Why a cure, by our definition, won't be found: Fight, don't Feed, Cancer

People pray for a CURE FOR CANCER or wonder why in this day in age there isn’t one.

Now that I’ve learned so much about cancer it seems silly to even think of it in terms of ‘finding a cure’. Society trains us to think that every health condition should be coupled with a straight forward cure.  But like most diseases, if you take the time to understand what cancer is and how it grows/endures, you learn two things.

(1) It doesn’t happen over night. Overtime, our bodies have trouble removing cancerous cells and they spread. (We ALL have cancer cells—but we have “Natural Killer Cells” that destroy them.) Cancer is discovered when those NK cells are no longer destroying cancer at a rate they are capable of.

(2) Cancer either grows and shrinks based on what our bodies allow. Cancer becomes life-threatening by spreading and there are scientifically-proven REASONS it spreads. We may not know them all or why it spreads to certain areas of the body when it does, but we know a LOT about what cancer feeds on and the environment allows it to thrive.

Isn't it crazy that this was discovered nearly 100 years ago yet as a society part of "being healthy" isn't being sure we keep our bodies in an alkaline state?

We get frustrated that there isn’t an injection or a pill to swallow to simply wipe out cancer. We even try chemo as an attempt to “wipe it out”. That would be nice, but if you look at all diseases—like autoimmune issues—you see that the problem isn’t that there is a foreign invader in your body that needs to be destroyed, it’s that your body has lost control and is being overthrown by cells who are no longer playing their proper role. Our bodies attack themselves.

When you understand that you also realize there is hope. You realize there doesn’t have to be a CURE discovered, but that you have to instead take a new approach and say, “What does my body need to get back on track? How can I help the good guys take back over my body?” And the good news is… We know a lot about the answer to that question.  

****The information shared by Michala Peterson, Pharm.D, is incredible if you or someone you know wants to understand what things cause cancer to thrive or die. Take time for it. Someone you know needs this information. I am happy to share the recording.****

Lists... Dot firsts | Home Building | Prayers

I am an avid list-maker... and since time is running short, this issue I’ll simply make a few lists:

Dorothy Lou Firsts

1. She had her longest road trip to date, going with Mom and Nana to North Carolina to visit her Great-Aunt Anne and Lorms family members.
2. She attended her first Juice Plus+ training and was quite a hit as a happy, healthy Juice Plus+ Babe!
3. She experienced her first major power outage in February. We took refuge at Greystone for 3 1/2 days, keeping warm, reading books and playing by candle light.
4. She got the devil scarred out of her! She was baptized at Sacred Heart Church with Holly Jo and Michael becoming her Godparents.
5. She had her first play date with Sadie Jo & Maya together; however they were all only 3 months old and did not do much playing at that point. Actually... Dorothy screamed...
6. Enjoying springtime in The Valley. We are so glad for the warm, sunny days and getting outside. It’s amazing the effects the fresh air has on her.

 Home Building things that are exciting & scary
1. Pouring foundation. A real sign of construction! ...But we put in radiant floor heat. Hopefully it’s right because there is no going back!
2. Walls going up. It looks just the way I envisioned when drawing and redrawing sketches... But NOW is the last chance for any changes...what might we regret?!
4. Moving on from one stage to another. Progress is exciting, but this tight wad sees the dollar signs rolling...eek!
5. Picking out paint and stain colors. I’ve always been a creative person, so coming up with color schemes is definitely fun, but there are so many options! What if when everything comes together it just looks like a hodge podge of colors? Paint doesn’t come cheap so I’m not looking to redo anything anytime soon.
6. Staining our concrete. There are so many cool looks this can provide, but the colors are so dependent on your concrete and every slab provides a different look--not like paint. And once you’ve stained it, there is no going back!
7. Cabinets for our kitchen. I’m excited to fill out our kitchen (since the downstairs is very open concept and it’s still hard to envision the kitchen exactly), but this is such an important room for us (ME!) what with loving to host, making home-cooked meals daily and preserving garden food regularly. The kitchen is definitely THE room I don’t want to have regrets about.

Things currently on my prayer list
1. The continued guidance on decisions about our home construction and the guidance of the workers actively taking part in its construction.
2. Alyx and Mr. Special K... for a safe delivery (for Mom and Baybo) in the coming month. I’m so excited to meet him and for Dorothy to have a little boy cousin to join in on games of dress-up!
3. The upcoming marriages of Ian & Robin and Boo & Kristen. While I look forward to the fun of their wedding days, I mostly pray that it be the beginning of a wonderful union, one in which God is very present.
4. Guidance as a mother. All praying mothers ask God for help in this special responsibility as well as the health of their child, but more specifically I pray:

• That I do all I can to guide this soul into becoming who it is God has planned, so she can best be on the path to achieve the tasks God has set out for her. I pray that our souls connect in our nightly slumbers so that we can better understand one another in our waking hours.
• That I am loving you as much as any child deserves. I’ve always known I wanted to be a stay at home Mom, but I am still doing certain work from home and I pray that I am not taking too much away from the most important job: being a Mother.

5. For our financial stability. People often say, “I wish I could afford to stay home” in reference to being a single-income family. The truth is, I don’t know if Jon and I can afford it. It’s scary. We are not wealthy by any means, but we’re following what we truly believe is God’s voice. We simply pray that we hear his calling and are doing what he would ask of us--whether that be for me to be at home or otherwise.
6. My Aunt Anne, her battle with cancer and her entire family. Such a special person in my life and my Uncle Kelly was gone far too soon. She still has such an important role to play in the life of her children and grandchildren, at least from my perspective. Of course, God is all-knowing and we trust in him.

Confession: I Have the World's Biggest Sweet Tooth

It's true... I love sweets way more than any person who claims to be a "healthy eater" ever should and still claim to be "health conscious".

FitSugar.com: The Battle of Added and Natural Sugars

I'm not just any one kind of sweet tooth either. I love chocolate--all forms: brownies, hot chocolate, mochas, Valentine's Day chocolate, M&Ms, cookies... I'll stop before I have to go hunting around the house for a snack...

I love candy--suckers, skittles, suck-ons, mints, gummies, starbursts.....
I love ice cream--bars, cones, sherbet, frozen yogurt, soft serve, from a store, from a carton....
I love pastries--donuts, cupcakes, cookies, breads, scones, cakes...
I love drinks--lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, sodas, juices...

And even when I'm trying to be "healthy", I often attempt to 'disguise' my sugar-love... By getting a bagel instead of a donut...but getting the cinnamon sprinkled (+sugar) bagel... Or by eating oatmeal instead of Lucky Charms--but that instant oatmeal is full of sugar itself. 

But when it comes down to it, I KNOW... I know, know, know, sugar is terrible for me. There is absolutely nothing good about sugar for me... Nothing. The natural sugars in fruits, veggies, etc, are all my body needs. 

You’ll Stop Eating Sugar After Reading This Post

I know all of this, but, oh, how our world is filled with sugar. Sugar is even in the things we least expect, making it that much harder to cut out or steer clear of the sneaky sweetener.

It's funny, though, isn't it, that we are super concerned with keeping sugar away from our youngsters, yet we are completely OK with making the exception for ourselves? Is it because have fooled ourselves into thinking we only make our kids avoid it as to avoid the "sugar buzz" effect--and not the actual health aspect of it: that sugar is NOT good for our kids? Because if we face this fact, we must also face the fact that it is also NOT good for us!

My sister posted a link to this article and it's gotten me thinking about my sugar addiction--because, let's be honest, that's what it is. (Thank goodness Mingus and I try to keep most sugars out of our house, but I'm still amazed at the amount here...hot chocolate, ice cream, graham crackers, granola bars, canned fruit, yogurt...) 

I've been recently thinking about what I will give up for Lent this year. Luckily, Easter is coming late in 2014, making Ash Wednesday not come until March, meaning I have more time do make up my mind about my Lenten sacrifice (and I got to enjoy Valentine's Day sweets). Reading this post about sugar, and having a young baybo who will sooner rather than later be looking to me as an example, I think I have decided what I will do for Lent.

I would like to give up sugar completely. I really have no idea, though, how realistic this is and know going to an extreme like that is asking for failure. As slide #13 says, "Sugar is Sneaky". It's true. It has so many forms and names on labels. Of course, looking at the nutritional facts is the easiest way to find out sugar content. But how many things is sugar in that I don't even realize as I type this??

No Sugar, More Spice Blog

So, my goal over the next two weeks, before March 5, is to pay attention to labels--especially of the things I keep in the house and eat regularly. (Yes, yes...obviously I KNOW my instant oatmeal is out!) I will definitely cut out all obvious sugars--candy, ice cream. I will allow for honey as a sweetener as well as other natural sweeteners. As this article points out, it's the sugar we ADD to things that makes our intake level so poor. I think if I can go the 40 days of Lent with much LESS sugar--all while becoming aware of where it is hiding--it may help me at least cut back on the amount I consume after the fact. After all, Lent is how I learned to like to drink my coffee black! I found this blog to help keep me motivated.

How much does sugar run your life and you don't even think about it? Please take a moment to flip through these slides to read a little more into just how BAD sugar is for us--cancer stimulant, bad on our skin, addictive, an energy-suck, immune system killer and the REAL reason we're all FAT--the list goes on and on. Honestly, the cancer part scares me most, as I know too many people who get it and you never really know why... meaning I'm just as viable a candidate for it as anyone.

You don't have to go to the extreme of giving it up completely--I admit that's hard, but at least start becoming aware of the amount of sugar you consume on a daily basis and try cutting it out with some of the easier daily decisions--like in your beverages--skip the sugar in your coffee or pass on the soda. This article will help you figure out what sugar substitutes are actually OK for you--as opposed to those trying to pose as a positive alternative, when really they are no better, maybe worse. 

Everything begins with baby steps.

~~~~~~~~
Food for Thought:

"Sugar is added to dozens of foods you didn't know about, especially "healthy" options. A 2013 study by the University of Copenhagen shows that sugar actually aids the growth of malignant (cancerous) cells." -25 Reasons to Stop

"We cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally." -Excessive Sugar

"Twenty years ago I wasn’t sure, but now there's little doubt in my mind  that artificial sweeteners can be far worse for you than sugar and fructose, and there is plenty of scientific evidence to back up that conclusion." -Sugar Substitutes

Sports Talk: Volley for a Cure

As a correspondent sports writer for The Casey County News, I write an weekly editorial column for the publication. Published Sept. 25, 2013.

It’s quite the week in Casey County. The football team is gearing up for the first district game while also enjoying homecoming festivities. Golf teams are preparing for their regional tournament and there is no way to overlook the abundance of fun that comes with Apple Festival week.

But there is another big event taking place this Thursday that should not be overlooked: Volley for a Cure.

The VolleyRebs’ annual event is taking place this Thursday when they host Pulaski County, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event offers shirts to the first 100 supporters and a silent auction will take place. All of the proceeds from the night are set to benefit Casey County’s Relay for Life program.

In the past, the event has benefitted the Susan G. Koman foundation, but the team has decided to keep the money close to home and put it directly to the local program helping those we know and love fight the battle of cancer.

Hearing someone has a form of cancer is becoming more and more common for everyone. Sometimes it is someone you only know by name or know is related to someone else you know; other times it hits very, very close to home. As head Volleyball coach Veronica Sengkhamyong said to me, it’s hard to find anyone who has not been affected by cancer in some way—especially breast cancer.

The VolleyRebs are also inviting all cancer survivors to attend the event and be recognized. It’s important to never overlook the amazing odds these people beat when they take on the battle with cancer. Every day is a gift for them and is a gift to those who love them. They’ve gone through something that someone like myself has never had to face, and, God willing, never will.

It’s a busy week in the county, but if possible I encourage you to come to Thursday night’s volleyball game at the high school and support the cause, the team, the research, the survivors and those currently fighting for their lives.                 

Sports Talk: Small Towns... Where Public Prayer is OK

As a correspondent sports writer for The Casey County News, I write an weekly editorial column for the publication. Published Feb. 6, 2013.­­

I wanted to write on this topic last week after the Lady Rebels’ home game against Russell County on Jan 28; however, I couldn’t exactly postpone running the Super Bowl predictions until after the Super Bowl. It kind of loses it’s point…

After living away from Casey County for several years and being exposed to the regular and popular belief of keeping things “politically correct” and not crossing lines  that could possibly offend people of differing beliefs, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in a place where following and acting out your beliefs is never questioned.

The reminder came with the opening of the girls’ varsity game when eighth grader and middle school football stand-out Noah Laman was recognized and shown support from the community in his battle against cancer. A prayer was delivered by Darryl Barlow as those present stood and bowed their heads and listened to Coach Barlow ask our God to give strength, understanding and patience to Noah and his family and friend during this tough time.

When I was attending high school I probably wouldn’t have thought as much about the meaning in this act. It was a prayer when a prayer was called for, which makes enough sense.

But it’s not normal—not in a public school.

I remember when I was a Lady Rebel we would close every game—win or loss—by inviting the other team and anyone else in the gym to join us at center court to join hands and pray. This was normal for me too. I was glad to have a team who remembered God’s place in our athletic abilities and opportunities. 

Many high school kids throughout our nation are not given the same open door to including God in their athletics. Perhaps it’s not that coaches and administrators elsewhere do not believe themselves, but they fear the repercussions of a parent or student who complains that religion is being forced upon them. So these coaches and administrators play it safe and stick to the strict line that keeps religion out of their schools and athletics.

Instead we live in a community where we do not only rally behind a young person who needs our support during a struggle, but we bring him prayer and God’s support.

 Big cities and big schools definitely have their perks, but the sense of community behind our programs, students and athletes is something very special; especially because we are not afraid to keep God in our community.

Sports Talk: Volley for a Cure

As a correspondent sports writer for The Casey County News, I write an weekly editorial column for the publication. Published Sept. 26, 2012. 

Although I am far past my high school years and even college parties and pep rallies, I am the first among my friends to find any excuse to dress up. No, I do not mean dress up in nice clothes. I am talking dress-up in a theme of colors and ridiculous accessories.

So seeing all of the pink at the VolleyRebs’ Volley for a Cure event made me smile. I have no doubt that had I not been coming straight from my job in Louisville I would have used the excuse to wear pink tube socks, pink sunglasses, a crazy hair-do and maybe even some beads and flowers.

But beneath all of the pink of Volley for a Cure is a very serious and very sensitive message and issue: cancer.

I am happy to see the volleyball team rally around a battle our entire race is fighting. The longer we are on this earth, the more we are affected by this curse. Sometimes it is very close to home and sometimes it is a degree of separation away but, it is never welcome and rarely foreseen.

Hats off to all of those who wore their pink and cheered on our VolleyRebs last Thursday, but I pose a bigger challenge to all of you, as well as those who did not attend. My challenge consists of two things.

First, ask yourself what you can do to better your odds of falling prey to cancer. It may be working to end a habit like tanning or smoking, that is known to lead to cancer, or simply adjusting to healthier eating habits.

Believe me. It’s not that every individual diagnosed with a form of cancer knows how it originated, but there is peace of mind in knowing you did your best to take care of yourself. Remember, your life holds meaning to many others, and they do not want to lose you any sooner than necessary.

Second, be empathetic to those battling through the fight. It’s amazing what kind words, cards, notes, special prayers and thoughtful gifts do to lift the spirit of someone facing such a mental, physical and emotional struggle. Sometimes hearing from those you hardly know holds extra meaning. Trust me, you’re never too far removed to offer support.

Sport your pink every day in spirit. Cancer is an ongoing battle and there are plenty out there who are in need of the support daily.

Purple: The Color of JOY

Thanks to a friend's recent post I found a new blog: Lil Blue Boo. Along with having a very inspirational story and great blog, she also sells extremely cute children's clothing and patterns to make your own. 

With many struggles in her life, including cancer and chemo, this individual has made a decision to "Choose Joy" in her daily life rather than dwell on the negatives. It seems like such a simple and logical decision but one so many of us pass up from one day to the next if that particular day isn't spectacular, let alone if something unfortunate happens.

She's selling "Choose Joy" bracelets in her store in packs of 20 at a non-profit cost. Not only do I love the message and do I feel that it fits the example I try to set out of my life, but they are purple.... Enough said? 

Photo from Lil Blue Boo

Please be in touch if you'd like one of my 20. As much as I love purple, I only intend to wear one, meaning I'll have some extras. Comment or hit me up by other means and I'll share the wealth!

Rite of Passage - Shaving my Head from Ashley Hackshaw on Vimeo.