Ovarian Cancer Research: Two Steps Forward and One Step Back?

It has not been a good week for ovarian cancer news. Here’s what I’ve read in the last 48 hours ………

Article one: Following a two-year study, researchers at John Hopkins’ have determined that ascites, a fluid that may be present in ovarian cancer cases, is capable of suppressing the T cells of the immune system, leaving the cancer free to roam and spread freely.

Article two: Researchers have admitted to erring in the study of ovarian cancer. It appears that they have lumped all ovarian cancers together when, in actuality, each form of ovarian cancer should have been studied individually. Given that there is such a broad range of ovarian cancer types, shouldn’t that have been the first variable considered?

These news releases are not exactly what I have been waiting to hear. Breakthroughs, miracle cures, magic pills; these are things that I want to read about. You know, like those miracle diet pills that were promoted years ago, where you take one pill and wake up slimmer! Well, I want one where I take a pill and wake up cancer free!

Okay, I’m not really that unrealistic. And I’m sure that somewhere there are amazing advancements being made in the fight against ovarian cancer.

But in my world, this is what I saw this week.

On the flip side, I purchased the second “Crazy Sexy Cancer” book and although I haven’t had time to just sit and read, I’ve taken a quick tour of the book and it looks like it’s as cool as the first one. I’ll blog more about it when I have a chance.

On a more humbling note, I found a reference on another blog (which unfortunately I forgot to bookmark) that included a statement that really hit home and utilizes the five stages of grief – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. It went something like this:

“If I were given only five weeks to live, I could spend one week on each stage of grief with the final week being one of acceptance. Or, I could just skip the first four stages, accept my fate, and enjoy all five weeks!” (I will identify the author and post a connection to this blog when I find it again.)

Words to live by!!

Until next time …..

~ B-Optimistic ~

Forming Good Dietary Habits is a Full-Time Job!!

Well, it has been two weeks since my first visit to a naturopathic doctor and it seems that the majority of my time since then has been spent verifying the benefits and side effects of her recommendations and working them into my day. Being one to never jump in head first, I actually took the first week to decide which ones to actually use.

The biggest hurdle I have found thus far is keeping track of these dietary additions. Although a couple of the good “doctor’s” suggestions have been sidelined for the time being, I have gradually incorporated quite a few which complement what I had already been doing. I find, however, that I am constantly watching the clock to see when I am supposed to prepare and ingest my next concoction, be it apple cider vinegar and honey or one of those “green” elixirs that are supposedly liquid gold for my body.

I also expect to see benefits right away, even though I am still trying to get into a routine. I have probably only managed to accomplish, on any given day, about 30% of what has been recommended.

I know. I need to be patient. After all, it has taken my body more than 50 years to get into the “shape” it is in now. I can't actually expect too much in one week, right? However, I tend to lose interest in things if I don’t see an immediate result; which means I also need to change the thought processes that oversee my staying power and to remember the golden rule: It takes three weeks to form a habit! Wish me luck with that one …..

To make the daily regime easier for me, I made a chart to help me visualize which supplements and elixirs I need to consume before, during, and following each meal. I have even developed a checklist so that I can see what I have actually managed to accomplish each day, including sections for water, fruits, and veggies to ensure that these essentials do not get overlooked.

So far I would estimate that I am achieving 30% of my goals. Not so good; but not bad either. That is 1/3 of the way closer to a healthier lifestyle than I was a week ago. Be it my imagination or fact, I think I see a difference in my colouring and overall digestion already. The colouring change could be due to the loss of my summer tan though, and I expect the latter change has a lot to do with the reduction of sugar in my diet. But I am not naïve; the other amendments and additions probably count - even in such a short period of time. Oh, and I have even dropped a few pounds!! Bonus!

But now I have to scoot. I need to check off the apple cider/honey box and see what is next. I am hoping it is breakfast!!

Until next time ……

B-Optimistic!