Hungry Girl

Good Morning World! I just walked into the kitchen, and passed by the flowers Dan sent me on our anniversary on the 20th. I've trimmed down the bunch and pulled out the fallen soldiers, and still, this little bunch powers through. These precious flowers have lasted 15 days. That seems like some sort of miracle, and each day, several times, I smile.

So, last night, Danny and I, after dinner decided that we're going to start a 36 hour fast. We figured it would be a great way to jump start the final days before the MRI. I have to tell on myself, we definitely ate some fun foods this past weekend, and drank some fun drinks. But, now we're back on track and working for ketosis. The fast was recommended by a friend through the blog, and we figured, "Why not!?" I hope Danny's functioning at work okay. I feel like it's harder for him to skip meals than it is for me. I'm hungry though, and that should be a sign that Dan's body must think he's dying :) 

Each morning, when I wake up, I turn on my phone and there is always a text from Dan. It can be something as simple as XOXOXO. Today, this is what it said, "Morning sweetness!!! Have a good day. I hope you don't get too hungry today :). My stomach is nervous, "Where's my morning snack?", "What's going on here?" I hope Danny doesn't mind that I shared his text (outing the world to his soft side), but I just thought it was so funny! What a great man that he optioned to join me on my fast. He's such a wonderful partner in crime!

I have to admit, I'm relieved to not have to plan for dinner. We are scarily low on veggies, I think we have a head of broccoli and that's it. Well, that and some garlic. Maybe I'll walk over to PCC and stock up, but I'm nervous. We all know what happens when a hungry girl goes to the grocery store. 

That reminds me, if any of you have recipes that follow the following guidelines, I always love suggestions!

Restrictions:

No dairy

No meat

No salt 

No flour

No sugar (not even natural sweeteners, only fruit is allowed)

No white potatoes

.....I hope I'm remembering all the do-not-eat foods.

Points For (in no particular order):

Mushrooms (double points for maitake & shiitake)

Onions 

Shallots

Garlic

Broccoli

Cauliflower 

Bok choy

Watercress

Kale

Spinach

Thanks for the help! 

Happy New Year

I received the perfect gift on the last day of 2011. I was able to spend the morning with my brother, his wife Courtney, and their two children Isla and Wade/Toby (mom calls him Toby and dad calls him Wade). 

Courtney, Wade/Toby, me & Isla

 Isla & me down by Green Lake

My newest nephew Wade/Toby

This year has been a serious journey. It started as I finished up my final speech therapy sessions. Then, I had the chance to visit Jess & Dre in Abu Dhabi. In February, Dan and I shared vows beneath the Eiffel Tower during a 24 hour layover in Paris. In the spring I was able to create a presentation and share my brain cancer story with three different Rotary clubs around Washington. In the summer, I had the chance to visit my Polish relatives, and hug, bond, laugh, explore, and fall in love with them. Soon after, arriving home, Danny and I signed a legal marriage certificate. He's all miiiiiiineee!! Woo hoo!! Three days later, unrelated, I started having seizures and worried that my health may be declining. The next MRI showed our worst fears were correct. Little Herman, the tumor in my brain, was getting taller and fatter, faster than most of his peers. Instead of following my radiation oncologist's recommendation, I refused radiation and immediately started an alternative supplement program with artemisinin, completely changed my diet, amped up my cardio, and added strength training. Within 9.5 weeks I'd lost 19 lbs. I'm currently feeling wonderful, and I'll find out in less than two weeks, if my program is effective in keeping little Herman at bay. 

Along the way I've had friends support me with fundraisers, loving emails, text messages, cards, photos, hugs, and laughter. Even though I know that I am a person living with brain cancer I feel happier than I ever have in my life. I have everything to live for, and I am so grateful for all of your support. Thank you for helping me have another wonderful year! I enjoyed every single day. Even the challenging ones. I hope to share many more stories in the coming twelve months. 

Please have a fabulously hilarious and awesome New Year's Eve! Please be safe, and know that you're loved. So don't do anything stupid like drive drunk! :) 

Cheers to another amazing year!!