Hi everybody..Thanks for the advice on using lemons in the green juice. So, i just peel it and stick it in the juicer?? Yeah, yeah dumb question i know but it had to be asked…anybody know anything about blue green algae? Also, bee pollen? Just stuff i’ve been thinking about. Also, regarding sprouts, for some reason all i can find in my grocery is alfalfa sprouts. They are really tasty but wondering if i should be looking for the sweet pea sprouts as well. Ok, last question…colon cleansing?? I came upon this site http://www.blessedherbs.com. I am considering it but am a little aprehensive…i need opinions please!!! Thanks Kris as always, your the best!!!
MichelleJ

I was treated at Dana Farber in Boston and also have family members as Oncologist at that hospital. I will preface this by saying that I was treated very well at this fabulous institution and never felt like a ‘number’ in the sea of cancer patients. However, it always baffled me about what they served to the patients. At every corner on the chemo floor, radiation floor and Dana 9….where the Breast Center lives is constant junk food. Sure, there is water and the occasional piece of fruit, but there is ALWAYS candy, cookies, chips, coffee, muffins, peanut butter (the processed kind too), graham crackers….you name it. Sugar is the WORST thing for a cancer patient and yet everywhere you go is a basket of candy. I also had some surgeries and although I choose my meals wisely (or at least I thought wisely) the food was so not up to par. My family would have to bring food into me. It is amazing that they are so quick to hand out any kind of drug and yet the most powerful medicine, health and nutrition takes such a back seat.

Kris, have you approached the Zakim Center at Dana Farber? I know your doctor is at Dana Farber so you may already be connected, but I may be able to help too. My family is well connected within the Dana Farber so I can put you in touch with my sister, hematology oncology at DFCI/Brigham if you want. She is very involved with the Zakim Center. (I would love to help too and get involved one way or another.) I utilized the Zakim Center for Rekei massages and other services during chemo and radiation treatments. (I grew up just outside of Boston before moving to Ct. so I basically moved back into my old bedroom and let my parents and sister take care of me while my husband and baby sitter held down the fort and my two little kids.)

Although we are basically told we have to trust modern medicine because that is what society says, yet we all know that we can’t assume just because doctors say something means that is the end all. My father is a holistic dentist and very knowledgeable in alternative care so it was especially difficult for him to see me so poisoned by chemo and radiation. I wonder and I don’t know if this is even healthy to think about, but could I have tempted fate and reversed my cancer by moving to Hipprocates and changing my lifestyle or did I need to spend a year feeling like ass and poisoning myself. I suspect that it is a true combination of modern medicine, alternative care, raw diet and wheatgrass. There is something to be said for modern medicine and deep down I know that is what I needed, but I question why the rest of the equation of health and vitality is ignored. I have always struggled with the fact that I was healthy, in great shape and physically strong when I was diagnosed, and it was the medicine that is supposed to heal me that made me so sick….and I have yet to feel as strong, although quickly gaining on it. My dad has been pushing me to Hipprocates for quite sometime and I am saving and saving to make the trip…..hopefully by the summer I can figure out a way to make it work. Because of the cancer year money is really tight, but my lively hood and vitality is of utmost important so somehow I will figure this out. Anyway, I guess I can’t look back and only forward to make sure I don’t have another bout with cancer….or any other compromising disease. I have so much to live for and so much to give the world. The shock and awe of having cancer still blows me away, but I just take that and turn it into a mission of health, vitality and love for life and my family. I wish you all the same!

Kris, I would love to get involved and help in anyway I can. I find sticking together and talking is so inspirational.

Thanks all!
-Laura

Kris,
I think you are so right. You can reverse so much with the raw diet. I joke and play a lot but this is very serious and I have spent the last 15 years fighting a battle with Gulf War Syndrome and AlS and now Diabetes with my husband. All the men he went on a mission with got very ill 12 out of 13 died. This is my opinion.. but 15 years ago when we finally found a dr. that didn’t say go home and get ready to die. We have been to the point of deciding to put in a vent and feeding tube and she his wonderful dr.sent me a macrobiotic diet and an all vegan program. And she said if he cannot chew or handle the food puree it and blend it and juice it .. just get it in him. It saved his life. After he regained a lot of his health.. Stupidly- We got very very lazy and took some of this health for granted and along came kris and it hit while we were in a huge health problem. 80 days in the house and we were asked several times to put him in the hospital and I refused if we can stay out of hospitals he stays more healthy … Six years after he was diagnoised I was diag. with bone canser. Along with many of the wives that handled and washed uniforms and handled equipment. All of us have gotten weird and very rare cancers. My cancer was a single tumor that is only seen in children from ages 3-7. it was in the marrow and was 27 inches long and 4 inches wide.. unreal. Luckily some of us are chronic and some are well. So that was a blessing. All of this leads to a point. First in the last three months my husband has gone from having 6 seizures a day to one or none in two or three days. He has also his diabetes to battle… has been completely reversed. His specialist told him not to get off this diet and not to take meds again. Just take the sugar levels and make sure it doesn’t change. His movements and brain to nerve reponse time has double. he can get a fork to his mouth.. type and enjoy moving with some responces that he wants. his brain and thoughts are clear. he sleeps everynight. He has not been this clear and healthy even in the good year. I have also seen steriod weight and pain on myself and my husband lower to liveable points. Meds in this house has gone down trememdously. I am in awe. We have to live in a very controlled enviorment because Duncan has NO I mean NO immune system.. Or lets say he didn’t the wheatgrass has made an enormous difference. he has even been able to go out to dinner with friends and go to study groups and to the mission and visit. It is wonderful to know he can walk into a grocery store and not come out with the flu or a cold. He even walked today… walked.. I do feel that this diet can make miracles happen .. the commitment to all the work.. the enemas and the food.. the meditation and the exercise. And make it your duty to be right and live.. Doctors do not know it all. I have changed my missions meals… I have also changed the options the people I work with have. We are supplying vitamins and supplements along with out flu shots.. and fruits and veggies and healthy snacks ,… I have still stocked chocolate and cokes.. I am not about to ask a homeless person not to have a coke. But at least I know they have the choice to have a better meal.. And we are meeting with the homeless coalition and writing a program to allow our customers to have healthcare paid thru us along with nutrition study and classes on how to buy food and eat in a way that will keep them healthy. I think we can all make a difference. I felt compelled to write tonight. I am sitting in my office again.. I got called in because we had a few sick babies that needed a dr. so I had to get one to come out and get these babies some care and send someone after some meds.. the I see children 2 and over drinking milk and they all have runny noses and coughs.. trying to talk to these young moms is impossible… They have so many problems this is not something you can just blurt out. but they get that going to bed with a bottle tonight is not a good thing.. Thanks to my pediatrician…but anitbiotics only work so much.. these babies could sleep thru the night if we relieved the mucus.. anyway… the whole point is this program has healed and began a change in my life I will never stop. And the wheatgrass enemas.. and shots in the morning has changed our lives.. I can see the health.. And everyone is asking me if I had botox,, hahah.. they want to know how with this schedule can I seem so rested.. because I dont need a drug to sleep because of pain for a change… but it takes the whole change but it cannot change in a day. it takes time. Thanks for listening.
Kris you are a rockstar!!!! thanks for all this work and thanks for caring enough to answer personal questions and giving us such good info. Hugs. Callie

Thanks BAV!!! I dont think husband cutie pie would agree with you that I am human tonight.. hahahaa.. thanks so much.. and funny thing is I have you in my head as this sage peaceful force of nature and cannot imagine you freaking out.. haha Well I am talking to much the mission is dark, the babies are coughing and I have to lock up and go home again..again…. oh me oh my… but it is nice to sit at my desk and not have the laptop in the basement like this morning chekcing this site.. it is so much support. Susan told me that if you havent had cancer you really dont know that level of tired.. well she is right.. I ache.. I guess the marcaine is finally wearing off fromt he epidural… I will be dying tomorrow.. lets be positivie maybe not. Sending you cyber hug. thanks girlfriend. Callie

Oh you can get mung bean sprouts and all kind of sprouts at asian markets and all kinds of dark greens and herbs.. cheap.. they also have many types of beans you can sprout yourself.. healthfood stores will order a flat of wheatgrass…Michelle you doing great just look in the differnt stores.. ethinic food stores have radishes, greens, and different kales. Farmers have collards, and turnip greens.. and there are many organic farmers now. Good Luck

Laura.. how brilliant.. I tell you the best thing in the world is to take an idea and just do it. Like you I went into surgery and chemo and radiation and felt like I was dying. I went into the hopsital thinking I tore a ligament in my knee and left after being hacked up, poisoned and zapped. I have often wondered if I would have had a chance to really be educated and think.. would I have taken the same road. Would I take the same route again. No.. I would choice differently. I have reoccurances but then in a month they shrink and go down and are non-responsive to growth. I hate that sentance. I am going to HHI in the late spring. I hope I meet you there. I work as a mission owner and a facilitator and I am very interested in moving into a movement to make a change in the care of cancer patients. If I can I plan to make a nationwide movement and begin a plan to offer hospital a new idea about nutrition and patient care..we can attack this from a country wide approach. I have just finished writing a few grant request and this one subject will have me up writing a proposal to begin the fight. My Mission is basic missions.. the web site is nor up now but will be on Dec. 15th and we are going to battle.. this fight has come to Alabama.. God help us.. haha.. But I have learned the best place to start something lasting.. Is bring it to the women.. Put it in front of the Junior League in you area.. Get it to the city council! I’ll keep you posted on how it goes here. Since I am still above ground ha I plan on making a change Urban Zen.. is a fabulous plan and it is a model for health and dignity and food care in hopsital, hospice and home care… check it out. And get geared up we women can ban together and make a difference.

Well enough… I was so touched by your post and BAV and Kris and I have written three post in a row. I am closing the machine.. Many Blessings new friend. Callie

I just SSSOOO want to thank you!!
My daughter was diagnosed with cervical cancer 3 years ago, it went into remission, then came back last year.
I DVR Oprah every day but didn’t watch Tuesday Oct 22 til Saturday the 27 th. I missed your movie!! I ordered the book and movie on DVD but was disappointed. I am “on the list” for the DVD.
I live 600 miles from my daughter and have felt so hopeless and helpless!! Now there is hope! I bought her your book (you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink) I hope she “drinks”.
I will be in line for your juicer!! THANK YOU!!
Here’s to GREEN martinis !
XOXOXO

Laura,

I have thought the same thing about the damn baskets of candy! I live west of Boston, and have an oncologist at a local hospital, as well as one at Dana Farber. I LOVE both of them. They are kind, caring, knowledgeable, kick ass guys. But what is it about the sugar? While in the chemo chair on Monday, a nurse came around with a basket of crap: processed crackers/cookies. Ick.
I mentioned earlier that my NP said “no raw” when my white blood count was down. I ignored her. My onc., to his credit, was very supportive.
And, like you, Laura, I was in great shape before my diagnosis! Had just lost 20 lbs., was running every day, lifting weights, eating well. I have 4 treatments left. Need to get the energy back! It will happen, thanks in a large part to the veggies!
Thank you all for continuing to offer advice and comfort.

Hi Everyone,
On the homepage of the Doctoryourself. com website is an opening letter that includes the following: “I have seen the foolishness of conventional disease care wisdom. I have seen hospitals feed white bread to patients with bowel cancer and hospitals feed “Jello” to leukemia patients. I have seen schools feed bright red “Slush Puppies” to 7 year olds for lunch and I have seen children vomit up a desk-top full of red crud afterwards. And, I have seen those same children later line up at the school nurse for hyperactivity drugs.

I have seen hospital patients allowed to go two weeks without a bowel movement. I have seen patients told that they have six months to live when they might live sixty months. I have seen people recover from serious illness, only to have their physician berate them for having used natural healing methods to do so. I have seen infants spit up formula while their mothers were advised not to breast feed. I’ve seen better ingredients in dog food than in the average school or hospital lunch.

And I have seen enough. “

I have been juicing for a few years. I have an Acme 6001 that I use filters in to make clean-up easy. My boyfriend (who bought me the juicer in 2001) has been juicing since the ’60′s. He’s never been in the hospital and his skin is absolutely gorgeous! Once you start reading about juicing, raw foods and vitamins it’s a wonder that it isn’t on the news. But I think Kris is doing a great job of getting the word out!!!!
Take care, Diane

Re Cheryl: (Sugar)

Cheryl, I think it’s their way of making SURE that they don’t lose their “customers” and that you’ll visit them again… ;-)

Ok…you know I’m only kidding… but, might be on an unconscious level huh ?

Clint

THANKS ALOT Kris! :)
I read her your posts on the phone – she said “thank you so much!!!” she was thrilled by all the info! (me too!:) and I emailed the posts to her too. She’s gonna get the books- thanks for the particular recommendations! Your super sweet for taking the time to answer my questions! She’s open to all your recommendations, and is going to start putting them to use. Ironically one day after her bad heart news, today she going in for her 6 month mammo…geez lots of stuff for her to have to think about all at once in 2 days. She’s a trooper tho!
Thanks for the amazing 100% raw full reversal secret and all the daily steps to take! Really that info is awesome!!! Man wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could have the time,energy, and motivation too live raw 100% every single day! dream on lol (at least for me lol!)
I LOVE that raw for 30 days video clip, I actually watched it a few days after I had got your book, because I went to all the links you had in the back of the book, so I had spent some time at the Tree of Life site, and seen the video clip thru there. I actually had sent my aunt that link about a month ago, and we have talked about it quite a bit over the last month.

Take care of yourself !! and get some rest :) seems like your soooo busy, I’m sure between your crazy schedule and this busy blog, I bet you and the hubby could use a deserted island for the weekend or a week right about now lol :) try not to burn out, and take some time to veg out and relax :)

Bav ~ Thanks for all your info too!! :) i got more specifics- real quick then I gotta go,
Heart not enlarged but has left ventricular ejection fraction 73% .
She’s down to only 2.5 mg 1x a day of glyburide (it used to be 5, but since the omega 3 regimen her blood sugar is way better).
She’s only had a racing heart once (recently, which is what made her go see her doc.), palpitations now and then, and she said she doesn’t get light headed, but does get short breath only if extremely overexerted.
her A1C fluctuates from 6.5-7.0
(currently its 7.0)

Oh and Kris she thought your “Big love and crazy sexy hugs to your aunt.” was just in her words “ahhh thats so sweet!”
thanks again for everything!

Happy Friday!!!
The week is over!! I stayed so late anf finished for the week. So I am offically off for three days. I am thrilled. I was exhausted. I think we learned alesson last night.. My husband cutie pie was dying for a blueberry muffin and he ate one and heacache and lack of sleep and feeling drugged hit him like a tons of briks. But those bricks are the brick os knowledge=white flour, white sugar, fruit after supper, chemicals and additives including msg. Bless his heart he hardly slept all night. I swore he wasn’t doing that again he has been feeling to good,

Well ladies I am heading to the univesity library to do some hevy duty research on the new initiative (Basic Health) Give me ten days and I will have a mandate written and be on the spot with hustling for donations for hospitals to change thier food and lobbying. I no longer thinnnnk small.. I really reached wtih basic Missions and boom it has given me a life i can run from my home most of the week. So I am reaching for the stars. Have a juicy, greem, wheatgrassy, sassy Day!
Hugs and peace.
Callie

how expensive is a three week stay at Hippocrates? I’m seriously considering going….

Hi everyone. I have to confess. My boyfriend and I broke down yesterday & had fast food. I just keep telling myself that we have to just keep trying and just keep taking little steps. So I figure we had our first green smoothie yesterday, we’re doing the Colonix cleanse and we slipped up but we’re still making some good changes too. *phew* My bday is tomorrow so I’m gonna have some cake with friends, but I’m also gonna try another green smoothie. Hopefully my avocado is ripe enough and I can tweak the ingredients to make it a little more drinkable!

Michelle J – My friends tried the one of the programs through http://www.blessedherbs.com and really really liked it. Said she was shocked at the stuff that came out of her! . I was considering it but right now my bf and I are doing the Dr. Natura colonix. It’s working on him really well but so far not much on me. This might be to much info but I’m generally constipated as is so I guess maybe that’s why it’s not doing quite as much as it would on a regular person? But it’s only Day 6 and at least I’m having a bm everyday instead of 2-3xweek. :|

PS: Christin ><>
Depends on your finances I guess. It’s far to much for me. I emailed them for information and the lady who emailed me back was really helpful. The cost depends on the type of room you book as well (if it’s by yourself or if you’re willing to share a room). I would suggest emailing their info email.

Hi Kris,

I really love your blog and all your advice. I don’t have cancer, but am really scared of it, so I try to take (somewhat) good care of myself and eat good things. I haven’t kicked all bad food away yet, but I definitely eat a lot of raw veggies, and hardy any meat.

I have a little question about the lemon… how can it help alkalinity, when it’s sooooo acidic (between pH 2-3)?

Thanks! And as you say it so well, peace and veggies!

Hey Kris and all you canser chronic gals and chaps!
Today I am 4 weeks at about 99% all raw and it ROCKS! I have a onc appt on Dec 19th and I hope to report that my white blood cell is on it’s way down.. I feel so much energy even the craziest day seems easy! Now to take over the world.. well, at least elimanate the remains of the SAD in my home and convert my family…

I am inspired to start a blog…wait for it…Debbie Does Raw…better to make yourself the punchline before everyone else does..ha ha!

BTW, the 30 Day Raw trailer made me cry.. wish my Dad who was insulin dependent most of his life would have had a chance to try that.. he died at 58, also with a form of leukemia…That is not the way I intend to go out people!

Look for my blog link in my next comment,

Thanks and loads of love and veggie to Kris, you set me on this path and may have saved my life..if you ever come to southern cal, you and your hubby always have a place to stay with my family! Come see the Rose Parade!
love and kisses
Debbie
CLL survivor and chronic liver of life xoxooxoxoxo

Hey Cheryl,
West of Boston….that is where I grew up. What local hospital are you going to other than the Farber. We should connect. I go back to the Farber every few months for follows ups and to visit my family who is in Wayland and Newton. I now live in Connecticut Are you having chemo at the Farber? If so, I know Dana 10 quite well. If you don’t mind me asking, what type of cancer do you have? Be strong through these last treatments and treat your body right. I know how hard it is to resist certain foods during treatments, but do what you can and think positive. You WILL feel like your old self again, probably stronger. I have found that this horrible experience of cancer, chemo, radiation, scars and the emotionality of realizing the finality of life to have turned into a positive experience of health and vitality. Of course I look so different now. I have literally no breasts and am still growing in my hair from chemo. I feel different because of the hormone therapy I am on….but I can truly say I have a truly different outlook on life. I didn’t feel this way during treatments, but now that I am continuing to heal and enjoy the daily pleasures of life I can say it and mean it. I feel fortunate to have had the resources of Dana Farber and now I feel just as fortunate to be part of this group of people who strive for full health and vitality.

I want to share with all of you the mantra from my Yoga class today. It was “That I am….I am that.” “So H-am, H-am So” It was very spiritual being able to go deep inside myself and decide who I am and what I am. With each posture, stretch, breath in and out we said those words to ourselves. I know I am healthy, I know I will live beyond survival and I know I will continue to cleanse and heal from the inside. I know you all will too. Just checking into this blog and into each other is a huge component of our vitality. When the days get dark, and they will, keep checking in and remembering each other’s survival. Have your veggies and drinks and continue to live for the moment, each and every moment. Be strong and kick cancers ass please!

PS: My 5-year old JUST (about 10 minutes) lost his FIRST tooth…..what a great reminder of the simple excitements and innocence of life. The look of accomplishment on his face was priceless!

Hello everybody!!!
Jamie: thanks for the suggestion, i think there is some sort of juice bar near me called Fuel, i will check it out…
Justme117: I juiced this morning and put a whole lemon in with the greens and i found it way to sour for my taste! I even added a small apple for sweetness and didn’t taste it at all. Hey, but i feel healthy!!!! :O)
Debbie: You ROCK, i am so glad you are doing well with your CLL, i think i told you my mom has CLL and i am slowly getting her to incorporate more green juice and raw into her diet.
So, all in all i am lovin the juicer i got for my birthday and all the fun stuff changing my diet.
Oh and Jamie thanks for the info on Blessedherbs. I am thinking i may try it. I want to feel clean on the inside too!!! Love to Kris, you ROCK my friend, and to all of us crazy sexy lovers of life!
Michelle

I’ve been juicing for a couple of weeks now, and I am one mad juicer! This morning I took the pulp and ran it through my juicer 4 more times, and each time I got more juice! Is it OK to use lime instead of lemon? I just like it better. Can anyone tell me if the wheatgrass capsules are as good as the real thing, or close? My grocery store sells wheat grass in this little 4″x4″ package, and it doesn’t seem like that would go very far. And our local Smoothie King sells shots of it, but it is $2.00 for 1 oz.

Kris, I just bought your book yesterday, and I’m already half way done! I’ve needed some tissues, but I laugh a lot too. I just love that you aren’t all polite and tip-toeing around the subject. Cancer is all around me. My Grandma is a breast canser survivor! (She Rocks!) My father-in-law is currently going through chemo for a tumor in his lung. I lost my step-father (he raised me) and last year my husband lost his mom, all to canser.
It has made me realize how fragile our bodies are. Srong, and yet so fragile, you know, and how we need to WAKE UP and smell the veggies!. The old saying you are what you eat!

Jennifer

ok just me… so is it the green taste like your drinking your lawn clipping part that is not working for you. Try this… I think of my favorite green salad and dont go bitter… say 2 cucumbers, squeeze of lemon, celery stalk, spinach, avacado. If you like mexican guacamole hit for that taster. remember the food combos you love .. what fav. salad dressing add some tastes to get you going.. cilantro will make it bright. and rosemary woody.. so stay away from woody. Mint would be lovely with the lemon and cukes.. take down regular cook book and modify your favorite reciepts or soups into your spring juice and it will be far better than a v-8 if oyu like a touch of heat add cayenne in small amounts and garlic. I love a savory breakfast so I love avacodo, cilantro, shallot, lemon juice, wasabi the radish not the paste, celery and turnip greens, makes you want to heat it.. as a matter of fact one of those spicey little 500 dollar vitamix mixers I am dying to have will heat it for you. Oh I will have ro dream for that until after xmas.. hope this helps..and remember you can add sprouts to anything hot or cold and they tend to take on the common taste in the food they are very food neutral. I have just been writing some reciepts for a friend who has to pack her lunch and delish…take nori for sushi and fill with wasabi root to taste, spinach, sprouts, cilantro, cucumbers and roll up a great mind morning pick me up that would make a great green drink. enjoy and peace and veggies and blessings. Callie

Laura,

I am receiving my chemo at Emerson Hospital in Concord. Only 20 minutes from my house vs. 1 hour. Dana Farber and the oncology unit at Emerson are affiliated, and my 2 oncologists were in complete agreement as to the course of action so it made sense to get the treatment locally.
I was diagnosed last Feb with stage IV colon cancer. Mets to the liver. I had colon surgery during which about 20% of my colon was removed and the fewer-than-thought lymph nodes. Followed by 12 week course of chemo. After the chemo, the 2 spots on my liver had shrunk dramatically (barely visible on cat scan) but surgery was recommended anyway. Surgery was in August. Pathology report post surgery showed no cancer.
I am currently starting a 2nd round of chemo (same cocktail as the last time). I thought a good long time about doing the chemo again. My Dana Farber onc. is a specialist in colon cancer that spreads to the liver, and he strongly recommended this (hopefully) final course.
I keep telling myself that, compared to others’ stories, I tolerate chemo OK. There’s no denying it totally fucks up your life, though. Mentally and physically. I get frustrated that I don’t have the energy to enjoy a gorgeous fall day. Or, instead of hanging out with my kids who are home from college for the weekend, I really need to just lie down.
It helps tremendously to hear the “after the treatment” stories. Despite my whining here, my state of mind is actually very positive and good. Sense of humor is essential! This blog is essential! Veggie juice is essential!

Cheryl,
We really should connect. I know Emerson Hospital quite well and since I grew up in Wayland and my family is still there we have a lot in common. (I go up to visit all the time and also go to the Farber for follow ups on a regular basis/) Also, my uncle is an Oncologist for GI/Colon Cancer at the Farber. In fact, he is the director of the clinic. Small small world. It sounds like you have everything under control, but please let me know if you need anything at the Farber. My uncle and sister possibly could help. Also, my aunt who is young (in her 40′s) was diagnosed with colon cancer last year and is always looking for other young women to connect with. Feel free to email me directly, I would love to further this conversation….in fact anyone can email me directly at laurabrande@yahoo.com.

Be strong and be well to all! Eat your veggies and drink your juice!
-Laura

Hi all. Michael from Hippocrates here. Just a two quickies. YES, my blog is just about finished and will be up soon. My personal website is hippocratesgreenhouse.com (not org) and for the best wheatgrass juicer at the right price ($45) it is on my main page. More to come soon. =)

Cheryl, you and my husband are going through the same thing. He’s 38 and was diagnosed with stage IV colon with spread to the liver in June. He’s been through 4 initial rounds of chemo, surgery to remove 40% of his liver and part of his colon, and his now doing the follow-up chemo (he’s completed one horrific round so far). I totally dreaded restarting chemo so I understand where you’re coming from. Although it isn’t me actually going through the exhaustion, nausea, neuropathy, and general malaise, it’s horrible to watch someone you love go through it. Feel free to email me directly at cindytzvi@hotmail.com. Take care and stay strong. We’re in this fight too!

Cheryl, what chemo drugs did they give you? I was diganosed with Stage IV Andeno Carcinoma, unknown primary, mets to the liver. It is not colon, however…maybe gynocological? Anyway, I had a slow response with Cysplatin and Gemzytabin this summer and now I am on Taxol, Avastin and Carboplatyn. Small response so far! BUT, I am always interested when someone says they’re liver tumors shrunk. Mine are too big to do surgery or RFA at the moment and that is discouraging, but at least we finally had some response and apparently no spread….I am swearing by this new green in my life.

Anyway, Good luck!!! I am having my treatment in York and working in conjunction with MGH and Dartmouth Hitchcock.

Good luck.

Becky

Hi Folks,
I use the manual juicer that Michael from Hipprocates endorses and I it is really nice for wheatgrass. It is easy to use and clean. I haven’t used it for other leafy greens because I have an electric juicer, but it is supposed to work for that too….just thought I would share.

enjoy!
Laura

Hi, kris! Love your blog!

I have a question about wheatgrass. I tried taking it 3 yrs ago when I was diagnosed with treatment resistant thyroid cancer. I would take a small shot on an empty stomach and immediately start heaving. I’d be nausous for hours. Is there any way to remedy this?

Thanks,
rinne

For the healthiest juicer, the most minerals in your juice by leaps and bounds, I use a champion juicer as a grinder and a juice press, from the juice press factory. Gerson therapy patients get a discount from them It’s more labor intensive though. The easiest juicer I’ve had is a Breville but you’re throwing out most of the nutrition and have to drink a lot more juice for the same effect.

Hi loves!

Massive squeezes to each of you! I leave HHI tomorrow. Off to Boston then back home. WOW! We need a forum asap. I am so sorry it has taken this long. Whiping my designer as hard as I can. Screw non-violence and ahimsa, we need a forum!

So our first Guest blogger is stopping by tomorrow! Michael Bergonzi is THE BEST wheat grass and sprout grower in the country. Yes! Knowledge from the source – just like I like it! Thank’s Michael.

Laura – Girrrrl. You know I’d like to get my hands on Farber’s chow. My big thought is juice bars, easy, low cost, they could even be carts. Can you imagine? I have a few hospitals interested. Meeting with my onco Monday. No scans, dinner and the Bruce Springsteen concert! LOL….Let’s keep chatting. I will bring it up. In fact, I will pring your blog post! xoxoxo Anyone else have scary hospital food stories? I should do a blog on that, just to record it for the powes that be.

PS. Thank you all for always sending a bright note my way. I really appreciate it. I adore each of you.

PSS. Lemon is funny, lime too, once IN the body it is highly alkaline. Outside acidic.

Such personality on this blog!
xoxoo

Kris, Good luck in Boston. I don’t know about you but I get “agita” everytime I step-foot back in that hospital. I can’t even smell the soap without wanting to throw. It is not that it smells bad, but I have this psycho-sematic response to it.) I was just at the Farber last week for a follow-up. Dana-9 (the breast center) has a wonderful boutique for cancer patients. It is where they have hats and scarfs for chemo-patients, and wonderful help for getting wigs and breast forms for after mastectomy surgery. I noticed they did not have your book. I think it would not only do well there, but would help a lot of patients. While I was going through treatments they were selling RAMY’s book and DVD, so I think they should have some Crazy Sexy Cancer too…..go check it out if you haven’t already. They are super nice!

Let us know how it goes at the Farber and how and when I can help with the Outreach et al. It is in my blood to talk and inspire…..and it helps my psyche along the way too.

When you have a chance can you do an entry on food combining and some how to’s and how not to’s. My husband and I are always having ‘food combining’ conversations. We have so many books, but still find it overwhelming. Looking forward to Crazy Sexy Nutrition…..I find it so hard to figure out what to have for dinner….and what to serve the kids so they will not only eat but eat healthy too….if anyone has ideas PLEASE pass them along.

cheers (green juice of course!)
Laura

Scary hospital food stories:
On the morning after I had surgery, I was given black coffee and a packet of sugar for breakfast (nothing else – no food, no milk). I had not eaten anything since the night before my surgery. I could not believe it – holy acid batman! Got hubby to pour it down the sink.

During a chemo treatment over the lunch hour, the volunteers brought sandwiches to the chemo patients. White bread and processed cheese – as if chemo wasn’t enough to make you nauseous and constipated.

Makes me wonder who puts the hospital menus together…

I looked up hospital + organic food and found out that some hospitals are starting to go organic.
Here’s the article:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1194018,00.html

Since I’ll work at a hosp. in the future I’m thinking I’ll try to work at one that does serve organic food cuz then it means they might be receptive to more change. Then maybe someone will do a study on it to see the benefits. Maybe someone already is doing a study!

So, my favorite over-the-top show House is trying to give organic vegetarians a bad name! Still love the show though. If you want to know what I mean you can watch it online on fox.com. The title of the episode is Guardian Angel.
It’s about this young woman who’s having major hallucinations.

Kris,
You are so generous about answering all the gazillions of questions we bloggers throw your way. I’m sure it gets to feel like a full time job sometimes. I wonder if you’re planning to do an FAQ section. I just noticed one on Rosie O’Donnell’s blog and thought of you right away. (Go to rosie.com if ya wanna see what I’m referring to.) There’s a place right on the homepage that you can click on for “the top q&a; answers to the most popular questions people ask on the blog.” Maybe when your schedule allows, you could create a similar section so people can read before they ask. Better yet, have someone create it for you. Might save you some time and the nuisance of being asked the same questions over and over. I hope you feel how grateful we all are for the time you put into this blog. I hope it doesn’t ever become a pain in your (already busy) behind.

Laura,
thanks for the tip on the manual wheatgrass juicer called the ‘Healthy Juicer’. I’ve added it to my Christmas wishlist. :)

As for raw on the go breakfast… some raw foodies will do dehydrated items like dried fruit, dried fruit bars and that sort of thing. Some raw foodies don’t do dehydrated so I guess it just depends on how much nutrition you are trying to get. You could probably adjust some raw cookie type recipes to be more breakfast like as well. It would take some advanced planning to make.

Jamie,
Bav might have been talking about another one but the sprouted grain pasta and breads I buy are from http://www.foodforlife.com Look for Ezekiel 4:9 or Genesis 1:29 – The pasta is dried so it’s on the shelf with the organic pastas but the breads and tortillas are in the freezer section usually. I swear they even taste healthier and better than even the high end breads and I bought some pasta but haven’t tried it yet so I can’t comment on it.

My daughter was diagnosed with cervical cancer 3 years ago, it went into remission, then came back last year and spread to her stomach. Her immune system is too low to operate so she is getting a series of shots. She is only 27.

Anyone out there with stomach cancer? I just talked to my daughter and she said the doctor told her not to eat salads because they were too hard for her to digest. I was wondering if the juices without the fiber would be easier.

Also, on the juicers, I bought a Hamilton Beach Big Mouth juicer at Wal-Mart for $50 and made our very own green juice. It did a very good job on everything except the spinach. My husbands comment “This could be addicting”.

I want to thank all of you. I feel so relieved to have someone to talk to. My daughter didn’t want to talk about it. Now I’m getting her to open up more. Is that common? It will go away if I don’t talk about it?

XOXOXO TO ALL

Kris – The interest in, and support of, providing organic foods and fresh-pressed juices in hospitals is enormous, and long overdue. It is obvious through these numerous posts that there are many in your wake ready and willing to espouse such virtues!

If/when you are ready to ignite the catalytic coals, I would like to introduce you to professional and personal contacts I have in the Wash.DC Metro Area – the presidents of two major teaching hospitals, the director of nutrition and food services of another, the director of marketing at another, the director of communications at another, and a variety of division/research directors. Additionally, if you are interested in increasing your print/television press coverage in this market, let me know. No doubt there are others following this blog who have a variety of connections as well, through their own experiences – both professionally and personally – while dealing with cancer.

Laura,

Thanks for your good thoughts! Right back at you. My oncologist at DF is Jeffrey Meyerhardt.

Becky,

I am on Avastin and Folfox, which is made up of 3 different drugs: 5-FU, Oxaliplatin, and Levcovorin. The spots on my liver were very small to begin with.

I must admit this blog is becoming somewhat of an obsession! I check it at least once daily. There is so much support and LIFE here!

Thanks to all.

cindytzvi,

My email is clevine67@comcast.net if you want to contact me as well. Did your husband have any symptoms? I didn’t think I did, but in retrospect, some minor indications.
Stay strong! I’m a bit worried about going through treatment during winter months, with the neuropathy side effects.

I’d highly suggest NOT licking the deodorant, as tempting as it may be. The cravings should have diminished by now though!

And this post makes me want a really giant delicious salad *mouth waters*.

Halo – Thanks for your instructions and suggestions on Quinoa. I actually found some and tried it this weekend. I looked up some recipes and tossed the quinoa with some olive oil and the juice and zest of an organic lemon. It was great! In fact even a few other family members who are a little leary of trying new stuff liked it! I do believe this will become one of my new fave things to use for meals.

I thought that the original Hippocrates was in Boston, but I’m having trouble locating it online. i live in MA and I am inspired to check it out b/c of your experience. Any ideas?

PS-You are incredible!