Nausea from Chemo

Shout-out to Auntie Jean for introducing me to Queasy Drops!

Okay, my chemo last week kicked my tuchus and I didn't feel up to writing until today. Last Tuesday I had what I call my "big chemo." It's a combo of Taxol and Carboplatin. It's unpleasant stuff, but I only do that combo once a month. Two of the other three weeks in the month I have only Taxol administered and then one week a month I get off for good behavior. Doing the chemo itself isn't bad because they also give me a Benadryl drip and I'm out like a light. However, the next day is when I start to feel nauseous. I am now coming to the point of this post. Are you still with me? If you are experiencing nausea from chemotherapy, I highly recommend purchasing "Queasy Drops". Queasy Drops are hard candy-like treatments for upset stomach. They are drug-free, all-natural and use essential oils to soothe the tummy. And, it really does work! I have one of the "candies" and my stomach starts to feel better within minutes and usually lasts for an hour or so. It doesn't completely take away the queasiness, but it definitely takes the edge off. They come in an assorted flavors pack and once you find a favorite, you can order only that flavor, if you like. I love the cola flavor. I know you can purchase them from Target's online store and Amazon, but on their websites it is called "Queasy Pops". I'm not sure why there is a difference in the name because the packaging is the same as I have. Also, for those who are pregnant they make  "Preggie Pops." Not doing chemo and not pregnant? Don't fret, you can also benefit from this post because I've read that they are good for travel sickness, general upset stomach and hangovers too!

xoxo,
ali

Breaking the Rules!

Gardening while undergoing chemotherapy isn't exactly recommended. Infections can occur from cuts and scrapes, so it's important to wear good, thick gardening gloves.  Some advise against working with any mulches, topsoils or even just digging around too much because there is the risk of exposing yourself to spores that live in moist environments. Okay, now that I've listed the dangers I'm going to confess that I'm doing it anyway. I love getting my hands dirty and the thrill of seeing the sprouts shoot up from a pot. It is a huge stress reliever for me. And, if all goes well, I'll soon be spending a lot less money at the market for produce. (Why is the healthy stuff so expensive?!) I'm only growing what I enjoy eating. Don't ask why I had to learn that the hard way. I've only been growing veggies and fruits for a couple of years now and more often than not the bugs and slugs get to feast on my edibles before I do. So, for the first time I'm trying out the "Topsy Turvy" and it's knock-off (whose name I can't remember) to grow strawberries and tomatoes. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I promise to get those 5-7 servings if these grow!

I use strawberries in my breakfast shake.

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I started reading all the cancer books I could get my hands on. Actually, I still read all the cancer books I can find/afford. One of the common pieces of advice I read/hear is to stop eating anything with sugar. Fruit included. Apparently, the sugar causes cells to grow (good and bad) and that means cancer cells as well. This has not been confirmed by my doctors. Those I've asked said they didn't believe this to be true. And, in fact, one of my doctors said a study is being conducted in which freeze- dried strawberries seem to be effective in battling cancer and next is a study testing blueberries. So, I've started to drink my banana/strawberry/blueberry morning shakes again. What do you think? What have you heard about sugars?

I'll share pictures of my growing garden as soon as it looks worthy of sharing! 

xoxo, ali