Hello From Arizona

Here it is the middle of November already. Or is that "Movember"? The Susan G. Komen 3day is going on this weekend in Gilbert Arizona. Movember is the newer male counterpart started to promote awareness of prostate cancer. Men grow beards during the month of November.

I've been in Arizona a month. Not missing the 40 some degree temps in Nebraska. It is beautiful here now. I've seen Dr. P three times and have gone to someone new a few times. I've been going to see Andria Valent, L.M.T. who does something called cupping. She did the procedure on the leg where I had a lymph node removed in 2004. I've had a lot of pain in that leg since, sometimes quite severe. She worked on it on Monday and I haven't had any pain since than. What a relief that has been. My stomach pain has been almost non existant also. I have been sleeping like a baby and not taking anything for pain.

The house here isn't ready yet but it's looking wonderful. New floors and walls and fresh paint. It's going to be beautiful. I've been staying with Tonya and Steve (and of course the kiddies, when they're here). I better not forget the additions to the family, Bella and Sicily, two adopted labs. Very well behaved girls.

My friend, Crystal, came out with me from Nebraska on the 12th of October. We did a little sightseeing. Tonya took us to Kartchner Caverns and we went out for a comedy night. Had lots of fun. When the house is done, I expect lots of company.

Raw Vegan Virgo

On Tuesday, March 14th I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Lilli Link. It was a beautiful day and as a believer in "signs" I took this as a sign of goods things ahead. I was not to be disappointed. Dr. Link is a patient and gracious lady who answered all my unanswered questions about "diet" to help in my campaign against cancer cells. After much internet research, reading many books and talking to every Tom, Dick and Harry, I was concerned about a lot of the discrepancy in diet and supplements. Supplements were a huge concern since some instructions seem to require so many. I felt I needed some personal guidance if for no other reason than to give me the confidence to feel like I had an inkling of an idea about where I was headed. It's a big scary world out there in the natural healing "black hole". When putting your life in your own hands you want to feel like you have done the best job possible. Dr. Link was very self assured and had a very positive attitude. As a professional she didn't put anyone down or discredit any ideas as hog wash. She discussed what she knew to be tried and proven and made the whole process seem so much easier. She instilled the importance of the dedication this plan was going to take and the importance of making a plan and sticking with one plan. While the plan she suggested was strict it also seemed much easier then many I have seen. By easy I mean in terms of planning and time requirements. This is something I know I can do. I love my food but I love my life and body more. Thank goodness I have always preferred my vegetables raw and not cooked and I have always been a big salad lover. I'm hoping this will make my journey alot smoother. Like the little red engine...I think I can. I think I can. I know I can! I know I can!

I found Dr. Link on the Crazy Sexy Cancer/Crazy Sexy Life website. She is a licensed internist who became a nutritionist after having uterine cancer 10 years ago. I felt God had guided me to her to help me. I have always been one of those people who just blindly trusted my doctor. I always asked lots of questions but I never questioned or doubted the answers. I have come a long way since then. I realize we must all be responsible for being pro-active in our own health care. I now know to research anyway possible everything I hear or think. I have no conspiracy theory belief in doctors and health care (until proven otherwise). I believe doctors do their job the best they know how or have been trained to do it. I believe their training may need a shake up. I believe that doctors intend to do the best they can for us. I also believe there are many doctors who are overworked and stretched too thin. I know there are many people who will think I must be a totally naive person. I believe many well meaning doctors, in the interest of honesty, do not give us the positive reinforcement we need even while trying to give us hope. The truth is it is our own responsibility to give ourselves the hope and positive reinforcement we seek and so desperately need. Faith in God makes me believe in the best in man.

I would like to thank Dr. Link for her kindness and care. I hope to be singing her graces for a long time. Shortly I'll be starting my raw green diet. Along with my vitamins, colonics, proper breathing, exercise, spiritual guidance and Dr. Porman's care, I am hoping to do what the traditional doctor's tell me can't be done. God willing, I will be here for a long time to come.
I'll keep you posted on this journey. Blessings to all.

Pieces of Our Lives

I am about to wrap up one very little part of my life. Since January of 2005 I have had a part time job as the Executive Director of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce. Even with all the little "tidbits" of stress involved in a position like this, I have really enjoyed this "job". I must say that I have enjoyed it enough that I hate to call it a "job". I believe I brought alot to the Chamber and I can definitely say I learned alot. I need to move on so I have the time to do the things I need to do for myself. I am sad to end this little piece of my life. I have met some wonderful people, formed a few friendships, and learned to appreciate all the things that go into running even a small community. One of the most important things to have in a happy life, is a job you enjoy. I can say I've had a few jobs that I've liked and this is probably the one that came the closest to being "me". All the pieces of our lives make up the whole. These pieces make us who we are. Thank God for "pieces". I've always said I would never change my life (maybe a few personal choices) because all those "pieces" are what make us who we are...the good, the bad and the ugly. The bad and the ugly only help to make us stronger and better people. Anyway, soon you'll be hearing that I have hung up another "hat" and I'll be on my journey. Watch for further details....things might get juicey....I may be "old" but I'm not dead!