Pull out your Cancer journal, take a few minutes to read the following quote, and write down your reaction to it...
"Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts - it's what you do with what you have left." ~Hubert Humphrey
A few ideas to help in your pondering...
1. Think of this in relation to your breast cancer
2. What have you done to make this a positive experience?
3. How can you apply this quote to other parts of your life?
(Why write your cancer story? Gao Xingjian, the 2000 Nobel Prize winner in literature, expressed it best, saying... "Writing eases my suffering...")
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
SATURDAY STRENGTH - Does Walking Help Breast Cancer Survivors?
Information was taken from an article entitled... "Role of Obesity and Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors" April 9, 2010:
Holmes and colleagues examined data from 2,987 nurses in the Nurses Health Study diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancers and looked at breast cancer mortality in relation to physical activity level. The study showed that woman engaged in at least 3 metabolic equivalents (MET) of exercise per week had a relative risk of death from breast cancer of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.60–1.06), while those with 9 to 14.0 MET/wk had a relative risk of 0.50 (95% CI = 0.31–0.82). Adjusted for other risk factors, the relative risk of death from breast cancer and the risk of breast cancer recurrence was 25% to 40% lower in women with the highest level of activity, compared to women with the lowest levels of activity. Of note, most of the benefit was seen in women with moderate activity, equivalent to walking 3 to 5 hours a week at an average pace of 2 to 2.9 mph. Patients who were ER- and PR-positive appeared to benefit the most from exercise.
To read the full article, see http://www.cancernetwork.com/display/article/10165/1552213
Challenge for this week: try to get at least 30 minutes of walking on each day this next week. The study above shows that walking at a moderate rate really does help!
Holmes and colleagues examined data from 2,987 nurses in the Nurses Health Study diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancers and looked at breast cancer mortality in relation to physical activity level. The study showed that woman engaged in at least 3 metabolic equivalents (MET) of exercise per week had a relative risk of death from breast cancer of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.60–1.06), while those with 9 to 14.0 MET/wk had a relative risk of 0.50 (95% CI = 0.31–0.82). Adjusted for other risk factors, the relative risk of death from breast cancer and the risk of breast cancer recurrence was 25% to 40% lower in women with the highest level of activity, compared to women with the lowest levels of activity. Of note, most of the benefit was seen in women with moderate activity, equivalent to walking 3 to 5 hours a week at an average pace of 2 to 2.9 mph. Patients who were ER- and PR-positive appeared to benefit the most from exercise.
To read the full article, see http://www.cancernetwork.com/display/article/10165/1552213
Challenge for this week: try to get at least 30 minutes of walking on each day this next week. The study above shows that walking at a moderate rate really does help!
Friday, June 11, 2010
FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Summer Smoothie
When I was going through Chemo treatments, I had a hard time finding something I could eat. Not much tasted good. A good friend of mine, who had gone through chemo the year before, suggested that I try a smoothie. In fact, her sweet husband even came to my house and made me one! It worked - I was able to keep it down, and it even tasted pretty good to me. I've asked guest blogger, Shannon Stahura, to submit a smoothie recipe for you to try. -Kara
Shannon:
"Here is a fast and easy way to beat the summer heat and maintain a healthy lifestyle...a smoothie! This recipe is full of anitoxidants and high-nutrient leafy greens (but you can't even taste them "deceptively delicious style"). This makes a great snack or even serves up as a well-balanced meal replacement complete with all five food groups."
Summer Smoothie
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup blueberry or pomegranate juice
1/2 banana
1/2 cup mango
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup almonds
Put ingredients in blender and pulse for 15-20 seconds and serve.
Shannon:
"Here is a fast and easy way to beat the summer heat and maintain a healthy lifestyle...a smoothie! This recipe is full of anitoxidants and high-nutrient leafy greens (but you can't even taste them "deceptively delicious style"). This makes a great snack or even serves up as a well-balanced meal replacement complete with all five food groups."
Summer Smoothie
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup blueberry or pomegranate juice
1/2 banana
1/2 cup mango
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup almonds
Put ingredients in blender and pulse for 15-20 seconds and serve.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Did That Really Happen?
I looked back on my cancer blog (Foobbabe's Cancer Journey) and found something I wrote a little while ago - I thought I'd share it...
"Every once in a while I wake up in the morning and think about everything that has happened to me, and I just can't wrap my head around it. I just can't believe that words and experiences like chemo, mastectomy, reconstrucion, etc. are part of me.
Then, there are those days when I spend time becoming acquainted with the person that is the new me - with the woman who prevailed through trial, who learned to be a better person than before cancer was an experience she had to go through. Someone who learned many deep and meaningful lessons - like the power of love, the importance of kindness and acceptance (especially for yourself and your new body), and the example of charity.
Does that ever happen to you? I hope if it does, you'll take time to reflect not only about the trial of breast cancer, but also about the new person you've become - physically, mentally, and spiritually."
-Kara
22 month Breast Cancer Survivor
"Every once in a while I wake up in the morning and think about everything that has happened to me, and I just can't wrap my head around it. I just can't believe that words and experiences like chemo, mastectomy, reconstrucion, etc. are part of me.
Then, there are those days when I spend time becoming acquainted with the person that is the new me - with the woman who prevailed through trial, who learned to be a better person than before cancer was an experience she had to go through. Someone who learned many deep and meaningful lessons - like the power of love, the importance of kindness and acceptance (especially for yourself and your new body), and the example of charity.
Does that ever happen to you? I hope if it does, you'll take time to reflect not only about the trial of breast cancer, but also about the new person you've become - physically, mentally, and spiritually."
-Kara
22 month Breast Cancer Survivor
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Komen Race for the Cure SLC
So many survivors! 2010 Susan G. Komen SLC Utah RACE FOR THE CURE...
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Weekly Post Schedule - It's here!
We are adopting a post schedule here on Sister Survivors. Each day will be a different subject. Hopefully you'll be able to find something that will help and interest you.
Here's the schedule:
Monday Memoirs - writing through cancer is very therapeutic. Each Monday we'll post a question for you to think and write about. So, grab a beautiful journal and a pretty pen, and let your thoughts spill out.
Tuesday Tidings - we all want to know the "latest" news on the breast cancer front. On Tuesdays, we'll post something about research and development, or things you can do to stay healthy, or even just suggestions for getting through treatment.
Wordless Wednesday - the posts on Wednesdays will be photos. What inspires you? A cancer patient's smile, a beautiful summer morning, a new nail polish color? We'll find a picture of something beautiful to look at, and give you a treat every Wednesday morning. Want to add to the fun? Email a photo to us at sistersurvivors@gmail.com
Thursday Thoughts - This will be a day for sharing our thoughts about cancer, strength, faith, sisterhood... anything that gets us thinking and will help others. We'd love to hear your thoughts about the post, so speak up in the comments section.
Friday Fare - This is our healthy recipe day - guest blogger, Shannon Stahura, will share a yummy recipe with us each week. Shannon does a lot of research to find the best, most healthy foods to use in these recipes.
Saturday Strength - Physical exercise is so important in reaching and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is also important in healing. Look for an exercise tip here each Saturday.
We'll start this schedule on Wednesday, so please come back each day to find something that will help you either physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Here's the schedule:
Monday Memoirs - writing through cancer is very therapeutic. Each Monday we'll post a question for you to think and write about. So, grab a beautiful journal and a pretty pen, and let your thoughts spill out.
Tuesday Tidings - we all want to know the "latest" news on the breast cancer front. On Tuesdays, we'll post something about research and development, or things you can do to stay healthy, or even just suggestions for getting through treatment.
Wordless Wednesday - the posts on Wednesdays will be photos. What inspires you? A cancer patient's smile, a beautiful summer morning, a new nail polish color? We'll find a picture of something beautiful to look at, and give you a treat every Wednesday morning. Want to add to the fun? Email a photo to us at sistersurvivors@gmail.com
Thursday Thoughts - This will be a day for sharing our thoughts about cancer, strength, faith, sisterhood... anything that gets us thinking and will help others. We'd love to hear your thoughts about the post, so speak up in the comments section.
Friday Fare - This is our healthy recipe day - guest blogger, Shannon Stahura, will share a yummy recipe with us each week. Shannon does a lot of research to find the best, most healthy foods to use in these recipes.
Saturday Strength - Physical exercise is so important in reaching and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is also important in healing. Look for an exercise tip here each Saturday.
We'll start this schedule on Wednesday, so please come back each day to find something that will help you either physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Monday, June 7, 2010
FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipes - Chicken Marinade and Grilled Veggies
Guest blogger: Shannon Stahura...
I have two rules for summertime... eat more fresh veggies and don't cook in the kitchen! I love grilling! I'm not a pro, but by following a few easy steps I can usually make a tasty meal and the kitchen stays clean. Try these out. They are fast, easy and taste great.
Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2/3 cup light zesty Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup of lite barbecue sauce
*for a different taste try substituting 1/3 cup of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce in place of the barbecue. They all taste great.
Directions
1. Mix Italian dressing and barbecue sauce and marinate chicken for at least one hour. (I like to cut the breasts into thirds so they cook faster)
2. Scrape grill clean, heat if for about 5 min, and then oil or spray it to create a non-stick surface.
3. Grill chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Baste the last 5 minutes. If you left the breast whole it will take longer.
Veggies on the Grill
After you have your meat going, add your side dishes to the grill. Some of my favorites are asparagus, yellow squash and zucchini as pictured . For the asparagus use a grilling tray and for the squash, cut it lengthwise and lay it right on the grill. Just drizzle some olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle with salt and pepper, a little garlic salt or your favorite seasonings. Grill until desired tenderness is reached. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Serve with fruit and eat outside!
I have two rules for summertime... eat more fresh veggies and don't cook in the kitchen! I love grilling! I'm not a pro, but by following a few easy steps I can usually make a tasty meal and the kitchen stays clean. Try these out. They are fast, easy and taste great.
Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2/3 cup light zesty Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup of lite barbecue sauce
*for a different taste try substituting 1/3 cup of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce in place of the barbecue. They all taste great.
Directions
1. Mix Italian dressing and barbecue sauce and marinate chicken for at least one hour. (I like to cut the breasts into thirds so they cook faster)
2. Scrape grill clean, heat if for about 5 min, and then oil or spray it to create a non-stick surface.
3. Grill chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Baste the last 5 minutes. If you left the breast whole it will take longer.
Veggies on the Grill
After you have your meat going, add your side dishes to the grill. Some of my favorites are asparagus, yellow squash and zucchini as pictured . For the asparagus use a grilling tray and for the squash, cut it lengthwise and lay it right on the grill. Just drizzle some olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle with salt and pepper, a little garlic salt or your favorite seasonings. Grill until desired tenderness is reached. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Serve with fruit and eat outside!
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