The Savvy Survivor

I had a telephone conversation with my Oncologist's Nurse Practitioner, yesterday. The news she gave me was amazing!! Merry Christmas to me! I've been taking Femara , since September; and she told me my tumor markers were significantly lower than when I first started taking it. Before I started taking Femara, my markers were in the mid-100's; they are now in the 70-80's range! I'm having to deal with six side effects, but just hearing the news that the drug is working, gives me the energy and determination to continue dealing with those side effects. Tumor marker levels in the 30's are considered normal; I'm almost there! No need for chemo, yet! Roughly two years ago, I told my Oncologist that I wasn't willing to go the conventional treatment route, anymore. The last drug combo (hormone blocker and chemo drug) I was on caused me 14 side effects, and I was miserable!! I told him what I had planned to do; he supported my decision, and said if I needed him...

Happy Thanksgiving to my American fans; may this day find you blessed and healthy ! To all of my fans, wherever you are, I count each and every one of you as a blessing; and I am grateful to have you in my life! This year has been a very difficult year for everyone; what we thought was going to be another "flu season" has endured the entire year; it has caused more deaths, unemployment, and hardships than any other pandemic in history.  But, those of us who have survived this year, have that to be thankful for...we're still here! There is hope, on the horizon! I am especially thankful for the breath in my lungs, considering I almost died back in August ! It is crystal clear to me, that my journey on this planet is not completed, yet. And while I can still draw breath, I have decided to make the most of the time that has been given to me. Bonus points to anyone who can tell me what movie I just referenced! As you navigate though your day, whether you are with your loved on...

This blog has nothing to do with breast cancer, or healthy eating; but the subject is near and dear to my heart. And I was told, knowledge does no one any good, unless you share it; so, this is my Christmas gift to you! Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, ever since I was little; but I was never really excited about history class, while growing up. I only began getting excited about history, when I learned about it, beyond the boundaries of my text books. It’s very liberating, when you discover the truth! All of us who grew up in church, were taught that Jesus is the reason for the season; he is God in the flesh, and was born to save us all from sin. One of my favorite images, this time of year, is the Kneeling Santa. I just love the symbolism...it’s beautiful! But, truth be told (John 8:32 says the truth will set us free), Christ’s birth is not the true reason; he wasn’t even born in December. Shepherds wouldn’t be tending their flocks outdoors, that l...

Today is the day the United States of America has set aside to count our blessings, and walk in a mindful state of gratitude. At some point, today, I'll be asking my grandchildren if they understand the concepts of gratitude and thankfulness; and then explaining why those concepts are so important. It's good for overall health to hold onto gratitude and thankfulness. No matter how bad your life is, find something to be be thankful for; show gratitude toward anyone who has done something nice for you. Count your blessings, even if you can only think of three things to count. According to Psychology Today magazine, there are seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude, including improving sleep and physical health. You can check out that list, by clicking this link . Before I go any further, I want to tell you how grateful I am that you're reading this; I appreciate you, so very much! And I'm thankful that you continue to follow me, on my journey! I al...

Do any of you know an alcoholic, or a drug addict? If you do, then you understand how difficult it is for them to abstain from the substance they're addicted to; or, you should understand that. Addiction is a powerful disease, that nobody ever realizes they have, until they're deep in it. Sure, they "try" the alcohol, or the drugs; but in just trying it, they're not aware that they're eventually going to get hooked on it. That may not even become a reality for them, once they are hooked. I am a junk food junkie; addicted to fast food, and junk food, the way an alcoholic/drug addict is addicted to booze and/or drugs. I can't just have one (fill in the blank), or a taste, or "just a little bit". The cravings get bigger, the more I try to control the amount of junk food I eat. It's best for me to abstain from eating fast food, or junk food; and living in a world that makes bad eating habits sexy or hip, is not an easy thing for me to do! I ...

I've been battling Stage 4 (metastatic) Breast Cancer for almost seven years; my cancerversary is in July. When I began this battle, I started calling it a journey; I’m in it for the long haul, come walk with me. Except I haven’t been walking the walk I was meant to walk. My journey has turned into the life of a sick woman who still believes she has forever to live. At the rate I’m going, I don’t have much time left...I’ve given myself high cholesterol and high triglycerides, on top of everything else. As it stands these are the things that are going wrong inside my body... breast cancer (terminal) arthritis osteoporosis cataracts high cholesterol/high triglycerides I had to explain my newest medical issue to my two very young grandchildren. It was pretty easy, after I told them that cholesterol is a goopy substance that your body is supposed to have, but I have too much; having too much goop inside of you, is very dangerous. This link will explain things to you, i...

As we get closer to New Year's Eve, many of us are figuring out our New Year's Resolutions. What do we want to accomplish,  next year? Is there anything about ourselves that we can improve upon? Any goals we'd like to reach? I used to make Resolutions every year, and break them within a few months. Mine weren't just about losing weight, either....I used to set personal, and professional goals, year after year. In fact the last one I made was to never make another New Year's Resolution, again. I learned, about 20 years ago, I'm not good at keeping promises I make to myself; so there was no point in making them, anymore. Here's the ironic part....that one is the only one I've ever kept! If you're going to make a New Year's Resolution, which is essentially a promise to yourself, make sure it's one you know you'll stick to! Stop setting unattainable goals; stop giving up on improving the magnificence that is you! Whatever you want...go g...

As promised, here's another Christmas List to peruse. This time, I decided to share my favorite personal care products with you. There is only one link, because this website has so many great products on it! You can find Personal Care Products (skin care, hair care, and oral hygiene), Cosmetics (eye shadow, foundation, perfume, blush, etc), Vitamins and Supplements (whole food vitamins and super foods), and Herbal Remedies (immune support, detoxification, cleanses, weight control, etc). I started using these products five years ago, at the start of my breast cancer journey. I made a conscious decision to become as synthetic chemical-free as possible. These products are made with essential oils, and herbs. They make great gifts, for everyone....including yourself! Everything is USDA certified organic, vegan/vegetarian, chemical-free, cruelty-free, free from synthetic fragrances and dyes; and some products are also gluten-free!  I get a small commission, when you use this Aff...

I still can't believe it's the end of November, already; tomorrow is December 1!! Time flies, my loves....be careful, or you'll miss something. I have to confess, I haven't even started shopping, yet! If you're stuck for a gift ideas, I left a few links to some products on Amazon. I'm sure, you'll find something for everyone, on your Christmas List... Christmas Kitchen Gifts for Babies Cookbooks Electronics Toys and Games Kindle Store I hope I was able to help you find the perfect Christmas present for your loved ones! I'll post another list, soon!