A Good Song!

            Music is the best medicine when feeling the blues during treatment. Please watch and
enjoy!  Original file on VIMEO

Drink up Those Um Good Cultures

"A Portion of these profits are donated

to Cancer research in Loving memory of our 

founders sister, Courtney Ross Dickson"

Love the Pure Doctor! Great taste and I know that Kumbucha is a healthy way to go. Its fantastic that a portion of profit goes to researching a cure for Cancer. Support them all the way

LIVE

Forks over Knives

Another great documentary that forces you to really wake up is Forks over Knives. Covers how our heath epidemic such as diabetes, cancer, and even high blood pressure; through years of research discoveries have been more proven that certain foods can cause disease. These foods fall into the category of meat and diary products. "Adopting a whole-food plant diet" will forever change the way you live in this fast-food nation of ours.
                     Nick,

Some people think that eating nothing but vegetables and fruit is not a good idea. Well, this documentary proves them wrong. Following two doctors who have done studies and research on the effects of a plant based diet vs. 90% meat diet. And the results are mind blowing. This document shows how not only can a person live with very little meat, but also how eating a diet that is mostly veggies can help the body heal and even reduce the chances of disease. I highly recommend watching this if you need some more inspiration to change to a more healthy lifestyle. Peace out.

                                                                     Deanne,




FORKS OVER KNIVES

Nutrtion

Spent time making healthy snacks!

Protein Smoothie 

Crackers, Olives, Red Peppers, Cheese, Almonds

A Good Source Guide

Looking for a reference guide to add to your library? This would be a good start. The first part of the book covers natural choices one can make from tops such as Aromatherapy, Message, and even Imagery Therapy. Like all reference guides the second part of the book offers you a way to make informed choices about aliments that might be occurring.  I myself try and incorporate as many healing choices that might remedy my health situation and can turn to this book if I need some helpful adivce. Noe: Please consult with a doctor before hand as a precaution.      

How to Support

Not only does cancer affect the person diagnosed, it affects their loved ones. Being the fiance and caregiver to Nick, I know this first hand. Though the focus is mainly, and should be on the person diagnosed, the one who supports them is forgotten at times. Or, people don't know how do show that supporter that they are not alone. So we came up with...

How to support the supporter of a cancer patient

1. Don't just ask about their spouse/family member. Ask how they are doing. They are putting all their energy into taking care of someone who could be loosing the battle with cancer. They mat feel like the world doesn't care. So give them that much needed support.
2. Don't be surprised if they go on a rant, or tell you to f*** off. These people are all sorts of exhausted. Emotionally, mentally, all of it. They are putting their time and energy (even money) into helping someone they love and have it in the back of their mind they may loose them. So cut them some slack and let them be pissed off. They have every right to be. And if they tell you to f*** off, chances are you said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Or you've been a selfish d*** and they had enough. Take it as a sign you need to re-evaluate yourself.
3. Take them out. There is a strong possibility they have become major anti social people. I know I have. That's because their world is now hospitals, appointments, bills, and their loved one. They are not only the supporter, but possibly the only source of income. So they are working double time, and tending to their loved one. As far as they are concerned, the world can rot. So show them you care by taking them out to the mall, a movie, or even lunch. If their loved one is having an off day and isn't feeling well, go to their place and spend the day with them. That way they know you care and you are viewed as awesome.
4. If they suddenly can't go out, don't be a b****. I have canceled/declined many outings with friends because of my duty to Nick. Sometimes they threw such fits that it made me rethink our friendship. Supporters are under enough stress and social situations may be scary to them. Especially meeting new people who don't know their situation. If they do agree to go out, make sure its with people they know. Keep it mild unless they lead the charge into something more wild. If they are comfortable meeting new people then do it. But if they have to cancel, or just don't feel comfortable going out, be a good friend and be understanding and not make them feel bad for canceling. Remember, their world has been altered NOT yours.
5. Want to win Saint points? Volunteer to keep an eye on their loved one for a few hours so they can have some time for themselves. So much of their energy and focus is on their loved one that they forget to care for themselves. So give them a day where they can go shopping, a movie, or even have a spa day. Being that friend who takes their time to help another shows your character as well as how much you care.

A Powerhouse to Health

Covers basic key concepts that are easy to follow and implement. Covers vital foods that will help maintain your health, discusses daily meal plans that will put these power foods to use.
I've already adopted many of these foods into my diet such as yogurt and Green Tea.

Helpful Advice

Hey everyone. This experience has taught Nick and myself a few things. One of them being that people don't seem to know how to deal with the fact that they know a person with cancer. We have ran into a bunch of people (some of them friends), who just don't know how to deal with the situation. So we came up with...

How YOU should handle knowing a person diagnosed with Cancer

1. Don't expect their normal to be the same as yours. People sometimes just don't understand the term, 'I have cancer'. Its as if they don't want to think that the person they know has a deadly disease that can end their life. So they block it out, and make it seem that there is no problem going on with their friend or family member. You need to realize and remember that their new normal is blood test, doctor appointments, the occasional ER visits, and weekly chemotherapy and/or radiation. Not bar hopping, tweeting, hanging out with friends, or anything YOU would consider the 'norm'.
2. Don't throw them a pity party. Its bad enough that in the beginning they get 'I'm sorry', from doctors and other people. Plus they are already scared and unsure of the future. If anything, say 'that sucks, whats the battle plan?', and be supportive. If you show no fear, they will fight to beat the disease.
3. This one is one of the most important things NOT to do. Don't say, 'I'm here for you, I'm your friend', and disappear. That goes for both friends AND family. If you live in another state or town that is over 2 hours away, you can utilize the social networks we have these days to check up on them, or you can call them. If you live less than an hour away, you can take time to go and visit them. If anything, see them during treatment. That will show them you truly care. If you have time to go out with non-diagnosed friends, shopping at the mall, or small day trips, then you have time to go and see them for at least 30 minutes. Especially if your near their area. Remember, THEIR life has been altered, NOT yours. So don't be a selfish @$$.
4. Don't get upset or dramatic when they need to cancel a get together, or simply can't go. Again, THEIR life had been disrupted, NOT yours. You are free to come and go with no worries. They have weakened immune systems and can't be in huge crowds or out for long. Plus they maybe having an off day. The drugs they take wreck havoc on their body so they are not feeling well half the time. If anything take a moment to go say 'hi' and see how they are doing, reschedule so they can go out for a while with you, or bring them a 'get well' gift. A movie, a silly toy, something to show you are thinking of them and they are missed.
5. Start a fund raiser for them. Cancer is expensive. Not many people realize this. The person may have to take a break from their job in order to receive treatment. And that means little or no paycheck. Bills, gas, food, everything becomes a life line that you have to choose to cut at times. And then things get complicated. To make things a little easier for them, help them by rallying some money so they can survive. Things are bad enough and the last thing they need is their electricity shut off.

FUNDRAISER

FUNDRAISER 

A life-Living Challenge

I am all for supporting nonprofits geared towards raising money for cancer or debilitating health issues, which is part of why we are working towards our own goals of raising money, but I've grown tired of this Ice Bucket Challenge. I know that ALS can defiantly become a challenge and funds need to be raised to find a cure. In addition the Ice Bucket deal is a great inventive idea to raise money, but if those that are well and not sick- then its really should not be called a challenge.
   If you really want a challenge then try living with what I got (even though I know many people have Stomas.) Besides having to change the bag every few days,  last night  (again for the second or third time this year) the Stoma started bleeding. Mainly because the Chemo drugs are making it difficult on my system.  yet again I went to the ER to have the vain cauterized. This is an older photo from a few months ago but it makes a point.  I thought about filming last night but I'm sure people would be turned off by watching blood ooze from an organ. And yes we did donate to ALS with no gimmicks.
  So in an effort to raise money for our cause then please donate to our campaign.  Indiegogo

Archer!

Nick: So I thought I would throw in a little humor even though Cancer is a serious business. If you love Archer then watch the few episodes when Archer is diagnosed with breast cancer. Its a little sad knowing what its all about, but at the same time its Hilarious. If you have Netflix, Season Two episodes 8 and 9 cover his adventures of dealing with the cancer and going on a mission while undergoing chemotherapy.

2014 Interview Update

1. When where you first diagnosed and what was your diagnosis?In December 2012 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. I knew that I had some issues going on but did not know the severity. While working as an intern at Western Family foods in the graphics department I got a call from Doernbechers Survivor ship program of which I knew nothing about. The department called me out of the blue and made a scheduled appointment for blood testing and other routine exams. My heart cleared as being good, but my blood test came back looking rather offal. It turns out that I was severally-deathly anemic. No wonder I was out of breath and could hardly function. Later testing through a Colonoscopy showed a very large tumor in my rectum. Further testing by MRI and CT Scan showed multiple tumors in my liver. All this took place in a very short time and no sooner then I could remember I was already booked for operations and treatments. It was a very sad-discouraging time (especially when a funeral home leaves a message on my phone wanting to know if I want to make arrangements) Really. Sure I had one foot in the grave but I was not that far gone. Although it seemed that way. At that point my girlfriend Deanne had moved in with me, and along with my parents, which of course put extra stress on my situation.   I spent a better part of that next year trying to maintain myself. While treatments nearly killed me and much of the time I was stuck in bed unable to accomplish anything; it took some nagging from Deanne and finally we both jumped into doing research and gathering anything that might aid me in getting past this cancer and recovering. I started juicing when my aunt shipped a new juicer out to me. It was difficult at first to find the motivation, but everyday I kept pushing myself to drink the carrots and other valuable vegetables. I also started making protein smoothies. It seemed that the main focus that is for hospital staff was to maintain my weight, so while making smoothies I drank ensure and got the necessary protein into my body.    Deanne is a semi-certified message therapies and aromatherapy therapist, which has been a blessing on my part. Message and using the essential oils has allowed me to heal faster and feel better. I also started a course of reiki treatments from our friend Johnny. And of course healing prayer has been another part of my routines.

2. What hospital did you receive your treatments at?I am receiving my chemotherapy treatments at the OHSU Water Front Clinic. Which I must say has been the most up to date treatment center I have been in. I am receiving Avastin.

3. Who is your attending physician?During the last few years my attending physicians been Charles Lopez, but I have meet with some of his other colleagues that have been knowledgeable and supportive just as much as Dr. Lopez.

4. What sort of operations did you undergo since your first diagnosis?I underwent two operations in December of 2012. An operation for a smart port and outfitted with an Ileostomy. Both operations had taken place a few days apart within one week. While I recovered in the hospital I regained some of my strength, but for the few few months of the new year after I also started treatment at the end of December and was the most grueling job I have ever had to undertake. Before these operations I must have weighted around 120 pounds and dropped to about 89 pounds. I could not eat. I needed help getting around the house and even needed help bathing. I looked at myself one day in the mirror and did not recognized myself. I look like I had been or was living in a concentration camp. Every two weeks I would go through treatments, which started out for about four hours each time and then I would come home with a pump for about 48 hours. Eventually after meeting with my surgeon; mentioned that if I did not start eating then I would end up in hospice care. I knew then that no one would think I would make it. I told myself fuck that and the very next day started eating. I pushed myself to get out of bed everyday to keep busy with something that is until I felt tired again and had to go take a nap. I started finally getting outside into the sunshine and even pushed myself to go see a movie at the theater.   Deanne and I never even thought of giving up or preparing for the end. We dove into the wonderful world of the internet and books and started doing our own research. My aunt Connie sent me a brand new juicer and I stalked up on as much vegetables and fruits I could get hold of. I even started making protein shakes. I started eating more and I must admit it took about six months to get used to the ostomy bag. I had to change and clean around the stoma ever three to four days. It was frustrating. Humiliating when it began to leak.    Eventually I was strong enough to drive on my own which I have always enjoyed doing. It gave me back some of my freedom.

5. During your treatments what did you do to keep yourself busy?These days before I got sick I was majoring in graphic design and had just landed my first big internship. Just after a few months I found out about the cancer. I am still pursuing graphic design and fine arts. Writing and taking photography when I feel well enough to do so. During the Summer months Deanne and I help run an art market to raise money for the Milwaukie Masonic Lodge.

6. What goals if any did you have while you where in treatment?My goals during my treatment for the most part is to eat healthy every day. Maintaining a healthy died or nutrition plan has been just the treatment that has kept me going. Other goals of course as I have stated before; always staying focused on my arts. Deanne and I now engaged after nearly five years of dating, so now we have a goal of trying to save money for a wedding, but not until I am in remission.

7. What fun activities where you involved in while undergoing treatments?Much of the time while recovering from treatments I spent much of my time also watching movies and reading. Once I had recovered well enough it has been a blessing to get out and take walks. Keeping my body moving has been a challenge as some days I just sleep, but I've got a lot of projects that I'm working on so I must keep my momentum. I am also apart of the Masonic Order and also have joined the Shriner's. Being apart of a group of like-minded people has been a great way to stay involved in the community and to have support.

8. During the course of treatments how was your family affected? Again like before during my first battle of cancer it has not been easy. My father lost his job this year and moved back from Seattle to Portland. Still the emotional and financial aspects are baring down on my parents and has difficult to watch. Just was it was difficult for them to watch me go through another tribulation. But its rather hard to say as we have gone through an estranged relationship over the years I have had to step back for awhile to focus on my heath.

9. What’s going on Today?I still am going through treatments. Every two weeks I get another dose of chemotherapy. Its hard to say what the future outcome will be, but I have not lost faith in myself and am staying strong not only for myself but for my family.

Photo above: August 14th 2014.

Better Nutrition

It all starts with nutrition. In any stage of life its paramount to indulge in foods not only to be satisfying but truly to enhance and keep your body going. Poor diet can result in many issues like cancer. 
   August Issue gives advice on which supplements and how much should be taken on a daily basis. 

Delicious!

Nick: While at Natural Grocers, picking up some great food I grabbed this magazine. I found some key concepts through some of the articles related to nutrition and supplements.  
 August issue talks about the last thirty years of the health food industry. A statement by the editor Doug Green, "One way to change the world was to change the way we eat."  

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead

Nick: I guess I've seen this film at least three or four times and would have to say that it never gets old. I love the cartoons, which add a flair to this flick. Joe speaks about the love of juicing and how juicing allows you to get micronutrients into your body. I have been juicing for nearly two years to combat this cancer and those that have seen my improvement would agree that it is working.  Try the 30 day juice challenge, but first watch this movie to get a better idea of what its all about.

Mean Green Juice...

Deanne: If you want some personal incite into what changing your lifestyle and how you eat, watch this. This documentary follows a man who was as the title says; fat, sick, and nearly dead. Wanting to get himself into good health, Joe goes on a 30 day fast of nothing but juice and the results are astonishing! Watching this will not only educate you, but inspire you to take a second look not only at what you eat, but also your lifestyle. 

A Hotline for Health

Recently we started shopping at Natural Grocers and discovered another valuable health food store. Offering everything and anything that is needed to maintain a healthy inside and out.
  I've made a short mention from the article; since I stated chemo I've had an array of problems with our mighty sun rays. I've already gotten a bad sunburn (and scolded from not protecting myself. ) A few articles in this addition talks about protecting the skin and eyes. What supplements can be taken along with natural foods.
   Otherwise this magazine offers other insightful information, some recipes, and price listing for foods and supplements sold in the store.   We go to the Natural Grocers located off of 82 in Clackamas Oregon.
   

Food, INC.

Nick: Watching this film again for the second time enforces me to really concentrate on eating healthy. Even though I have adopted a health wise attitude it has been easy to fall back on my nutrition. Watching this film causes an unsettling stomach; knowing that much of the animals are being mistreated makes me not want to invest my time or money in large corporations that control such industry. Not for the faint of hart. Watch this film and adopt a new reason not to eat at fast food restaurants.

Deanne: I remember seeing this film for the first time, and nearly wanting to cry. Growing up on the farm, I always knew where my food came from. I remember we raised three pigs, and I treated them like they were my pets. We gave them fresh water every day, we gave them veggies to eat, and I played with them...then we ate them. It was a hard lesson, but I learned to respect the animal that I would consume and love them. We even had chickens that were given grass clippings and clean water. Even had our own garden. I guess living in the city has warped me a bit and made me not care about where my food came from. But after seeing this, again, wanted to cry. People and animals were treated not as living beings but as dollars. Farmers who want nothing but to make an honest living are being bullied by big name corporations who only care about money. When you see this, you will gain a new perspective on where your food came from and how it was treated.

Awaken

Just browsed through this book and would recommend it for anyone that needs straight forward information when using essential oils. The book is broken up in several main sections that allow this to be used as a reference guide and lists some methods that can be used at home.
   Since I have been battling cancer I have been using essential oils recommended by a natural path and also by Deanne who has been studying oils for several years now.   

Support!

Went by DQ today to donate to a great cause....and the S'mores Blizzard was great! I think if its for a great cause treating yourself to something is okay, but as we know sugar an feed cancer....

Food for Thought

As mentioned in another blog of mine I have come across a new film that prescribes more information about eating healthy. Since I have been battling Colon Cancer I have drastically altered my died. Cutting out processed foods and sugary snacks. Although I do admit every once in while I need to treat myself, but for most part besides the infiltration of tumors in my liver I feel better than I have in years. Please visit Fedupmovie.com to discover more valuable information on changing your eating habits.

Cure

Recently I came upon this magazine while at the clinic receiving my treatment. Cure has offers very important information on the fight against cancer. I would recommend signing up for the free subscription. CURE