100 Perks of Having Cancer: Plus 100 Health Tips for Surviving It (23 page)

Perk #20

Cancer Helped Me

to Stop and Smell the Roses

O
ne of the more pleasant perks of having cancer was having quality time

to spend with my dog, Patches. I recall walking Patches one beautiful

fall day, the sky was cloudless, and there was just enough chill in the air to

put a spring in my step. On my walk, I noticed some late-season wild roses

in bloom, and I took the time to literally stop and smell the roses. Their

heavenly scent seemed to fill my body with a healing vibration.

Before cancer, I probably would not have taken the opportunity to go

outside and enjoy such a perfect day. Even if I was not at work, I would be

looking around the house at the mounds of laundry, mutant dust bunnies,

and stacks of unopened mail all vying for my attention. But that day I said,

“The housework will always be here, but this beautiful day won’t. I’m taking

Patches for a walk!” And I am glad I did. The following day was a chemo

day, and I knew that over the following week or so, I would draw upon that

pleasant memory many times to help me through the rough days, and I did.

Even if you do not feel well enough to take a walk, get outside

and enjoy the fresh air. There is something about being outdoors

that revs the spirit and makes you happy just to be alive.

HEALTH TIP #20

When on a Nature Walk, Don’t Forget the Blackberry

L
eave your phones at home, because I’m talking about the superfruits.

Blackberries may just be my favorite weapon against cancer. Most vari-

eties of berries contain the same healthy benefits. Mainly, they are all very

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100 Perks of Having Cancer

high in antioxidants and specific plant-based, cancer-fighting chemicals. The

antioxidants in berries make it easier for our body to process the toxins we

come in contact with every day and protect our immunity. Also contained

in that succulent little fruit are substances like quercetin and ellagic acid,

which may have direct tumor-killing actions. Animal studies conducted at

the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center show that a diet

consisting of 10 percent black raspberries slowed tumor growth. The results

of the animal study were so dramatic that funding was secured to study the

effect of the berries on people with esophageal cancer.

Eating blackberries . . . that’s my kind of research trial!

Researchers say the key lies in the combination of cancer-fighting sub-

stances in the berries. Berries contain more than ten different

substances that can fight or protect from cancer. The belief

is that it’s not one particular part of the blackberry

that fights the cancer, but it’s the action of the dif-

ferent substances working together that have the

cancer-killing effect when eaten as a whole food,

which is a good argument for focusing your can-

cer-fighting efforts by eating healthy foods rather

than relying on too many supplements.

In the news recently, there has been the suggestion that taking aspirin

may have some protective qualities from certain types of cancer. Interest-

ingly, berries contain salicylic acid, the same anti-inflammatory component

in aspirin that is believed to protect from cancer. It won’t be long before

doctors are saying, “Take two pints of berries and call me in the morning.”

Any berry has benefits, but to get your money’s worth, look for the dark-

est colors, like the blackberry, blueberry, and cranberry. Organic is always

better because the pesticides can settle into the nooks and crannies of the

berry and be hard to wash off, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying

them. The benefits of those gorgeous juicy morsels far outweigh the negative

pesticide effects.

Freeze-dried berries are great to have around to throw into shakes or

cereals, and you don’t have to worry about them going bad or being mushy.

Berries are also great in recipes. Try this blueberry salad dressing for a

healthy change from fatty, boring ranch:

Perk #20: Cancer Made Me Stop and Smell the Roses

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BLUEBERRY DRESSING

YIELD: 1 CUP OF DRESSING

1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

Each serving has 72 calories

and 6.7 grams of fat

Wash blueberries (if fresh) or let defrost in fridge according to package

directions if frozen. Blend blueberries, agave, vinegar, pepper, and soy

sauce in a blender till smooth. After ingredients are blended into a

smooth liquid, set blender on slow speed and slowly drizzle in the oil

to emulsify. Serve on a healthy salad of dark greens, nuts, seeds, veggies,

and fruit. (Courtesy of Healthful Habits, Inc.)

Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine, and

medicine be your food.” So be sure to include cancer-

fighting berries in your diet whenever you can!

Perk #21

I Didn’t Have to Buy

a Halloween Costume

I
love Halloween, but I often agonize

about finding the perfect costume. I

love to see the look on the children’s

faces when I open the door wearing my

costume to hand out treats. Some years

I would go the scary route and dress up

as a wicked witch or a bloodthirsty vam-

pire. Other years I would pretty myself

up as a garden fairy or a blue butterfly.

My all-time best costume, however, was

when I had cancer and I didn’t dress up

at all! I ask you solemnly, is there any-

thing scarier looking than a bald, middle-

aged woman?

Work with what you’ve got! Go bald and attach some pointy ears for a very

realistic space alien look; wear a diaper and carry a baby bottle; or paint

your head to look like a Jack-O-Lantern. The possibilities are endless.

HEALTH TIP #21

Blood Is Fun on Halloween,

but Not in Your Morning Routine

I
wasn’t trying to rhyme, but if it helps you to remember this health tip

when you’re brushing your teeth, then all the better! Blood in the sink

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Perk #21: I Didn’t Have to Buy a Halloween Costume

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after you brush is the telltale sign of unhealthy gums. Other signs of gum

disease or
gingivitis
are gum redness, swelling, and tenderness. It’s estimated

that about 78 percent of people have some signs of gum disease. It’s prob-

ably no big news flash that daily flossing will reduce your risk of gum dis-