Confronting Cancer with Faith

Say what?! Do what?!
Posted by Karen on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 4:20pm
In November's blog I mentioned how God was expanding my territory. This continues to be the case. I admit there is an element of "uncomfortableness" associated with it but the "excitement factor" easily overrides that in the long-haul. Let me share with you some specific examples of how I see this happening: 1) serving as the guest speaker for a hospital volunteer appreciation luncheon What can I say to a group of mostly seniors to appreciate the service that has been provided to their health care institution? I didn't know them or had interacted with their institution. My only association was that my book was now being carried in their hospital gift shop! I was apprehensive about what to share until God began a simple work in me revealing the hospital's mission statement and vision easily leading into my ministry focus of being blessed and serving as a blessing to others. Ewe R Blessed Ministries has now come alive! Not only that, I received a booklet in the mail from Joyce Meyer entitled "You Are Blessed." Need I say more? 2) addressing 3rd year medical students at a "Medicine and Spirituality" course I was shocked when I received an email from a professor on campus inviting me to be a presenter for the "Medicine and Spirituality" class taught twice a year on the University of Alabama at Birmingham's (UAB) campus where I work. This professor had seen my article (previous blog) in the UAB Reporter and thought I could offer some insights. Really? Turns out she was right! Although I toiled about what to say for months, God put the right people in my path. I remembered almost a year earlier that I had heard a similar topic and had met briefly with the speaker who had given me a stack of peer-reviewed articles on the topic of spirituality and medicine. So I pulled them out and read every one. I also contacted another presenter for the class whom I happened to know. He gave some helpful thoughts and encouraged me to speak from a cancer patient's viewpoint. Hmmm, I thought that might be boring. As it so happened, a visiting surgeon was coming to UAB to talk about . . . get this. . . discovering the power of prayer in medicine! Alrighty then. I was set. In the end, I was evaluated by the students with high scores. One commented that my presentation was one of his favorites. Awww. 3) writing a blog on Cancer Control for my publisher I'm a survivor, researcher and work in a Cancer Center but I'm no expert on cancer control. I only had a few days in which to put something together but as God would have it, a cancer support group I attend was having its monthly meeting during that time. The topic? Controlling cancer through nutrition! What's next? Spirituality through Cancer
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April is Cancer Control Month
Posted by Karen on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 4:09pm
The month of April not only celebrates Easter but also gives recognition to cancer control. With approximately 1 out of 3 people destined to have cancer in their lifetime, this is a worthy topic. Everybody knows somebody with cancer. I was among those in 2003. In the state of Alabama where I live, a staggering 26,000+ new cases of cancer are estimated for 2012! As a cancer survivor and clinical trials administrator in cancer research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the goal is ever before us to eradicate cancer. New drugs are being tested that show promising results, new techniques of administration are being developed for standard-of-care drugs, and novel therapies for difficult to treat cancers are under investigation. Exciting discoveries are on the horizon but what can we do in the meantime? Eradication of cancer is probably not feasible in our lifetime but controlling cancer is becoming more of a reality. There are simple things we can do. As an author I am told that in order to successfully market my book, I must advertise multiple times to the same audience. The repetitiveness of the message has a greater chance of being acted upon. The same is true with what I am about to share with you. You’ve heard most of these things but they warrant repeating in order for you to act upon them. Guidelines for Controlling Cancer 1) Manage your weight – even if you are still above your ideal weight, a 10% reduction in body weight can make a big difference 2) Be physically active – 30 minutes of daily walking has the potential to reduce breast cancer recurrence by 50%! 3) Avoid sugary drinks and calorie-dense foods (e.g. fast food) 4) Eat mostly foods of plant origins - >5 portions of non-starchy vegetables and fruits per day are recommended 5) Limit red meat consumption – no more than 11 oz. per week 6) Avoid processed meat – preservatives add unwanted ingredients including increased salt 7) Limit alcohol consumption – or avoid it altogether. 8) Salt intake – most salt is contained in food already; <1 teaspoon (~2300 mg) is the recommended daily intake (RDI) 9) Meet your nutritional needs through diet vs. high-dose supplements – daily vitamins are fine; however, most people have a low Vitamin D that cannot be increased with daily supplements; ask your doctor to check your level of Vitamin D. Each year when I visit my oncologist she offers the same advice: control my weight and exercise. This is the optimal prescription to control all cancers and deter cancer recurrence. I admit I don’t get excited about changing my eating habits and exercising regularly but it is something I can do. One of the most challenging aspects of cancer is the feeling of losing control. Diet and exercise is something that is completely within my control so I set aside the time and I choose what goes in my mouth. It’s a continuous challenge. I keep waiting for the day when I’m told my exercise will become a habit and I look forward to it but it hasn’t happened yet! I attended a cancer support group meeting this week in which Laura Newton, M.A., R.D, a dietitian at UAB, spoke. Here are some foods she recommends to help strengthen your immune system: deep-colored fruits (e.g. grapes, strawberries, blueberries) and vegetables (e.g. eggplants, tomatoes). Cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli and Brussel sprouts) are also beneficial. Fatty fish (e.g. salmon, tuna) as well as other lean meats are good choices to boost your cancer-fighting capabilities. We’ve all heard that foods high in antioxidants are good for us but what exactly does that mean and what are those foods? Antioxidants protect against free radicals (cells gone amok) which make you less vulnerable to cancer. Here’s a list of the top most antioxidant-rich foods in order: red beans, blueberries, red kidney beans, pinto beans, cranberries, artichokes, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pecans, cherries, plums, russet potatoes, and black beans. The Bible records the story of Daniel and his three friends. Even they knew that diet was important (Daniel 1:8-15). After just ten days of eating vegetables and drinking water the king’s attendant noticed they were “more healthy and better nourished.” Not only that, they had “unusual wisdom and balanced judgment.” I can’t promise you “unusual wisdom and balanced judgment” but I can promise you if you follow the guidelines above or even some of them, you will be proactive in combating a possible cancer diagnosis that could be lurking in your future. “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (I Corinthians 6:20) Cancer Conversations (General)
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A New Year, A New Focus
Posted by Karen on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:18pm
In remembrance of Him . . .
I'm not that big on New Year's resolutions but the past few year's I have started something new that I think warrants the effort. Rather than creating resolutions that I may or may not keep, I have instead decided to have a spiritual resolution, something that will enhance and/or challenge me spiritually in some way. Each year I also find a verse that either complements my spiritual goal or serves as the impetus to developing my spiritual resolution. Since I'm on my third year, I'll share with you what I mean. 2010 With the release of my book, I wanted to think "out of the box" to market my book globally especially since I would be attending my first International Christian Retail Show. My scripture was (and I add it with every book I sign): "Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does." Psalm 96:3 2011 I took on a personal challenge to read the Bible through in one year. And yes, I am proud to say I did it! My scripture was: "I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure." Psalm 119:162 2012 As a result of a vision to receive "power" (I have no idea in what form or fashion it will be manifested), I vowed to use it to the glory of God. My scripture: "May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." II Thessalonians 1:11b There. I've revealed some "personal secret stuff" to challenge you to do something similar. I'd love to hear your comments if you decide to take on or modify something that fits your spiritual well-being in the coming year. Each year for me has been so rewarding. I know it can be for you, too.
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Cancer researcher and survivor meet
Posted by Karen on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:52pm
I wanted to share a link with you regarding an article that was written in the newspaper where I work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I loved the Q & A format. The article describes my viewpoint as a cancer researcher AND a cancer survivor. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.uab.edu/news/reporter/people/item/1904-cancer-researcher-shares-how-to-confront-cancer-with-faith Cancer Conversations (General)
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God is up to something good!
Posted by Karen on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 4:28pm
My Mom and I went on a New England-Canada cruise
More than once my mother has told me what an interesting life I lead! I have to agree. I love feeling as if I am smack-dab in the middle of God's mission for my life. He is expanding my territory beyond borders of wildest dreams. Just since my last blog, I have written three magazine articles, two of which are being published in "Christian Living" in the Cayman Islands; enlisted two additional stores to carry my book; met with a cancer support group; submitted my book to a large Christian business chain; was featured on a widely distributed neighborhood newspaper; kicked-off my Bible study with a small group of local cancer survivors and shared in the joy of a large group studying my book at a church in Illinois. In each instance, I see God's blessing not only in my life but in the lives of many others impacted by my book. Yep, God is up to something good and I am thrilled, thankful and especially humbled to be a part of it. What is God doing good in your life? If you can't find anything, let me help you search for something.
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