Just BREATHE...

I find it interesting that tumors thrive in a low oxygen environment, mostly because I often notice my breathing to be so shallow it is almost inaudible.  Even more interesting many years ago a holistic doctor, Dr. Rappaport, suggested HeartMath as part of my take home recommendations.  Hmmm.
It took me several years, I believe 5, to actually buy the EMwave2 device. But of course, I have and own it, because it is to be part of my healing protocol, 8 years later. They didn't  call me 'Grandma St.' in grade school for nothin;)

HeartMath scientifically monitors your emotional and physical health - and helps you improve it.
50% drop in fatigue
46% drop in anxiety
60% drop in depression
24% improvement in the ability to focus
25% improvement in listening ability
30% improvement in sleep

Time to add this to my daily regime and break out the heart math device.  Now where did that little device end up?  Aha found it! Yesterday I did my first 20 min. session and felt absolutely fabulous afterwards!  Cloud nine.   Best part: I felt some lysing pains on my tumor 13 min into the session. Certainly I can find time in my day to clip on an ear heart rate sensor to get into some seriously deep breathing all the while focusing on happy thoughts aimed at my heart.  I'm sure I am oversimplifying the process...it would be best to check it out firsthand at the HeartMath website.   Whether it be mindfulness meditation, HeartMath, or watching re-runs of Carol Burnett, HAPPINESS needs to be a HABIT!  Catchy eh? That should help me remember to smile throughout my day:). What will you do today for some fun and heart smiling?

Ketosis and Cancer

Is cancer a metabolic disease?  This is my latest target of research since this theory was why I was encouraged to start the Ketogenic Diet in the first place. The genetic theory of cancer is fading and the opinion that cancer is the effect of impaired mitochondrial function and energy metabolism has been gaining traction.  The best read on this is "Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer".  Since I don't have the medical bandwidth or time, I have thusfar relied on other articles (see below) for a quicker synopsis.  The author does speak positively to Ketogenic diet for cancer and other health crisis'. Enter my eating habits since November.

What I am learning today is perfectly timed since I've been looking for more precise info on KD and cancer.  Progress...it seems I should be doing the KETO diet without all of the cheesy recipes that you find on most Keto blogs and is typically allowed on the diet.  After further clarification, raw and cultured butter/dairy is good, however most processed cheeses and dairy are a 'no-go" for the metabolic treatment of this disease.  So these (pictured-nope. I am not a foodies photographer) mozzerella laden yummy keto breadsticks will not be a staple for me <sigh> something I know my boys will be very happy to hear:)  They really do not taste GF, but then again why would they, they are delishously half mozzerella!

From what I just heard via the Mercola/D'Agnosino YouTube interview, the 14-day bone broth fast I did was the recommended as the fastest way to get into nutritonal ketosis. Check. Another tip I got was to check out Elaine Cantin's website.  She chose to treat her breast cancer from the inside out with diet as a staple, and likely has some great tips on non-dairy keto ideas.

All done for now.  The window is closing (did I mention I am doing intermittent fasting?). Time to get in some good fats.

*Interestingly enough Ketogenic diets also have been shown to help many other diseases and conditions including seizures, autism, type I & II diabetes, heart disease, nuerological disorders among others.  Check out this site for more info.

Medical studies and articles:
Ketogenic Diet and Hyperbaric Oxygen? An additive effect together with HBOT 3x weeks.
Cancer as a Metabolic Disease

Don't worry...it will get bigger

Ignoring the little voice inside? No worries.  It gets louder, or in my case, bigger. The news in November of my breast harboring a fugitive cell grouping (ie: invasive ductal carcinoma) was a bit alarming. Yet oddly enough, this news gave me a sense of resolve. This too shall pass, with some cleaning up inside, that is.  Mind, body and spirit.

So I jumped in, all in, on day 1.  Launching into a bone broth cleanse, I knew my body needed a healthy reset to begin this journey of re-balancing.  A little nudge from the masterful Puja Wentworth was all I needed and off I went on a 14-day bone broth cleanse.  Wahoo:)  It's nothing new, bone broth, Mom-mom knew what she was doing when she handed us a bowlful of broth soup, with those tiny little balls.  From there into a Ketogenic diet (for a good read on the thinking with this one click here).  There are many...and I mean MANY...different opinions on what diet is most helpful when dealing with cancer. But since I was fairly well versed in Paleo cooking since my eldest has wheat, soy and corn allergies, no grain baking and cooking was an easier leap.  So here I am 2.5 months in still doing the KETO and Intermittent fasting.  Good news...my weight is at the top end of ideal for my height (as stated by my most recent visit to an oncologist).  Bad news, no wine.  Sugar is a very distant memory.  But

SWERVE has come to my rescue to fulfill the occasional sweet tooth need, thank goodness.

So this will become my spot to share what I am learning and doing on this personal healing journey.  A place where my friends and family can go to see what I am up to.  Time will tell how often I will blog.

Now off to snag one of those phony chocolate peanut butter cups during my eating window (block of time I am not fasting)

Toodles.