Finished treatment 5 or more years ago
Acupuncture
Escozul
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)
Chemobrain
Yeah, we need to get to work, pay the bills, take care of the kids, fix things around the house and the like. But, we MUST be in good health both physically and mentally to do them. If we are too sick to reap the fruits of our labor, what did we labor for?
It is completely normal to not want to exercise, really it is, but you should. It is very easy to eat what ever you want but we shouldn’t.
Here aresome helpful info to get back on the healthy track.
While exercising often seems like the absolute last thing you want to do, it is crucial that we get over our desires and get to it. You do not need to start bench-pressing or piling on the one hand push-ups but a brisk, 15 minute walk in the morning and then again in the late after noon is perfectly doable. You get your circulation going, your metabolism working, your cardio pumping and before you know it, you’re exercising.
East well. Stick to good fats that actually help you keep healthy by absorbing and breaking down necessary nutrients. Olive oil, canola oil, almonds, avocados, sardines, salmon, herring, walnuts and tofu are good for you. In small amounts, so is corn fed mean or poultry. DO NOT eat many bad fats that are found in processed and red meats, dairy products such as cream, butter, margarine, doughnuts, french fries or cooked chips.
While you should always consult with your physician before taking any medicinal advice, you may want to research Vitamin C and D. While most people are aware that Vitamin C helps support a strong immune system and benefit skin complexion, Vitamin D has been a curious subject of research, doctors are discovering previously unknown health benefits for people with heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer.
BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE, learn more and live better.
Jolene found out she had breast cancer at an incredibly young age, 17. As time flowed forward, the cancer spread. It attacked her jaw, brain and lungs. There were many surgeries to try to stop the metastasis but unfortunately, in this case, they failed. We read her posts on Facebook and heard her speak on the Stupid Cancer Show. We learned of the people who kept up with Jolene and realized that she has touched many lives - indirectly but significantly. She did this by being herself, by extending a few worlds of kindness at the world while chronicling her experiences with cancer. Often, the last sentence in each post was reserved for wishing the world a good night. “LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU WORLD!!! SWEET DREAMS!!!” she would write.
At 26 years old, she decided to end treatment to enjoy the remainder of her life with friends and family by her side. What makes Jolene really amazing is that she used this time to really live every moment she was here. She created a bucket list and followed it religiously. She took charge making arrangements for her funeral, picked out her urn and figured out the details. It was her decision to take the burden of these tasks on her self. Even if cancer was invading her physically, there were elements that she could still control - and she - did demonstrating a strong character and her ability to sensibly look at her unfortunate situation.
She was young, beautiful (inside and out), brave, and always consistently inspired by this fragile yet remarkable thing called LIFE. With effortless ease she would influence you to be inspired by it as well. It is with burdened hearts that we write she is no longer with us. The incredible, completely self possessed girl we had the pleasure of getting to know has moved on from this life, and from the stupid cancer that took her body. We want to dedicate this post to Jolene, to everyone who is no longer with us, to anyone who has lost a loved one to this disease and to everyone currently in the for the fight of their lives. Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.
So, what does Pinktober mean for them? Well, it means that now is the time to raise and spread awareness about breast cancer - distribute information, participate in charity events and bond with the afflicted community. Yet, it also means fighters, survivors and supporters are bombarded with “pink culture” and merchandise. With so many products from different sources out there, how can clarity be maintained in the pink fog.
Here are a few simple guidelines:
1) When choosing to show support for cancer (of any type) please make sure to read up on what the cancer is and whom it affects. The first step to spreading awareness is to be informed.
2) Remember that both men and women can get breast cancer. While it is true that the disease affects mostly women, to believe that it is exclusively so is a mistake and will lead to discrimination. You can always wear “pink” for the men affected by this disease.
3) While it is wonderful to show support for the fight against Breast Cancer with a purchase, please make sure it comes from a creditable source and clearly indicates the funds will going to research, awareness or helping those affected. Just cause it’s pink does not mean it’s genuine.
4) Always remember that the most effective way to spread awareness is through people. You can wear the “pink” t-shirt, bracelet, watch or earrings to spread awareness, but ultimately the most important thing anyone can do is to speak up.
5) Never underestimate the power of individuals. One person can educate and enlighten many others about this killer disease. Helping only one person means saving the life of someones child, mother, father, sibling or partner therefore helping many.
Each one of you is a catalyst of change, can spread awareness and help save someones life. Pink or no pink, we need you.