Cancer. Zen.
Orchards have shared their treasures,The fields, their yellow grain,So open wide the doorway—Thanksgiving comes again!–Old Farmer's Almanac
Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.- George Eliot, author
What Are Parabens And Why Are They So Bad?
For over 70 years parabens have been a key ingredient in beauty products. Parabens are preservatives that halt the growth of bacteria, fungus, and microbes in makeup and creams. Though you’ve probably never heard their names (such as propylparaben, ethylparaben,...
And time remembered is grief forgotten, And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in green underwood and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins. –Algernon Charles Swinburne, British poet (1837–1909)
Winter’s done, and April’s in the skies. Earth, look up with laughter in your eyes! –Charles G. D. Roberts (1860–1943)
"I pray this winter be gentle and kind -- a season of rest from the wheel of the mind. " --John Geddes
Study Shows Hair Dyes & Chemical Straighteners May Cause Breast Cancer
A study of nearly 47,000 cancer-free women published in the International Journal of Cancer indicates that women who use hair dye and chemical hair relaxer/straighteners could be increasing their risk of breast cancer by up to 60%. “If women are worried about their...
I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn't show. Andrew Wyeth, artist
Are Americans the World’s Lab Rats?!
Food products made in the USA use ingredients that are banned or labeled as a possible concern in other countries. The same products that are made with toxins and chemicals here in the US are made in other countries with better ingredients, because those countries...
Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, writer.
Setting the Baseline before I heal myself
For my first 35 years I was generally healthy; I exercised and ate a strict vegetarian, often organic diet. Age 36, I'm diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer. Scared for my life, I endure half a dozen surgeries, dose-dense and super aggressive chemo regimen, 45+ days...
Call for Vegan Recipes
So it is official. After 30+ years of being vegetarian, I am now on Day 2 of being vegan. I gave myself a day before I blurted out to the world because I was afraid I couldn't do it. I didn't want to put it out there and then pull it back. Day...
My Positive Manifesto
Sometimes it is so hard to manage everything you need to take control of in your life. For me, I had to stop everything one day, sit down and write out my priorities. This way, I could share them with my family, so we are all understanding the same expectations. I...
Duke, the puppy my mom got when my dad died of cancer, has died of cancer.
OCTOBER 10, 2010 – APRIL 26, 2019 Duke was so loved and a huge part of the family. He was diagnosed with Doggy-Cancer, Lymphoma, just days ago. He passed away this morning being held and loved by my mother and brother. They got Duke right after my dad...
Trevor Smith Cures Bladder Cancer with Plant Based Diet and Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil helped cure cancer of UK father Trevor Smith given 18 months to two years to live Trevor Smith, 54, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2012. Doctors told him that without immediate surgery to remove his bladder, prostate and lymph nodes - followed by...
How Processed Food Is Different from “Real” Food (and why it matters)
You've heard someone say they avoid "processed" foods, and maybe you've even said it yourself. But how do you know if you really are avoiding processed foods? What determines if a food product is considered processed or not? Some people, like those who...
Life is mostly froth and bubble; Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own. –Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833–70)
Chris Wark of “Chris Beat Cancer”
Another one of my heroes - Chris Wark of "Chris Beat Cancer". He beat cancer without chemo, and it's kinda a big deal. If you haven't seen his website, stop what you're doing now, and check it out. He has a lot of great info and support on his website, including a...
Tamoxifen: prevents cancer. Also Tamoxifen: causes cancer.
How do you know what's helping and what's hurting? My oncologist would tell me about medicines available to increase my odds in fighting or preventing cancer. Every option was weighed, and even a small increase was considered a must-have. But then later...
Ring the bells that still can ring,Forget your perfect offering,There is a crack in everything,That's how the light gets in.-Leonard Cohen
EU approval of glyphosate weed killer based on ‘plagiarized’ Monsanto studies
Regulators in Europe were considering whether or not to continue to allow sales of Monsanto's Round Up, a glyphosphate-based weed killer, in the EU. The European Food Safety Authority reviewed the assessment from Germany's Federal Institute for Risk...
Head and Neck Lymphedema Treatment
A step-by-step guide to relieving the pressure of lymph buildup in and around your head, neck, shoulder or arm with MLD, or Manual Lymph Drainage.
Organic Food Proven to Prevent Cancer
Many of the horrific drugs I took were only to give me 5 or 10% better odds. And they were horrific. Organic foods taste better, are better for you, and give you a 25% better chance at avoiding cancer. You don't like vegetables? Try chemo! Veggies are so much better,...
My First Lymphedema Arm Bandaging
I recently had my first bandaging therapy for lymphedema. While it ultimately is not a good option for me, because my skin wouldn’t cooperate with the bandaging, I will say it definitely was helpful and soothing to have it done. I would recommend it if you can give it a try.
Meat & Dairy Causes Cancer
Celebrated Cornell University professor T. Colin Campbell Phd, presents the overwhelming evidence showing that animal protein is one of the most potent carcinogens people are exposed to.
This is the FULL 45 MINUTE talk from Dr. Campbell’s appearance at the 2005 VegSource Healthy Lifestyle Expo.
Butternut Squash Apple Leek Soup
I will be the first to admit there was a time I would have refused to eat a soup if I knew it had squash in it. Or, really, any other vegetables. There is zero chance I would have tried a bite of your butternut squash, leek, and apple soup. No. Way. But...
The Center for Science in the Public Interest
Since 1971, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has been a strong advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science.
The Antitumor Activity of Plant-Derived Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids.
CBD has Anti-Tumor Agents! Doesn’t just help with symptoms – helps REDUCE tumor growth! During the last decade several studies have now shown that CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists can act as direct antitumor agents in a variety of aggressive cancers.
WHO Report Finds No Public Health Risks Or Abuse Potential For CBD
A World Health Organization (WHO) report has found no adverse health outcomes but rather several medical applications for cannabidiol, a.k.a. CBD, despite U.S. federal policy on this cannabinoid chemical.
Cannabidiol (CBD) induces programmed cell death in breast cancer cells
A recent study reports that CBD inhibits breast cancer growth and downregulates ID1, a regulator of metastasis in breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, CBD, in conjunction with THC, induces programmed cell death (PCD) in glioma cells.
Dr. Brynzynski Offers Cure for Cancer; Meets with FDA
The FDA meets Dr Burzynski from Burzynski Cancer CURE Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwLipIKDwCA This is a must see clip from the film on how cancer is completely cured with no radiation therapy or TOXIC potions from big Pharmaceutical industries at all. 100%...
A Salt Lamp Makes Everything More Beautiful
I put a new lightbulb in my salt lamp and set teeny buddha on top. 💫 It’s a great spot to park my water bottle and CBD oil for the night, and a salt lamp just makes everything more beautiful. 💛 Try to take a few minutes when you can to rework something in your life for the better. The returns are long lasting.
The beach is healing.
Just before we moved to North Carolina's Outer Banks I told my husband that the beach was the place where I would heal. Almost 10 years before I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Whether we wake, or we sleep. Whether we carol, or weep, The Sun, with his Planets in chime, Marketh the going of Time. –Edward Fitzgerald (1809–83)
The CDC Has Issued a National Warning Not to Eat Romaine Lettuce (Really!)
Reminder: if you grown your own lettuces, which is easy and inexpensive, you can feel like a super badass for providing food you know is safe for yourself and your family. Don't underestimate the value is having those skills! See the story here.
polyester causes cancer
It's true. A known carcinogen, available in almost every clothing store in America.
artificially colored food & candy causes cancer
Food dyes are one of the most widely used and dangerous additives, yet are openly marketed and sold in the US despite proof that they are carcinogens. ☠🍬🍭🍹☠ The three most widely used dyes, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are contaminated with known carcinogens … ☠...
Chlorpyrifos causes cancer
Chlorpyrifos is a chemical from Dow Chemical Company. It came from the Nazis. It is a nerve agent that does irreversible brain damage. It was supposed to be banned this year, but Trump decided to let it be used on our fruits and vegetables, after Dow gave him $1...
Cancer Terms Defined
Easy-to-understand definitions of terms related to cancer and cancer medicine and treatments.
Pure Organic CBD Oil
CBD oil, ancient healer. Some of you know I recently started taking CBD Oil and OMG I have had my mind blown with the results! I think just being on so many meds and having so many "treatments" - I didn't want to add anything else to the mix. And I really...
Eternally thankful for Ginger Kombucha
Sometimes I cannot believe the many resources I have available to me. I was told Kombucha might end the hives I was experiencing daily, due to my chemo treatments years earlier. And, it worked! Thankful for that knowledge, thankful for the acupuncturist who told me...
Lori O’Neil
My neighbor. Stage 4 lung cancer. 6 beautiful children. Lori Ann O’Neil, 47, of Kill Devil Hills, NC died at her home on Monday, July 24, 2017, of cancer. Born in Louisville, KY, she was the daughter of Linda Elkins Dionisio and Felimon M. Dionisio of Williamsburg,...
Joan Lawrence
Joan Rae Lawrence Brain Cancer age 51 (1966-2017) My Aunt-in-Law
Jean Sherwood
Jean Isabel Sherwood of Southern Shores, June 9 Jean Isabel Sherwood of Southern Shores fought a short but brave battle with cancer and passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family Friday, June 9, 2017 A Real Estate Professional for Carolina Designs Realty....
Noelle Breit
Noelle Yan Breit, 10, of Kitty Hawk passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia. Born on November 9, 2005 in Hunan, China, Noelle was adopted by Barry Andrew Breit and Deborah Lynn Crandell Breit on...
Señor Ramón Sánchez
Ramón Edmundo Sánchez Born June 22, 1944, in Managua, Nicaragua Throat cancer, Lung Cancer. Age 72. Ramón was a graduate of James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia. He then went on to further his education at Central American Institute of Business...
Chip Hedenburg
cancer. spiritual gangster Do not live too far in the past or the future. Live now. Very happy to be living here at the beach. Thankful for my many friends. Quit his day job and opened "Shiva's Drum" yoga and spiritual shop. Died so quickly. I am so, so sorry...
Danielle James
High School teacher, wife, mother of four young girls. We shared a breast-cancer-sisterhood hug just days before she passed away. She was my neighbor; I used to see her going for walks in our neighborhood. When she was in treatment, she was not walking. She had...
Magic Mike
Longtime OBX entertainer ‘Magic Mike’ Stoffel pictured here with my daughter Giana. He made so many children smile. Liver Cancer. After nearly three decades of bringing joy to generations of children on the Outer Banks, “Magic Mike” Stoffel...
What I See
A little bit at a time
Some periods of time are just too stressful or painful to keep track of. Just keep going. Pause, then keep going. It will get better.
The Fruit Salad Guy
There was this kind man who had undergone treatment for cancer at the same oncologist as me. I suppose he noticed that the food that was available for us to snack on during treatments was not at all healthy. So once he was better and recovered...
April, the Lab Receptionist
Receptionist at my Bloodwork Lab during my treatments. Ovarian Cancer. I knew April as the warm and friendly lady at the front desk of the lab where I had my bloodwork drawn for my own cancer treatments. One say, she told me a secret. She was...
Dr. Keith Amos
A caring a selfless man. Husband, and father of three girls. One of my surgeons. A Cowboys fan. Dr. Amos did not die of cancer, but he lived his entire adult life fighting it on behalf of others. Like me. View his memorial on UNC website....
Markie Cocsa
It is with great sadness to announce that our beloved Markie passed away peacefully yesterday morning. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by his loving family. Our beautiful, perfect boy will always live on in our hearts and we take comfort in...
Alex Lassiter
Alex was a sage and thoughtful person, wise beyond his years. Artistic in nature, his life on the Outer Banks was reflected in his music, surfing and most of all his painting. Alexander A. "Alex" Lassiter, born October 2, 1989, was an Outer Banks native and graduate...
Don Marks
Brent's dad Cancer
Thankful Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving all. I am so very thankful to be alive today. I am thankful also for my loving family who carried me through this past year. And my fabulous extended family and friends. This last year has been hard but the blessings that...
Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey Gupta
OCTOBER 27, 1980 – NOVEMBER 6, 2011 In January 2010, Sarah began having mysterious medical problems that were diagnosed in April of that same year as Stage IV Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma. She underwent a seven-hour surgery at Duke Medical Center and returned to...
Stayin’ Alive!
Third Place Winner at SOS contest at the Baum Center. Made by my friend Nancy Proctor's sister Michele while visiting last week. And dedicated to me! as I posted today that I am cancer-free. Ah Ah Ah, Staying Alive! Staying Alive. It is made up of mirror...
In a Pickle turned Pink
So my husband's cousin owns (the best) breakfast spot in Boston, In a Pickle. This year he had his staff paint his restaurant pink! What an honor to be included. Thanks, Tim! Hi Susan We recently painted the walls of 'The Pickle' pink to help raise...
Steve Jobs
One of the brightest minds of our time. No one is immune Cancer.
It’s Raining
So I'm just waiting for the rainbow.
Outer Banks Community Supports Us
I had the most wonderful day ever today! Family, friends and Rubber Pants! Good times!! Thank you so much to everyone who came out. We are humbled and overwhelmed. ... now for a much needed nap...
Start with Today
I have in all honesty been either focusing on the very core elements of battling cancer (pain management, symptom control, simply keeping myself alive by breathing in and out and sometimes nothing more) or... When the chemo fog begins to lift ... Getting myself back I...
Awake with myself. Cancer teaches patience!
Long Haired Scott
This sweet husband of mine. My family offered to shave their heads as support for me while I went through chemo. My thoughts were "That's Crazy! I HATE bald heads right now. I don't want to see you or anyone with a bald head. No... in fact., I've always...
My daddy died tonight. At home, surrounded by love. He’s really missed.
My Dad
My daddy died tonight. At home, surrounded by love. He’s really missed. Bob Ridley. My Dad. Lung Cancer. 7 years later
I missed the call from the Doctor by a SECOND
I actually missed the call from the Dr. by a SECOND and when we called back no answer as it was already after hours. Crazy how it's just a small task in a doctors day and conversely it was the biggest part of my day as I had held one hand on the phone all day awaiting...
I should be back on track soon.
Learning the careful balancing act of all the meds - trying to be pain free and coherent in the same day is proving to be more difficult than I expected.
The Cancer Has Spread
You may have heard we did not have good news in that the cancer has spread beyond the breast and so I had to have the lymph nodes yanked as well. Still do not know what "Stage" it is but we'll prolly know Tuesday. This morning was very painful but the home health...
Cancer Pathology Reports Deciphered
Diagnosis:Breast Cancer: Invasive Ductal CarcinomaTumor Size:1.4 cm (spoiler alert: we'll later learn it is really over 11 cm large!)Nottingham Score:Grade IINottingham Tubule Formation Score = 3On a score of 1 to 3, this measures how mean and nasty the...
Let’s DO this!
Alright. I'm going to go pack my bag and get to bed. I've got cancer's ass to kick very early in the morning and I don't wanna be late. Thanks everyone for your love and prayers. It's been humbling. Let's DO THIS!
Thank You All!
Just a note to say Thank You to everyone who has been reaching out to us lately. I finally went public and posted the news on Facebook and the outpouring of love and wishes and prayers has been humbling! Between Facebook and here, I have heard from childhood friends...
The News
The scariest thing for me right now is the sad and untimely passing of Elizabeth Edwards. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer just 6 years ago. Her death was the top story online when I first sat down to research my new diagnosis. Six years is simply not...
Elizabeth Edwards
The top story online when I sit to research my new diagnosis. Elizabeth Edwards died of Breast Cancer this morning at her home in North Carolina. She was passionate about health care reform. She only lived 6 years past her first diagnosis. I need more than 6 more years.
Cathey Clawson
Catherine "Cathey" Grey Carrington Clawson, 48, died Thursday, June 17, 2010, at her home in Manteo only six months after the discovery of a primary brain tumor. Mary Blanch and Boyce Harwell's daughter. Such good people. Cathey was born July 7, 1961 in...
Averi Valdivieso
A sweet child. Only 16 years here on earth. I never met her. Her mother graciously and selflessly worked reiki miracles on me during my treatment. From her mother's facebook wall on the 5th anniversary of her passing: 6 years ago I had to tell my first born good-bye...
Art Thibodeau
Captain Art Thibodeau Carolina Designs Captain of Carolina Designs, one of my first and largest clients. Father & Husband Businessman Genius Private Plane Pilot Cancer.
Mr. Jim Tate
The incredible sand sculptor of Duck. Loving husband of Ms. Lori Tate. Cancer.
Taylor Harrison
OBX Boat Builder. Cancer. Founding force behind the Carolina Boat Builder's Association A wonderful boat builder, an advocate for continual education in the boat building community, and a friend to everyone. From his daughter Mallory: Perhaps the biggest way he taught...
Doris Claire Ridley Bergas
My Aunt Doris, my Dad's sister. She is on the left. All three of my grandmother's children (pictured, my father in the middle) have died of cancer. BIRTH 15 FEB 1935 • New York City, New York DEATH 11 NOV 1984 • Dunstable, Massachusetts Mother of Joel and...
Bob Marley
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley died on 11 May 1981 at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami (now University of Miami Hospital), aged 36. The spread of melanoma to his lungs and brain caused his death. His final words to his son Ziggy were "Money can't buy life." In...
Joan Ridley Wasmuth
My Aunt Joan, my Dad's sister. She is on the right. All three of my grandmother's children (pictured, my father in the middle) have died of cancer. Aunt Joan was my cousin Mary Susan's mom. (Mary Susan if you are reading this please contact me! I have...