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| I promise to get those 5-7 servings if these grow! |
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| I use strawberries in my breakfast shake. |
I'll share pictures of my growing garden as soon as it looks worthy of sharing!
xoxo, ali
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
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.
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?
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Congrats on the new blog! I am friends with Heather. Cant wait to see your posts! Sending lots of hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteThank you for checking it out! It's really appreciated.
DeleteThis is really cool, Ali! It has inspired me, at the very least! I break all the rules too, life is just too short to keep from doing the things we love~ Love you Sweetie! <3
ReplyDeleteI used to listen to all the medical advice, but now? Eh, not so much. I'm glad you liked the post. We need to schedule our lunch date! Love you too! xoxo
DeleteHurray for a blog! Can't wait to read your posts :)
ReplyDelete-p.s. I have heard that cancer loves sugar. I doubt your supposed to avoid eating fruit though (wth?)
Thank you for reading the post! I know it seems weird that someone would be advised to not eat fruit, but just about every "alternative" healing book does. It gets confusing.
DeleteHey Ali!! I hope your topsy turvey knock off works well!!! My adventure with the real deal didn't go as planned so maybe your faux version will have a better outcome!! leme know how the strawberrys come out. I only tried tomatoes and zuchinni. I was thinkin about you... I took a sports medicine class a while back and we were talking about protein and it growing muscles and bones and all hat good stuff and I was wondering.. it it causes good things to grow..I wonder if it grows the bad stuff too... i found an interesting artical and I wanted to send it to you since you were talkin about the sugar too. http://www.healthyplanetdiet.com/what-causes-cancer.html or http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/the-dangers-of-a-high-protein-diet/the-problems-with-protein.html
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think or have heard! I'm looking forward to more blogs!!!! Love you!! It's ur cousin christina btw lol
Hi Christina! I'm really digging my Topsy Turvy so far. All I have to do is water? I'm in! The last time I tried to plant strawberries in the ground if the worms didn't eat the berries, my dog did. I definitely will read the links you gave me. I'm trying to cut out animal based protein from my life. I'm having a really hard time with it. I was a vegetarian for years and now that it matters most, I'm struggling. WTH? I've started up again, but not having cheese is killing me. Okay, I'll hit you up when I've read the articles. Love you too! TTYS
DeleteEsther, I really, really love this!! I can't wait to read your posts.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to your question about drinking your shakes, I say... Do it up!, especially if your doctors haven't confirmed sugar to be bad for you. I say enjoy it, until told otherwise. Break that "rule." I'm more concerned about you being out in the sun gardening. You know how I feel about that! Lol! Wear a d@mn hat and sunscreen, will you?!
I will never hide from the sun! How dare you ask me?! All kidding aside, I am wearing hats. Especially because sunblocks are too harsh on my chemo induced sensitive skin.
DeleteHello Ali! Like it has been said, I am looking forward to reading about your adventures! I really want to know how this garden turns out as I have set aside a bit of land in my backyard for this very purpose but am overwhelmed as to where to start and what to plant!
ReplyDeleteFrom a biology teacher's standpoint, all cells, cancerous or not, need sugars to survive. So, I'd be interested to hear how these studies turn out...
I miss you like crazy and can't wait to see you soon!
Hugs,
Mel
Mel, start gardening. It is so much fun and you really feel like you've accomplished something at the end of the day. Well, you did because it's work. Just buy some organic soil and the ready made pods to plant out seedlings and sow them in there. It's really easy. The hard part is when you have to weed the area you're growing in and add the proper soils and plant them out. And, even that is relaxing in a zone-out and do it kind of way.
DeleteI have a question. Doesn't everything eventually convert to sugar? If so, then why is sugar so bad? Is it only refined sugar? If you'll think back to high school I didn't do too well in biology.
xoxo
This is so wonderful Ali! I love it and can't wait to share it with everyone! You are such an inspiration, and I hope you know how very much you are loved, keep it up - can't wait for next one!
ReplyDeleteLots of Hugs and kisses
Anna
I'm glad you like it! I've got a list of ideas of things to write about. I hope it's interesting. Love you lots!
Deletexoxo
Awesome blog Faith!!! Love you bunches and can't wait to eat all your fruits and veggies =)
ReplyDeletexoxo-Marie
Thanks Marie! I'll let you know as soon as they're ripe for the picking. Did I show you I'm also growing lettuce? They're starting to grow. And my garlic too. So, I hope to have lots to prepare for you and some to send home with you.
Deletexoxo
Hi Ali, I love your blog. I started a blog along time ago but havent done much with it. Now i'm not only inspired to update my blog but now i'm really wanting to start my garden. I wanted to do the whole Garden Box kit thing, but it's like $100 just for the box, so i think i'm gonna just buy the seeds and stick them in my backyard dirt and see what happens:). I'm so happy i can follow you on your blog now, Heather tries to keep me updated on your status but i know how busy life can get. Me and my family are always praying for you. I'm married to Eddie (Ernie's cousin), we worked at Nordstroms together...thought i'd introduce myself after i've already talked your ear off hehehe.
ReplyDeleteMonica, I'm so glad you like the blog! Remember the first time we met at Nordstrom and you asked if Heather was my sister and I said "no' because I thought you were asking if my co-worker Heather was my sister (I swear that happened often enough to warrant my confusion)? My actual sister Heather never let's me forget it. I'm laughing as I type this. You should garden! It's so rewarding. And, it's warm enough here to just sow seeds directly into the ground. In fact, it's best for all rooting veggies like beets, carrots, radishes, etc. See if you enjoy it and if you do then you can go bigger next time and buy a kit. Thank your family for all their well-wishes and prayers!
Deletexoxo
I was laughing about that the other day...i was gonna include that in my last post but i didnt want to make you feel bad:)...i laughed so hard just thinking about it. I remember when all you girls came upstairs and i was looking at everyone to see which one looked like Heather, than i saw you and i knew you had to be her. So i gained the courage (and of course i had to ask you in front of like 20 people, i couldnt have waited till i ran into you on the floor) so i ask you...and the whole room goes silent, and you look at me confused and say "no", than you say "Oh wait, Heather Anderson?" i had to think for a second if that was Heather's last name or not:)....Oh, That was a great time...it was really funny. My husband just looked over at me right now and asked me why i'm laughing so hard:). Take Care Ali.
DeleteHi, Ali! Just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed this first entry and look forward to more! I had the same question about sugar since I thought that everything eventually breaks down to sugar before it can be used... I'll be interested to see the reply.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself and write more soon!!
xoxox
-Bill
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ReplyDeleteHe can cure those diseases like:
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