A Blueberry Superhero - I like the idea

If you are currently undergoing chemo these nutritional tips are not for you. Not until you are through with chemo. Seek your own doctor's advice as to the diet you should eat while going through your treatment.

Nutrition can help you in your quest for good health. I found a book, "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" by Patrick Quillin. I don't know if his book is scientifically sound however it shares ideas that are worth consideration.

Whether or not their power is described accurately, these foods do offer positive nutritional value that can't hurt and may help us become healthier. You make your own judgement.

In his book Mr. Quillin suggests we starve cancer by eliminating sugar. Too much sugar is never a good idea. Reading this helped me to start thinking twice before reaching for a cookie or a candy bar. Sugar might not starve cancer but passing on the sweets helps to keep my hips from expanding (smile).

Avoid malnutrition. It makes sense that you need to keep your strength in an effort to feel better and making sure you have protein in your diet can help you. Vegetables are important to include in your diet. How wise our parents were trying to get us to eat our veggies. Broccoli is one of his favorites. Garlic, onions, hot peppers, salsa, cinnamon, ginger, sage, rosemary and thyme also rank high on his "to eat" list. Yogurt, water and Green Tea are also mentioned as good for you.

My favorite comment from the book was that "berries cause cancer to self destruct." I love fruit of all types and especially berries. I enjoy the idea that there is a Blueberry Superhero out there that causes cancer to commit suicide (smile). I guess I have watched too many movies.

The point is you should check with your health care specialist and find out which foods you should incorporate into your diet. While I was undergoing chemo most of the foods I have listed above were off limits. Cancer is a fast growing cell. While you are undergoing chemo you are targeting those cells. You are killing them and unfortunately, in the process, killing good fast growing cells too. You want to maximize the effectiveness of your chemo cocktail. The foods discussed above are best eaten when your chemo has ended and you are rebuilding your strength.

Always listen to your doctor. Together you are collaborating for your survival and good health.

Look Better Feel Better

A huge trememndous thank you goes out to two lovely ladies, Mary and Miriam, who took time out of their very busy lives to share their experience with me. They introduced me to an awesome program, "Look Good Feel Better".

"Look Good…Feel Better is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program founded in 1989 and supported by corporate donors to help women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment."

Mary and Miriam had participated in the program in their area. It is currently offered in all 50 states. The video below describes the program better than I can.

On the "Look Good Feel Better" site,(see link to the left), you will also find specific videos that deal with individual beauty issues. I am grateful to Mary and Miriam for sharing. Please remember if you have any tips to share please e-mail me at mzdavinci@aol.com Let's help each other. Each cancer journey is unique however sharing we can assist one another with our various challenges.

Flatulence is a fancy word for gas.

Chemotherapy often disrupts digestion contributing to abdominal pain, cramping and flatulence. Breathe deeply and try to relax when you experience stomach cramps or get gas.

You need to know it is also okay to burp or fart. It will release pressure and you will feel so much better afterwards. Don't try to hold it in. Normally burps and farts are not socially acceptable. Acceptable or not let it rip! You can always excuse yourself politely afterwards. It isn't good for your health to keep the gas bottled up inside.

There are things you can do to help ease the cramps, pain and build-up of gas. Take your medication with a little food unless you have been specifically instructed to take it on an empty stomach. Don't smoke or drink alcohol as both can irritate your stomach. Avoid spicy, sugary sweet, or greasy fried foods. Slowly eat small meals throughout the day instead of gulping down a couple of large ones. Take note of what works. Identifying what makes the situation better or worse is a "trial and error" process.

Please contact your doctor if your abdomen swells suddenly and feels rigid. Or if you have severe pain or incessant cramping. Or if there is blood in your vomit or stools. It is important that you keep an on-going dialogue with your medical team. The information here and on other websites should only compliment the information you are receiving from the medical team who knows your specific case history and circumstance.

I confess I was concerned that when my chemo treatments were over burping and farting may have become second nature to me and I would lose all sense of decorum and etiquette. Happily that isn't the case. I am in control now just as I ever was. The gas pain is gone. My digestion is improving everyday. Of course, I am human so there is the occasional oops!

If you're a female reading this, let me add that you may find that the men in your life will smile with pride when you "trumpet". Strange but true. I can't explain it. I think it is a guy thing. If you are a man reading this, please recognize that although I encourage you to release your gas build-up from your cancer treatments, I'm not suggesting you have carte' blanche to cut loose forever and ever (smile).

Wake up in gratitude.

Great advice from Joel Osteen: "How you wake up in the morning sets the tone for the whole day. Find something to be thankful for. Remind yourself that you are equipped to do what you need to do."

You may be going through tremendous challenges, and you get tempted to think "I'll never get through this. Things are never going to get better than they are today." That is when it is most important to remind yourself of the things for which you are most thankful. You need to reject the temptation to be overcome by negative thoughts and trust things will change in your favor.

There really is a silver lining to every cloud. It is just extremely hard to find it sometimes. Wake up in gratitude and you will have a head start.

Alleviate the metallic taste.

A metallic taste is sometimes a side effect brought on from your chemotherapy treatments. You may find relief by using plastic ware instead of your usual fork or spoons. Chewing gum or sucking on lifesavers may help.

I was introduced to a wonderful little mint that helped me tremendously. Not only did it help eliminate the metallic taste it also soothed my digestion. They are called "Angel Mints". It is a name that describes them accurately.

When I first heard of them I was apprehensive. It was said that they had the ability to calm digestive problems, relieve nausea, eliminate a metallic taste and even help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Recently they have even been recommended to help ease anxiety.

I am not a doctor, nor do I have any vested interest in the company that makes and sells these wonderful melt-in-your-mouth mints. I simply want to share that they exist and they helped me and others who have enjoyed them. They are truly delicious as well as helping to alleviate and remedy a variety of problems.

They are available at the Florida Candy Factory, Inc. located in Clearwater, Florida and can be ordered from their site. http://www.angelmint.com/home.html Some Walgreens are currently selling them. Even some hospital gift shops have them for sale. The Candy Factory is family owned and is proud of their product. I found these mints to be refreshing, tasty and helped me combat my digestive challenges, nausea and metal tasting mouth. Maybe they would help you too.

Being an armchair quarterback isn't the exclusive domain of football fans.

arm·chair quar·ter·back (plural arm·chair quar·ter·backs)

MSN's Definition:

1. viewer who criticizes conduct of games: somebody who is certain that he or she can make better calls than the coaches or players while watching a competitive sport on television

2. giver of unwanted advice: somebody who offers unwanted advice about how to do something or tries to supervise an activity without being asked

No matter what the circumstance there are always people ready to share their opinion, to criticise and give unwanted advice. It is okay to listen if you want. You can give their suggestions consideration. However you don't need to take it.

All too often advice is based on only having "some" of the facts. Sometimes it is based on information that is old. Although research hasn't yet determined what causes various cancers or how to cure them, the advancements in medical research is phenomenal and occurring everyday. You need to make decisions based on what makes you feel most confident. Whether you follow a doctor's guidance or choose a holistic approach or combination, the choice is yours.

You will make yourself stressed (not a healthy thing) if you try to please others. Don't let yourself be guilted in to trying something you prefer not to do. People may have the best of intentions but they are only making assessments based on their own experience or research.

Hindsight is said to be 20 x 20. That is because they are viewing things that have already happened. It is easy to play the "woulda, shoulda" game from that perspective. In treating your cancer you need to be looking forward. The past may hold useful information however it is what your options are today that need to be considered so you have a healthy, happy tomorrow.

Sometimes it would be nice if we could be covered with a Teflon coating. It would make it easier for us to make decisions. All the advice that was adding confusion and filling our minds with "what ifs" would slide off.

You need to ask questions of your doctor. This will give you the best starting place to create the "game plan" best suited for you. In the beginning you may not even know which questions to ask. On the left are LINKS to various cancer sites. Many have a list of questions to get you started.

Have confidence in your decisions. It is your life. It is okay if you want to be your own armchair quarterback. It is great to learn from experience what works best and what doesn't. Afterall when we know more we do better.

Every person is unique. Every situation is unique. It is your life. You don't have to make decisions based on a general consensus. You are the majority. You rule!

Risk of infection.

The risk of infection during your cancer treatment is very high. You want to avoid crowds, use disinfectant and talk to your doctor and nurses about ways to reduce the risk of infection. Infections can delay your treatment. You need to do everything you can to stay healthy and strong. You need to be actively involved in getting yourself healthy. Some things will be out of your control. Your immune system is weakened. It is important that you eliminate unnecessary risks that may make you subject to catching a cold, getting a cut or scratch, or infection of any kind.

If you should develop an infection, let your doctor know right away. You don't want to self diagnose your symptoms or take or apply medications without consulting your doctor. You need to make sure they don't conflict with your cancer treatment. Be cautious, don't assume you know what to do.

Be vigilant and careful. Make yourself a priority.

The wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy!

The other evening I was channel surfing and stopped for a moment on the comedy station. Larry the Cable Guy was describing the handicapped stalls in public restrooms as the Cadillac of bathroom stalls. I started laughing in total agreement but for a reason that was different than his.

First and foremost let me make it clear I never park in a handicap spot. I would never use a handicap stall without first checking the vicinity to make sure there isn't a lady that might be coming in right behind me that would need it. In fact, I have only recently discovered the true value of this stall.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I wear a wig. Hair loss was a side effect of my chemo. I live in Florida. It is hot here and we specialize in humidity. Consequently, my head gets hot. The heat from my body seems to go straight up and gets locked under my wig. My head sweats.

The handicapped stall in most public restrooms is larger and has its own sink and mirror. I can go in there and privately remove my wig, wipe off my head and reposition my wig back on my head. Fantastic! Now that makes it the Cadillac of bathroom stalls for me.

Wishing you a fantastic day with time for mischief and fun.

We endure various treatments hoping to eliminate cancer and give us the opportunity to live longer, to have more days. It is important to enjoy each day we have. There is no need to wait until "after" to include joy and fun in your life.

Some of the things I have learned so far.

You are better informed on what to do if you catch on fire: stop, drop and roll then what to do if you are having chemo.

It's highly unlikely you will ever catch on fire. Yet we are taught how to deal with this and other worst case scenarios so we won't freeze up when disaster strikes. We hope that it will be equally unlikely that you will ever have to experience chemo.

When it comes to health issues we tend to learn about our bodies on a need to know basis. We expect our hearts to pump blood, our lungs to give us breath, our eyes to see, our mouths to talk, our bodies to move, etc., etc. We take our body's functioning for granted until something out of the ordinary happens to us or someone we know. It is then that we investigate and learn.

I have learned much during my chemo treatments. Some things seemed to be common sense. Duh! I should have known that. Some things totally surprised me. I am still bewildered by others.

Here are some of the things I've learned so far. I still have much to learn. Perhaps none will apply to your circumstance. Maybe some will. Check with your doctor. The American Cancer Society is an excellent resource.

While taking chemo it is best to stay away from salad bars and buffets. Your immune system is weakened. You can't be sure if the greens have been thoroughly washed. Someone who has visited the buffet may have been sick.

Avoid smoke. Don't smoke.

Stay out of the direct sunlight and heat as your skin is super sensitive. Wear SPF 30or 50 under your clothes. Long sleeves and long pants only give approximate SPF 3 coverage.

Be careful what you eat. Your digestion may be screwed up.

Be prepared for increased fatigue. Exercise may help with both energy and reducing pain.

Listen to your doctors and nurses when they advise you how to handle your pain.

Avoid chlorine water.

Avoid crowds, remember your immune system is weakened.

Don't drink green tea or take vitamins. Chemo kills the fast growing cells, both the good ones and cancer. The green tea and supplements counteract the effectiveness of the chemo.

Drink lots of fluids. G2 is excellent and comes in assorted flavors.

Avoid alcohol even in things like mouthwash etc.

Keep your skin warm so your veins will be more cooperative to accept the chemo.

Follow directions for caring for your port.

Avoid going to get a professional manicure or pedicure. If you go, be sure to take your own tools so you can avoid the risk of infection.

Expect that the medication and pain pills may clog your system and make you irregular, constipated or diarrhea. Miralax is a gentle help for constipation.

Eat plenty of protein and try to maintain a healthy weight no sudden losses or gains.

Keep a positive attitude.

Let others help you when you need it.

Talk to your doctor before going to the dentist.

Be prepared for your internal thermostat to be whacky. Hot then cold for no explainable reason.

Your taste of things may be metallic or just awful. Experiment. Maybe plastic silver ware will help.

Avoid caffeine.

You will be more sensitive to smells.

Use a soft toothbrush.

Avoid aspirin and blood thinners.

Don't get professional massages during this time. It could create blood clots. Also avoid crossing your legs.

Be careful around animals. Don't clean litter boxes, pick up dog waste, clean bird cages or fish tanks.

Wash raw foods thoroughly before eating.

If your hair is going to fall out consider getting a wig before it does. Not all chemo has this side effect. Check with your doctor.

Frozen peas and ice on sore joints help relieve pain.

Popsicles and sherbet help with sore throats.

Be candid with your doctor and nurses. Ask questions and let them know how you are doing. Let your doctor know immediately if you notice any tingling or numbness.