THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Living From Your Heart

GUEST POST:

"I remember my husband telling me once to listen to my heart when making decisions. He told me that our braindgets so overloaded that many times our thinking gets clouded. He continued to tell me that "your heart will never lie to you, whereas your brain is often influenced by things that are currently happening in your life."

I recently found a quote by one of my favorite authors, Richard Carlson, which seconds this most wonderful concept:

'Living from your heart means that you choose a life and style that are true for you and your family. It means you make important decisions because they resonate with your heart and your own values, and not necessarily with those of others. Living from your heart means that you trust your own instincts more than the pressures from advertising or the expectations of society, neighbors and friends.

Living from your heart is about trusting that quiet voice within you that emerges when you quiet down enough to listen. It's that voice that speaks to you from a place of wisdom and common sense instead of from frantic chatter and habit. When you trust your heart rather than your habits, new insights will pop into your mind. As you learn to live from your heart you will become calmer, happier, and less stressed. you will be living your life instead of everyone else's.

The way to live more from your heart is to commit to doing so. Ask yourself questions like, "How do I really want to live my life?" Am I following my own path or am I doing things simply because I've always done them this way, or because I am living up to someone else's expectations?" Then simply quiet down and listen. Rather than trying to come up with an answer, see if you can allow the answers to come to you as if out of the blue.

Living from your heart is one of the foundations of inner peace and personal growth. It will encourage you to be kinder and a great deal more patient. Give it a try. You'll be surprised, even delighted, at what you might discover.'

I feel that cancer patients learn to do this more than most other people. They are driven to, because of living with CANCER (very probably the most feared word in the English language.) Kudos to all of you as you make this journey with courage, determination and tenacity. Living from your hearts gives you peace along the way and enables you to reach out and help others as you go along.

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Mastectomy and Reconstruction Swimsuits

Today's post is an ALMOST Wordless Wednesday. I decided to shop for swimsuits that can be worn post-mastectomy and post-reconstruction. Here are my Top 10 favorites. Most are cut higher on the top and under arms, and many have pockets for breast forms, or removal pads. The websites were you can purchase the swimsuits are listed.

From A Nu Image:


From Lands End:



From eSwimmers.com:


From Park Mastectomy Supply:


From MastectomyShop.com:



From Bravelle: (There are a bunch of different brand names.)

This one is Anita Care.

And this one is a Nicola Jane:


From Jamu.com:

TUESDAY TIPS - Cancer Shop USA

I got an email today from Happy Chemo. They were announcing that they have some new partners. One of those partners is called Cancer Shop USA. I went to Happy Chemo's website, and read all about Cancer Shop USA, and I was intrigued. This company was started by a doctor who went through breast cancer - bi-lateral mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo, and radiation. She knows first hand all of the problems and hardships associated with cancer. She then decided to open Cancer Shop USA and offers unique products, many of which are inspired and developed by cancer survivors, and reviewed for safety by doctors.

I went to the Cancer Shop USA's website, and looked around. I saw some interesting things there. There are 19 different categories, to help you find what you are looking for. Here are a few that sparked my interest...

Body Wrap

Filled with rice and a blend of herbs: eucalyptus, cinnamon, and clove. This works as either a warm wrap or a cool wrap. It is quite large, and can wrap around your neck and onto your shoulders. It's covered with beautiful fabric, that can be removed and washed. It weighs around 2 pounds, so it creates pressure, helping you to relax. I really want one of these! It's $38.

Horray for Brallywood Butta

This is a Luxe body butter. It helps restore stressed, fragile skin, and helps on scarring. This will helps with skin irritations due to chemotherapy and radiation. The ingredients include: Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Yucca Root, Tangerine Oil, Lemon Oil, Organic Sesame Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe, Rosehips Seed Oil, and Vitamin E. It smells like lemon meringue pie. It is 100% natural, mineral oil free, phthalates free, and paraben free.

Shower Shirt

This item is meant to be worn in the shower, post mastectomy. It is water proof, and it has pockets for drains, and Velcro loops for drain tubing. This was invented by a cancer patient after her doctor told her she couldn't shower until after the drains came out. We all know how long that takes - 2-3 weeks! She couldn't find anything like it, so she invented one. Boy, do I wish I would have had one of these! After 10 surgeries, I know how hard it is to not be able to shower.

One of my favorite things I found on the website is the Cancer Kits for Kids.

I know breast cancer patients might not be interested in this, but I just thought it was so great. These kits come with: Nausea reducing lollipops, nausea reducing crackers with ginger, protein rich snacks, moisturizer/lotion/cream, pre-moistened dental swabs, oral rinse, mouth moisturizer spray, chapstick, aromatherapy stuffed animal wrap, inspirational children's cancer book, journal and pen, and flashlight and toy. This combination of products was chosen by pediatric oncology nurses and children. What a wonderful gift for a child undergoing chemotherapy. This also gave me lots of idea and items I could put into chemo kits for breast cancer patients, as well.

Well, those are just a few of the interesting products I found on Cancer Shop USA. Thanks to Happy Chemo for bringing this website/company to our attention. Also, if you'd like to order something from Cancer Shop USA, you can received free shipping! Just go to Happy Chemo and sign up as a member to find out how.

I've added Cancer Shop USA to our website lists (on the right sidebar). If you try any of these products, please let us know if you like them!

-Kara

MONDAY MOTIVATION - In Your Own Words

This week, at our support meeting, we will be learning to journal our cancer stories - through writing and art. It's a good idea to start thinking about what you'll want to include in your cancer story. Here's a list of some of the things I've written about...

Finding Out I Have Cancer
A Bi-Lateral Mastectomy Surgery
Chemotherapy
Side Effects
Tests
Losing Hair
Scars
The Color Pink
Expanders
Reconstructive Surgery
My Port

If you will be attending our support group, please take a few minutes to think about what you would like to write about. Here is a page from my cancer story...



Nadine Gordimer said: “Writing is making sense of life." I really do believe that. Writing to me is therapeutic. I've found that if I can just write about what happened to me - the good and the bad - that it will leave the place it occupies in my head, and not bother me as much anymore. I waited for 1 year before I could even write about having my bi-lateral mastectomy. It was too difficult to write about at first, and then I started to forget. But, once I started writing, it all came back.

I've also found that if I can't write about something, I can probably express myself in other ways - art journaling, for instance. What colors and images come to mind when you think about your cancer journey? This week, I'm going to try to take a blank sheet of paper and create my feelings about my cancer journey. Here are a few beautiful pages that illustrate what art journaling is:




Please join us this Thursday for a wonderful, create, purging night.
-Kara

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Breathes Peace To Our Souls

Guest Post:

"This thought comes from Don Piper entitled “90 Minutes in Heaven.” He actually died, went to Heaven for a short time then returned and became the “Minister of Hope,” speaking all across the country assuring others that Heaven is real and the best is yet to come. This excerpt has some unique references to the Holy Spirit that resonated with me:

“ In this life we all have bad times. Stress, sickness, disappointments and heartaches. Most of us, especially if we’re Christians, would also say that we have had more good times than bad. We can trust that the best is yet to be. The proof we have, in the words of the apostle Paul, is that God has given us the Holy Spirit as a token or a down payment. It’s like earnest money in a real estate deal. The gift of the Holy Spirit is like writing us a promissory note for fulfillment when we reach the gates of heaven. At times all of us have down times and even moments of despair, but we don’t have to stay down. That’s the difference between us and those who never know the true joy of the Christian experience."

"James Faust also shares the following thoughts about the Holy Spirit. He says that, “It calms nerves and breathes peace to our souls. It can be with us 24 hours a day during our most stressful times.” I want to add my witness that the Holy Spirit has encouraged and sustained me when nothing else could. I know that it is a source of strength for each of us if we humble ourselves enough to be open to its guidance. I am sure that countless Cancer survivors know this as well as I do. I can’t imagine my life without this most significant gift. When we listen to the promptings we receive from this source, we can also be of great help to those around us; we become instruments in God’s hands. I honestly feel that those who started the Sister Survivors group were very in tune with the Holy Spirit. They have helped so many of us and in turn we have caught the vision as we continue to help and encourage each other."

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor


Thanks for your words of encouragement, Kathy. This group really is something special!
-Kara

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Pink Paper - Scrapbooking Your Journey

Our next support meeting is on the subject of Recording Your Cancer Journey. We'll have a journaling expert there, as well as a scrapbooking expert. So, I've been looking for paper for the scrapbooking part, and I've found some fun samples. Thought I'd share...

My favorite are the Vintage looks -







But I also love those Retro looks -






What's your favorite?

TUESDAY TIPS - Pay Attention to What Your Body is Telling You.

Sorry about the lack of posting yesterday and today. Yesterday was the 4th of July, and I was glued to the TV, watching "John Adams".

Today, I'd like to talk about the importance of informing your doctor of problems you are experiencing. Sometimes I feel like a hypochondriac - it seems like every little ache and pain makes me nervous that the monster has returned. I know that it's normal to feel that way. Recurrence is something I think we are all afraid of.

However...

When you aren't feeling well, and that doesn't seem normal, and it goes on forever, you should probably go to see your doctor.

Case in point: Me. For the past month or more, I've been sick to my stomach. Really sick - I feel like I'm going to throw up all the time. Even at night, I wake up and feel just awful. It doesn't matter what I eat, or don't eat. It's not heartburn. It's definitely not an ulcer, or anything like that. I just don't feel well. And it's getting worse. Now that I'm always sick to my stomach, I'm feeling worn out, and tired, and I've got dark circles under my eyes. Something is just not right. But, I've hesitated to go get checked, just because I don't want to seem like I'm panicking at every little thing.

A few weekends ago, I was talking to a doctor at a breast cancer retreat, and asked her about it. She said: "That doesn't sound normal. You might have an infection in your stomach or something like that. I think you should go get checked." So, I did.

Last week I had some blood work done. And I've been waiting for 4 days to get the results back (Thank you, Fourth of July weekend!). Today, the nurse called and told me I've got a weird little bacteria in my stomach called H-Pylori. Hah! I knew something was wrong.


Holy alien! Yuck!

I feel much better now - at least we know what is going on, right? I'm on an anti-biotic for the next 2 weeks, and - cross my fingers - it will work and get rid of this bacteria.

So, this is just a reminder to all of you survivors... watch yourselves. And don't talk yourselves out of going to the doctor if you feel like something is wrong. You know your body better than anyone, right? If something isn't right, you'll know it.

Stay healthy,
Kara

FRIDAY FARE: Super Foods - Eggs

This week's Super Food is: EGGS

The following information comes from EverydayHealth.com...

"The best protein source on the planet, eggs consistently outrank milk, beef, whey, and soy in the quality of protein they provide. In addition to containing all nine essential amino acids, eggs are loaded with nutrients. "And for God's sake, eat the yolks," says Bowden. People avoid the yolks because they fear cholesterol, but egg yolks contain choline, which helps protect heart and brain function and prevents cholesterol and fat from accumulating in the liver."

On Healthybodydaily.com, eggs are listed as one of Dr. Oz's 4 super value super foods:

"For those worried about cholesterol, studies have also shown that an egg a day will not significantly affect your cholesterol levels. A half-dozen eggs cost about $1, or approximately 17 cents a day."

Let's do 3 healthy egg recipes (because I can't decide on just one!) These all come from Fitnessmagazine.com.

Recipe #1 - Mexican Egg Scramble

Ingredients

3 egg whites (or use the whole egg - remember, the yolk is where that choline is)
1/4 cup canned black beans
1 ounce reduced-fat cheddar cheese (I use Sharp cheddar - just a tiny bit packs a huge taste)
2 tablespoons salsa

Directions

Scramble 3 eggs/egg whites with 1/4 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 ounce reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Top with 2 tablespoons salsa, or to taste.

Recipe #2 - Egg White Muffin Melt

Ingredients

3 egg whites
Whole-grain English muffin
1/2 cup spinach
1 slice reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 slice tomato

(that's 3 Super Foods - eggs, spinach, and tomato!)

Directions

Scramble 3 egg whites. Cover half of a whole-grain English muffin with 1/2 cup spinach and the other half with 1 slice reduced-fat cheddar cheese; toast until cheese is melted. Add egg and 1 slice tomato.

Recipe #3 - Sliced Egg and Tomato Sandwich with Pesto Mayonnaise

Ingredients

1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons basil pesto
2 slices whole-grain bread
1 hard-boiled egg, thinly sliced
1 small tomato, cored and thinly sliced
Kosher or coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread mixture on 1 slice of bread; cover with egg, tomato, and remaining bread

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Half a Hundred Ripples

For some strange reason, Blogger wasn't allowing me to post yesterday. I'm glad it's working today, because our guest blogger, Kathy, sent in a great post. Here you go...

How many of you have ever felt insignificant? Like the tasks you perform and the efforts you invest are not noticed very much? I think we all feel this way at times as we see the headlines featuring public figures whose lives many times seem more worthwhile and on a much grander scale than our own. I recently read a poem by James Foley whose beautifully expressed thoughts gave me great comfort and I want to share it with you:

DROP A PEBBLE IN THE WATER

Drop a pebble in the water; just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness; just flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness; in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a-circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

I loved this poem so much because it gave me more confidence in my efforts no matter how small they may seem to me. We really don't have to look very far to see someone who could benefit from a kind word or gesture. So let's give oursleves credit for the kindesses we share and perfect our ability to be aware enough to share and give of ourselves more freely. As with most things in this world, practice makes perfect.

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor

TUESDAY TIDINGS - The Importance of Healthy Eating and Exercise

While I was at the breast cancer retreat this last weekend, the other survivors and I were able to sit down and talk to a doctor for about an hour and a half, and get a bunch of our questions answered. One of the things the doctor told us is that the most important thing for a survivor to do is get healthy and stay healthy by exercising and eating right.

This reminded me of a quote I read recently from singer Sheryl Crow, a breast cancer survivor: "Anyone who's diagnosed with anything will agree that such news is not only a showstopper, but also an opportunity to recreate the way you live and how you look at life."

Sheryl recently co-wrote a cookbook focusing on tasty and nutritious food, titled "If It Makes You Healthy".

In the forward of this cookbook, Sheryl talks about the fact that before her cancer diagnosis, she had always been healthy and fit, but hadn't been a healthy eater. She has re-invented the way she eats, and talks about being on what she calls the "Eskimo Diet" - salmon, brown rice, and colorful vegetables - the more colorful, the better.

A few of the helpful hints in the book: use spices that have cancer-fighting properties, such as cinnamon and cumin; meet with a nutritionist; learn the benefits of nutrients like Omega-3 and lycopene; it's ok to be a little indulgent once in a while - eat dessert! Just make it a healthy dessert.

There are so many other great things in this cookbook. It's full of good, healthy recipes. I can't wait to try some of them.

(If you are interested in reading the article about Sheryl Crow in Prevention Magazine, it's called "Sheryl Crow's Change of Heart", and can be found in the May 2011 issue. Click HERE to go to Prevention's website and read the article.)

We also talked to the doctor about exercise. I can't remember exactly what she said (thank you, chemo brain), but I do know that even just walking 3-4 times a week can make a big difference. You don't have to be an exercise nut to gain benefits.

There were a lot of things I learned during the retreat that will change my life for the better. The suggestion to eat healthy food and exercise are some of the most important!

MONDAY MENTIONABLES - A Restorative Retreat

Why is it important to talk with other breast cancer survivors? Well, I've learned over the past year that there are times when I just simply need to talk things over with women who have been through what I've been through. And I've had that opportunity several times.

The most recent opportunity I had happened this past weekend. I was invited to go on a breast cancer retreat, put on by a wonderful non-profit group here is Utah, called Image Reborn. (Even though it is head-quartered here in Utah, I believe their retreats are open to anyone - check out the information on their website: imagerebornfoundation.org)

This particular retreat was for young survivors - those 45 years of age and younger. I just barely slipped in there at age 45 (and counting). I'm glad I was able to attend and talk to younger women - I can relate a little bit more with the issues in this age group.

Let me tell you how we were pampered this weekend...

The setting was lovely - a beautiful home in the mountains near Park City. The weather was perfect - warm and sunny during the day, with those cool Utah nights. Each morning, we woke to see hot air balloons in the sky.

We watched with fascination the family of deer in the back yard the first night. The home with just incredible.


The food was good - it was nice to not have to worry about cooking meals for 3 days! There was fruit, yogurt, and sweet breads for breakfast. Lunch in the restaurant at the clubhouse - we ate next to the beautiful pool!

Dinners included different veggie pizzas, and Chicken Tetrazzini (with green chili peppers - YUM!). We got super good deserts, and I had dark chocolate stashed in my room for late night cravings, of course. ;-)

The activities included 3 things I've never experienced before...

1. Facials. Yes, you read that right. I've never had a facial before. Now I'm completely hooked.

Having a facial is what I call being pampered. The feel, the smell, the relaxation! Oh my!

2. Art Journaling. I've always wanted to try this. I know the importance of journaling, especially through your cancer journey, and this is just an unusual (but fun) way of doing that.

I worked on just one page in my art journal. I focused on what I was thinking about at the time - that even though cancer changed me a lot, I'm still me. It was fun to decorate the page, using quotes, and images. I made a list of things I've lost and gain. This is what it said:
Kara... minus boobs, hair, nails, veins, lashes, brows, and stomach. Plus implants, rest, wrinkles, scars, and love. Eguals - ME. A few of the quotes I used:

To thine own self be true - Shakespeare
Dare to be remarkable - Jane Gentry
For a long time, she flew only when she thought no one else was watching - Brian Andreas
I am just too much - Bette Davis


3. Restorative Yoga. This is something I've always thought I should try, but I've been too scared to take a class. And I have no idea what I'm doing, so I didn't think I could do it at home. I'm so glad I learned this wonderful exercise.

It brought my body in tune with my spirit - it was just incredible. We learned how to breath deeply and slowly, how to focus on each part of our bodies. Some things were hard for me, but it was mostly just wonderful, and just what our teacher claimed it would be - restorative.

Those three things will change my life, I think. I'm glad I got to experience them.

The company was made up of survivors - there were six of us. I got to meet the most fabulous ladies.

Beth, Jeni, B-Jo, Tonya, and Marci. This is the main reason I think I went to the retreat. I wanted to meet other survivors, and just take time to talk about issues we all face. I learned so many things, and hopefully helped someone as well. It was good to network.


When I got home, there were some neighbors visiting my family. As I told them about the retreat, I tried to explain WHY I felt like I needed to attend. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason. All I know is that I feel better physically, and emotionally. It was a good thing for me. Survivors are the most amazing people - I'm so glad I was able to meet these ladies. They helped me so much.

FRIDAY FARE: Super Foods - Spinach

I was gone to a breast cancer retreat this last weekend, so I didn't get to update the blog. But, I didn't really want to skip the Friday Fare, so here is the healthy recipe for last week... on the way home, I had a really yummy salad at Kneaders, that was made with SPINACH - so, that's the super food for this week.

For the information on spinach, I went to a website called Superfoodsrx.com. Here's what they have to say about this super food:

"Spinach and it’s green, leafy sidekicks, are among the most nutritious foods on earth. Calorie for calorie, spinach provides more nutrients than any other food. Low in calories and jam-packed with nutrients, spinach should be a regular part of your daily menu. Overwhelming research has demonstrated an inverse relationship between spinach consumption and the following:

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and coronary artery disease
Cancer, including colon, lung, skin, oral, stomach, ovarian, prostate and breast
Age related macular degeneration (AMD)
Cataracts

In addition, preliminary research suggests that spinach may help prevent or delay age-related cognitive decline."

What is so powerful about spinach?

"The list of compounds that have been discovered in spinach is truly impressive. Beyond the iron that Popeye was yearning for, spinach contains carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, polyphenols, betaine and, interestingly, plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids."

Here's a recipe for a salad very much like the one I had yesterday - it was SO yummy!

Grilled Chicken, Spinach, and Strawberry Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette


Ingredients

1 package of baby spinach
2 cups of sliced strawberries
2 chicken breast (I would cut into pieces and then cook in a little bit of olive oil and whatever seasoning if your favorite - that way, the chicken will have wonderful flavor on every part of each piece!) Try it without the chicken, if you don't want the meat.
crumbled Feta cheese
Candied nuts (you can use whatever nuts you like - I love the pecans with this salad.)

Directions

After cooking the chicken, toss everything together. It's really good when the chicken is warm, or you can try it cold, as well.

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
(found on Myrecipes.com)

Ingredients

1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar (you can use something healthier here)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Directions

Whisk together the first 5 ingredients, and then add olive oil.

Another dressing recipe - this one is super easy!
(This one came from allrecipes.com.)

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 (10 ounce) jar seedless raspberry jam

Directions

Whisk everything together. If you are watching your sugar intake, use a sugar-free jam.

ENJOY!!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - These Things I Ask For

I was reading through some materials and came across this thought by Charlene Bailey Hardcastle, that I found really appealed to me, so I wanted to share it for this week's Thursday Thought:


THESE THINGS I ASK FOR

I care not whether worldly wealth is mine,
Nor if fame and fortune linger at my door,
Yearning for thrills is now all but forgotten,
As childhood fade these things alone I ask for.

LAUGHTER, for the world is bleak without it;
MUSIC, for my heart is full of song;
VIRTUE, so I might walk with head erect;
STRENGTH, to help some weary soul along;
LOVE, that my heart may e'er be tender;
COMFORT, I, too, have known grief's stinging lash;
HONOR, that my soul may not be tarnished;
JUDGMENT, to separate the pure from trash;
WISDOM, better to cope with problems;
LOYALTY, to give my country aid;
ENDURANCE, for I know too well my weaknesses;
COURAGE, to speak for justice unafraid;
OBSERVING EYES, to see the needs of others
and to lend a hand, as on life's course they plod;
and last, but to me the most important,
THE POWER OF PRAYER, for I would talk with God.

All I can say is AMEN to the thoughts that Charlene so eloquently expressed. Carry on, Sister Survivors. We will keep sharing these wonderful qualities and values with each other as we care for one another along our journeys with Cancer.

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor

It's a beautiful summer day here in Utah, and I've been thinking about ice cream today. Ice cream and summer days just go together, right? So, here's some pictures of different kinds of pink ice cream to tempt your taste buds...

When I think of pink ice cream, the first flavor that comes to mind is STRAWBERRY. This was my grandfather's favorite thing in the world. He LOVED strawberry ice cream!

When my husband and I were dating (a quarter of a century ago!), we used to make homemade PEPPERMINT ice cream. Mmmmmm - it was good!

Probably the next most popular pink ice cream would be CHERRY...

Then comes all the different BERRY flavors - RASPBERRY...

BLACKBERRY...

How about a flavor the kids of all ages would love - COTTON CANDY!

I wonder what CRANBERRY would taste like - I would probably love it, especially with those dark chocolate chips...

And, finally, it you want to be really adventurous, try something like POMEGRANATE!

Go get some ice cream - you'll find out just how perfectly it goes with a summer day!