All of my friends, family, and co-workers have been subjected to my dramatic and energetic raves about my Vitamix. All you have to do is mention it to me, and I will start talking non-stop about how the Vitamix changed my life.
The Vitamix is a kitchen appliance that looks like a blender. However, it's so much more than just a blender. It can crush a whole container of ice in 3 seconds. It can make smoothies, soups, dressings, milks (from nuts, rice, sesame seeds, etc), nut butters, hummus, and flours from grains.
Before my cancer diagnosis, I never struggled with health issues or weight problems. I ate anything and everything that is gross and bad for you. If the food was drenched in gravy or butter, I would eat it. I hated most vegetables and refused to even try new food that might be good for me. Shortly after my diagnosis when things seemed to get worse, I continued to eat badly. As hopeful as I was trying to be, I honestly thought I would die soon, so I ate whatever I wanted. After I broke my leg and had surgery, my health started to improve. I decided that it was time to make some major changes in my diet.
I found the Vitamix ad by accident in one of my food magazines, and I was instantly intrigued. The $500+ price tag was not attractive though. I wouldn't even consider spending that much money so I put the idea of buying one out of my head. A few months passed and I was struggling through trying to get my daily required fruits and veggies. In fact, I was failing miserably. I desperately wanted to do better, but I just felt overwhelmed. So I went back to the Vitamix website and bought the machine. After all, I pay good money for Clinique skin care and Bare Minerals makeup. Why not buy a machine that is going to help me make healthier meals for me and my husband?
After the machine arrived, I read the instruction manual, watched the DVD, and scanned the cookbook that came with it. I tried something easy first: a strawberry smoothie. I was amazed at how quickly the blender processed all the ingredients; it even pulverized the little seeds on the strawberries! I drank the smoothie and loved it. After that, I decided to move on to veggies. I got brave and tried a "green smoothie" with bananas, pineapples, and spinach. Much to my delight, I couldn't even taste the spinach.
After a few months of fruit smoothies with "hidden" veggies, I decided to try soup. I've read that broccoli is a cancer fighter, so I tried a broccoli soup recipe. I steamed a head of broccoli for 8 minutes, and then placed it in the machine. Then I added chicken broth, cheese, and a little milk. I was a little squeamish at first, but I loved it!
I've had my Vitamix almost a year, and here is the best part about it. Although I still drink my smoothies every day, I actually crave whole veggies now. I still like to make my broccoli soup, but now I can eat steamed broccoli straight up. Tonight, I made kale salad and ate two helpings! I don't feel like I have to "hide" the veggies as much as I used to. If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be eating more fruits and veggies and less nasty food, I would have laughed out loud. The bottom line is, if I can do it, anyone can do it. I was the ultimate junk food junkie. I don't have a doubt that better eating habits have helped me tolerate the chemo better, and given my immune system a boost.
If you want to buy a Vitamix, I would recommend buying one from their website (www.vitamix.com) so you can have the full warranty, just in case something goes wrong. Mine performs just as good today as it did on the first day I got it, but you never know. Also be sure to use code 06-007846 to get free shipping (a $25 value).
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tips for People in Chemo
I’m a huge proponent of modern medicine. While I think that it’s a miracle from God that I’m still alive and feeling good, I also believe that God is the reason we have doctors, researchers, and drugs that work, and He wants us to take advantage of them. When I say my prayers, I pray for the doctors and scientists out there looking for a cure for cancer and other devastating diseases.
When people think of chemo, usually the first two things that come to mind are baldness and nausea. Losing hair and feeling nauseated come with the territory, but there are lots of other weird side effects of chemotherapy. I’ve been in treatment for over two years now, minus a three month break in Summer 2011, and there are things that I’ve seen and felt that I never imagined would happen.
Here are some things that I have done that have really helped me get through chemo. I’ve been very blessed with good health throughout my treatment. Since I started chemo, I’ve been in the hospital once, and that was for my leg surgery. I think that some of the habits I practice below have played a big part in why I’ve stayed healthy. I hope this helps anyone out there who may be struggling through treatment.
Drink, drink, drink.
The best things to drink are filtered water, decaf hot tea (green tea is best), unsweetened iced tea, and 1% or skim milk (I can’t take skim, but 1% is pretty good). I always keep my favorite “fizzy” drink on hand too – I like Coke. I try not to drink more than 8 ounces of Coke a day because of all the sugar. I like coffee with cream too, but I try to keep it down to two cups in the morning. It’s important to drink LOTS liquid because even though chemo works and I’m thrilled that it’s available to me, it’s still poison. You need to keep your system flushed out. It also helps your skin, which can get very dry during treatment.
I try to drink more water than anything, but sometimes, it can be tough when I’m nauseated. Lemons can help the water taste better and settle on my stomach easier. If you don’t eat lemons fast enough to keep fresh ones, you can buy a product called “True Lemon.” It’s dehydrated lemon powder with no sweetener. It tastes just like a fresh lemon in your water. Some people actually prefer this over fresh lemons, especially in restaurants where you aren’t sure where the lemons have been before they touch your glass. You can find “True Lemon” on discountcoffee.com or amazon.com.
Eat, eat eat.
Again, this is challenge sometimes. I went through a period when my whole mouth felt like it had been shaved. That’s the only way I know how to describe it. I was sensitive to heat, spices, and worst of all, Coke! Even minty gum was about impossible. Even if all you can stand is a bowl of cereal, eat it several times a day to sustain yourself. I lived on scrambled eggs and soup for awhile when I struggled with mouth sensitivity. I love Campbell’s soup. Some criticize the salt content in it, but sometimes salty stuff can really curb nausea. Just experiment and don’t give up! There is something out there for everyone.
Wash!
Of course it’s a no-brainer to keep your hands clean. However, cleanliness should be a whole body experience. I take a shower every night before bed time. I don’t care if I’m nauseated, or if my leg is acting up. I drag my tired butt to the shower every night and lather up from head to toe. It’s especially important to wash the skin over your port if you have one, especially on chemo day when it’s been accessed. While it’s completely under your skin, I still think it’s important to keep that area clean.
I also moisturize from head to toe when I’m finished in the shower. This is difficult on evenings when I’m really tired, but so worth it. Chemo has made me dry all over , skin, eyes, nose, throat, everything. So moisturizing is very important, even though it takes more time.
Ask questions.
When I went through the mouth trouble, I just assumed that I would have to live with it, so ate a lot of popsicles and drank mild cold drinks like tea. However, when I mentioned the issue to my oncologist, he prescribed something called “magic mouthwash.” This prescription has 5-6 ingredients and is compounded fresh at the pharmacy. I know for sure that my formula had Maalox and a little Benedryl in it. I’m not sure what else was in it, but I could take a drink of it and then eat Indian food afterwards. Good stuff.
Another yucky side effect I’ve had is ugly finger and toe nails. One of the nurse practitioners recommended brushing tea tree oil on my nails. It whitened them up a bit and while they still don’t look great, they are better than they were. You can find this at GNC or Sally beauty supply stores. I’m sure Wal-Mart has it too. Wal-Mart has everything!
I’ve also struggled with sensitivity to band-aid adhesives. Once I pulled a bandaid off of an injured finger and the skin came off with it. A nurse introduced me to wipes called “Skin Prep” (can be found on Amazon.com). You wipe over the area of skin that will have tape on it, and the bandages and tape peel off very easily, leaving your skin irritation-free.
Be nice.
Keep in mind that you will see your doctor, nurses, and admin assistants a LOT. The experience is so much easier when you are nice. There have been times when I’ve had to wait a long time, especially at treatment. But treatment isn’t just walking into the cancer center and getting my drugs. They have to take my blood, send it to the hospital lab to ensure my counts are good enough to get chemo. After my blood work comes back, they fax the results to my oncologist across the street. He has to sign an “ok to treat” and send it back to the cancer center. So my appointment may be at 1:00, but actual “treatment” may not start until after 2:00. A lot of it is a waiting game, so you have to be patient. Cancer is the scariest, worst thing I’ve ever faced, but it doesn’t give me the right to be an asshole to anyone. The nicer I am, the better my experience is.
Be a warrior.
This may make you eye-roll, but I’m almost euphoric on chemo days. Before each treatment I say a prayer and ask God to bless the meds as they go into my body so they will kill the evil cancer. Then I ask Him to bless my body so it can accept all the meds. I try to go into each treatment (73 chemos and counting) with the attitude that it’s killing my cancer and that I will not let cancer take me. I think that my Christian faith has gotten me through this. Without God, I wouldn’t still be alive. I would either be dead, or want to be dead by now.
There are times when I have to make myself think positively, but I think that a good attitude goes a LONG way. You have to believe almost to the point of delusion that you are going to get better. I read all the stats from the American Cancer Society about stage iv breast cancer and they are not good. After reading it carefully, I threw that shit in the trash. No need to dwell on what could happen. I have to focus on what’s happening right now.
If your doctor is not encouraging enough, dump him/her. My oncologist has never told me I’m going to die, and he’s never given me the “You have _____ months to live…” speech, even when things were really bad. I don’t have an expiration date. God is in control and none of us is guaranteed tomorrow, no matter how healthy or careful we are.
When people think of chemo, usually the first two things that come to mind are baldness and nausea. Losing hair and feeling nauseated come with the territory, but there are lots of other weird side effects of chemotherapy. I’ve been in treatment for over two years now, minus a three month break in Summer 2011, and there are things that I’ve seen and felt that I never imagined would happen.
Here are some things that I have done that have really helped me get through chemo. I’ve been very blessed with good health throughout my treatment. Since I started chemo, I’ve been in the hospital once, and that was for my leg surgery. I think that some of the habits I practice below have played a big part in why I’ve stayed healthy. I hope this helps anyone out there who may be struggling through treatment.
Drink, drink, drink.
The best things to drink are filtered water, decaf hot tea (green tea is best), unsweetened iced tea, and 1% or skim milk (I can’t take skim, but 1% is pretty good). I always keep my favorite “fizzy” drink on hand too – I like Coke. I try not to drink more than 8 ounces of Coke a day because of all the sugar. I like coffee with cream too, but I try to keep it down to two cups in the morning. It’s important to drink LOTS liquid because even though chemo works and I’m thrilled that it’s available to me, it’s still poison. You need to keep your system flushed out. It also helps your skin, which can get very dry during treatment.
I try to drink more water than anything, but sometimes, it can be tough when I’m nauseated. Lemons can help the water taste better and settle on my stomach easier. If you don’t eat lemons fast enough to keep fresh ones, you can buy a product called “True Lemon.” It’s dehydrated lemon powder with no sweetener. It tastes just like a fresh lemon in your water. Some people actually prefer this over fresh lemons, especially in restaurants where you aren’t sure where the lemons have been before they touch your glass. You can find “True Lemon” on discountcoffee.com or amazon.com.
Eat, eat eat.
Again, this is challenge sometimes. I went through a period when my whole mouth felt like it had been shaved. That’s the only way I know how to describe it. I was sensitive to heat, spices, and worst of all, Coke! Even minty gum was about impossible. Even if all you can stand is a bowl of cereal, eat it several times a day to sustain yourself. I lived on scrambled eggs and soup for awhile when I struggled with mouth sensitivity. I love Campbell’s soup. Some criticize the salt content in it, but sometimes salty stuff can really curb nausea. Just experiment and don’t give up! There is something out there for everyone.
Wash!
Of course it’s a no-brainer to keep your hands clean. However, cleanliness should be a whole body experience. I take a shower every night before bed time. I don’t care if I’m nauseated, or if my leg is acting up. I drag my tired butt to the shower every night and lather up from head to toe. It’s especially important to wash the skin over your port if you have one, especially on chemo day when it’s been accessed. While it’s completely under your skin, I still think it’s important to keep that area clean.
I also moisturize from head to toe when I’m finished in the shower. This is difficult on evenings when I’m really tired, but so worth it. Chemo has made me dry all over , skin, eyes, nose, throat, everything. So moisturizing is very important, even though it takes more time.
Ask questions.
When I went through the mouth trouble, I just assumed that I would have to live with it, so ate a lot of popsicles and drank mild cold drinks like tea. However, when I mentioned the issue to my oncologist, he prescribed something called “magic mouthwash.” This prescription has 5-6 ingredients and is compounded fresh at the pharmacy. I know for sure that my formula had Maalox and a little Benedryl in it. I’m not sure what else was in it, but I could take a drink of it and then eat Indian food afterwards. Good stuff.
Another yucky side effect I’ve had is ugly finger and toe nails. One of the nurse practitioners recommended brushing tea tree oil on my nails. It whitened them up a bit and while they still don’t look great, they are better than they were. You can find this at GNC or Sally beauty supply stores. I’m sure Wal-Mart has it too. Wal-Mart has everything!
I’ve also struggled with sensitivity to band-aid adhesives. Once I pulled a bandaid off of an injured finger and the skin came off with it. A nurse introduced me to wipes called “Skin Prep” (can be found on Amazon.com). You wipe over the area of skin that will have tape on it, and the bandages and tape peel off very easily, leaving your skin irritation-free.
Be nice.
Keep in mind that you will see your doctor, nurses, and admin assistants a LOT. The experience is so much easier when you are nice. There have been times when I’ve had to wait a long time, especially at treatment. But treatment isn’t just walking into the cancer center and getting my drugs. They have to take my blood, send it to the hospital lab to ensure my counts are good enough to get chemo. After my blood work comes back, they fax the results to my oncologist across the street. He has to sign an “ok to treat” and send it back to the cancer center. So my appointment may be at 1:00, but actual “treatment” may not start until after 2:00. A lot of it is a waiting game, so you have to be patient. Cancer is the scariest, worst thing I’ve ever faced, but it doesn’t give me the right to be an asshole to anyone. The nicer I am, the better my experience is.
Be a warrior.
This may make you eye-roll, but I’m almost euphoric on chemo days. Before each treatment I say a prayer and ask God to bless the meds as they go into my body so they will kill the evil cancer. Then I ask Him to bless my body so it can accept all the meds. I try to go into each treatment (73 chemos and counting) with the attitude that it’s killing my cancer and that I will not let cancer take me. I think that my Christian faith has gotten me through this. Without God, I wouldn’t still be alive. I would either be dead, or want to be dead by now.
There are times when I have to make myself think positively, but I think that a good attitude goes a LONG way. You have to believe almost to the point of delusion that you are going to get better. I read all the stats from the American Cancer Society about stage iv breast cancer and they are not good. After reading it carefully, I threw that shit in the trash. No need to dwell on what could happen. I have to focus on what’s happening right now.
If your doctor is not encouraging enough, dump him/her. My oncologist has never told me I’m going to die, and he’s never given me the “You have _____ months to live…” speech, even when things were really bad. I don’t have an expiration date. God is in control and none of us is guaranteed tomorrow, no matter how healthy or careful we are.
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