Life is for Living!
I decided a few months into my breast cancer diagnosis that life was meant for living. I was determined to change my attitude of despair into one of gratitude. So I have been living as though each day is a gift, especially despite the hard days when I have to step back, breathe and tell myself I will get through this and thrive, not just survive!
I have always believed in the body, mind and spirit connection. Personally, I started to look at what I could do to help me live a healthier life while on cancer treatments. I sought out a naturopath who studied oncology and uses the best vitamin and herbal remedies. I read books about cancer and I joined women's breast cancer groups. I surround myself with good, honest people, my dear family, friends, and counsellors who are there to guide and lift me up when I feel my own strength is diminished by living with this dreadful disease. And being stage 4, I am always waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop!
So please join me as I want to share with you the knowledge I have gained throughout my cancer journey. I sincerely hope it helps you or a loved one navigate this new landscape.
in gratitude,
xo Alexandra
Nourishment
Nourishing our bodies is vital while going through cancer treatments. I started with doing raw juices, protein smoothies, bone broths, and cutting out sugar and alcohol. For the first year I was pretty hard core! As I built up my strength and felt better I allowed myself treats like cake or an occasional glass of wine. Currently I follow a Mediterranean diet. Food is medicine. We don't want to reactivate those nasty cancer cells! But we also don't want to take the joy out of eating. Balance is key.
Exercise & Rest
Moving the body is essential for me. Its a proven mood booster = Dopamine! In the beginning stages of treatment it was incredibly challenging to do any exercise. Even getting out for a walk around the block would leave me breathless! Little by little my walks became easier, I started doing restorative yoga and strengthening exercise online with Inspire Health, supportive cancer care. I do Qigong a few times a week. I know the body needs rest as much as it needs exercise in order to heal, especially while doing chemo. In the beginning I used sleeping pills as chemo caused me to have insomnia. I tried melatonin but it had the opposite effect on me! These days if I have issues with sleep I use magnesium, meditation music, and calming essential oils to help me sleep soundly.
P.S. This photo is of my grandson and I racing at the school's annual Terry Fox Run to raise awareness and money for cancer research in Canada.
Complimentary Therapies
I use high dose Vitamin C by IV, mistletoe injections, as well as taking supplements. After doing extensive research on the use of cannabis I have included it in my healing routine. Fortunately I live in Canada where it is legal.In the beginning I was only using CBD but found out that THC is actually the part of the plant that kills cancer cells. CBD is good for pain relief though! My journey led me to Rick Simpson Oil. A (PDF) which includes dosing, more info is on My Shop for Self Care page.
I have also been doing acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage. Art therapy/pottery classes also for keeping me focused on the good things in life!
Faith
Spending time in nature for me is part of my healing journey. Getting into the woods or near the ocean is wonderful and grounding. But the best healing comes from my faith. I believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord. I am a new Catholic and feel like this has brought me some of the most profound healing yet. I give my worries to Him. And I trust that He hears me. Hallelujah.