Chemo 3, May 5th: Pink Tuesday

I have been a bit slack with my blog posts - but I seem to stay very busy with my treatment regimen! I can't believe that my next chemo is tomorrow (Cinco de Mayo).  We have been trying really hard to keep my diet a strongly anti-cancer one! To this end, I highly recommend a cookbook called the The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen cookbook by Rebecca Katz.  Regardless of whether you or a loved one has cancer, this book is a wealth of information about plant foods that have cancer fighting properties - which is good for anyone who wants to be healthier.  Wow! The book is so very interesting...and has helped really widen our knowledge of how important diet is in maintaining optimal health.  It is an empowering book and I highly recommend it!  In fact, Teresa and Carolyn came over for a cooking session where we made a few of the cookbook recipes with my mom (when I say "we cooked", I sat on the bar stool watched and just provided moral support! It was one of my rougher days, but having these lovely ladies hanging out in my kitchen really lifted my spirits!).

My wonderful kitchen crew making chickpea burgers!

So my other health news is that I am now on a regime of Chinese herbs - we are big fans of Dr. Han here in Santa Barbara!  I take his prescribed tea three times a day and it includes things like - Bamboo Shavings, Lyciium Root Bark, Salvia Root, Poria, Pinelia etc. (yum yum, yes, it tastes as good as it sounds)  and I can honestly say that the tea has really helped curb my unsettled tummy,  reduced my fatigue issues, and improved my appetite.  He is a long-time, well-respected doctor here in SB, trained in both Eastern and Western medicine, so we felt confident going to him!

Chris is here visiting now. Hooray!  He continues to be so very supportive! And I have to admit that although many people tell me how strong I am and what a great attitude I have (which I think is generally true), Chris is the person who knows that I do have my moments of frustration and sadness - and he helps me through - and the moments do pass.  But I would be grateful if you could all help me convince him to be a little more generous with the foot rubs (I am convinced that if he rubbed my feet every day, that my occasional moments when I feel bleak would completely disappear!).  Please feel free to let him know if you agree.  :)

Morgin, Mom and me trying my wig in public for the first time (happy to report no wig mishaps (wig in soup etc.)

My mom and dad headed back to Arizona over a week ago. Can I just say again what superstars they are! I am so grateful for their love and support.  And I was so happy to have my beautiful niece Morgin visit for a few days!  She brought all kinds of good energy and smiles into our home during her visit! She also spoiled me with a variety of fun things such as - an apron (since I spend a lot of my time preparing food in the kitchen, a cool black hat, and some movies and TV shows) - thank you Morgin for making your visit happen.

My sweet nieces Morgin and Delaney, with Delaney's boyfriend Tanner and Mom and Dad at Hendry's Beach.

Hey, that is a wig baseball hat!

I also continue to receive lovely notes and gifts from friends (Johana and Delphine thank you for my books and Emily I love my scarf from India)! It is very exciting to receive cards and little packages in the mail.  And when Chris arrived in Santa Barbara, he came armed with thoughtful gifts from some of our friends in London!  Emma & TC, Kerryn & Jason &Taylor & Tristan, and Sara & Jeb, thank you for sending your love and making me miss all of you and London even more!).  We will have a proper celebration with all of our London friends when I am back (Meerlust Rubicon all around)!

Finally, my friends here in Santa Barbara are still nothing less than amazing! Our fabulous friend Regina came and stayed with me for a few days and I loved having her company. She helped me feel calm and cooked some fabulous food for us (although we were naughty and made some vegan, almond flour, chocolate chip and cherry cookies - of which only a few remain and Chris and I will be polishing them off tonight!), and most importantly Regina made me smile and laugh!

So tomorrow, May 5th is my 3rd chemo here in SB.  Chris and my mom convinced me to wear my new pink wig! So stay tuned for a photo from chemo that is sure to make you smile - and perhaps even laugh (this is my gift of laughter therapy for all of you!).  And as always it is great to get emails from you during chemo - anything uplifting, silly, or downright funny is welcomed!

Chris and I will see you on the other side of chemo 3!

xx
Jodi