Cancer Anniversary or "Cancerversary"

I recently passed/celebrated my first cancer diagnosis date of March 15, 2007. Rather a strange date since I have had two diagnosis since! And to have a surgery on March 17, 2011, was another strange way to celebrate - although, it is wonderful to say NO RESIDUAL CANCER CELLS FOUND! Yippee!

Thanks to my friend, Jack Campbell, for remembering and wishing me Happy Cancer Anniversary.

Good Thoughts Worth Sharing

A dear friend, Patty L, sent me the following in an email - I LOVE IT!! So much so, that I am posting it here for you to read as well. It is lengthy, but so wonderful in its wisdom. Enjoy.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. The 2nd one is up to you & no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In 5 years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything
.28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.32. Believe in miracles.
33. People love you because of who you are.
34. Don't audit life. Show up & make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up & show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Thanks Regina for your wisdom and insight!

Note: Not sure where/what #45 is/was!

Inspiration ~ Where Does Yours Come From?

Where does your inspiration come from? Books, movies, teleseminars, co-workers, daydreaming, your child(ren), a world leader, the sky, the ocean, the internet, your own mind....

And...is it enough?

A Typical Day (Menu) in the Life of Tina

Hello all you Wellness Warriors!

I have been asked quite frequently lately what a "regular days menu" looks like for me. I am honored at your requests and thank you so much for the lovely comments/emails I have been receiving lately. You are all very special for sharing/reaching out and I am very glad to share what I know works for me with you. I am thrilled to say that I am in excellent health and have been cancer free for over 2 years. See my earlier post here about some of the other changes I have incorporated into my new lifestyle (some of these have been tweaked a bit). I have never felt better in my life. Wellness is my daily goal in all that I do. It can be for you too - whether you are a cancer cowgirl/boy or not! Shouldn't all of us have the wellness goal to be healthy and happy for as long as possible?! I say YES!

Please remember that this is a typical day for me right now (warm weather). Also note that most, if not all, of what I eat is organic. See bottom of this post for more information about pesticides and the link to cancer and other health issues.

Morning:
Upon rising:
32 oz water with juice of 1 lemon / 1 tsp of MSM powder
4-6 oz wheatgrass (Sweet Wheat)
I take my supplements with my water - DIM, Calcium/Magnesium, B-Complex

Green smoothie in the a.m. - this concoction varies, but overall here is what it looks like lately:

• 1 banana
• 1 citrus (usually orange that I just cut skin off of and leave as much pith as possible)
• 1 fresh or frozen dark berry (blueberry, strawberry, cherry, blackberry, raspberry) or a combination - usually 1/2 - 1 cup or so...I like frozen simply because it makes my drink cold
• 1 green leafy item (large handful of spinach or 2-3 kale leaves generally)
• 1- 1.5 Tbs flax oil
• 1 tsp spirulina
• 1.5 teas to 1 Tbsp coconut butter
• Small handful of cacao nibs
• Sometimes 1/2 cucumber
• Sometimes 1-2 Tbsp brown rice protein powder (only rice product I intake)

If it tastes too green, add more water, 1/4 of lemon (skin included), or 1/2 cucumber. Again, this smoothie will vary with what I have on-hand, but above is pretty typical...today I did all those ingredients except the rice protein, and I also added some fresh strawberries and blueberries along with a little frozen mango. Keep trying new things! My smoothies are rarely identical day-to-day.

Workout:
Monday through Thursday I workout before lunch. This is usually cardio warm-up followed by strength training. I try to switch that up and do only yoga on Wednesday, but that is not static. I try to walk or do other activities Friday - Sunday.

Lunch:

• Avocado
• Tomato
• Red or Yellow Pepper
• Romaine Lettuce
• Herby seasoning (can use Spike, etc)
• Olive Oil /Balsamic or Braggs Vinaigrette
• I either have a large salad or cut the veggies up and roll them in romaine leaves as a "wrap".

Snacks (I usually have 2-4 snacks daily, just depends on rest of day):

• Almonds/Goji Berries
• Apple
• Carrots
• Red Pepper
• I try to have at least one cup of organic non-caff green tea each day - usually in the morning at work.
• Sometimes I get on a real "salt snack" kick and when I do nothing feel more satisfying to me that a bowl of organic popcorn made with organic olive oil or coconut oil and Herby seasoning. It is my "vice" for "feel good" food. Now you know!!

Dinner:
I generally have a salad, blended soup, or zucchini "pasta" with spaghetti sauce.

Why Organic?
Eliminating foods that are non-organic is a good decision all the way around....here is a great article about "Why Organic?".

In addition to the wonderful reasons listed in that post, the one on top of the list for me personally is to reduce / eliminate the pesticide and chemicals that infiltrate my body. Most pesticides have the chemical structure of estrogen and, when ingested, provoke a weak estrogenic effect on our systems - add this to other provokers of estrogen in our body (plastics, etc), and it is a formula for disaster for anyone, but especially for men and women with estrogen positive cancers (like me) such as (most) breast and prostate cancers. Here is an interesting article about the connection of pesticides and cancer. There are a ton more...again, do your research and educate yourself!

Face Painting!

Hi there,

Just a quick note to say hello and to share my newest crazy interest ~ FACE PAINTING! I started a few weeks ago - before Riley's birthday - and really feel a connection with it. So, in my usual form, I have a couple classes set up in May to learn more. I am anxious to see where this journey will take me! With my entertainment background in dancing and at Disney, I know this has a side to it that I have always found so interesting... performing, being creative, and being "on stage". So, it may just be something I do for fun and on occasion or.... ya just never know!

Hugs, Tina

April 2009

Hello to all my wonderful friends and family,

This year has been so remarkably busy and full of new experiences for me that updating my blog has taken a backseat, and for this I apologize. I have been deciding how to break up all the wonderful things I would like to share and am rather struggling with it. I want to keep my personal "tinainthepink" cancer blog for those who follow it for cancer inspiration, and yet I want to blog about current things I am involved with like raw food, yoga, reading the Tao Te Ching, organizing parties/events....I think that I have come up with a solution. I will attempt to post once a week on this blog with something that is either personal (photos, etc) or health related. I will also be putting more energy in getting my "other" site live. I have been attending lots of classes and reading lots of material in anticipation of getting this site up and running, so I am looking forward to making that happen. Stick with me through this bumpy part! I have also posted some new pics for your viewing pleasure (remember, these are the "personal" photos that so many of you have come to expect and request), so be sure to check them out!

Hugs, Tina

March 2009 Update - Pinkie and Hip

So, I have been continuing to go the hand specialist for my pinkie. It is really looking great and he is quite pleased with the progress....now, I am supposed to be massaging it to work out the very hard lump of scar tissue. This is something everyone should know...use Vitamin E and massage your scar and/or scar tissue every day. This works wonders!

Along with seeing that doc, I also saw another doc in the same firm for my (continued) hip pain. I brought in my August bone scans and they a few more x-rays as well. All is good. He said he was giving me a "big dose of reassurance" that everything was okay. I guess he thought I was concerned about cancer, but at that point, I really wasn't!! I just want to find out why I keep having this pain in my left hip - especially after I run/walk vigorously. They ruled out arthritis issues as well and indicated it must just be muscular tissues that have been injured and are slow to heal. Okay, so no cancer or arthritis....that is all good, but it is still disturbing that no one can tell me the 'real deal'.

Anyway, speaking of bone scans...I got all my August images on CD and they are super cool to look at! It is my whole body in a skeletal view....awesome!

Can it Really Be February Already?

Wow, I have so much going on that I am not sure where to even begin!

Okay first, I have decided to delve into the world of raw food coaching! I have found this way of eating to be such a positive influence in my life - physically, mentally, psychologically and even spiritually - that I feel compelled to "pass it on". To share. To inspire. I am in the process of building a new webpage and welcome any and all suggestions! The name of my passion is "Positively In The Raw" and the site is located at http://www.positivelyintheraw.com/. If you go there now, you will only see that it is under construction, but please bookmark it for future reference! Also, please sign up for my mailing list (at right) for updates and notifications of the release. I would LOVE to hear your input on that site, or anything for that matter, and you can either leave them here as a comment or send to my email address (also located in right, at the very bottom).

Second, which is also tied in to my above project, is that I will be taking Karen Knowler's Raw Food Coaching course and am part of the Raw Professionals Network! How exciting is that? Karen is known worldwide as The Raw Food Coach, so this is very exciting.

Third, I have been relying on wonderful dehydrated creations by other dear folks for over a year now, but I now have my own fabulous Excalibur 9-tray dehydrator....how exciting is that?! I can tell you that I am anxiously awaiting kale chips! Now, you may be asking, "why anxiously awaiting", "why aren't you already enjoying them child"....okay well, that brings me to another incident in my life...

I recently cut my pinky (pretty badly) on the mandoline. (For the non-kitchen types, that is a slicing board, similar to a V-Slicer, that you slide food across to cut it.) Ouch. Not sure what happened though, since the zucchini I was slicing was still about 5 inches long. I remember my hands were wet and the next thing I knew I was holding my hand with lots of blood around. Then the ER. Two days later, the regular doc. Then 4 days later, at my 6 month follow-up with my general surgeon (breast cancer), she took a look at it and gave me the name of a hand surgeon "just in case". He believes that it will okay with probably some slight nerve damage. It should heal over though and look like "normal" in about 3 months....yep - THREE MONTHS! Oh well, it's all good....my nail wasn't affected and my finger is still attached.

Okay, so back to those kale chips....until my hand heals a little more I will have to hold off on making a lot of raw creations, darnit! But, I will keep you posted on the progress of the finger and my dehydrating....I am sure you are just on the edge of your seat, right?

So, all-in-all it has been a busy 2009 so far and I look forward to eveything this year brings. Very exciting things. Very exciting times. I am blessed that you are all here for the ride.

ps - my 6 month appointment went well and she has no indication I require any tests. I will be seeing an orthopedic for my hand as well as for the discomfort I continue to have in my left hip area (see this post for previous details).

Big Ouchie!

But, it's all good!

January 2009 - Happy Belated New Year!

Wow, it has been over a month since I have blogged here. It appears that Happy New Year wishes are in order. Wow! This past month+ has been quite busy and since I have been updating a few other sites as well I guess I just lost track that this one site idle for that period of time! Apologies to any of you wonderful folks - family, friends, or welcome visitors - that have been stopping by and wondering what the heck happened!!!

Many of you probably know about our holiday site, but in case you don't and you would like to check out our holiday fun...click here.

I have been working diligently on strength training and, specifically, reducing body fat. In a six week period from Thanksgiving to the beginning of Jan, I was able to reduce my body fat by over 3%. It is continuing to trend down (yes, I am keeping track of it on a trend chart) so I am very thrilled with the results. Still have much to do, but every day is new day!

I have also started taking some supplements as a result of reading a book called, "From Belly Fat to Belly Flat". Many of them I really should have been taking all along - DIM (improve estrogen metabolism), Calcium-D Glucarate (promotes detoxification process and supports hormonal balance), and B-Complex Vitamins to name a few. You can read more here.

That's it for now...don't want to over-do it right out of the box!

Hugs, Tina

ps - I promise to do a better job about blogging!

Riley on New Year's Day...one cool dude.

Lifestyle Changes and Products Used

I am asking increasingly more what I eat and/or what products I use. After sending an email that was rather lengthy, I decided to simply post it here for any and all to peruse.

I use Dr. Bronners liquid soap in shower and pure organic coconut oil (food section) for afterwards as lotion. Sometimes I may use organic Sesame Oil.

I use Burt's Bees peppermint face soap.

I use Giovanni organic shampoo, conditioner and hair spray.

I use Crystal deodorant (roll-on, pink lid).

For face makeup, I use a brand called Real Purity for all face products - makeup and face lotion. I really like it and I like getting their little one dollar samples to try out. That is how I bought everything - trying a sample first. Once in a while I will use Logona or Burt's Bee lip stuff.

I use Seventh Generation detergent for laundry. I also use their dish soap and dishwasher liquid.

I use some of Mrs. Meyers cleaning products and a couple of Method products (wood floor stuff).

No candles anymore - other than an occasional tea candle. No bug spray, no air fresheners, no perfumes in house.

Bamboo cutting board and knife that is used exclusively for vegan products.

All organic fruit, veggies, seeds and nuts. All organic products period. All vegan.
Nothing out of a can. Nothing microwaved.
No wheat. No sugar. No sodas. No packaged/processed food with man-made ingredients. No caffeine. No heating/cooking of food at all.

No drugs. At all. No pain relievers, no aspirin. No nothing. THAT is another big reason I eat the way I do. I no longer suffer from sinus headaches (had severe ones on a weekly/daily basis). I no longer suffer from cramps. It is amazing.

Filtered water only. No plastic water bottles at all - filtered water from fridge into SIGG container. At work, I will obtain my water from the large water cooler containers.

Limit plastic as much as possible - I have bought a lot of glass containers. Even for work, I take almost exclusively glass.

Besides water, the first thing I intake every morning is an 8 oz wheatgrass drink (Sheldon Farms freeze dried organic).

Next, I drink a green smoothie every morning which includes:
1 green leafy item (large handful of spinach or 5-6 kale leaves generally)
1 cucumber if I have one
1 banana
1 citrus (usually orange that I just cut skin off of and leave as much pith as possible)
1 frozen dark berry (blueberry, strawberry, cherry, blackberry, raspberry) or a combination - usually 1/2 - 1 cup or so
Tbs flax oil
3 Tbs hemp seeds
1 tsp spirulina
Sometimes I add a Tbsp coconut butter and/or 1-2 Tbsp brown rice protein powder (only rice product I intake)
If it tastes too green, add more water, a bit of lemon juice, or more cucumber

On some workdays, I just started eating organic oatmeal with 2 Tbsp of ground flaxseed, with a few raisins and walnuts. I have experimented with other supplemental items in it, but am paring it down to just flaxseed, raisins and walnuts,

Lunch is generally either a salad, veggie wrap (either in romaine leaf or Ezekiel sprouted wrap), or sunflower seed pate with veggies or wrap.

After workout, I try to have a shake with a banana, water, agave syrup and 1 Tbsp of brown rice protein powder (only rice product I intake)

Snacks are either fruit or veggie - try to have it with a protein source (nuts, seeds, nut butter).

Dinner is generally a salad, blended soup, or zucchini "pasta" with spaghetti sauce.

I try to have at least one cup of organic non-caff green tea each day.

I try not to eat anything after 6pm, but that often slips past just a bit.

Water, water, water.

Strength training 3-4 times a week.
Cardio 3-5 times a week.

I know to some this may all sound difficult or stringent, but I am addicted to wellness so I find all of this a no-brainer!!

I have said it often and will repeat it here - if you were given a "magic pill" to feel, think and look better, wouldn't you take it? If the "magic pill" was simply just eating and drinking what your body needs and craves anyway doesn't that sound pretty easy? It really is.

Just take one day at a time and try it. Add a little more whole foods to your life each day.

You can do it. You will love it.

Eat your veggies baby!
Tina

Happy September 2008!

Well, another milestone! I passed my one year anniversary of the implant surgery - surgery #2. Wow, I cannot believe how fast this year went by - so, so amazing. Big love to you all!

I just finished watching StandUp2Cancer - very inspiring. I have put a link to the right if you would like to learn more and how you can support it.

Riley started kindergarten on Tuesday and is loving it. He isn't loving not having a nap and was pretty much exhausted each night this week. He looks so grown-up and so sweet. Love it!

I have "upped" my exercise and eating habits this past week, but feel much more stressed about work and related events than I should. I can physically feel the stress in my body...gotta focus on releasing the stress better/more than I have been.

Lastly, still no home pc. That is why updates - and photos - have dried up considerably of late. But, be patient!

Conventional or Alternative Medicine?

It is a hard decision, but you should be proud of yourself for knowing to ask the question at all.

We all have a different path in life, both in wellness and in illness, yet we still can and do walk together. You must collect as much information as you can and make the best decision you can for yourself. Some will choose to do conventional medicine only, some prefer conventional and alternative, some only alternative...only you know what your commitment level is and what course you are comfortable with taking. Embrace your decision and do not second guess it. Ever.

This is another reminder that life is full of decisions and therefore inherent risks. The best part? You will be loved no matter what you decide to do.

Be well,
Tina

Father's Day 2008!

A big shout out to my dad, and all the wonderful dads, for Father's Day! You are great and I just want to say thanks. The first thing that comes to mind is that my dad taught me to always look for the good in people, even when they may not deserve it - thanks!

Love ya and have a great day, Tina

Tina (me) and my Daddy - circa 1964

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and all the other wonderful moms in the world. It is a big job and I just want to say thanks to my Mom for all the intangible gifts you have given - they really are the best!

Love and hugs,
Tina

Randy, Mommy, and Tina (me) circa 1964

Meet Up in NYC - Campbell's Were Absent

Okay, so Jack and I weren't able to go to NYC for the meetup with Kris Carr and the Crazy Sexy group this past weekend like I wanted - but I felt like we were there in spirit. We were completely bummed, but that is the way it turned out.

It is such a bummer to get laid off. What a contrast...in the same week I get a 25 year federal service pin* and Jack gets a severance package. Have a nice day.

All is good though. We went out to play tennis tonight, or should I say hit some balls around. I actually could hit a tennis ball. This is pretty big news. I have been working hard on my strength and I think it is paying off.

Hugs to all,
Tina

*What?! Can you believe that? And yes, I REALLY did start out as a teenager!
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Random Thoughts I recently shared with Jack:

I think we get a taste of the meaning of life when we are faced with a situation of immediate and/or intense fear - diagnosis of suspicious lump, a catastrophe, etc ...it is that moment of pure clarity that has so much life vitality. If I could bottle that feeling it would be the most wonderful gift I could ever give to anyone. The goal would be to live with that feeling right in front of you as often as possible. I can only describe the clarity like this - for brief moments you give yourself to the universe, everything feels connected, and anything seems possible.

The majority of us move through life with mediocrity - that's not to say we are unhappy with our lives, but it is to say humans tend to only do what needs to be done instead of making our dreams possible.

- Tina (me), March 19, 2008

St. Patrick's Day Wishes and Otherwise

Happy (early) St. Patty's Day!

Waking (late) on this glorious Sunday morning! My smoothie this morning was fresh young coconut water (right from the shell), 2 fresh organic mangoes, frozen organic strawberries and raspberries, 4 Tbs hemp protein powder, whole vanilla bean, and an organic banana! Yum, keeps me going for hours! Lunch was a superb kale salad with red peppers and pine nuts doused in lemon, olive oil, and sea salt (left over from the annual St Patty's Day party last night!) - yummy!

Yesterday was my "official" one year anniversary. I meant to get up to the jewelers and get a a new Pandora Charm for myself, but time got away from me...perhaps tomorrow!

Here's to another exceptionally green St. Patrick's Day to all!
Tina

Celebration!

Happy CAN-ceversary!

One Year Cancer Survivor!

Please share in my celebration this week and leave a comment here!

March 7, 2008

Happy Friday All,

Well, I just had my one year appointment with the surgeon that gave me my diagnosis last year (Edmiston), and all is good. All is fabulous! In one week I will be technically be considered a "One Year Cancer Survivor"! Wow, I can't believe all this craziness started a whole year ago. Oh, the mountains we can climb. And it is amazing what you can see when you get closer to the top.

Love and green veggies!
Tina

ps - Interesting - she said with a smile that it was time to "get on with life", and I replied with a smile, "oh yea". But of course, I did "get on with life" beginning March 15, 2007. And the climb continues...

March 4, 2008

Wow, what a month this has been....cruise, surgery, work, reading, getting energized to make some life changes, reading, enjoying family life, making edit suggestions to 4-Hour Workweek book, joining up with a patient advocacy group, volunteering to be the webmaster of a non-profit group, working out, trying to find more time to whip up some new raw recipes, producing a 1000+ photo presentation....whew, the list goes on. I love it.

Stayin' raw (but are you eating your greens?),
Tina