tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58781413158358276512024-02-21T23:30:25.573-08:00Cancer is not the boss of me.Breast cancer patient/survivor shares stories of hope, humor, inspiration as well as nutrition and health and wellness in the fight against cancer.Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-68574129908277876832020-06-26T15:44:00.001-07:002020-06-26T15:44:59.373-07:00Blessed Events Weddings<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rIKuXaF_t-0" width="480"></iframe>Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-82601849146995178412020-04-06T12:20:00.001-07:002020-04-06T12:20:36.392-07:00Checking in/Cancer & Covid19Hello all, <br />
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I am sorry I haven't written in a while. To catch you up, I have been on a clinical trial since December 2018 for Xeloda, we have tried different strengths and found the lowest dose works, with less side effects and I have been stable with decrease in cancer activity for a year now. Very happy, a little disappointed as I am SO close to being back in remission, but the cancer is so very small and not growing, I have to be grateful and I am. <br />
Now with Covid 19 I have added immune system supplements to keep my system strong. So far just added Echinacea and Vitamin C. You know as well as I do, that we as cancer patients and survivors use face masks and gloves and stay about 3-6 feet away from people during normal cold and flu season or when our immune systems are low due to treatments. I had do that when I was on Ibrance, so luckily I had a small box of masks and plenty of anti-bacterial wipes and gloves. <br />
I will be honest I go between feeling strong, like I beat cancer so I can beat Covid to being scared of getting Covid 19. I have had pneumonia and spent 4 days in the hospital back in 2013 it is not fun. I also have two spots of cancer in my lungs (tiny) and a heart condition. Did you know that every time you have pneumonia it scars your lungs? True. But you can't live in fear. As a Christian it is important not to live in fear, it's like saying we don't have faith that God can handle our issue or care for us which is not the truth. God is bigger than anything, and He did carry me through cancer for the past 9 years, so of course He would carry me through this Covid time.<br />
I am still working on my book about dealing with cancer, and not being it's bitch, but making it my bitch. Having my teenage kids home and having to homeschool right now is taking up a big chunk of my time, I have one with ADD and another with Dyslexia so I need to help. I have been working on this book for years, it's not easy and I procrastinate. I will finish it.<br />
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Ok short blog today, hope everyone is staying healthy and happy. Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-4486156208128533222019-11-11T09:39:00.001-08:002019-11-11T09:39:15.406-08:00Cancer is not the boss of me.: Cancer isn't always a death sentence, but a new li...<a href="https://katsbreastcancerblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/cancer-isnt-always-death-sentence-but.html?spref=bl">Cancer is not the boss of me.: Cancer isn't always a death sentence, but a new li...</a>: Cancer is not always a death sentence, but a new life sentence. A cancer diagnosis changes more patients’ lives for the bett...Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-16507662484701069962019-11-11T09:37:00.000-08:002019-11-11T09:37:11.688-08:00Cancer isn't always a death sentence, but a new life sentence.
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cancer
is not always a death sentence, but a new life sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
cancer diagnosis changes more patients’ lives for the better than it kills in
my experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know so many survivors whose
lives have been changed or affected for the better than I know who have died
from cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am one, my cancer totally changed my life and the decisions I make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is all for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t hate or regret my cancer for that
gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong cancer sucks
big time, and the four years of chemo, radiation, medication, multiple
surgeries and medically induced early menopause has been hell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not fun at all, but, the outcome and personal
and spiritual growth is worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
friendships and connections I have made are priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cancer
sucks! It is ugly, painful, and scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is not fun at all. Cancer is horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cancer is a lot of things, but it is not always a death sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that
fact, and every patient is different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Remember
that you have a part to play in your cancer fight, and if you want to live you
need to participate in your fight and believe that it is possible to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winning a fight against cancer doesn’t always
mean that you will be cured, it could mean a lifetime of remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has been incredible progress in the
battle against cancer, and more progress is being made every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancer <u>can be beaten</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It <u>can be cured</u>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It <u>can be survived</u>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have survived it twice now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-58773267163233070632019-10-28T13:10:00.001-07:002019-10-28T13:10:24.839-07:00Getting back to "normal" with cancer
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Getting
back to Normal with Cancer<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Getting back to “normal” after
going through cancer treatments and surgeries is easier said than done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we as cancer patients are
striving and focusing on “normal”, once you try to achieve it, it’s difficult
and even a little scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After completing
my first year of treatments and mastectomy I was able to get back to my normal
schedule and daily routine, but I was just not “normal” yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still not whole again as I had to wait
at least twelve months after radiation was completed before having my breast
reconstruction surgery as radiation effects take a minimum of six months to a
year to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention radiation
is a gift that keeps on giving, even years after treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hair had started to grow back about a
month after chemo completed after my mastectomy just like my doctor had said it
would, and it was coming in curly as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, because cancer likes to play cruel jokes, my hair while it was
coming back in, was coming in GREY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not fair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only thirty-six
years old dang it!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haven’t I been
through enough?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut a sister some slack
already.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just when you think you are normal again you are reminded
that you were a recent cancer patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things were getting back to normal and got hit with the monster flu of
2013 which turned into pneumonia and spent three days in the hospital, shocking
the ER doctors and paramedics by not dying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(When I do something, I really do it!) My blood pressure was 60/40, my
white blood cell counts tanked, and my liver enzymes skyrocketed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the paramedics were working on me in the
ambulance, they said that my organs were shutting down and I was in a pretty
serious condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not fun. In the
hospital no one could figure out why my white cell count wouldn’t go up or why
my liver enzymes wouldn’t go down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
did get my blood pressure out of the dangerous levels, but it was still low, so
I was required to have two more blood tests after I was released from the
hospital to make sure I was getting back to normal ranges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is that elusive normal word again that
us cancer patients are always seeking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes I feel like Alice from Alice in Wonderland chasing the White
Rabbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord knows I was always on the
verge of falling down the rabbit hole of anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am reminded of just how frail and susceptible my body
is to infection or the slightest illness and how things can rapidly go
screaming downhill due to the cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am a vibrant young-ish mom and woman and I have always been a strong fighter and
relatively healthy so this quest for normal is not an easy one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all my strength, stubbornness and fight I
try to find the humor in my medical situation in which I will never really be
“normal” again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a soldier who is
home from war, so am I dealing with the effects of my own war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What is normal for a cancer patient?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling normal, normal blood counts, normal
hormone levels, normal life/work balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oncologists really seem
to like the term, “new normal” and refer to it often with a cancer
patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancer survivors are often
faced with the new normal and can forget about the regular normal, what they
previously knew as normal because after cancer you don’t get to go back to
“normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your “new normal” consists of
alterated blood counts, hormone levels, and a fear of reoccurance that never
leaves, not to mention the routine doctor check-ups and tests that at the very
best are annually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your body never gets
back to pre-cancer “normal”, chemo and radiation have long lasting effects,
some of which are life long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mean
to depress anyone, but I have to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cancer treatments have aged my body a good twenty years, and it’s not
fun and it’s not fair, but it is my new normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My new normal is routine doctor visits, routine pet/ct scans to monitor
my cancer, pain meds, treatment meds, living with constant pain, anxiety about
cancer spreading or getting sick, being a germaphobe, and physically disabled,
not able to do and feel what I should be able to feel and do at my age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I strived for ”normal” during my cancer treatments,
especially when the kids were little, they didn’t deserve not to have a normal
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though cancer effects the
whole family they were four and six when I was initially diagnosed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to finish my Bachelor’s degree in law
while going through chemo and radiation in an attempt to focus on something
“normal” and needing a goal and distraction that was not health or cancer
related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a circus freak in public with
only one breast, no hair, and horribly scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wore make-up every day to try to look normal for my children and
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to shield them from the
horror and ugliness in an attempt at “normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A “normal” person doesn’t have to strive and chase “normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-24534669007325822592019-10-08T17:24:00.001-07:002019-10-08T17:24:18.247-07:00CancerCutieCookbook<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2udKt0VFX7Q" width="480"></iframe><br />Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-83584242670933811892019-10-01T18:51:00.001-07:002019-10-01T18:51:42.824-07:00Meet Kat<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TIlU5-uLzxQ" width="480"></iframe><br />Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-3418975323495354462019-04-12T10:46:00.001-07:002019-04-12T10:46:46.516-07:00Does Cancer define me?
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Day 11<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I do/don’t let cancer define me, I let my
fight, my life and my faith define me, cancer is just a chronic illness I have.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">You
have probably read other cancer patients online say that they don’t let their
cancer define them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have cancer
friends who are emphatic about cancer not defining them or changing their
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I embrace the change that cancer
has made in my life because I allowed it to be for the better, and I think I
was lucky to realize that God had a plan for my cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
guess when I stop and think about it, I do let cancer define me, but in a
positive way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been very open
about my cancer since the beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Having cancer has changed me, my priorities, importance of family, importance of health and wellness and just how short and precious life can be. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
goal is to help as many of my survivors as I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps to make my horror story and physical
misery worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were to look at my
book of life and write a brief bio on what defines me, cancer would be just one
more thing (albeit a big one) that showed off my strength and
determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another dangerous illness
that I survived. (I had an extremely bad case of mono in 1997). My definition of
myself is that of a survivor, a fighter, and a warrior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
may feel like cancer defines you because of how all-encompassing it is, and how
it affects those around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That's ok, feel it for a season and then accept it. For most it</span> changes
you, physically, emotionally, spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some only for the duration of treatment, others for the first few months
and years after, but there is a small few of us who it has changed
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope I will never be the same
after cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was always a survivor, fighter and warrior before cancer, and I will continue to be those until I am gone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
*exert from Successful Survivor Guide, by Kat Davis<br />
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Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-16510967615533531412019-03-07T15:18:00.001-08:002019-03-07T15:18:37.165-08:00Top 14 Anti-Cancer Superfruits you should add to your diet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some fruits have the ability to fight against cancer formation. Cancer is nothing but uncontrollable growth of cells. Our body contains lots of cell, about more than 100 million cells. Cancer starts with one cell which affect the other cells and bone marrows. </div>
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<strong>Apple :</strong> Apple has antioxidants and flavonoids that helps the activity of vitamin C. Thus helps in lowering the risks of colon cancer, breast cancer<br />
<strong>Acai Berries:</strong> Acai berry is one of the most nutritious berries on the planet. This fruit has been heralded for centuries for its healing, immune-stimulating, energy-boosting properties. Research reveals this antioxidant-rich berry may help suppress and repair oxidative damage.<br />
<strong>Strawberries: </strong>Strawberry has high antioxidant power hence it is a best protective fruit. Strawberry consist of Ellagic acid that prevent cellular toxin to affect DNA and provide amine ,which prevent leukaemia disease.<br />
<strong>Pomegranate: </strong>Pomegranate fruit contains phytochemicals, that blocks aromatase, an enzyme which convert androgen into estrogen that prevents breast cancer.<br />
<strong>Avocado:</strong> Avocados include its ability to boost <span style="color: black;">heart </span>health, <span style="color: black;">improve digestion</span>, prevent <span style="color: black;">cancer</span>, enhance liver health, and help in weight management. It is a rich source of good fats, <span style="color: black;">vitamins, minerals</span>, antioxidants, and phytosterols.<br />
<strong>Kiwi : </strong>Kiwi is a good source of potassium and magnesium, vitamin E. Kiwi fruit has Vitamin C content twice as orange. Kiwi block the formation of nitrosamines thus prevents cancer formation in our body.<br />
<strong>Goji Berry:</strong> The health benefits of goji berry include its ability to strengthen the immune system, improve eyesight, and control <span style="color: black;">diabetes</span>. Goji berry also provides improved liver health, <span class="of-amazon-link" data-post-title="cardiovascular" data-us-href="https://amzn.to/2KOlwDA">cardiovascular</span> protection, potential anti-<span style="color: black;">cancer </span>impact, and protection of brain cells and <span style="color: black;">skin</span> from UV radiations.<br />
<strong>Grapes: </strong>Grapes contain phytochemicals such as resveratrol that affect the cancer. Daily intake of Grapes in women mainly cures breast cancer formation.<br />
<strong>Mangosteen:</strong> Mangosteen berries destroy cancer and stop tumor development at each stage of the cancer forming process.<br />
<strong>Citrus Fruits: </strong>Citrus Fruits such as lemon, lime, kiwi, orange – rich in vitamin C ,which is an important property that prevent cancer and enhance immunity for long time period.<br />
<strong>Soursop</strong>: Soursop is mainly used to treat all types of cancer and tumors, as well as depression, fungal infections, high blood pressure, and parasites. In addition to its amazing cancer-killing properties, soursop also contains vitamins C, B1 and B2, calcium, and significant amounts of phosphorous, potassium, and magnesium.<br />
<strong>Dragon Fruit: </strong>Dragon fruit, rich in nutrients and low in calories may be beneficial for fighting chronic illnesses, improving gut health, and boosting immunity. It is high in fiber as well as various vitamins and minerals. Health benefits of dragon fruit weight loss, control diabetes, lower cholesterol, and boost energy levels, it may also be protective against certain cancers.<br />
<strong>Blueberries:</strong> Blueberries work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, which is the genesis of the formation of all malignant tumors. The berries also help stop oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cancer cell proliferation.<br />
<strong>Noni Fruit:</strong> Noni fruit does appear to have antioxidant, immune-boosting and tumor-fighting properties, and is hailed as a general health tonic. Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-4234693993440856322019-03-07T11:33:00.001-08:002019-03-07T11:33:52.671-08:00Cancer is not the boss of me.: Take care of you!<a href="https://katsbreastcancerblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/take-care-of-you.html?spref=bl">Cancer is not the boss of me.: Take care of you!</a>: As a cancer survivor everything seems to revolve around the cancer. Your schedule is mandated by doctor appointments. Every day is uncerta...Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-43404403683475439502019-02-27T11:15:00.000-08:002019-02-27T11:15:32.785-08:00Take care of you!As a cancer survivor everything seems to revolve around the cancer. Your schedule is mandated by doctor appointments. Every day is uncertain if you feel well or not and have limitations. It's irritating I won't lie. There are times when you feel dictated by this disease and it's irritating. I for one feel the need to rebel when I feel my disease is taking over my life. This may sound a little immature but it's true. I don't do anything too crazy, just impulsive trip to an amusement park or some other outing in a big public setting. This is a big deal, because as a current patient undergoing treatment your immune system is more compromised and the doctors like to make you paranoid about getting sick from a common cold turning into pneumonia! God forbid someone sneeze or cough near me I flinch. It's crazy. <br />
Life alone is busy and as a mom it's busier. Work, house, kids, bills, family, friends and disease. It's a handful. We need to remember while we are taking care of everything, and everyone else we need to care for us too. That means taking a nap, getting nails done, not because you need to but because you want to. Relax. Yes you deserve it, you need it! It's healthy. Get a massage, facial, relax in a pool or hot tub, sit outside in the sun and read a book. You don't need to be rich or a Real Housewife to take some time to pamper yourself. It is totally possible to pamper on a budget. Bubble bath is usually $5, you can do an at home facial for $2.99+, a manicure is as low as $15, or you could spend more and go to a spa. Don't neglect your own wellbeing. <br />
My sister is so crazy busy with her girls, her church, her husband's business and her huge family and friends. I used to make her a bubble bath and set the timer for an hour and basically lock her in the bathroom and force her to relax. Now that she has Chron's disease she hasn't slowed down at all and she is constantly in an out of the hospital with flareups. If she doesn't slow down and take this disease seriously it can turn into colon cancer. Now that we are older and live further apart and I have my own family I can't do that forced relaxation for her anymore, and I can tell her health is suffering for it. She has the ability and finances to pamper herself, and she does care for herself, she gets her nails and hair done, but is in such a rush and usually multi-tasking when she does it that she doesn't get to unplug and enjoy it, these appointments are just a task on her schedule nothing to sit back and enjoy. She looks amazing but it takes a toll on her health. You can have it all! You can have balance in your life. You just have to take it to heart and do it. You deserve it, we all do.<br />
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Remember it is not selfish to care for yourself, it is self care!</div>
Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-46135682022777920122019-02-27T08:57:00.001-08:002019-02-27T08:57:15.833-08:00Cancer is not the boss of me.: Importance of Nutritional Supplements in battling ...<a href="https://katsbreastcancerblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/importance-of-nutritional-supplements.html?spref=bl">Cancer is not the boss of me.: Importance of Nutritional Supplements in battling ...</a>: When taken correctly, vitamins, herbal supplements and natural remedies are very beneficial to one's health, especially when so many ...Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-74073146492139798382018-12-11T16:14:00.002-08:002018-12-11T16:25:09.429-08:00Cancer and fatigueAs a cancer survivor myself I can tell you that the fatigue associated with treatments and after treatments is no joke! Fatigue can sneak up on you and knock you off your feet! Other times you could feel great to start and 1/2 way through doing something physical you feel exhausted. There are some days I feel like I can sleep on and off all day. Why does this happen?<br />
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Well there are medical, physical and emotional causes of this fatigue.<br />
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Medical causes should of course be gone over with your treatment team of doctors. Medical causes could be anemia (low red blood cell count), infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, medication side effects. You should always be honest with your medical team and inform your oncologist or nurse if you experience this.<br />
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Physical causes of cancer related fatigue are the obvious over-doing it, pushing yourself, normal mom duties, but can be organ dysfunction, deconditioning (lack of physical exercise) due to bed rest, inflammation from treatments or medication. Inflammation is a big issue for proper health and maintaining remission of disease. Inflammation is a beast and I will go into that issue further in a future blog post.<br />
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Emotional fatigue can feel like you are tired to your bones. Emotional fatigue can be caused by the obvious: stress, depression, fear of reoccurrence, fear of death, brain fog from chemo or radiation. A cancer patient is flooded with what feels like a ton of emotions and thoughts, fears when we are diagnosed, hearing about treatment plans, surgeries and trying to cope or learn how to live after treatment. Not to mention the stress we feel about the change in life and finances that are associated with it.<br />
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The general public doesn't seem to understand that fatigue is not a joke, it's not an excuse. For a cancer patient or survivor it never goes away. I have been dealing with cancer since 2011 and even now I find myself exhausted over seemingly simple exercises that didn't exhaust me before. This change is frustrating. I still feel somewhat "young" but my body acts "old". I spent the day at Disneyland with my family and the next day I was so tired I spent the day binge watching T.V. and napping.<br />
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As hard as it is to get used to, cancer fatigue needs to be taken seriously and you have to give yourself permission to rest, take it easy, nap. Your body needs it, your health needs it. Listen to your body when you need to rest, then sit back, get comfy and go for it.<br />
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Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-9316050894657516442018-09-27T16:16:00.000-07:002018-09-27T16:16:23.966-07:00Don't let cancer be the boss of you!Ok you may have cancer, but does cancer have you? There is a big difference in how you think about this, and it is very true when the doctor's say that positive thinking is a powerful tool. I will be the first person to tell you cancer effing sucks! Dealing with cancer is not for the weak, it's hard, it's awful, it hurts, you feel sick, no one wants it. But here's the thing my body may have cancer, meaning it is in fact inside me, or has done damage to my body. I have it, it doesn't have me. I am the one in control, not the cancer. Yes cancer has limited my mobility and energy and all that BUT it doesn't stop me. I might take it easy or it might make me take a pause on some things but overall I am not stopped, and it doesn't control me. <br />
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How can you stop cancer from bossing you around? I'm glad you asked.<br />
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1) Realize that you are in fact in control. Who is calling the doctor? The cancer? No. You are.<br />
Who is choosing the medical treatments to fight this disease the cancer? No. You are.<br />
Who is putting food in your mouth? You Are!<br />
You are in control. So you tell the cancer inside you to back the Eff off and die. It is a little bitch that has got to go! You are in control not the cancer and you need to say it. Say it every day in your head, out loud, in the car, in the shower, whenever and wherever you need to, to remind yourself and the cancer that you are in control.<br />
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2) Focus on foods that boost your natural body immune system, take vitamin supplements that target your specific cancer or support the immune system in general. Take the time to learn if your cancer has any hormone connection and then stay away from hormone rich foods and supplements. (I.E. estrogen and soy products for ovarian or breast cancers)<br />
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3) Enjoy life. You woke up today right? Enjoy it, don't let cancer rob of you of a beautiful day. There is ALWAYS something to enjoy or be thankful for. You just need to find it.<br />
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4) Take control of your medical care. You have to be your own advocate or have someone close to you advocate for you. Doctor's are overworked and overwhelmed and can't always give every patient 100%, so do your own research, ask questions, look into non-traditional treatments, herbal, Eastern, etc.<br />
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5) Spiritual. Take time to feed your soul. Our emotions are tied to our body and greatly affect our healing. Find ways to feed your soul, a nature walk, sitting by the duck pond in the park, meditation, yoga, prayer, church, animal therapy, painting, watching the sunset. Balance isn't myth, it is important, and more importantly it is healthy.<br />
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Next time you say, "I have cancer." I want you to say, "I have cancer... but it doesn't have me!"<br />
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Dig deep and find that stubborn 2year old inside of you who threw a tantrum on the floor and use her to remind the cancer of who is really in control of you! You are! Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-27510132699281665712018-09-24T12:59:00.002-07:002018-09-24T12:59:33.481-07:00Getting your sexy groove back after/during cancerIt's important as adults that we feel vibrant and sexy, especially as we start to age. For me, when I lost my right breast to cancer I didn't feel less than a woman. Sex and feeling sexy was the furthest thing from my mind. However, as a married woman I was worried my husband wouldn't find me desirable and sexy to him. After all my 4 year old son already said I looked like a boy with my head buzzed from the chemo, I had one breast and scars all over. I felt like shit so I must have looked like shit too! Well I did put make-up on every day and tried to be "cute". <br />
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I was determined not to give in to the ugliness of cancer if I could help it. So I bought fun earrings, wore my make-up, got a great red lipstick, painted my nails and just tried to look as "normal" as I could not only for my children's sake as they were little but for myself as well. You often hear that if you look good you feel good, there is even a cancer charity named that. There is truth in that statement, I have experienced it in cancer, and other illnesses or injury. Your sexy worth should not be defined by the hair on your head, or lack thereof. Bald can be beautiful! For both men and women. Bruce Willis looks great! Amber Rose is rocking it! So are many of my fellow cancer friends. Gorgeous!<br />
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Pin-ups for Cancer is a wonderful group I belong to here in California and they host a pin-up photo shoot for survivors and their families or caregivers and it's a blast! So many women are treated to being pampered with hair and make-up being done by professionals and getting dressed up and having fun. For many this is the first time in months that they have felt sexy and it is beautiful to see these women re-discover their beauty. <br />
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If you are lucky enough to have a spouse that is standing by you while you go through hell of cancer treatments I can assure you that they still see you as you were on your wedding day. Love and sexual appeal is not 100% visual. It is spiritual, emotional and a little laughter can go a Long way! I am often asked why I didn't have a nipple reconstructed or tattooed on my reconstructed breast. I always answer that I wanted to have more fun surprising my husband with a sticker on it instead. From yellow happy face emoji stickers to scratch-n-sniff stickers we have had some fun with it. I love it, and I am so glad I made the choice I did.<br />
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My advice to you is to get your sexy back. Good song by Justin Timberlake, and good advice. It doesn't matter if you are married or not, you deserve to feel desirable and sexy. Buy a gorgeous pair of lacy panties, or a sexy pair of high heels, a bold lipstick or hey some scratch-n-sniff stickers and have fun with it.<br />
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Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-49433558810388837902018-09-10T14:36:00.003-07:002018-09-10T14:36:40.652-07:00What do you do when a friend is diagnosed?Not knowing what to say when you hear that a friend or family member has been diagnosed with cancer is a common feeling, even to the most gifted of speakers. A cancer diagnosis is devastating, there is no getting around it, and for a survivor to have it return and hear those words for a 2nd or 3rd time, "you have cancer" for me it was more devastating than the first time.<br />
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Recently I have seen posts on Facebook of my fellow breast cancer sisters posting that their cancer has now metastasized labeling them stage IV or incurable because now the original space infected by cancer has now moved. Although there is a lot of research into breast cancer there is not a lot (or enough) research into metastatic cancer.<br />
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A cancer patient and their family live daily with the fear of cancer returning. When it does it is heart breaking. As a survivor myself I feel like I don't know what to say to my friend who now has to go through chemo all over again, lose her hair all over again, feel like crap all over again. All in the fight to live to see her grandkids born. <br />
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What do you say to a friend or family member who is diagnosed with cancer???? Whether it is the 1st, 2nd or 12th time they are diagnosed you can always say, "I love you, and I am here for you, whatever you need. Even just to hold your hand or sit with you."<br />
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#stageIVneedsmore #cancersucks #cancercutie #Iamthefaceofstage4Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-91723761601673922992018-03-27T11:36:00.000-07:002018-03-27T11:36:06.517-07:00BHT and why you should avoid itIn researching information on cancer prevention for my own fight against breast cancer I tend to come across latest fads and info about the newest links to cancers, theories, and products that are carcinogens. Here in the U.S. it is astounding how many products and foods that are allowed in our country for consumption to the American people. <br />
I used to feel safer buying American products because I naively thought our FDA watched over the safety of the products and foods and that we held things to a higher standard than other countries. <br />What a joke. <br />
I am not a big conspiracy theorist, or anti-American however I do believe that the powers that be and big companies are too blinded by greed of the almighty dollar that they lie to the American public and allow harmful products to be consumed in a snowball effect that ends up lining the pockets of big pharma. <br />
BHT and BHA are one such item. BHT or butyl hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a fat soluble synthetic compound which is commonly used to preserve foods and cosmetics to slow down the autoxidation rate of ingredients in a product that can cause changes in the taste or color. <br />
When looking at the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for BHT they found the following:<br />
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.</li>
<li>Combustible.</li>
<li>Ingestion causes Abdominal pain. Confusion. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting.</li>
<li>The substance may have effects on the liver.</li>
<li>The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
That is certainly concerning when we have it in our food and in our cosmetics!<br />
The FDA have approved BHT for use in food, so it comes down to us to check ingredients. And not surprising BHT is found in both kids favorite bright colored and fruity cereals to what are seemingly healthy adult cereals that look like a healthy alternative even saying, non-GMO, organic, healthy...... until you read the ingredients and find BHT as the preservative. <br />
My kids hate going grocery shopping with me because when they want to pick out a new cereal we HAVE to read the box and look for BHT. They know those 3 little letters mean a hard NO. It's very disappointing! For me too! I have had to stop using one of my favorite shower gel and lotion combos from a leading bath and body store because their signature line contains BHT as a preservative. This broke my heart! I have to be extremely careful and read the teeny tiny list of ingredients for the items that don't have BHT. It sucks.<br />
But think about it. Our skin is our biggest organ right? Well if you are rubbing lotion into your skin every day or even a few times a week over the course of years, plus eating small to medium doses of BHT every day don't you think your chances of cancer would be elevated? The correct answer is Yes.<br />
For most of us cancer patients and survivors we are told our cancer is environmental, meaning the doctor's don't have one trigger point for it and as Americans there is so much fake, chemical crap in EVERYTHING that it is only a matter of time before our DNA is broken down and cancer can either be triggered or grow.<br />
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My advice.... don't be a blind shopper or consumer. READ your products, make educated healthier choices. You only have one life to live so make the most of it!<br />
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Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-3775413471915325552018-03-14T11:20:00.002-07:002018-03-14T11:20:25.552-07:00Side Effects Suck! OMG can I just say how tired I am of dealing with side effects issues from cancer meds?! This s*it sucks! I have been dealing with cancer for almost 7 years now, and while I am grateful to be alive it's not really a good life. Part of me feels like I have no right to complain, yet the other half says, "hell yes you do!" <br />
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As a metastatic breast cancer patient I am treated as a patient with a chronic disease that needs to be monitored and treated in times of "flare-ups" or growth or change. This means that in order to keep my disease in a "stable" or even remission state I have to be on meds, meds that block estrogen and meds that block or attack the cancer. These meds are a pain in the ass, and because I am so lucky not only to deal with this, I have the added bonus of not being able to tolerate most of the common medicines used by doctors for my disease. Ibrance kicks my butt with severe bone aching fatigue along with seriously depleting my immune system and entire blood counts putting me at extremely high risk of anything contagious. It does work in killing my cancer and allowing me a chance at being back in remission for my disease but the risk is to much to my body that the doctors try other meds. Yay. I hate playing around with medicines like a test subject of a mad scientist.<br />
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The doctors tried various doses of Ibrance over the past year in hopes that my body would tolerate it better but it turns out that the lower dose isn't strong enough to kill the cancer and if you know anything about cancer then you know if you give it an inch it will try to take a mile. So after a year of playing around with Ibrance my oncologist decides Afinator is our next option as it is in a different class of oral chemo med as it attacks the cancer differently than the class that Ibrance is in. Ok swell. <br />
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My whole experience with Afinator has been a nightmare from the beginning. A very common side effect is mouth sores and hideous headaches. I'm talking severe blistering and canker sores so bad you can't smile or talk let alone eat. Within the first 3 days I had horrible migraine like headaches that I couldn't go to work and my mouth erupted in sores. The doctor knows this and puts in a prescription for something called "miracle mouth wash" this is $55 for 8oz that is not covered by insurance and only special compounding pharmacies can make for you. It took over a week for me to finally get my little 8oz bottle and by that time I was miserable with mouth sores that it did little to nothing to help. So the doctor lowered the dose, said to take a week off the meds and try again with the lower dose. Yay we are playing around with meds again. So. Much. Fun. On the lower dose after a week I developed blistering sores all over my scalp as well as my mouth and this time one blister on the inside of my lip started bleeding. The nurse says I needed to be taking this med inside of a gel capsule. That the drug company won't make it this way, but that it is very well known in the breast cancer community that this medicine needs to be taken this way to help prevent the sores and that I can buy them anywhere, CVS, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc. anywhere with a pharmacy. Ya no such luck. I went to CVS, Riteaid, Costco pharmacy and nope they didn't sell them and didn't know who would. So I figured maybe a vitamin supplement company like GNC would sell them. Nope. Ok internet it is, if you can't buy it on the internet then it doesn't exist right? Thank goodness for Amazon. (I love Amazon) I have no idea what size of empty gel capsule to buy and they only have them in bulk so I buy the first one I find $7.99 and 1000ct. to be delivered in 2 days. I am resigned to trying this although I really don't see how this will help my scalp, but if it helps the mouth sores it's worth trying. The doctor has me on a 2-3 week break from these fun meds to completely heal. We were hoping the newest blood test would show good results, and they were supposed to wait until after my 42nd birthday to share said results. Nope 4 days before my birthday I get a call that there is cancer DNA circulating in my blood, and I need to get back on meds ASAP the day after my birthday, just as I was finally completely healed from all the sores. Doctor suggests that we lower the dose again to the smallest amount and take them inside the gel capsules and let's wait and see what happens. Fingers crossed that it works, and we can start moving back up the dose ladder so I can get back to a stable status.<br />
It's now been 11 days and my mouth is pretty normal, sensitive to heat and spice but no blistering sores, however sores appeared all over my scalp again 2 days ago and are now starting to show up on my face and I've had a constant horrible headache for a week. I don't like taking over the counter pain meds on a regular basis because of the damage to my liver and kidney counts and I only take my Dilaudid if I absolutely have to. So I am feeling really peachy right about now.<br />
No were in my internet research about Afinator does the scalp blistering appear, however I do find fellow patients complaining or reporting it on blogs and such and have tried steroidal treatments that help and some natural home remedies that work for the mouth sores that don't cost over $50. <br />
Why doesn't my doctor know about this? Why do I have to do the research if she sees patients like me on these meds every week? I am obviously not the only one, so why do I feel that way?<br />
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Because you have to be your own advocate. This is a common statement in the medical community. Sad but true. Doctors are called practicing physicians for a reason.... they are still practicing to get it right! Not to mention they are human and they see a lot of patients, especially with breast cancer rates rising. <br />
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I get caught up in placing my trust in my oncologist and putting my life in their hands. I need to remember to retain some of my own control over my health and treatments. It's my body and my life. I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend and people depend on me. No one will protect me or look out for my best interests like myself and I need to remember not to give total control of my health over to my "practicing physician" and look into options to minimize my negative side effects so we can kill this cancer. <br />
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I hope this blog helps those of you fighting cancer with me not feel alone, you have a friend in me.Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-91414819780674303482017-09-25T16:00:00.001-07:002017-09-25T16:00:17.499-07:00Natural Remedies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY7aDpibWZa_Rt4b5IJ-tFs4vell4mCOQunbghdZc806kS2vwojUUKu1rA8WrqHw7MBtQQ4Z8g6Mw0xPT7ycgqAUqrmLGWe3AXPFDskGgPkkvVihAOe3XiOjgZ88tHsWJlLuL1xnoZIM/s1600/naturalmeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY7aDpibWZa_Rt4b5IJ-tFs4vell4mCOQunbghdZc806kS2vwojUUKu1rA8WrqHw7MBtQQ4Z8g6Mw0xPT7ycgqAUqrmLGWe3AXPFDskGgPkkvVihAOe3XiOjgZ88tHsWJlLuL1xnoZIM/s1600/naturalmeds.jpg" /></a></div>
Ok I want to say that I am not a "hippie" or a "witch" BUT, ever since I was diagnosed with my breast cancer in 2011 I got interested in natural healing. Now I have an aunt who the family loving calls a "hippie" and she is all into natural/herbal/alternative stuff and tends to go a little overboard trying to push it on everyone in a flower child kind of way. Please feel free if I make you feel this way because it's not my intention.<br />
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So, over the past 6 years of living with cancer I chose to treat it with Western medicine as well as natural medicines. Working with my doctors I add vitamins, supplements, and oils to my treatment regime. So far, it works for me, and in speaking with other patients and survivors who have done the same thing, they are happy with the protocol. <br />
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Think about this. Where did our modern medicine come from????? Nature!!! Why do the Asian countries still use the same herbal medicines from thousands of years ago still to this day??? Because they work! Why are super-bugs and viruses getting more resistant to our average medicines??? Because of the mass production of medicine in the US the actual medicine is more chemical than natural and therefore lost it's potency. We need to go back to medicinal roots. <br />
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There is so much available out there in the stores offering natural remedies, however you need to read the labels carefully and always check for interactions. Personally I have seen how the herbal remedy has worked better than the doctor ordered steroid medicine in my own son. He was 8 years old and having a bout of croop (horrific sounding cough and very hard to breathe) and I had been reading about an herbal remedy for coughs and asthma. I brewed the list of ingredients up, added some honey and a cinnamon stick and he got used to breathing it in, then drinking 1/3 of a cup every 2 hours. At first it was different and gross to him, but the next time he had a croop episode he asked for the tea not the steroid medicine. One reason he wants the herbal choice is because it doesn't take 30 minutes to be digested before it starts working like a regular syrup or pill from the doctor.<br />
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I could spend pages talking about herbal remedies and why I love them. But I want to hear from you. Have you found yourself wanting to try herbal remedies or did you switch to herbal remedies after your diagnosis or treatment????<br />
Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-58904162676391172662016-11-15T15:03:00.002-08:002018-12-11T16:27:49.527-08:00Importance of Nutritional Supplements in battling chronic disease<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When taken correctly, vitamins, herbal supplements and natural remedies are very beneficial to one's health, especially when so many cancers now are environmentally effected or triggered.<br />
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As a certified nutritionist I know the benefits of good vitamins, supplements and nutrition. As a cancer survivor I am living proof that utilizing herbal remedies and vitamins and supplements to boost my immune system works. I am a mother to two school age children, and anyone who knows kids know that school equals germs, and because of a compromised immune system from cancer I am careful about getting sick. So I created my own immunotherapy protocol to add along with the traditional treatments from my oncology team. I can say that it has made a Huge difference!<br />
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Adding a probiotic, echinacea, Calcium D3, B12, turmeric and alkaline water has made an important improvement on my both my general health and in my fight against cancer and withstanding treatments and side effects. <br />
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Probiotics are valuable, living "good" bacteria that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the important benefits of this association include the prevention and treatment of vaginal yeast, eczema, food allergies, irritable bowel, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea (including antibiotic-induced) and inflammatory bowel disease not to mention the overall general health benefits. <br />
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As a cancer survivor I can attest to the amazing way I felt and the proof of better test results in my blood when I started adding a probiotic to my daily routine. My side effects lessened and I felt better, I also wasn't getting sick as much when my kids got sick. I have used echinacea for years as an immune system booster but combining echinecea with a probiotic has made a world of difference and I won't ever go back to not taking a probiotic!<br />
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Hard to believe up to 80% of our immune system, is found in our digestive tract, but it's true and makes it our central defense structure when it comes to illness. If you are good to your body, your body will be good to you.<br />
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*Coming soon. Herbal Remedy packages for sale!<br />
Follow me on Facebook @compassionatehealthandwellnessKat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-17384649373239438392016-10-31T11:32:00.001-07:002016-10-31T11:32:17.268-07:00Encouragement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my research and personal reading I have found some great quotes from celebrities and historical figures about cancer, hope, and inspiration. I would like to share some with you today. We can always use encouragement in our lives for no reason at all and when we need it the most. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think there is a professional athlete, or actor who doesn't like encouragement or "cheerleaders" in their corner supporting them to keep going and succeed. Why should we be any different?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring on the encouragement! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You Can Do it!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Keep on keeping on!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You are awesome!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You are stronger than you feel.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Keep going!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Douglas said,</span><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "Cancer didn't bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet."</span></i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> That sounds empowering to me and I admire that. I like to be reminded of his quote when I have moments of doubt or weakness.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”</span></i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Eleanor Roosevelt</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Time is shortening. But every day that I challenge this cancer and survive is a victory for me.”</span></i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -Ingrid Bergman</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Former president Teddy Roosevelt</span><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">," Believe you can and you are halfway there."</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even Kim </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kardashian</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has said something encouraging, "No matter how long you've had a dream, it can still come true if you persevere." </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Encourage yourself, encourage others we are all in this life together on earth and should support and lift up each other. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxoxox Kat</span><br />
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Please follow me on: http://www.twitter.com/wondermom76<br />
http://facebook.com/thrivecancer http://www.youtube/kathrydavis and my website http://www.cancercutie.com<br />
<br />Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-50629728797438752552016-10-27T14:29:00.000-07:002016-10-28T17:31:14.767-07:00Why do some die and some live?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Why do some die and some live? <br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A lot of cancer survivors ask themselves or even their pastor, therapist, or doctor; “why was I spared? Why did I live when others just like me die?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked the same question, wanting to know why I was spared when my mother in law died of her cancer while I was fighting my own at the time going through chemo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother-in-law was a good woman, she had a huge heart, loved God, a devote Christian, she saw the good in people, rarely cursed and was just a good person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I too am a Christian but a very flawed one, and when I compare myself to her I consider her to have been a much better person and Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So other than the obvious reason that I am younger and have 2 small children to raise who need me, why was I spared?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I may never really know the reason why until I am able to ask God myself, but I “know” what my heart and soul tell me, what I believe with all of my body, what the Holy Spirit put on my heart the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">God has a plan to use my journey with cancer for good, for His glory and to help others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I have a purpose and passion to use my cancer to help others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have struggled with this since I was diagnosed in 2011, as much as I want to give 100% of myself to the task God has given me I am also going through treatments, surgeries, recovery, side effects and tests for my own battle with cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention I have a family, I am a wife, mother, daughter, friend and I am trying to maintain my life and my health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t easy for someone who is stage 4 metastatic with two kids in elementary school and a husband in retail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This verse helps to get me through especially when I am struggling with my survival guilt and questioning why was I spared. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We shouldn't get caught up and dwell on the why we are spared from whatever tragedy we survive. I know it is common to question, but we really shouldn't waste time on this. Enjoy the fact that you are still alive and move on with your mission in life. There is a reason why some die and others live, and we may not know that reason until we meet them in heaven. Find your purpose, find your "why" you were spared, there is obviously something you are meant to do that hasn't been accomplished yet. Share your story, share your struggle, there are those out there in the world who will be touched by it, who will be comforted by it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As survivors our duty is to share our story for those who aren't able to, we share ours and offer the world our hope, strength, and truth. We are a bright light in a dark world, shine bright my fellow cancer stars. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Please stop by our website www.cancercutie.com or check out our Facebook page Thrive Cancer Support Services or follow me on Twitter @wondermom76</span></span></div>
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Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-87249422987868783842016-10-24T14:14:00.001-07:002016-10-24T14:14:55.475-07:00Rosemary Lemon Chicken- CancerCutie Cookbook
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rosemary
Lemon Chicken with Vegetables</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serves 4</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 20 min</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½
Pound small red potatoes rinsed, cubed</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
½ Cups baby carrots</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
Cup green beans, trimmed</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved (about 1 pound)</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
Tablespoon olive oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼
Cup lemon juice (divided)</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
Tablespoons honey</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px 48px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
Teaspoon grated lemon peel</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px 48px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼
Teaspoon ground pepper</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px 48px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation</span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 0px 72px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a medium pot, bring 8 cups of water to a
boil</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 0px 72px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add potatoes, carrots, and
green beans and cook for 5 minutes: drain and set aside</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 0px 72px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cut chicken breasts in half,
place olive oil and chicken breasts in medium skillet; cook over medium heat
for 5 min on each side</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 0px 72px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add potatoes, carrots, green
beans, and all remaining ingredients to skillet, except 2 tablespoons lemon
juice</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 0px 72px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cook over low heat for 5
minutes more or until chicken is fully cooked, add remaining lemon juice to
taste and serve.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px 72px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px 72px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Recipe is taken from the Cancer Cutie Cookbook and can be purchased at www.cancercutie.com or www.amazon.com </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px 11px 72px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*
You can substitute rosemary for garlic salt or minced garlic.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve with whole wheat rolls</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-3492858855936183012016-10-20T21:05:00.002-07:002016-10-20T21:05:17.857-07:00What do you mean I don't look like a cancer patient?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KP4nzccsZ5EmUQA7qNMXwtzBMvPbxErFJPfopK8XARrhN1Xb_lDQ_RXW68Oyxsz_yEq7TMKf2RS421gmY3QhcgqDiZ2GNe_MWhyphenhyphenD-PSrvse2NryBi0LrmTIcknDTec9UvGUQUH9vXyc/s1600/chemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KP4nzccsZ5EmUQA7qNMXwtzBMvPbxErFJPfopK8XARrhN1Xb_lDQ_RXW68Oyxsz_yEq7TMKf2RS421gmY3QhcgqDiZ2GNe_MWhyphenhyphenD-PSrvse2NryBi0LrmTIcknDTec9UvGUQUH9vXyc/s1600/chemo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
WTH! I will never forget when I was going through my 2nd time going through chemo after my mastectomy for breast cancer when my oncologist exclaimed to me that I finally looked like a cancer patient. I had been feeling particularly crappy that day, it was 2 days after chemo and I was coming in for my routine fluids and anti-nausea medication. All through chemo and radiation I wore my normal makeup like any other day. I didn't want to scare anyone, and I didn't want to scare myself.<br />
<br />
No, the real reason is because I wanted to keep things as normal as possible for my kids who were little at that time. Knowing that I would lose my hair and that other ugly side effects could happen I wanted to keep my appearance as normal as possible. Not to mention that it is true that when you look better, you feel a little better. So into the oncologist I would go, dressed comfy but stylish and with my makeup on.<br />
<br />
Until the day I just did not care anymore. I felt so horrible and the kids were at school, so I just went in with no makeup, dark sunglasses and a hat on wearing a matching velvet like tracksuit. I felt like crap and it showed. You know that point where you feel so bad that you do not give a Bleep. That's how I felt, and my oncologist was kind enough to point it out for everyone to see. Thanks Dr. Reyes. <br />
<br />
I know somewhere in there was a compliment, at least I'm pretty sure there was. I guess not looking like a typical cancer patient over the past 6 months prior to that days visit was a good thing, making today's raw unadorned face so shocking.????? I don't know, but I do know that her statement stuck with me over the past 5 years of my journey with breast cancer. <br />
<br />
I would like it to be noted that I have not shown up since that day without makeup on. Just saying.<br />
I don't think I am a vain person, but I know I am not blessed with natural beauty, my face needs a little help and God bless makeup. :) <br />
<br />
There is something to be said for a great shade of lipstick that makes a women feel like she can conquer the world. :) Even conquering a chemo room. <br />
<br />
Please be sure to subscribe to my blog, visit me on twitter @wondermom76 or Facebook at Thrive Cancer Support Services or on our website at www.cancercutie.comKat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878141315835827651.post-16956516768872613082016-10-17T21:26:00.001-07:002016-11-03T13:29:22.454-07:00Cheesy potatoe comfort soup<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Potato-Cheese
Comfort Soup</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Serves:
8</span></div>
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<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Prep
time: 15 min<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cook time: 7-8 hours</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ingredients</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">6 Cups diced, peeled potatoes (red and russet) </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">5 Cups water</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">1 Cup diced onion </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">½ Cup diced celery</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">½ Cup chopped carrots</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">¼ Cup butter</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">4 Teaspoons chicken bouillon</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">2 Teaspoon sea salt and ¼ Teaspoon pepper to taste</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">12-oz Can evaporated milk</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">3 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">1 Cup shredded cheddar or Colby cheese</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">*<i>If you are a fan, sprinkle some fresh cut chives on top before serving.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Preparation</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Combine all ingredients except milk, parsley
and cheese in slow cooker</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Cover,
and cook on high for 7-8 hours, or until vegetables are tender</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Stir
in milk and parsley</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Stir
in cheese until it melts, and heat thoroughly</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> This soup is seriously one of my faves. I like to add broccoli and cauliflower to mine. It should be eaten on special occasion due to the high fat content or if you are needed to add some weight. It is comforting and soothing to the stomach and throat and you can add more nutrients with broccoli, spinach, bacon, cauliflower, etc. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This recipe is from our Cancer Cutie Cookbook and is available to purchase on amazon.com or directly from our website www.cancercutie.com </span></div>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kat Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817750955651168102noreply@blogger.com0