know how honored I am that you are a part of my journey! I may have only met you a short time ago, but I consider you all very good friends; and I'm thankful, and I bless God, for having you in my life! LOL!

I don't know why/how I'm able to stay so up-beat, except to say it is by the grace of God. I've had some pretty low points, these past 8 months...the first one being the day my Oncologist told me I was going to die from Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Instead of bursting into tears, as would've been the expected reaction, I looked at him and calmly stated "No, I won't." I'm only in my early 40s....dying is not on my Bucket List! LOL!

And throughout my time with Physical Therapy, I got frustrated with my newly disabled body (quite a number of times) because I couldn't do specific things that I was able to do, before the surgery. I couldn't walk, I was hooked up to a catheter for days before I was able to get out of bed to use the bedside commode; I couldn't even lift a 4-lb dumbbell over my head! I never realized just how much was impossible, or phenomenally difficult to do, until I had the experience, first hand!

Learning to walk again was frustrating, all by itself...I've been walking since I was toddler! I know I can do it, so why was it so hard, now?? I guess that's one of the reasons they call it "major surgery"; not only did they remove a part of my spinal column, but my body was thrown into shock, and I had to re-establish myself, as a capable human being.

I spent more time in one of these, than I cared to; but I was thankful to have one!

As I progressed in my healing, the hospital staff and the staff at the rehab center were all completely amazed at how quickly I was getting along. Apparently, I wasn't supposed to be able to do as much as I showed them I could do! LOL! And everyone enjoyed my infectiously good mood! Even on my bad days, I took it all in stride; everyone's going to have a bad day, now and then. What you do with it, is what counts the most!

Even my Physical Therapist was amazed at my progress; the day I walked for a solid 20 minutes, on the treadmill, she beamed at me and said "you are awesome...good job!" I still have a long way to go...but I've definitely come a long way, in this short time!

Now, I could easily focus on everything I've gone through, and lost, these past few months (I've been diagnosed with a terminal illness, my husband left me, I'm homeless, I have no job, I have nothing to leave my kids when I die, I'm disabled, etc) But I've learned to focus on what's right, in my life, rather than what's wrong.

Here's a small list of what I choose to focus on, and be thankful for...

• My senses work; I can see, taste, touch, hear and smell
• My nerve endings work; and they keep me mindful of what I've done to myself! LOL!!
• I can breathe...I'm alive!
• I can smile, cry, laugh, etc.
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14)
• I have a roof over my head, clothes on my body and food in my belly! (thanks to my sister!)
• I have a bed to sleep in! (thanks to my sister!)
• I have friends and family members who love me, and are standing by me as I fight!

Every day I wake up, is another day to be thankful for what I have, instead of being focused on what's wrong. I am determined to live, folks; and I am determined to stay upbeat and positive, regardless of where life takes me! I will fight for my life for as long as I can; and, with God's grace, I will complete my Bucket List in its entirety. My life is in God's hands, and He's got plans for me!

Oh...and I have something else to add to my Bucket List. I'm going to be a first-time Grandma, this July; my youngest daughter is due July 25th! So, I added "Become the World's Greatest Grammy" to my list! LOL! Life is good!!

Here's the video that started my whole philosophy...

Have a blessed day! oxoxox

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

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

Heads Up!!

This one's going to be short and sweet!

I now have an official Facebook Page...it's called "The Savvy Survivor". I hope you have the chance to check it out!!

I figured, if I'm going to share my experiences and knowledge, I'm going to need to reach as many people as possible; and, since I already have a personal Facebook Page, it only made sense to create one for the purpose of helping others.

On The Savvy Survivor, I'll be posting information from other websites, recipes I like, and these Blogs...of course! LOL!

Super excited to share all that I know with you...see ya, soon!!