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HEALTH

Cancer Journey/ HEALTH/ Spiritual

Health & Heart Update

I’ve been wanting to update you all on my health for awhile now, but have had a hard time coming up with the words to express
 JUST HOW VERY THANKFUL I AM.

How do I communicate such joy and gratefulness?

My most recent blood tests show perfect hormone levels.  Perfect iron levels. Perfect calcium levels.  A vitamin D level to brag about (I have been working on getting this up, SO important for cancer, and immunity in general).  My liver and kidneys are working as they should. My blood cell counts are all great.  My digestive system is amazing.  My energy level is great.  No naps needed.  I only have 2 prescriptions that I take, which is a MAJOR change from the last year.

Who am I that You are mindful of me? Psalm 8:4

Perfect hormone levels are a HUGE gift.  A few months ago my estrogen was so high we were trying to decide whether to take out my ovaries or use drugs to shut them down.  Either option would bring on instant menopause.  I got a glimpse of what this feels like when I was adjusting to the drug, Tamoxifen, that I will take for 5 years.  Not fun.  I honestly think it has been many years since my hormones were where they should be. I think this contributed to getting cancer.  I have begged God at times to straighten me out.  It has been its own battle, and I can’t believe I sit here stable, with no emotional highs and lows.
God has answered a prayer that I have put before him since 2001, and He did it through cancer.  Without cancer, I would not have changed my eating habits to a plant based diet.  Without cancer I would not have had to switch from one anti-anxiety medication to another, since the first was not compatible with my cancer meds.  I dreaded the switch, it turned out to be exactly what my body needed.

His ways are mysterious.  Isaiah 45:15

Am I thankful for cancer?  No.

Am I thankful for what God has done in my life through cancer?  Yes.  A million times, Yes.

There are many things I have to thank Him for, but the one that makes my heart feel so full, is the perspective of eternity that it brings.  I see life in light of eternity now.  I tangibly get how this life is temporary.  I have felt glimpses of my body shutting down, the first week of my last chemo treatment was a scary feeling, to feel my body being overwhelmed, weaker than prior treatments  and staying weak longer.  It scared me.  I was so grateful it was the last treatment.

This perspective is one that I rebelled against at first.  I HATED that I had to come to grips with my mortality and live with the statistics that I do.

I had to learn how to come to grips with 50/50.

My Stage 3, 6 centimeter, lymph node involvement, 1ml. away from chest wall margin cancer gives me a 50/50 chance of being alive in 10 years.  Many survivors don’t like to know their statistics.  I had to know, so I could learn to live with them.

For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:12

Easy to say that verse when I am in remission, have my energy, and things are looking good.  But I can honestly say that in the midst of battle, this verse became very real to me and I definitely came a long way in my lessons in contentment.  I believe the key to contentment is thankfulness. I may only have 10 years, but I know some that only have 10 months, so I give thanks even for scary statistics.  Perspective.  As I practice thankfulness, counting the many gifts, I literally feel like my heart will burst with thankfulness.

This in itself is a gift, recognizing that EACH DAY is a gift.

I have learned this by watching those I love, die. Cancer has brought the sick into my life.  Each one of them are a precious gift.  I will not allow their deaths to bring fear, they would not want that. I will learn from their courage.  I especially learned from my L girls words on her deathbed, “I am just so thankful for this day.”

I am learning from her words.  I am learning to look at the future and laugh, despite having a future that is unknown.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25

Don’t get me wrong, I want to grow old, I long to know my grandchildren, and see my children age.  I beg God for this, yet I am learning to say,

 “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42

I am learning how to say this because I have learned who He is.  He is trustworthy no matter what the future.

He holds the future in His hands.

Because of this, I lean into Him and rest, even in a future that could bring pain, loss, and death.

Many of you know that I read the book, “Jesus Calling“almost everyday.  It brings such truth to my mind, and I depended on it when I was sick.  There were very few days where I didn’t read it before lifting my head from my pillow, just so I could face the fears and struggles of the day that cancer brings.  Today’s entry was awesome.

I must share:

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

January 26, p. 63

(this book writes from the perspective of Jesus talking to us)

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life.  Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties.  This is a false hope!
As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble.  Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven.  Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.

It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances.  In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark.  That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit.  When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway.  I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man…
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:4,7

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Cancer Journey/ Drinks/ HEALTH/ Healthy Eating/ RECIPES

9 Reasons To Juice Your Greens

When I was diagnosed with cancer, one of the first things I did was order a juicer.  It was the best 99 dollars I have spent in a long time!  I had read Kris Karr’s “Crazy, Sexy Cancer Life” and knew she was keeping her tumors “quiet” for over 7 years using only nutritional methods.  The main practice that she swears by for her continued health is juicing her greens.  Juicing is also the main practice of the Gerson Therapy for cancer, and there are several blogs out there that I love that tell of survivors experience with this.

I drank green, beet and carrot juices all though my treatment and after when healing from surgeries.  I stayed healthy throughout my entire treatment (except for a weird ear infection from a small cut when chemo had my cell count low) and honestly felt like my immune system was stronger than ever during treatment.  The only time I felt sick and weak was the first week of all 4 cycles of chemo, and that was to be expected.  My doctors commented on how quickly my incisions healed, and I think what I put into my body nutritionally had a lot to do with it!

The last 3 months I have not been as regular with juicing, and I miss it.  It is an amazing way to start the day, and I definitely notice a difference in my energy level and my complexion/skin.  When I juiced regularly, I had a healthy glow about me.  People commented on it all the time.  I have been pretty regular with my green smoothies, but alternating them with fresh veggie juice is definitely the way to go.

Why Juice?

1.  By removing the fiber through the process of squeezing the pulp, we instantly lighten the load on our digestion. Nutrients pass directly into the bloodstream, and within minutes our bodies receive optimum fuel to feed our cells and help restore our immune systems. —Kris Carr


2.  Fresh juice provides vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, proteins, phytonutrients, antioxidants and so much more!


3.  You will have increased energy.  This is one of the main motivations.  I love how energized I feel when I juice!


4.  Much of the goodness of fruit is locked in the fiber which is expelled from the body. When we juice the fruits and vegetables, their goodness is released from the fiber and we are able to drink their highly concentrated nutrients which are then able to enter our bloodstream very quickly. —Living and Raw Foods


5. The large amounts of concentrated nutrients one receives from juicing could never be eaten in one sitting.  Imagine trying to make a smoothie out of the same amount of veggies used to make 16 oz of juice.  You could never drink that much.


6. Drinking fresh juice guarantees you are receiving many of the nutrients you need.  Bottled juices on the market have lost most of their nutritional value.  Make sure you drink your freshly pressed juice right away, as nutrient loss happens fairly quickly.


7. It is a great way to use up fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste.  I have felt so much better about my lack of food waste now that I have a juicer.  Fruits and veggies that are almost past their prime are perfect for juicing.


8. No matter how we try, man cannot replicate the amazing goodness that is in food that God through nature has provided for us.  A supplement is necessary at times, but nothing can compare or compete with what nature can give through real food.


9. It increases alkalinity.  It is said that diseases cannot thrive in an alkaline state.  Fresh green juice is detoxifying and contains loads of chlorophyll.  “Chlorophyll contains a powerful blood builder that’s said to increase red blood cells, improve circulation, ease inflammation, oxygenate the body, and counteract harmful free radicals. By eating (and drinking) a diet high in chlorophyll (raw fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens), we dine on liquid oxygen, the very substance we need to stay alive and thrive. —Kris Karr “Crazy Sexy Cancer Life”

My Go-To Green Juice
~big bunch of kale
~2 celery stalks
~1 regualr cucmber or 1/2 of a large
~1 green apple
~1/2 lemon
1 inch chunk of ginger (chunk in pic is too big, it is about 2 inches)
~~~
1 scoop vanilla plant fusion pea protein powder (optional)
Ice (optional)
I use organic produce as much as possible.  Peel your cucumber if not organic.  The peel of lemons, ginger and apple core is just fine in the juicer.  I have recently read that apple seeds contain a toxin, so removing those would be preferred.
After the veggies are washed, the process takes just a minute.
It really is easy, the hardest part being the clean up, which really is not that big of a deal.
Adding produce to the juicer
Liquid gold in my opinion!!
Left over pulp can be used in soups or to make homemade pulp crackers.  Or compost.
I add a scoop of vegan protein powder.  It has the sweet herb, stevia in it, which I think makes the flavor of my juice so much better.  If you like a tart juice, you can eliminate this step.  I put the juice in a mason jar, add protein powder, add ice, put the lid on and shake!  Add a straw and enjoy!!
I use the
I love it!  It is compact compared to most juicers, a great price, and easy to clean!
Really, clean up is easy with this machine.  The most work is that mesh basket, but it comes with its own brush and takes seconds.  The rest is just rinse and dry.
Have you ever juiced?  Do you have a juicer that you love?  Does this interest or intrigue you?
Did you know there are a bazillion juice recipes out there?  One of my fav–2 apples and 2 handfuls of fresh cranberries.  Homemade Cran-Apple juice is AMAZING!


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HEALTH/ HOME/ Simplifying

Simple Workout Inspirations

I was blessed in a HUGE way when I was sick, with the gift of a year-long gym membership.  It has been so awesome, and when someone else is paying for your monthly gym fee, well…talk about motivation!  I HAVE to get my bum to the gym.

I recognize not everyone is able to do this, so I wanted to share some things I do around here on days I am not able to make it to the gym, hoping it may bring inspiration to anyone who needs it.

1. An area to work out in that works for you.  I found that my cold basement, even though it has a large tv & carpet, was not the place I wanted to be.  I wanted a bit more ‘zen’ feeling for yoga, and my bedroom has worked much better for me.  I keep my mat, a set of 5 lb dumbbells, and workout DVD’s in my room.  You can’t see it in the pics, but I have a TV/DVD player in our room.  Works for me!

{that brown mat is a yoga mat, I just roll it up when finished and lean it in the corner of my room. The DVD is Jillian Micheals}

2. Jillian Micheals 30 Day Shred–I kept seeing this DVD talked about all over the web, so when a few of my real life friends recommended it, I had to check it out.  This DVD is GREAT!  Jillian gets it done and works you hard, using simple, sometimes old-school (jumping jacks) but effective technique.

3. Good music always inspires.  Find what you love.  Here is a link to Fitness Magazines Best Workout Playlists.  They give you lists of music depending what type of workout you are doing.

4. Keep it simple.  Do what you can.  Something is better than nothing.  Starting on one body part may inspire you to continue on to the rest!

This leg workout would take minutes a day. How about some calf raises while doing the dishes, or while in the shower!

{found on Pinterest, can’t find original source}
 
Here is a quick workout that would work the entire body.  My sister in law told me that she will just randomly break out in jumping jacks while in the kitchen, waiting for water to boil, etc.  She said her family thinks she is a bit nuts, but IT WORKS FOR HER.  This confession made me smile and inspired me to just move!5. Is the treadmill your thing?  Mix it up with these awesome treadmill workouts from FitSugar.com.
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Source: fitsugar.com via Amy on Pinterest
 6. Need to target a certain area but not sure where to start?  This website is an exercise finder.  Click on the area of the body you want to tone and it gives you a list of exercises.  Found at Divine.ca.com.

7. Got a “pouch?” 3 sets of these held as long as you can, works the lower abdominal.

8. Nature, the most inspiring.  A simple walk outdoors, while paying attention to the sights and sounds that nature brings, inspires me in more ways than I can count!

________

I hope these help inspire you.  They did me!  Is exercise something you have been able to conquer in your life?  With my health history, it must be a priority to me, which is a bit scary because it is something I have struggled to do on a regular basis my whole life!    I am not yet at the place where it is just naturally a part of my everyday life, but I am getting close!

Tell me what is working for you?  Did any of the above tips inspire you?
___________________

Do you have a Pinterest account?  If so, I’d love to know.  To follow me at Pinterest and see more of my pins,  click here.

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FAMILY/ Holidays/Parties/ Spiritual

My Plan For True Happiness In 2012-Happy New Year!

My friend, Duane Scott of “Scribing The Journey” shared a facebook status about a group he was going to be a part of, and I immediately wanted to be part of the group, too!  The group is called “Read through the Bible in 2012” and I am giddy excited to be a part of it!  It is a group of people, committing to read through the Bible in 2012.  There are many suggestions of reading plans, and lots of encouragement already happening at this group!

I went to work trying to figure out a plan that would work best for me.  I recently bought a Nook book reader, so I knew I would need to be able to read the Bible from it to be successful.  I take it everywhere, and life provides many opportunities to pick it up and read–i.e. waiting in the car when picking up kids!

I was excited when I found the “One Year Chronological Bible” version. I love the idea of the Bible in chronological order.  Those who have read this version commented on how it reads more like a story.  One said that right after reading about David going to battle in one part of the Bible, you then get to read the Psalm he wrote of his thoughts and fears during that battle.  Pretty cool.

When I think of the words, “Happy New Year,” I know that true happiness means knowing my Creator more.  Resting in His plan for me.  The grace and peace He brings, no matter what comes my way…that, my friends, is true happiness.  What better way to find this than to read His Words?

_______________________________
Have you ever read through the Bible?
Is it something that you would ever want to do?
Is there a reading plan that you love?

Would you like to join Read through the Bible in 2012 group?  We would love to have you.  If so, click here.

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Books/ Cancer Journey/ HEALTH/ Love/ Spiritual

Quiet Closing Moments of 2011

{Elaine & I, during our fight with breast cancer}

I am so excited to introduce you to one of my favorite writers and people, Elaine Olsen of “Peace For The Journey.”  I have never met her in person, but our hearts are entwined despite.  We both were diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2011.  She was a gift to me, walked with me and is still by my side with her words. Her words got me through and lifted my head so many times during the fight.  Her mouth speaks truth, the type that shoots straight to the heart.  This post she wrote did exactly that, I am so thankful to have her words (despite her lack of voice, as you will see,}here at New Nostalgia!


{from Elaine}
My voice has been silenced in the last twenty-four hours. Literally. Sickness has claimed my vocal cords. This has never happened to me before, not completely in the way it has happened for me this time around.


My whispered shouts for the attention of others are met only by their silence. Not because they don’t care about me, but rather because they can’t hear me. Their listening isn’t prone to my whispering, so mostly… I’m ignored. Probably a relief to most of those in my household, but to a woman who’s used to being heard… a great frustration indeed. 

And I’m thinking…

About my voice. About my words. About needing to be heard. About what I will say when I am, again, able to say. 

And I’m thinking…

About quietness. About the value of forced silence. About going inward with my thoughts instead of outwardly displaying every single one of them. 

And I’m thinking…

About God. About his voice. About his needing to be heard. About his willingness to keep company with silence… with his thoughts, instead of outwardly displaying every single one of them. 

And I’m thinking…

About how very connected I feel to Him in all of this. About how my inability to speak amplifies the volume of God’s witness. 


How many times has the Father whispered my name in the midst of my chaos, only to be ignored because of the noise surrounding my life? My hearing isn’t prone to his whispering. But in silence—in this period of fewer, personal words—I more clearly hear the phrases from heaven.

Beautiful, peace-filled, stilled expressions of understanding from God’s heart.

My ninth grade English teacher once wrote in my yearbook, “Elaine, if silence is golden you can forget it.” Apparently, I was destined for poverty. Thirty years ago, I hadn’t a clue what she’d meant, and I couldn’t have cared less.

Today, I have a clue. Today I care more, exceedingly more. Today, silence really is golden, because silence has given me access to the whispers of home. And whenever that happens, friends, I’m the richest person alive. 

I’m so glad I know Jesus. I’m so glad he knows me. And I’m exceedingly glad for those moments when I am able to clearly hear his voice. What tender grace is mine as a daughter of the King! I pray that you know him, hear him, worship and celebrate him in the quiet, closing moments of 2011. I believe that God has something vital and important to whisper to each one of us. I’ll be anxious to hear from you in coming days. As always…

Peace for the journey,
post signature
Elaine is also author of the book: Peace for the Journey.  You can learn more about this amazing guide book to peace below.


I’m so pleased to be able finally tell you that “peace for the journey: in the pleasure of his company” is now available in an e-book format through:

Winepress (DRM free version, allowing you to read it on all popular readers)

Nook
Sony 

In addition, “peace for the journey” is available in paperback from many online retailers, including:

Winepress
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Lifeway

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Cancer Journey/ HEALTH

MRI Results//In My Brain During The MRI

MRI

MRI results are CLEAR!  Doctor did not have the full report yet, but she said initial report looks good.  I am so very grateful.  I really was not expecting such great news this time, so it is a HUGE relief.  
_________________________
Below are thoughts during the appointment of my MRI.  Some are deep, some are random, many are negative, some are inappropriate, all are real.
~I don’t want to be here, I don’t like this place today.  I wonder if Jay already went home?
~ Amy, change your thought patterns.  If it were not for this place, you never would have met the amazing people you have, they would not be in your life. This place and those people have helped bring the healing.
~ 6:00 p.m. appointment. Yep. I’m the last of the day, it is deserted up in here!
~ Check in lady makes a funny about having my information memorized.  It is not funny, but I feel like I should smile at her anyway.
~ Oh look, another bracelet letting me know what my name is, I’ll add it to my collection. 
~ I don’t want to sit alone in this waiting room, this place I met my L girl. Stupid lump in my throat.  Her laugh, her smile.  I remember. 
~So many forms to fill, so much history. Write fast, get it done. 
~Tech is familiar, she has scanned me before. 
~Strip, change into hospital gown & pants.  The image in the mirror is kinda cute, I look like a little girl. Vulnerable. These pants swallow me.  I roll them at the waist.
~Crap, I forgot about the I.V. part. I am used to the pokes, but not.
~O.K.– that was not so bad, thank you lucky vein. 
~She comments on my thin, healthy blood.  They always do. Cancer patients usually have thick sticky blood. I would tell her it is from my juicing and green smoothies, but I don’t feel like talking, and she might think I am strange.
~ Hello, machine you are large and loud, and where you live is drafty and cold!
~ A sticker where the lump is, it looks like a cheerio.  I’m hungry. 
~Time to lay face down, should I turn my neck to the side or go face first?  I will try face first this time, last time killed my neck. 
~Arms above my head, get comfortable, Amy.  No moving for 20-30 minutes.
~She wraps the I.V. cord around my fingers to keep it out of the way, not too comfortable. 
~A button in my other hand, in case I need them.  I hope I don’t accidentally push it.  Relax your hand, Amy. Relax. 
~I am exposed, I wonder who is behind that one way glass wall? I did see a young guy, arrgh. 
~Tech helps me line up my chest. There are two holes I need to fit into.  They must make these for large people. Tech affirms my thoughts. 
~ I wonder what my new breasts look like, hanging through holes, to the people behind the glass.
~ Tech reaches to adjust, to line them up perfect.  How awkward.
~ I feel bad for large women, they must feel even more exposed hanging in such a way.
~ I wonder about the people who laid here today, who will tomorrow.  I will pray for them as I am scanned.
~ Brrrr…she is so kind to cover my cold arms and hands with towels. 
~ She leaves, I am alone, but not. 
~ She comes back, to stuff earplugs into my ears.  I then remember this is the loud machine.
~ Its noise at times sounds like an automatic machine gun, other times it just clicks.  Just as I am going to my happy place, it beeps and sounds like my alarm clock. When it is at rest, it makes a big air-y, rhythmic breathing sound.  It reminds me of hearing my baby’s heartbeats during ultrasounds, but much more intimidating and not so cute.  It breathes like it is alive.  I don’t like it.
~I ask God to protect my body from the radiation exposure this machine gives.
~ I start to worry about the accumulating affects of radiation. I often worry about this. Time to change my thought patterns again. 
~ Only about 10 minutes in, and I am regretting my face first decision.  All the weight of my head is balanced on my brow bone.  Are we done yet?
~Tech comes in and says we have to start over.  They must make sure they are getting the area of the sticker.  She feels me up again, adjusting.  But says to not move my upper body or head.  Crap.
~Within 10 more minutes, my head feels like a bowling ball.  I pretend I am in a competition on Survivor.  The challenges where they have to stick it out in very uncomfortable positions are my favorites.  I am a Survivor.
~I wait for the finale, when they inject my I.V. with contrast.  I can’t wait for that part, it will mean the test is over.
~Trying to go to my happy place, but can’t find it when it is so LOUD up in here!
~I start to think of the results of the test.  The What-if’s.  I think I should write a post called “Living in the What-If’s”
~So. Much. Pressure. On. My. Brow. Bone.  Trying to pretend I am at the masseuse, they use these kind of headrests..why are theirs so much more comfortable?  For the price of this test, this headpiece should be pillow soft and covered in velvet.
~Can’t wait to look in the mirror when this is over and see the dent in my brow bone.
~I finally, FINALLY feel cold moving through the I.V. tubing entwined in my fingers.  Up to my arm, into my lucky vein.  Cold. I taste metal. I  was warned.  I envision lighting up neon.  Can’t wait to detox.
~Tech comes in and apologises for the length of the test.  40 minutes.  I ask her if I have a dent in my head.  She laughs. 
~ She takes out the I.V.  It drips blood all over my pants.  I think it is such a pretty color and looks like art, but I don’t tell her, for she might think I’m strange.
~I go to change.  I feel lighter.  My face looks like I have been wearing a wrestling helmet. All red and splotchy, a bit dented. SO happy it is over.  
~I feel more stable emotionally, so I take a minute to sit where we sat, my L girl and I.  At that moment, my phone beeps, alerting me of a text.  I look, 3 pictures to make me smile, from my L girls family.  Her brother, trying on her wig, made me laugh which echoed in empty hospital.  Moments of fun between a brother and sister, smiles in the midst of tragedy. The last pic is just her, and her amazing smile.  
~I find mine through tears.  Time to head home.
—————————–
THANK YOU all so much for your notes of encouragement and especially for your prayers while I waited for this test.  

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