This is Mallory Davenport, my friend from Alabama / Florida who I visited back in 2017. Loving Life, Having Faith in God is Stronger Than the Fear of Cancer.
Facing the Fear of Cancer by Joel Schorn – Bing video She has had cancer since 2012 but her answer to cancer is getting immunotherapy from time to time eating well and loving life along the Gulf Coast. She told me that she doesn’t want to leave the life she loved so well with her husband Jack and what is surrounding her. She feels her love for life gives her the super-duper will and immune system that helps to fight her cancer off.
You have the energy to keep going in the right direction …
If you and your partner enjoyed kissing at the beginning of your relationship, making it a more common occurrence again could reignite romantic feelings.
Kissing causes your brain to release oxytocin and serotonin, promoting bonding, as well as helping you relieve stress and anxiety.
“Continuing to hug, kiss, [and] snuggle is an important component…but it’s discovering that love can be both adventurous and caring that will reignite passion to live.
What I have noticed about Mallory is that she has a special spirit about herself that comes from the special family bond and friendships she has in her life. Mallory states in one of her Facebook posts, you can’t worry about the chaos when there is a 100# pound German Shepherd laying by your side. Mainly because you start to think about how this perfect creature, that God made, loves you unconditionally and you’re their whole world.
The sky over Bay Minette in the evening… photo from Mallory Davenport
Mallory gains great joy from the little extra joy from nature that is life. Mallory thinks your outlook on life helps you defeat cancer…also when you go to Mallory’s facebook page. I have noticed most cancer survivors know more about cancer than doctors themself because of the research that they and their cancer circle of friends do for them. Mallory has a High IQ about cancer awareness with new and continued posts.
On 2-02-2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Most of you know I’ve been fighting lymphoma for over a decade. I first noticed the tumor in September but didn’t feel like dealing with it at the time. In January I finally decided to have it looked at. I also had a little hope it was just my lymphoma but knew deep down it was breast cancer. Unfortunately, treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can cause secondary cancers.
It’s a unique situation to have 2 primary cancers at one time My lymphoma is under control at this time which is great. I’ve had numerous doctors appointments and conversations with my oncologist and radiologist on what’s best for me. They both know I’m going to do things my way because they know I know my body better than anyone. My radiologist, whom I haven’t seen since I had paralysis from the waist down back in 2017, has told me “Mallory, you have defied the odds. “
No one thought you would be here or if you did make it out of that we didn’t think you would be walking without a cane.” We talked for over an hour. He reminded me of what I’ve been through and how mentally strong I am. He told me however I decided to handle this situation he had my back and so does my oncologist, with whatever — I decide to do. Everyone’s response and even my own when they called to tell me it was breast cancer, was “well shit.”
The second response from my close friends and family was “how do you feel about this?” I would reply, indifferent. Not mad, sad, or scared, just indifferent. Cancer doesn’t scare me. It never has. It sucks, it’s aggravating and annoys me to no end at times but we all face trials in life. Mine is just cancer. I don’t know one person that isn’t facing some obstacle in their life. Life is hard. I try to always figure out what I can learn from the obstacles that I’m faced with.
How can it make me a better person?
I trust God’s will, and whatever he has in store for me.
……So I’ve pondered my situation for months now. Had conversations with friends who have been through breast cancer to gather all the insider info I can. I’ve learned breast cancer is not like lymphoma. It’s a little bit more difficult to navigate. So here I am navigating through it.. honestly. Sometimes I forget I have cancer until the aches and pains creep up on me at times reminding what my body and mind and spirit have been through.
I’m not your typical cancer patient.
No one can tell I have some disease that’s been trying to kill me for over a decade and now a second one is trying to creep in and take me out . So, in my true fashion I decided the best course of action is to up and go on a road trip out west with Jack and hike.
So here I am hiking in the desert in Moab and Bryce Canyon.
My quote is cropped but here are the words. “I learned in the five years of battling cancer that once you get a diagnosis, it brings you to many crossroads where you have to make tough decisions. You don’t get to see the results in advance. You walk courageously on your chosen path, hoping and praying for the most favorable outcome. I realize that this is life.
Psalm 91:11-12, NLT. God has commanded angels to guard you.
God has given angels, not your circumstance or situation, the authority to act on your behalf. God is your refuge and strength. He is your protection, and He has commanded angels to come to your aid. Www.ShannonKnight.com
FROM MY HEART
“Reflecting on Fourteen Years of Healing: Understanding, Empathy, and Respect”
I want to share something today. I am approaching this delicately and with deep consideration for each of you. This isn’t just about marking another “breast cancer survival anniversary,” but rather reflecting on the journey of living, healing, and the deeply personal experiences we all face going through breast cancer.
Talking about breast cancer can be incredibly personal. For many women, even writing or saying those words can feel overwhelming. It’s a profoundly intimate experience, different for everyone. I want to acknowledge the sensitivity of this topic and honor the courage it takes to face these delicate conversations together.
“A Heartfelt Story”
Just yesterday, a dear friend of mine, who is healing from stage IV breast cancer, was trying to enjoy a moment of joy and normalcy in her life. Despite her efforts to embrace and savor these moments, she encountered a passive-aggressive comment on social media. The remark was not only insensitive but also deeply hurtful, and witnessing such cruelty was both heartbreaking and deeply upsetting.
No one deserves to be treated poorly, especially when they are simply trying to find some happiness and relief amidst their ongoing struggles. The emotional toll of dealing with cancer is already immense, and facing negative, judgmental comments only adds to this burden.
This experience moved me profoundly and compelled me to share my thoughts today. I have experienced it personally and seen others go through similar and even worse experiences. We have the right to protect our emotional well-being. If you come across negativity that feels hurtful or intrusive, it’s absolutely okay to block those comments or individuals. Your peace of mind and mental health are crucial, and you have every right to safeguard them.
“The Intimate Nature of Breast Cancer”
In 2011, I survived stage IV breast cancer without chemo, which made me quite the controversy. Now, in my fourteenth year of being cancer-free, I understand deeply how delicate and sensitive this diagnosis can be. It touches every part of our lives—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Sharing such an intimate part of oneself publicly requires immense courage. Many of us fear judgment or misunderstanding from those who haven’t walked in our shoes. The fear of being seen differently or reduced to our diagnosis is a heavy burden to bear.
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and I was single most of that time. There is an understandable fear of what men may think about dating a woman who has had breast cancer twice. Will she be a burden? These concerns are real and deserving of our empathy and awareness. I am now blessed to be married to a man who loves me as I am, but when I was single, sharing this part of my life felt even more overwhelming. Concerns about dating and approaching the subject can be very sensitive. Once something is shared online, it stays there indefinitely. This can be intimidating and make a deeply personal experience feel exposed.
“The Challenge of Transparency and Privacy”
In 2010, when I had a recurrence at stage IV, I had to raise money for my treatment. It was incredibly difficult to share my personal story publicly. The need for transparency felt like an invasion of my privacy at a time when I was trying to focus on healing. However, without transparency, people find it hard to trust, especially when raising money for alternative cancer treatment like I was doing with “Angels for Shannon” in 2010. It is such a balancing act.
I’ve seen that family or friends can often be unsupportive, adding to the emotional burden. On the other hand, there are those who draw closer, offering consistent support and understanding. This support is crucial and can make all the difference.
I feel that the spiritual impact is significant too. Some women find their faith tested to the breaking point, while others draw closer to God, finding strength and solace in their spiritual beliefs. Supporting women through these spiritual challenges is just as important as addressing their physical and emotional needs.
Every woman’s story is precious and deserves to be heard. When women share their stories so vulnerably, it is a gift to others who can glean something from it and feel a sense of commonality. However, we are not entitled to push for more. Privacy is a powerful part of healing, as it allows us to process and recover on our own terms. Respecting a woman’s right to privacy is essential because it acknowledges her autonomy and personal journey. I want every woman to feel supported in whatever choice she makes because intuition and personal choice are so important on this healing journey.
“Reflecting on Fourteen Years of Survival”
Now, in my fourteenth year of being cancer-free, I find myself looking back on the journey with a deeper perspective. The psychological and emotional impacts of cancer are profound and vary greatly from person to person. Each woman’s experience is distinct, shaped by her own circumstances and inner strength.
“Respecting Personal Choices”
Whether you decide to share your story or keep it private, know that your choice is valid and deserves respect. Our experiences and how we navigate them are deeply personal. Trusting your intuition and making choices that feel right for you is essential on this path to healing.
“A Glimpse into the Past”
This photo was taken on September 9, 2010, during a time when I was facing stage IV breast cancer. UCLA had informed me that there was nothing more they could do, giving me only months to live and advising me to get my affairs in order. Now, in my fourteenth year of being cancer-free, I find myself reflecting more deeply on these experiences. There is so much to consider about how cancer affects us psychologically and emotionally, in ways that are unique to each of us.
My brother gave me the dog tag around my neck in this photo and it holds a special scripture which helped me through cancer: Psalm 34:4, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Joe Biden has bowed to the inevitable, and abandoned his attempt at re-election. It was a decision that should have been made four years ago in his first election campaign. Even back then in 2020, there were clear concerns about the Democratic nominee’s age and health.
But the Democratic party, with the active connivance of sections of the US media, worked overtime to cast any such concerns as nothing more than Republican slurs, and Mr Biden won the election.
Questions about his health, however, never quite went away.
Clips of the President stumbling, misspeaking or appearing visibly confused continued to circulate for the duration of his term, in each case defused by helpful allies across the press, dismissed as “cheapfakes” or labelled “misinformation”.
When major news outlets started reporting this week that top neurologist and Parkinson’s disease (PD) specialist Kevin Cannard, M.D. made eight visits to the White House between July 2023 and March 2024, the rumor mill began to churn. Could President Biden have this inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder? Would that help explain his unmissable faltering and soft speech, conflation of disparate issues with one another, and halting movements during the recent
The murmurs about President Joe Biden’s health — and particularly commentary about whether he’s exhibiting signs of Parkinson’s disease — have reached a fever pitch. On Monday, the New York Times reported that a Parkinson’s specialist visited the White House eight times between July 2023 and March 2024, raising questions about whether the president was quietly being evaluated and treated for the condition.
That was followed by a contentious White House press briefing in which press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was bombarded by questions about the president and Parkinson’s. “Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s?
No,” Jean-Pierre parried.
Later that evening, the White House released a letter from Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, which noted that the president “has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.” The letter also implied that the Parkinson’s specialist mentioned in the New York Times story, Kevin Cannard, had been to the White House over the years to see other staffers and military members in his capacity as neurologist to the White House medical unit, which he’s held since 2012.
O’Connor referred back to the results of a medical exam released in February that reported “no findings which would be consistent with … Parkinson’s,” among other conditions. The neurological exams as part of the annual physicals were conducted by Cannard, according to O’Connor’s letter.
But that letter has not tamped down the speculation. On Wednesday morning, NBC aired an interview with a neurologist, who declared, “He has Parkinsonism. That is a fact. He has degeneration of the brain.” (More on “Parkinsonism” below.)
To be clear, it’s hard to make a Parkinson’s diagnosis from afar, says Anthony Lang, a neurologist and researcher who leads Parkinson’s disease research at the University of Toronto’s Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases. “I’d be very reluctant to come to any specific conclusion without a clear, hands-on assessment of the individual,” he says.
But the reason doctors like CNN medical correspondent and neurologist Sanjay Gupta, among others, have been vocal is that the movement changes typical of Parkinson’s — even if they’re caused by a different condition — can be fairly straightforward to the trained eye. And according to Lang and doctors I’ve spoken with, and in my own view as a doctor, further neurological testing would be the most reasonable recommendation based on what we’ve observed.
That’s why speculation about the disease has picked up — and why the controversy might linger.
Why we’re suddenly talking about Biden and Parkinson’s
It’s a well-known fact that Joe Biden is 81 and moves his age. What kickstarted the latest bout of speculation about deeper health problems was his disastrous June 27 debate performance against Donald Trump.
During the debate, Biden often spoke haltingly, occasionally losing his way mid-thought, and while his opponent spoke, his face was often frozen and expressionless. A tsunami of commentary about his health followed, including speculation about Parkinson’s.
In a column published on CNN’s website July 5, Gupta wrote that he and “more than a dozen” of his neurologist colleagues had been stunned by the president’s “confused rambling; sudden loss of concentration in the middle of a sentence; halting speech and absence of facial animation, resulting at times in a flat, open-mouthed expression.”
What Gupta and some medical experts seized upon were some classic symptoms. Parkinson’s involves changes in the way people move, and often, later in the disease, cognitive problems like dementia. In this illness, many of these symptoms are caused by a problem with the brain’s production of dopamine, a molecule involved in signaling body parts to move.
The changes in movement caused by the condition are so characteristic that doctors often group them together using the condition’s name, whether or not the diagnosis has been made. Parkinsonism is an umbrella term that describes a combination of slowness, stiffness, a flexed posture, decreased facial expressiveness, soft speech, gait changes (including a slower, shorter stride), and often, tremors.
Although primary care doctors are commonly the first to identify these findings based on a patient’s physical exam, specialists are often involved in confirming a Parkinson’s diagnosis and managing treatment. A full neurologic exam aimed at making the diagnosis includes observing a patient in action and putting them through a range of active and passive movement exercises.
Other tests, including brain MRIs and spinal taps, can help rule other conditions out, or are used in research settings to help make a diagnosis in select patients — but “it really is mainly clinical diagnosis,” says Lang. In other words, it’s a diagnosis made by observing and examining a patient, not by doing lab tests or CT scans.
People can have Parkinsonism without having Parkinson’s disease. Drugs that block or deplete dopamine — for example, antipsychotic drugs and medicines used to treat some gastrointestinal conditions — can cause these symptoms. Less commonly, so can brain tumors and strokes. That’s part of why doctors are hesitant to speculate on Biden’s diagnosis (or anyone else’s) purely on the basis of observing his movements and speech on video.
Although Parkinson’s motor symptoms can be minimized with medication, it’s a progressive and debilitating illness with cognitive components that loom larger with age. Stress temporarily worsens the disease’s symptoms, and maintaining stamina can be especially challenging for people with the condition: About half of all people with Parkinson’s say fatigue is a major problem. Dementia is incredibly common in older people with the disease, affecting around 80 percent, and can come on relatively quickly.
Oral medications and other treatments exist that help reduce the condition’s physical symptoms, although there’s no known way to slow its associated cognitive changes. Synthetic forms of dopamine are a cornerstone of Parkinson’s treatment, and other medicines (including some that mimic dopamine’s effects) may also be helpful. Some people in late stages of the disease may benefit from a surgically implanted device called a deep brain stimulator, which sends electrical impulses from a tiny pacemaker-like box implanted in the chest to electrodes implanted in the brain.
Doctors inexperienced in evaluating Parkinson’s may miss the diagnosis, attributing its symptoms to normal aging. However, the condition involves findings that skilled clinicians can typically identify using certain maneuvers. A physical exam also involves close observation of the patient for the posture and gait changes, masked face, tremor, and other typical signs. Not all patients have all the symptoms, and especially early in the disease, some symptoms may be absent, which may complicate or delay diagnosis and treatment.
Why the controversy might linger
For Joe Biden, the president of the United States, the stakes of getting that assessment are higher than the average person’s.
For his part, Lang echoes what Gupta and other expert sources have floated: The president should undergo cognitive testing and other evaluations to determine the causes of his physical changes. “If the results indicate an issue, then they should deal with it honestly and appropriately,” Lang says.
There is simply not enough evidence from observing Joe Biden on TV to say that he definitely has Parkinson’s. But the reason why some medical experts have felt comfortable piping up is there is enough evidence to recommend further testing — even with the results from the February medical exam. Barring a sudden change in how the president moves, talks, and acts, the speculation isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.
George Soros is a Hungarian-American businessman, investor, and philanthropist.
As of October 2023, he had a net worth of US$6.7 billion, having donated more than $32 billion to the Open Society Foundations, of which $15 billion has already been distributed, representing 64% of his original fortune.
Morality of Money in Society is a complex and multifaceted topic. Money, while a tool for facilitating trade and economic growth, can also influence human behavior and social dynamics in profound ways.
Positive Aspects
Economic Growth and Development: Money enables investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which can improve living standards and reduce poverty.
Charity and Philanthropy: Wealth can be used to support charitable causes, fund research, and provide aid to those in need.
Ethical Wealth Management: Encouraging responsible investment and consumption can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of wealth.
Social Responsibility: Promoting corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices can ensure that wealth generation benefits society as a whole.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the ethical implications of financial decisions can foster a more equitable and compassionate society.
Money, in essence, is neither inherently good nor bad. Its moral value depends on how it is used and the intentions behind its use. What are your thoughts on how society can better balance the moral implications of money?
254,385 views Jul 15, 2024 In a shocking revelation, BlackRock confirmed that Thomas Crooks, the suspect in the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, briefly appeared in one of their advertisements. Here’s what we know so far.
The BlackRock Ad: Thomas Crooks, a 2022 graduate from Bethel Park High School, appeared as an unpaid student extra in a BlackRock advertisement last year. The ad featured a teacher from Bethel Park High School, with several students, including Crooks, in the background. This connection has brought additional scrutiny to the investment giant amidst the ongoing investigation. Bing Videos
BlackRock’s Statement: In an emailed statement to Reuters, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, expressed their condemnation of the attempted assassination. “The assassination attempt on former President Trump is abhorrent,” the company stated. BlackRock has since removed the ad from circulation and is cooperating fully with the authorities, providing all relevant video footage.
Thomas Crooks’ Background: Thomas Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, has become a focal point in the investigation following Saturday’s incident. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported on his educational background, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative.
BlackRock’s Response: BlackRock emphasized their stance against violence and assured the public of their full cooperation with law enforcement. “We will make all video footage available to the appropriate authorities,” the statement read. As the company prepares to release its second-quarter results on Monday, this unexpected connection to such a serious incident has put them under a spotlight.
Public Reaction: The revelation has sparked widespread reactions, with social media buzzing with discussions and theories. Hashtags like #BlackRockAd, #ThomasCrooks, and #TrumpAssassinationAttempt are trending as people express their shock and demand more answers.
Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are meticulously investigating the attempted assassination, with Thomas Crooks at the center of their inquiries. The cooperation from BlackRock is a critical component in piecing together the events leading up to the incident.
Former Secret Service agent Evy Poumpouras details what she wants to see from a completed investigation of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and who would take the blame.
Blux News – Search (bing.com) will continue to provide updates on this developing story, keeping you informed with the latest details. Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage and insights.
Christiane Amanpour sits down with former U.S. president Barack Obama.
Six years since the end of his term, there is compelling evidence worldwide that democracy is wavering. The former president is raising the alarm and celebrating the next generation of democratic leaders. In an exclusive conversation with Barack Obama Christiane asks the question:
This Marxist Muslim needs to go back to grade school. From her archive, Christiane Amanpour asks former president Barack Obama if American democracy can withstand a second Trump term.
It has never been a Democracy:
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the “Republic” for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance (youtube.com)
Obama & Amanpour: The Full World Exclusive Interview Bing Videos
Is the United States a democracy or a republic?
One of the most commonly encountered questions about the word democracy has nothing to do with its spelling or pronunciation and isn’t even directly related to the meaning of the word itself.
That question is “is the United States a democracy or a republic?”
The answer to this, as with so many other questions about meaning, may be phrased as some form of “it depends.”
Some people assert that a country calling itself a democracy must be engaged in direct (or pure) democracy, in which the people of a state or region vote directly for policies, rather than elect representatives who make choices on their behalf.
People who follow this line of reasoning hold that the United States is more properly described as a republic, using the following definition of that word: “a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.”
However, both democracy and republic have more than a single meaning, and one of the definitions we provide for democracy closely resembles the definition of republic given above: “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.”
So if someone asks you if the United States is a democracy or a republic, you may safely answer the question with either “both” or “it depends.”
This is one of those “either/or” questions that seems like it should have a straightforward answer; after all, two such different words must have two different definitions, right?
The short answer is that democracy and republic are frequently used to mean the same thing: a government in which the people vote for their leaders. This was the important distinction at the time of the founding of the United States, in direct contrast with the rule of a king, or monarchy, in Great Britain.
In part because that context was clear to everyone involved in the American Revolution, these terms were used interchangeably in the late 1700s. Both democracy and republic meant that the power to govern was held by the people rather than a monarch.
At the same time, it’s true that there is nuance and difference between these words, according to their historical use and etymology: democracy comes from the Greek roots meaning “rule by the people,” and the most basic understanding of the word’s original meaning refers to the direct democracy of ancient Greece.
Republic comes from the Latin roots meaning “public good” or “public affair,” used in ancient Rome to mean simply “state” or “country” with reference to the representative democracy of the Roman Republic. The elected representatives in Congress are a contemporary example of this kind of government.
1a: government by the peopleespecially : rule of the majorityb: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
2: a political unit that has a democratic government
3: capitalized : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S.from emancipation Republicanism to New Deal Democracy—C. M. Roberts
4: the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority
(1) : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president
(2) : a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government
1 b
(1): a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law
(2) : a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government
c : a usually specified republican government of a political unit the French Fourth Republic
2 : a body of persons freely engaged in a specified activity the republic of letters
The Answer is it’s a Republic: Govern by the Constitution
The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system).
Deism: Many Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were influenced by Deism. Deists believed in a rational God who created the universe but did not intervene in human affairs. They emphasized reason and ethics over religious dogma1.
Their beliefs were shaped by the Enlightenment, personal experiences, and the diverse religious landscape of colonial America. This mix of ideas contributed to the foundational principles of the United States.
Is there a specific Founding Father or aspect of their beliefs you’re particularly interested in?
What role did Benjamin Franklin play in shaping the nation?
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Benjamin Franklin played a multifaceted and crucial role in shaping the United States.
Constitutional Convention: Franklin was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. His wisdom and experience were invaluable in the debates and compromises that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution2.
Jefferson’s religious views were shaped by the Enlightenment and his commitment to reason and empirical evidence. Despite his unconventional beliefs, he consistently expressed admiration for the moral teachings of Christianity and maintained a personal faith in a rational and benevolent creator.
No one is ordinary try to be extraordinary, the world is so wonderful, I want to see it, love life, enjoy life, face the sea, flowers bloom in spring!
Meet Dee Mani ~ Cannabisoligist, an inspiring individual whose health journey took an unexpected turn in March 2017. After discovering a sudden lump and undergoing a series of tests, including mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, Dee received a diagnosis of grade 3 Triple Negative breast cancer, recognized as one of the most aggressive forms.
Initially advised to undergo a year of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Dee opted to chart her path based on thorough research. She chose to forgo conventional treatment, which had failed her sister previously, and instead embraced a natural healing approach. Following a lumpectomy, Dee pursued self-healing using an array of methods such as dietary changes, essential oils, supplements, detox salt baths, meditation, and full extract cannabis oil (FECO). Her journey of healing extended beyond her physical well-being, encompassing her mind and soul.
Despite her oncologist’s lack of support, Dee persevered. Just five months post-diagnosis and four months into her natural protocol, she achieved an all-clear status, free from evidence of disease (NED).
Motivated by her experience, Dee penned her story, sharing it in a self-published book that swiftly became an Amazon bestseller. This venture propelled her into an advocacy role, particularly in the realms of cannabis and holistic health. She contributes articles to top-tier Medical Marijuana publications, engages in interviews with health advocates, and delivers educational health talks at various forums.
Deeply convinced of the potential of cannabis, Dee has developed a range of CBD oils, wellness products, and skincare items. She has also initiated a cannabis education hub, where she seeks to counter prevailing stigmas surrounding this remarkable plant.
Dee’s contributions to health literature extend beyond her personal narrative. She has co-authored two other Amazon best-selling health books and holds columns in esteemed medical marijuana publications. Additionally, Dee serves as a mentor in a private support group for individuals grappling with cancer.
With her expansive role as an author, motivator, inspirer, and advocate, Dee’s journey reflects a quest for understanding health, our world, and our place within it. As she aptly quotes Henry David Thoreau, “Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”
The Amazon Best-selling cancer book “My Way.”
“My Way: Following the Cancer Brick Road, from Diagnosis to All Clear in 5 Months” is a compelling and inspiring memoir by Dee Mani, detailing her extraordinary journey from the moment she received a cancer diagnosis to beating the deadly disease in just five months.
The book takes readers through Dee’s initial shock upon discovering a lump, her emotional struggles, and her determination to explore alternative methods of healing. Rejecting conventional treatments, she embarks on a path of holistic therapies, centered around cannabis oil and a complete lifestyle transformation.
Dee’s unwavering belief in the power of natural healing shines through as she navigates the challenges and doubts thrown her way. She shares her experiences with various treatments, dietary changes, and supplements, all while facing scepticism from the medical community and societal norms.
As her story unfolds, readers witness the incredible impact of cannabis oil on Dee’s journey. She offers candid insights into her choices, both physical and mental, as she confronts the uncertainty and fear that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Throughout the book, Dee delves into her personal growth, spirituality, and unwavering positivity. She discusses her support network, family, and online friends, whose encouragement played a significant role in her healing process.
“My Way” is not just a tale of overcoming cancer but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Dee’s powerful message is one of empowerment and the importance of taking control of one’s health, even when faced with adversity.
This gripping and informative memoir sheds light on alternative treatments and their potential in the fight against cancer. Dee’s passion for natural healing and her dedication to sharing her story has propelled her into the forefront of the cannabis industry, where she now advocates for others and helps them find their own paths to healing.
In “My Way,” Dee Mani’s transformative journey serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for anyone seeking alternative solutions and emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to health.
My Way Cancer Healing Protocol
The concept of healing encompasses the body, mind, and soul. While addressing physical healing is crucial, our body serves as a vessel. True healing requires tending to the mind and soul as well; otherwise, the root causes of ailments may persist. In Dee’s strong belief, events unfold for specific reasons. Often, the catalyst behind these events is none other than oneself. Our decisions shape our journey, and we bear responsibility for a significant portion of the outcomes in our lives.
The choices we’ve made in the past reverberate into the present. Consider the scenario where you decide to prioritize your physical well-being. You might commit to a gym routine, engaging in exercise before and after work, or opt for activities like running or swimming. This transformation not only impacts your physique but also uplifts your mental state due to your POSITIVE outlook. Had you not embraced this path, the outcome could have led to weight gain, lethargy, demotivation, feelings of unattractiveness, and an ensuing NEGATIVE mindset.
Hence, every choice carries weight. Your cumulative decisions concerning diet and lifestyle have silently shaped your health trajectory. Now, the time has come to choose change. Altering your inputs leads to modified outputs.
This protocol equips you with all the necessary tools to embark on a natural healing journey, avoiding the need for toxic medications prescribed by oncologists. It’s a pathway to holistic well-being that recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul.
I’m obsessed with coconuts so Thailand was a coco-dream
Delicious and Nutritious!
Coconut water is super hydrating, and the fruit is packed with
healthy fats and fibre & a tasty way to get some extra nutrients!
Kitchen Magic!
Coconut oil is amazing for cooking. It’s great for frying, baking, or sautéing, adding a hint of tropical flavor. It’s also full of good fats that can help boost your energy and metabolism.
If you take protein shakes (hemp is the best) add a spoon of coconut oil to the mix!
Skin and Hair Saver!
Beyond the kitchen, coconut oil is a lifesaver for skin and hair. Use it as a moisturiser for soft skin, a deep conditioner for shiny hair, or to soothe dry, cracked skin. It’s natural and smells fantastic, I use it as my sunscreen as has a natural SPF of 4!
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I’m going to be live 1 pm until 3 pm London time today giving you facts of what works!
Augmented NAC and detoxing the spike protein. It will denature the spike molecule detaching it from the ACE2 receptor, allowing natural excretion… all proven. Fabio Zolfe explains.
Cannabis! What more do you need? It works. They know!
That’s why they keep it for themselves and make you a criminal. Dee Mani is Europe’s expert.
The most repeated phrase in the bible is this “Do not be afraid or fear not, have faith. “
It appears 365 times in scripture.
A reminder to live each day with faith and hope as joyful warriors to Christ and when God is with us nobody can stand against us. With this assurance from the Almighty even the face of evil can’t shake our resolve. We will keep fighting We will keep praying and by the grace of God we will save our country.
And I want you to remember this in 1831 Alexis de Tocqueville came to America to study our nation because Europe was fascinated . They wanted to know how the nation, barely 50 years old, already could compete with them on virtually every level.
So he looked at our government and was duly impressed with our check and balances and separations of powers.
And then he looked at our business environments. And he was duly impressed by how we encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. And he looks at our educational system.
He was blown away by the fact that he could find a mountain man in the middle of the woods who could read and who could tell him about the Declaration of Independence.
But the thing that impressed him most was when he went to our churches, and he heard those inspirational sermons from the pulpits that inspired a ragtag from a bunch of militiamen to defeat the most powerful Army in the world and gave the American People the moral base and he concluded his two volume set Democracy in America with these words. He said America is great because America is Good and if America ever ceases to be Good, she will cease to be great. So, it is our job to Make America Great Again!!!
About 15 minutes before former President Trump took the stage for his Saturday rally in Butler, he shook hands with Jondavid Longo, the mayor of nearby Slippery Rock.
“You did a great job,” Trump said.
He had watched Longo’s pre-rally speech from a livestream while aboard Trump Force One, his Boeing 757. “I listened to every word. Keep that up. How’s it going out there?” “Mr. President, Butler County is going to deliver Pennsylvania to you,” Longo replied. “We’re working hard.”
Later, Longo was sitting about 15 feet from Trump’s lectern when he recognized the crack of gunfire from his time in the Marine Corps. He immediately pulled his wife to the ground and covered her as best he could. He saw Secret Service agents pounce on Trump and then the former president stood back up, raising a fist into the air in what Longo could describe only as an act of “triumphant defiance.”
“It’s going to go down as one of the most iconic images of the last century and perhaps in all of American history,” he said.
The people of Butler County know the events of that day could have been much worse, with a would-be assassin getting so close to killing Trump and upending the nation.
The heavily Republican community is now grappling with that notoriety — and grieving the losses. The assassination attempt also has residents in this swing state, which could determine who wins the November presidential election, reflecting on the nation’s political divisions.
“I don’t think any community would hope to be known for an assassination,” said Donald Shearer, a Republican City Council member in Butler who hasn’t decided whether he will support President Biden or Trump.
Although Pittsburgh and its surrounding counties have traditionally voted blue, Butler County has served as a Republican stronghold. The last time a Democratic candidate won a majority of the votes in Butler was when President Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Republican nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964.
“As Pennsylvania goes, so goes the White House,” Longo said.
A majority of his constituents in Slippery Rock — a Butler County borough — grew up in rural, small-town and faith-based communities, he said. Many are veterans. There is also a culture of volunteerism, specifically in the Fire Departments. Longo’s voters care most about 2nd Amendment rights, “medical freedom” from COVID-19 mandates and restrictions, and “financial independence,” he said.
“They want to be able to go to work, make a living and put food on the table without the government sticking their hands in their pockets,” he added. “Those are the things Butler County residents believe are embodied by Trump.”
The assassination attempt has left residents here on edge. Television news trucks in the days that followed lined the street outside the Butler Farm Show, where the rally was held.
“I blame the media,” said Cheryl Gunther, vice chair of the United Republicans of Butler County political action committee, who was volunteering at the rally when Trump was shot. She thinks news outlets have unfairly associated Trump with white supremacists and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Chuck Pascal, Democratic chair of Armstrong County, located next to Butler, credits the shift from “traditional Republican red” to “MAGA red” with the deindustrialization of the region during the early 1980s. As most of the global steel production gradually shifted to China, U.S. plants became less profitable and had difficulty competing with foreign companies, some of which got subsidies from the government.
“The people who were union workers and lost their jobs because of policies just got annoyed with everybody and are voting against anything that looks like the establishment,” he said. “It used to be back then that the Democrats were for the little guy, and over time, through trade policies, that put everybody out of work. As a result, they don’t trust anyone anymore.”
A lot of people in Butler County, Pascal said, want their communities to go back to the way it was, meaning they don’t want to travel an hour and a half to work for a higher-paying job, and they want their kids to stay in the area even after getting an advanced degree.
“We just have to get back to talking to each other as humans,” he said.
Some Trump supporters here expressed issues with some of his policies and said they’d be willing to vote for Democratic candidates if they agreed with their platforms.
Shari Bennetti lives about a quarter-mile from the rally site and was throwing a Trump party at her house when they watched the shooting unfold on TV. She is a registered Republican but voted for Bill Clinton in the past.
“I always voted for who I felt was the best candidate, whether it’s Republican or Democrat, because I voted both ways,” she said. Bennetti said she supports Trump because she believes he doesn’t have “hands in his pockets” and isn’t as influenced by lobbyists and big corporations.
“With Trump, he was a businessman and it was hard-core business, and people hated him,” she said. “I thought he was going to do good, not knowing, just a feeling in my heart that he was going to do good.”
Amy Bocci, the daughter of a steel mill worker, grew up in a firmly Democratic household in the Pittsburgh suburb of Monroeville. As a kid, she said, she didn’t know or care much about politics. She identifies as Christian and goes to church every Sunday.
It wasn’t until about 30 years ago, when she moved to Butler County, that things started to shift for her politically.
The 50-year-old disliked some of the policies of former Presidents Clinton and Obama. Specifically, Bocci disagreed with their stances on abortion.
“I just like traditional family values,” she said. “I just felt like they were just getting away from all of that.”
Bocci has voted Republican ever since and is planning to vote for Trump for the third time this fall. During the rally Saturday, Bocci and her husband, Dave, decided to watch the event from their friend’s house about a quarter-mile away from the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds.
Bocci burst into tears after seeing Trump get shot and his motorcade race down her street as first responders transported the former president to a hospital.
“This is just a very hardworking, very family-oriented community,” Bocci said. “We love God. We love our armed forces. We’re just mostly good country people, and there is such a love of Trump here.”
Lori Sarver stands at a roadside Trump merchandise store,
Lori Sarver, 54, has lived in Cranberry Township in southwestern Butler County for 40 years but used to live in Allegheny County. She voted for Obama twice but said she regrets her decision, declining to specify why.
On Monday, Sarver stopped by a roadside Trump merchandise store and bought half a dozen T-shirts. She voted for Trump in 2016, she said, because of his stricter policies on immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border. Sarver also believes Trump would be better for employment and inflation rates, as well as gas prices.
But she said she was disappointed with the overruling of Roe vs. Wade. Trump has taken credit for selecting the Supreme Court justices who ended the landmark decision that gave women the right to abortion.
“I am a woman,” Sarver said. “And you know, things happen to women that are horrible, and I don’t believe anybody should tell me what to do with my body. So that was hurtful.”
Chuck and Jody Pflugh of Eau Claire in Butler County also said they support abortion rights — and the former president. Other issues, such as the economy, are more important to them.
“There’s never going to be a president where I agree with everything that comes out of his mouth,” Chuck Pflugh said. But local Democrats have not given up hope that the abortion issue can sway voters.
“Nobody wants to see women subject to some of the laws coming out of the states,” said Kate Lennen, who is running for a state Senate seat that covers parts of southern Butler County.
A big question for residents here is whether any election can change the long-term economic fortunes of the region.
The blue-collar county has struggled to reinvent itself after the loss of the steel industry.
“We’re not a rich area. We’re struggling financially. We have deteriorating infrastructure. We used to be a steel town. We’ve lost a lot of the city’s residents to the suburbs,” said Troy Douthett, a member of the Butler City Council.
Colby King, a 40-year-old urban sociologist, grew up in Butler and moved to South Carolina after college. He goes back to Butler almost every year to visit his parents.
“It is a complex and diverse place,” he said of Butler, noting the economic decline that’s occurred over the years as some high-paying jobs disappeared and more young professionals left for urban areas. “There’s more than one story, and there’s no one incident that would represent the whole community.”
King’s 71-year-old father, William, who was born and raised in Butler, was employed as a steelworker for nearly three decades before retiring in 2010 from the now-shuttered Pullman-Standard Steel Car Co.
When he started in the 1970s, there were nearly 5,000 steelworkers at the mill where he worked. When he retired, there were about 1,500.
William King said he is a lifelong Democrat and plans to vote for Biden in the election. Although there are a lot of Trump supporters in his neighborhood, he said, he would never vote for the former president.
“I feel both guys are not completely honest people, but I think Biden is more honest,” he said. “Trump has been indicted, he’s been impeached and he’s crooked. That’s all it is. Crooked people are voting for crooked people.”
Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Doug Mills discusses his iconic photo of a bullet passing by former President Trump’s ear and the chaos he witnessed at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Fr. Jason Charron prayed on stage just before the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. And incredibly, he told people in the crowd to pray for the former president, saying “there are people who want to shoot him, there are people who want to kill him.” Moments later a bullet grazed the former president’s right ear. EWTN’s Colm Flynn interviewed Fr. Jason Charron.
The assassination attempt on former President Trump at a political rally in Pennsylvania is raising major questions about the Secret Service and its security protocols. The Morning Joe panel discusses.
If you’re curious about where Donald Trump’s mind is following the assassination attempt, one expert says it’s written all over his face—or, more specifically, his “glabella.” So where is that and why does it matter?
Stepfanie Tyler cried when Donald Trump was elected in 2016. But after Saturday’s attempted assassination, she’s changing her vote and shopping for MAGA hats.
We’re learning more about Thomas Crooks, the man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump. Crooks was a high school student when he appeared in an ad for an investment company. Inside Edition found a video of Crooks on his high school Facebook page, explaining computer coding to another student. Crooks’ high school years were troubled, according to one former peer. Jason Kohler says Crooks was rejected by the school’s rifle team.
Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals is a guide for community organizers and activists, published in 1971. It outlines strategies for grassroots movements to achieve social change.
Here are some of the key rules from the book:
Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.
Never go outside the expertise of your people.
Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy.
Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.
Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.
A good tactic is one your people enjoy.
A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.
Keep the pressure on. Never let up.
The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition.
If you push a negative hard and deep enough, it will break through into its counterside.
The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative.
Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.
Caroline Trumpff, an assistant professor of medical psychology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, has long been interested in the mind-body connection. While many studies have provided evidence for this link, it’s still rare to see this knowledge applied to clinical practice, she says. That is because it remains difficult to trace a direct path from life circumstances—an extended network of family and friends or, by contrast, a difficult childhood—to what is going on at the molecular level. These gaps are why Trumpff has taken an interest in mitochondria. By investigating how these tiny cellular powerhouses mediate the effects of mind on body and body on mind, she hopes to convince people to take the role of psychosocial factors on health more seriously.
Understanding mitochondria is a good place to start. Mitochondrial problems may be a culprit in a wide range of brain disorders and diseases, ranging from schizophrenia to Parkinson’s disease. But what causes problems in our mitochondria? Evidence from past studies, mostly in animals, has pointed to psychological stress as a key factor.
To investigate the relationship between mental states and mitochondria, Trumpff and her colleagues analyzed data from the Religious Orders Study (ROS) and the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP)—two large, ongoing assessments of aging and dementia that have recruited thousands of individuals aged 65 and older across the U.S. For these studies, known collectively as ROSMAP, researchers continuously track participants’ mental and physical health—and, after death, examine their donated brain.
For Trumpff’s study, the team looked specifically at whether there was a relationship between participants’ reported life experiences and the characteristics of mitochondria within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in emotion regulation and executive functions, such as problem-solving and planning. Life experiences included those associated with better mental health (such as feeling purpose in life and having a large social network) and those with a negative impact on psychological well-being (such as adverse childhood experiences and social isolation).
The researchers’ analysis, which included data from 400 ROSMAP participants, revealed that positive experiences were most closely associated with a greater abundance of mitochondrial complex I, a key group of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, the process by which mitochondria generate energy. Negative experiences, on the other hand, were associated with a lower abundance of the same protein complex. The results were published on June 18 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.
These findings, Trumpff says, suggest that our experiences may have an influence on how this minute cellular component can change its activity—ratcheting energy production up or down—in response to varying life circumstances. This chain of events might also go in the opposite direction: differences in the functioning of mitochondrial machinery could influence mental health in ways that determine what types of experiences a person will have. Trumpff says it’s likely that both things are happening because prior studies—mostly in rodent brains—have demonstrated both that chronic stress can alter mitochondria and that mitochondrial defects can alter behavior.
Previous work examining mitochondria outside the brain also support these results. In 2018, for example, Martin Picard, a mitochondrial psychobiologist at Columbia and a co-author of the latest study, found that people’s mood and stress levels affected the functioning of mitochondria in immune cells known as leukocytes. (Immune cells are commonly used in this type of study because they are found in blood, making them easier to access than brain cells, which can typically only be studied after death.) Researchers have also found signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in individuals with mental health disorders such as depression.
“The findings of this study highlight the significant impact that psychosocial factors—positive and negative experiences—may have on brain mitochondrial function,” says Audrey Tyrka, a translational scientist who studies stress, trauma and resilience at Brown University and was not involved in this work. “We know that, in turn, can influence cognitive function, psychiatric conditions and general well-being.” It is important, she adds, to conduct a similar analysis in a more diverse sample. Because 98 percent of the participants were white, this study cannot address any potential race- or ethnicity-specific issues, such as stress exposures arising from systemic racism and associated health disparities, Tyrka says.
Because the ROSMAP participants were all aged 65 and older when the study began, another open question is whether a similar relationship between life experiences and the functioning of brain mitochondria exists in younger individuals. In previous work, Iris-Tatjana Kolassa, a clinical biopsychologist at the University of Ulm in Germany, and her colleagues found that in adult women, childhood trauma was associated with increased, not diminished, mitochondrial energy production in immune cells after childbirth.
One explanation for this discrepancy, according to Kolassa, is that her study looked at the postpartum period, which is typically a stressful time that is also associated with inflammation. The way that mitochondria respond during such events might be different than during a normal state. Another possibility is that stress might lead to increased mitochondrial energy production in the short term—and, over time, this could lead to wear and tear that results in decreased mitochondrial capacity in older age. It may also be that mitochondria in immune cells react differently than those in the brain, according to Trumpff.
Although more research is needed to confirm the psychosocial-mitochondrial link that Trumpff’s team found, the study itself is a provocative finding that adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that states of mind and prior experiences such as early-life trauma can shape mitochondrial function, says Vidita Vaidya, a neuroscientist at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India, who was not involved in the work. “At the moment, the jury is still out on causality—but there’s something here that’s really intriguing and worth exploring further.”
DIANA KWON is a freelance journalist who covers health and the life sciences. She is based in Berlin.
Our Universe was born billions of years ago. And since that time, it’s given birth to millions of galaxies, our Solar System, and who knows what else. Our Universe has been evolving for 13.8 billion years, but how exactly did we get here?
00:00 Evolution of the Universe 00:31 13.8 BILLION YEARS AGO 03:48 12.5 BILLION YEARS AGO 07:42 3.5 BILLION YEARS AGO 09:24 MODERN-DAY
It’s about believing that there’s a reason behind what happens, even if we can’t immediately understand it.
Whether you trust the universe’s benevolence, its endless possibilities, or your own resilience, your perspective shapes how you interpret life events.
Awakening and Growth:
The universe sends people into our lives to wake us up and facilitate growth.
Resilience happens out of necessity, not necessarily because someone has worked hard to achieve it. As a 2011 research article notes, there’s a dynamic nature to resilience across the lifespan.
“A key ingredient to resilience is recognizing that what you’ve been through is… significant, and recognizing the importance of seeing how it has impacted you and that you’re different than you were prior to the event,” says Kendra Kubala, PsyD, a psychologist working with trauma survivors in Pennsylvania and New York.
According to Kubala, resilience should be examined longitudinally (aka across time or across a chunk of someone’s life). If you’ve experienced trauma as a kid and then experience another traumatic event in adulthood from which you recover — either on your own or with the help of a mental health professional — that may be considered resilience.
You may have some degree of resilience if you exhibit any of the following behaviors:
You recognize the impermanence of difficulties.
You see setbacks as opportunities for growth.
You have tools to manage your stress and emotions.
You recognize that many things are out of your control.
You have a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.
Outside factors such as social and community support may also play an important role in helping people develop or maintain resilience. Before Lainey Wilson was a household name, she was a young aspiring singer trying her luck in a reality singing competition.
Lainey Wilson is blazing a trail in country music and shows no signs of slowing down. She was the most nominated artist for the 2023 CMA Awards and took home the coveted title of Entertainer of the Year. In addition, she recently won her first Grammy Award and was named The Female Country Artist at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards.
However, the Louisiana native did not have an easy start in the industry. While co-hosting an episode of Country Countdown USA, Lainey Wilson revealed that she auditioned for American Idolseven times and never made it past the first round. Additionally, she shared that she also tried her luck on The Voice, only to have the same disappointing result. Lainey Wilson performed on American Idol in a full-circle moment.
Despite the early rejection, Lainey Wilson kept her head down and continued to relentlessly pursue her musical dreams. Eventually, her hard work paid off when she was invited to be a performer on the Season 21 finale of American Idol. She reflected: “I finally made it on American Idol. I tried out 7 times. I took the long way around, but finally made it on American Idol.”
Luke Bryan admits that American Idol does not always “get it right.”
Weeks after Lainey Wilson co-hosted Country Countdown USA, Weeks after Lainey Wilson co-hosted Country Countdown USA, Luke Bryan visited the very same radio show where he was shocked to learn about Wilson’s failed Idol attempts. Bryan, who has been a judge on the show for the last seven seasons, reacted:
“I didn’t know that, that was the first time I heard that, but I’ll go see my producers today and find out what happened… I’m glad she didn’t take the Idol letdown to heart. It also shows we don’t always get it right.” Lainey Wilson’s dedication to her craft and perseverance despite rejection is an inspiration and a reminder that dreams are worth chasing.
Take a look back at her 2023 CMA Entertainer of the Year acceptance speech below!
Lainey Denay Wilson (born May 19, 1992)[1] is an American country music singer-songwriter and actress. Wilson performed from an early age, before going to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career as a country performer. In 2014, she released her first album on Cupit, followed by a second on Lone Chief in 2016. Wilson secured a publishing deal and later released an extended play (EP) in 2019, which included the song “Things a Man Oughta Know“.
Lainey Wilson was raised in Baskin, Louisiana, a town of 250 people. Her father, Brian, was a farmer while her mother, Michelle, was a schoolteacher. She also has a sister, Janna. She became interested in music at a young age.[2] Her family often listened to classic country music by Buck Owens and Glen Campbell. “Country music for me and my family, it was more than music. We lived the words to those songs,” she told The Advocate.[3]
At age nine, she attended a performance of the Grand Ole Opry and was drawn to the music. “I just remember looking up there, being like, ‘Man, I wanna do that’,” she recalled.[4] Wilson’s father taught her a couple of chords and she was soon writing songs by her preteen years.[2] In 2006, she released an extended play (EP) on Myspace titled Country Girls Rule.[1] In high school, Wilson took a job impersonating Hannah Montana. Often booking her own shows,[4] she performed as Hannah Montana at birthday parties, fairs, and festivals across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, even once performing for child cancer patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.[2]
Career
2011–2018: early years in Nashville and independent releases
Wilson finished high school[2] and moved to Nashville, Tennessee in August 2011.[3] She first lived in a camper trailer outside of a recording studio in Nashville. The studio owner paid for Wilson’s water and electricity to help make ends meet.[5] In 2021, Wilson explained that her early years in Nashville were difficult: “It taught me that this thing was not going to be easy. It taught me perseverance.”[3]
For several years, Wilson played a variety of small shows and worked on her songwriting.[2] In 2014, Wilson released a self-titled album on the Cupit label.[6] It was followed in 2016 by Tougher, on the Lone Chief label.[7] The project garnered an audience and made the BillboardTop Country Albums chart.[8] In 2018, she issued her second EP, a self-titled collection that was self-released. It led to her signing a publishing deal[2] with Sony/ATV in 2018. The same year, she also signed a management deal.[9]
2019–present: breakout success with “Things a Man Oughta Know”
In 2018, Wilson signed a major-label recording contract with the BBR Music Group.[10] Her first major-label release was her third EP Redneck Hollywood (2019). Her debut major label single was also released in 2019: “Dirty Looks”.[11]Off the Record UK praised the EP, highlighting Wilson’s songwriting and the production from producer Jay Joyce. The publication concluded by saying, “The EP is raw and real, pushing the country music genre wider than ever and bringing it back to the traditional while still reinventing it to its modern surroundings.”[12] Wilson then received attention from Country Music Television, who included her in their “Listen Up” Class of 2019[13] and on their “2019 CMT Next Women of Country” tour.[14] She also toured with Morgan Wallen in 2019.[11] During this same period, several of her songs were featured in the Paramount Network show Yellowstone.[15]
The disc was her first full-length album issued on BBR and contained 12 tracks.[22] It was her second to reach the Billboard country albums chart, peaking at number 40.[8] The disc received positive reviews. “Beyond writing and recording songs that satisfy country music fans, she succeeds at introducing her whole self through the music,” concluded Taste of Country‘s Billy Dukes.[23]Entertainment Focus commented, “The rising star knocks it out of the park with her new album.”[24]
Wilson appeared as a supporting act on Jason Aldean‘s “Back in the Saddle Tour” in 2021.[25] The same year, Wilson collaborated with Cole Swindell on his single “Never Say Never“.[26] The duet was released as the second single from Swindell’s fourth studio album Stereotype, and became Wilson’s second single to top the Billboard country chart.[27] It was followed by her 2022 solo single titled “Heart Like a Truck“, then the album Bell Bottom Country.[28]
Wilson received a leading six nominations at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards, becoming the fourth artist to receive six or more nominations as a first-time nominee.[29] Wilson also joined the cast of Yellowstone in 2022, with some of her songs also being featured in the series.[30] She was a co-writer on the 2023 single “Chasing Tornadoes” by fellow country artist MacKenzie Porter.[31]
On May 9, 2024, Wilson announced that her fifth album Whirlwind will be released on August 23, 2024.[32] “Hang Tight Honey” was released as its lead single to country radio on May 20, 2024.[33]
Influences
Wilson’s musical style is rooted in country music, but also incorporates elements of pop, southern rock, contemporary country and classic country.[2][34] In describing her style, AllMusic‘s Mark Deming commented, “Wilson’s voice is clear and strong, with an unapologetic Southern accent, and her songs are tough but heartfelt contemporary country with an edge that has its roots in vintage Southern rock and classic rock, as well as a dash of modern-day pop.”[2]
In describing her own musical style, Wilson characterized it as “bell-bottom country”, which Taste of Country called “a cross between easy listening and hard truths.”[4] Wilson has been heavily influenced by Dolly Parton, paying tribute to her in the self-composed track “WWDD” (What Would Dolly Do).[35] She also credits Lee Ann Womack as an influence on her career and music.[36]
Personal life
In 2022, Wilson’s father, Brian Wilson, experienced severe health issues including a stroke and a fungal infection that resulted in the removal of his left eye. This all occurred while she was filming her first season on Yellowstone. Wanting to be closer to him, she considered quitting the show. However, her father encouraged her to continue filming regardless of his health outlook. He eventually recovered and was seen accompanying her on the red carpet at the 56th CMA Awards.[37][38][39]
In late 2022, Wilson became the subject of a viral trend that occurred on social media, predominantly on TikTok. A video of her performing at a concert spread very quickly on the platform. As a result of the angle of the camera and the leopard print pants Wilson was wearing, users felt the video was very flattering to the size and shape of her buttocks. The resulting trend saw users posting additional videos, pictures, and comments expressing admiration for Wilson’s figure. For her part, Lainey acknowledged the trend and has largely responded to it with good humor. She made several jokes about it and also expressed hope that many people who had only heard of her because of the posts would be inspired to listen to her music and become fans.[40][41]
Cruciferous Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts): Cruciferous vegetables are known for their high concentration of glucosinolates, which are compounds that may have anti-cancer properties. For example, sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, has been shown to exhibit potential anti-cancer effects by supporting detoxification enzymes and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Inan era dominated by pharmaceutical solutions, there is a rising consciousness about the incredible healing and preventive powers of food. As the age-old saying goes, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” But how does this translate in today’s world? Can we really use nutrition as a potent tool against sickness and disease? How does one curate a diet that supports health, longevity, and wellness? In this series, we are talking to nutritionists, dietitians, medical professionals, holistic health experts, and anyone with authoritative knowledge on the subject. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Nichole Andrews, RDN.
Nichole Andrews, RDN, has spent the last 12 years dedicated to transforming the way people view food and its impact on cancer risk and management as “The Oncology Dietitian,” Nichole understands the fear surrounding cancer and uses her platform of 154K+ survivors, allies, and current cancer fighters to dispel myths and give advice on how to actually reduce the risk of cancers through evidence-based research. By addressing popular myths head-on, Nichole empowers individuals to navigate the wealth of information available and make informed decisions that support their overall health and well-being.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Growing up in Seattle, WA, my childhood was a whirlwind. I was that energetic kid who thrived on the thrill of discovering the great outdoors, playing various sports, embarking on spontaneous adventures with my circle of friends, and experimenting in the kitchen to make delicious treats. My adult life still echoes those sentiments. Embracing an active lifestyle has always been my way of living life to the fullest, and I continue to cherish every opportunity to explore, connect, and create memorable moments with my loved ones.
Inspired by my lifelong passion for baking, coupled with my unwavering love for an active lifestyle, I pursued an undergraduate degree in nutrition at Washington State University. I aimed to delve deeper into the intricate relationship between food, health, and overall well-being, all while continuing to revel in the joy of creating delicious and nourishing meals.
It was during my studies that I had my first profound encounter with the transformative power of nutrition, particularly in the context of oncology. Witnessing firsthand how tailored dietary interventions could impact the lives of cancer survivors, not only in terms of alleviating treatment-related symptoms but also in fostering better treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of recurrence, was a revelation.
It was in this nexus of food, health, and healing that my professional journey found its purpose. For the past 12 years, I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to the realm of oncology nutrition, channeling my passion and expertise to empower and support cancer survivors in their quest for optimal health, vitality, and resilience. Now, as a parent, I have the joy of sharing my passions with my spirited trio, aged 5, 7, and 9.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
My journey began at Washington State University, where I was guided by a passionate professor of nutrition. As the semester unfolded, I found myself immersed in the intricate relationships between dietary choices, health, and the human body. My first-year professor inspired me with her dynamic teaching style and real-world examples, highlighting the profound effects of nutrition on overall vitality. I was fascinated by the idea that food was not just sustenance, but a catalyst for holistic wellness. It was in this class that my passion for nutrition was ignited, and a deep-seated desire to share this knowledge with others was born within me.
Motivated by this new purpose, I dedicated myself to the study of nutrition with the goal of becoming a registered dietitian. I wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives and provide them with the tools and knowledge to make informed and nourishing choices for their overall well-being, and I have never looked back!
It has been said that our mistakes can sometimes be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Becoming a dietitian was a fulfilling journey that led me to various clinical settings, where I had the opportunity to work closely with cancer patients. While I was passionate about my work, I couldn’t help but notice the unmet needs of cancer survivors. They require more than brief consultation and generic handouts. Witnessing the gap between the available resources and the profound support that survivors truly needed, I yearned for a more impactful approach. Despite my best efforts within the confines of those settings, the limited time with patients left me feeling unfulfilled and yearning for a more substantial impact.
After several years of struggling with this realization, I finally decided to establish my own private practice. This leap of faith allowed me to extend my reach far beyond the boundaries of a single clinical setting. With the autonomy to design tailored programs and spend ample time with each client, I could make significant, life-changing improvements in their nutrition and lifestyle choices! I had the freedom to craft personalized programs that resonated with each individual’s unique journey as a cancer survivor. The ability to modify and customize my guidance to address the specific needs of survivors was incredibly empowering.
My journey didn’t end there.
Establishing my private practice allowed me to share my expertise on a broader scale. I authored two books, drawing on my experiences and insights, aiming to reach and empower more individuals worldwide. Witnessing the transformative impact of my approach has been the most rewarding aspect of this venture. Clients from all stages and types of cancer reported feeling better during treatments, achieving no evidence of disease (NED) with minimal side effects, and reclaiming their joy and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance. Witnessing their journeys and the tangible improvements fueled my passion for using nutrition as a powerful tool to not only reduce the risk of cancer but also to support survivors in reclaiming their lives beyond the diagnosis!
This incredible journey of establishing my own practice has taught me a valuable lesson: it is never too late to pursue a career change and follow your intuition to build something impactful and meaningful. I realized that waiting for the right moment to build my own private practice might mean waiting forever. It took a leap of faith and unwavering dedication to my vision as a cancer dietitian to create a platform that truly resonated with the needs of cancer survivors. As I built my cancer nutrition private practice, I had many people along the way tell me “That is not a good idea,” “No one needs that,” “People won’t pay for anything outside the hospital,” or even “people want XYZ trends, not cancer nutrition.” This experience has reinforced my belief that passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference can be the driving forces behind creating something extraordinary. I learned that being the first to pioneer a new path can be daunting, but it is also immensely rewarding. Four years later as The Oncology Dietitian, I can say it with all my heart, it was worth it AND I am just getting started!
My journey is a testament to the fact that anyone can be the change they wish to see in the world. I encourage everyone to trust their instincts, pursue their dreams, and build the life they envision. By combining passion with purpose, it’s possible to create a meaningful impact not only in the lives of others but also in one’s own life and the lives of those closest to them.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I attribute much of my success to the following character traits: commitment to my “why,” integrity, and authenticity.
Commitment to My “Why”: Throughout my journey, my unwavering commitment to the purpose behind my work has been my guiding light. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, I remained dedicated to my mission of providing comprehensive and personalized support to cancer survivors. One defining moment was when a long-term client, who had been struggling with the side effects of treatment, finally experienced relief and regained her energy through the tailored program I designed. Witnessing her transformation reaffirmed my dedication to my “why” and fueled my determination to continue making a positive impact. Being a single mother to three wonderful children while striving to excel as a cancer dietitian, I often faced challenges that tested my resolve. In those tough moments, I would always return to my purpose, finding fresh inspiration and innovative ways to keep pushing forward. My passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of cancer survivors, coupled with my responsibility to provide for my family, continuously fueled my drive, propelling me to achieve success as a respected expert in the field.
Integrity: Upholding integrity has been crucial in building trust and fostering genuine connections with my clients. Transparency and honesty have been the cornerstones of my practice, ensuring that I provide accurate information and realistic expectations to those seeking my guidance. One instance that underscored the importance of integrity was when a client approached me with misleading information from a popular health trend. By providing her with evidence-based facts and guiding her toward a more balanced approach, I not only helped her avoid potential health risks but also solidified the trust she had placed in me as her advocate for her well-being. Integrity has always been at the core of my work. I value honesty and respect in all my interactions, and I’ve built my business on these foundational principles. This commitment has not only garnered the trust of my clients but has also fostered a results-oriented and collaborative environment. Upholding the importance of providing accurate and reliable information, I have strived to create a space where individuals can feel confident in their journey toward improved health and well-being.
Authenticity: Embracing authenticity has allowed me to connect with my clients on a deeper level, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy. Sharing my personal experiences and challenges with maintaining a healthy lifestyle during demanding times resonated with many of my clients, making them feel heard and understood. Authenticity has played a pivotal role in my success. By showing up as my genuine self, I have attracted clients who resonate with my approach and values. This authenticity has nurtured meaningful connections and open communication, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. This genuine bond has not only allowed me to establish a strong rapport with my clients but has also enabled me to positively impact the lives of countless individuals globally, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment.
By embodying these character traits, I have not only achieved professional success but have also cultivated a fulfilling and purpose-driven career dedicated to empowering others in their health and wellness journeys.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
I have an array of incredible resources ready to support cancer survivors at every step of their journey!
My exclusive VIP 1:1 Cancer Nutrition Coaching offers unparalleled personalized support and accountability, featuring one-on-one phone calls and direct 1:1 chat support. This comprehensive program is designed to empower survivors, at any stage and cancer, with the knowledge and tools to cultivate a nourishing diet during and after cancer treatments, enabling them to bid farewell to excessive (or any!) side effects, and food fears. With detailed food logs, customized recipes, and close attention from me, participants can develop unshakable confidence in their dietary choices. (https://forms.gle/LkP9PLrZ282yLHCr6)
My membership program, Cancer Simplified, provides accessible and comprehensive resources, ensuring that survivors have access to simplified and up-to-date nutrition guidance. Cancer Simplified is a transformative membership designed to empower cancer survivors with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively nourish their bodies during or after their cancer journey. Inside this membership, survivors can expect to say goodbye to the daunting task of sifting through endless Google searches on cancer nutrition.
I understand the overwhelming emotional and physical demands that come with being a cancer survivor. Why add more stress and confusion to an already challenging situation? This membership is tailored to address these concerns, offering self-paced resources and delicious recipes that eliminate overwhelm and provide practical guidance.
If a survivor is looking to avoid having to dedicate hours to courses and research, is tired of feeling more stressed after scouring the internet for reliable information, or is uncertain about how to balance enjoying your favorite foods with making health-conscious choices, Cancer Simplified is your solution.
My no-nonsense approach provides bite-sized videos and comprehensive resources suitable for all stages and types of cancer. Gain simple yet effective guidelines for nourishing your body while leaving ample room for joy. Each module is designed for easy comprehension, allowing anyone to learn at their own pace without the need for extensive workbooks or complicated scientific jargon.
With Cancer Simplified, anyone can finally put an end to the constant worries about cancer recurrence and the stress of making the right dietary choices during treatment. Empower yourself with accessible, trustworthy, and up-to-date cancer nutrition advice. My goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to regain control of your health and well-being so that you can focus on living life to the fullest. Join us in embracing a simplified approach to cancer nutrition and start your journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life today. (https://theoncologydietitian.com/cancer-simplified)
Additionally, my diverse range ofmasterclasses encompasses crucial topics such as combating brain fog, managing cancer-related fatigue, mitigating breast cancer risk, initiating weight loss, and reducing the likelihood of hormone-sensitive cancers. (https://theoncologydietitian.com/shop)
Last but certainly not least, my bestselling book, “Sugar Does Not Feed Cancer,” by Nicole Andrews offers an invaluable 450-page resource complete with 50 recipes curated to reduce cancer risk. Bursting with recipes using lean proteins, an abundance of plant-based options, high fiber content, and the inclusion of wholesome ingredients like turmeric, this book serves as an indispensable guide for all cancer survivors. With its comprehensive guidance through treatment and post-cancer care, this book is an essential addition to every survivor’s journey toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. (https://theoncologydietitian.mykajabi.com/book%20links)
Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about cultivating wellness through proper nutrition and diet. To begin, can you tell our readers a bit about why you are an authority on the topic of nutrition?
With over 12 years of dedicated experience in oncology, I have immersed myself in every facet of cancer nutrition, making me a trusted resource in the field. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively across diverse areas, including various cancer types and stages, pediatrics, adults, survivorship programs, and specialized areas such as breast cancer, infusion, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
My expertise is not only reflected in my extensive hands-on experience but also my contributions to the field. Having developed numerous programs, courses, and masterclasses, and writing two books (with one being a bestseller), I have successfully guided thousands of cancer survivors globally through my virtual practice and social media platforms.
By consistently delivering up-to-date, evidence-based cancer nutrition recommendations in an engaging and accessible manner, I have made it my mission to ensure that individuals of all ages and backgrounds can easily implement and benefit from sound nutritional practices, fostering a holistic approach to cancer care and wellness.
We all know that it’s important to eat more vegetables, eat less sugar, etc. But while we know it intellectually, it’s often difficult to put it into practice and make it a part of our daily habits. In your opinion what are the main blockages that prevent us from taking the information that we all know, and integrating it into our lives?
The main blockages that people often encounter when trying to integrate well-known nutritional information for cancer risk reduction into their lives:
Peer Pressure: Social dynamics and the desire for acceptance often compel individuals to conform to prevailing dietary norms, even if those choices may not align with their personal health goals. Fear of social isolation or rejection can overshadow the motivation to make healthier dietary choices.
History of Disordered Eating: Individuals with a history of disordered eating, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorders, often struggle with a complex psychological relationship with food. This history can lead to a distorted perception of nutritional needs and foster a deeply ingrained fear of certain food groups, making it challenging to adopt a balanced and nourishing diet.
Food Traumas: Past experiences of food-related traumas, including instances of childhood malnutrition, food insecurity, or emotional eating due to stress or trauma, can create lasting emotional associations with food. Such associations may lead to comfort eating or aversion to specific food groups, complicating efforts to embrace a more balanced and nutritious diet.
Misconceptions About Healthy Eating:Many individuals hold the misconception that maintaining a healthy diet is costly, complicated, and time-intensive. This misconception often leads to a belief that healthy eating requires purchasing exclusively organic produce or specialty health foods, which can strain limited budgets.
Additionally, the assumption that healthy meals necessitate intricate recipes and elaborate cooking methods can discourage individuals from attempting to modify their diets. However, the reality is that healthy eating can be achieved through budget-friendly alternatives such as frozen fruits and vegetables, non-organic options, and canned goods. Simple, nutritious meals can be prepared quickly with just a handful of ingredients, demonstrating that adopting a healthy diet can be both affordable and convenient.
Educating individuals about these accessible and practical approaches can help dismantle the misconception that healthy eating is inherently expensive and challenging, encouraging more people to embrace a balanced and nutritious diet for cancer risk reduction and overall well-being.
Understanding these complex challenges is crucial to developing effective strategies that not only educate individuals about the importance of nutrition but also address the underlying psychological, social, and economic factors that influence dietary choices. By recognizing and addressing these barriers, it becomes possible to create more inclusive and sustainable approaches to promote healthier lifestyle choices for cancer risk reduction.
From your professional perspective, do you believe that nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting the body’s natural healing processes and overall well-being, particularly in cases of chronic diseases? We’re interested in hearing your insights on the connection between a holistic approach to diet and its benefits for individuals facing health challenges.
Nutrition as a Foundation for Healing: Nutrition serves as a fundamental pillar in promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, especially for individuals battling chronic diseases such as cancer. A well-balanced diet tailored to meet specific nutritional needs can bolster the immune system, optimize energy levels, and enhance overall resilience. Emphasizing nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, supports the body’s ability to combat the adverse effects of cancer and its treatments, fostering a more robust and effective recovery process.
Holistic Diet’s Impact on Quality of Life: Adopting a holistic approach to diet not only aids in addressing physical health but also significantly contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals facing health challenges. By promoting the consumption of whole foods and minimizing processed and excessive intakes of sugary products, a holistic approach to nutrition and lifestyle can help manage side effects, improve appetite, and support emotional well-being. Encouraging the integration of mindful eating practices and fostering a positive relationship with food can further contribute to reducing stress, enhancing mood, and promoting a sense of control and empowerment during the treatment and healing journey of good health.
Empowerment Through Personalized Nutrition: Mastering the art of nourishing your body based on its unique requirements not only ensures long-term health but also instills a profound sense of confidence and empowerment. When individuals learn to curate a dietary approach that suits their specific needs and preferences, they naturally become beacons of inspiration for those around them. Acting as role models, they showcase the transformative power of personalized nutrition, emphasizing the significance of mindful food choices and empowering others to embark on their own journey towards improved well-being.
Based on your research or experience could you share with us five examples of foods or dietary patterns that have demonstrated remarkable potential in preventing, reducing, or managing specific health conditions? If you can, it would be insightful if you could provide real-life examples of their curative properties.
Here are five examples of foods or dietary patterns that have shown potential in preventing, reducing, or managing specific health conditions, including reducing cancer risk:
Cruciferous Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts): Cruciferous vegetables are known for their high concentration of glucosinolates, which are compounds that may have anti-cancer properties. For example, sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, has been shown to exhibit potential anti-cancer effects by supporting detoxification enzymes and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries): Berries are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have been linked to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. These properties contribute to their potential in preventing cell damage and reducing the risk of certain cancers. For instance, studies have suggested that the consumption of berries may help in the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with the development of certain cancers.
Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts, while limiting red meat and processed foods. Its rich array of nutrients and beneficial compounds has been associated with a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer. Studies have indicated that adherence to the Mediterranean diet may contribute to a lower risk of developing certain cancers, potentially attributed to its high intake of plant-based foods and healthy fats.
Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly catechins, which have been linked to potential anti-cancer effects. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin in green tea, has shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth and promoting cancer cell apoptosis. Studies have highlighted the potential of green tea consumption in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Turmeric:Turmeric contains curcumin, a bioactive compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has demonstrated potential in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and reducing tumor growth. Research suggests that the regular consumption of turmeric or its active component, curcumin, may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, by modulating inflammatory pathways and inhibiting the progression of cancer cells.
Here are some easy ways to incorporate these cancer-fighting foods into your diet:
Cruciferous Vegetables:
Add broccoli florets to stir-fries or steam them as a side dish.
Make a delicious cauliflower soup or roast cauliflower with olive oil and spices.
Sauté Brussels sprouts with garlic and lemon for a flavorful side dish.
Berries:
Enjoy a bowl of mixed berries with yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.
Make a refreshing fruit salad with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
Blend berries into a smoothie for a nutritious and antioxidant-rich drink.
Mediterranean Diet:
Drizzle olive oil over salads or use it as a dip for whole-grain bread.
Prepare a colorful vegetable salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Incorporate legumes, such as chickpeas or lentils, into soups, stews, or salads.
Green Tea:
Brew a cup of green tea and enjoy it as a soothing morning or afternoon beverage.
Use green tea as a base for refreshing iced tea during hot weather.
Add a subtle green tea flavor to desserts by infusing it into custards or ice creams.
Turmeric:
Sprinkle turmeric into your scrambled eggs or tofu scramble for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
Make a nourishing golden milk latte by combining turmeric with warm milk and a touch of honey.
Incorporate turmeric into curries, soups, and stews to add a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color.
While these foods and dietary patterns show promise in preventing and managing certain health conditions, it is essential to incorporate them as part of a balanced and varied diet, along with other healthy lifestyle practices, to maximize their potential health benefits. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations and advice.
Do experts generally agree that merely choosing healthy foods isn’t sufficient, but that understanding how to consume them is key to unlocking their full health benefits? (For example, skins on/off, or cooked/raw, or whole grain/refined grain) Could you provide advice on how to approach this and sidestep common errors or misconceptions?”
I firmly believe that the foundation of a healthy diet is a significant step towards overall well-being. However, it’s imperative to recognize that unlocking the full health benefits of our food choices often requires a deeper understanding of the intricacies of nutrition and its preparation. Here are some key insights that can empower individuals to optimize their dietary practices and promote holistic wellness:
Optimizing Nutrient Absorption: Understanding the importance of dietary fats in aiding the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins is crucial. Incorporating healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and seeds, can enhance the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, promoting their bioavailability for essential bodily functions.
Synergistic Food Pairing: Encouraging individuals to consume vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron sources can significantly improve iron absorption. Combining sources of vitamin C, like citrus fruits or bell peppers, with iron-rich foods such as spinach or lentils, can enhance the body’s ability to utilize dietary iron effectively.
Decoding Food Labels: Educating individuals on how to choose genuine whole grains based on food labels is pivotal. Encouraging the selection of products with “100% whole grain” as the first ingredient can ensure the intake of fiber-rich and nutrient-dense whole grains, promoting better digestion and sustained energy levels.
Reducing Sodium Intake: Guiding individuals to choose lower-sodium canned foods and advocating for the use of herbs and spices as flavorful alternatives can effectively reduce overall sodium intake. This approach not only supports cardiovascular health but also mitigates the risk of fluid retention and high blood pressure, which can be particularly crucial for cancer patients undergoing certain treatments.
Lower sodium diets have been associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer due to several reasons. Excessive sodium intake can lead to the development of Helicobacter pylori infection, a major risk factor for stomach cancer. Additionally, high sodium intake may cause inflammation and damage to the stomach lining, potentially increasing susceptibility to carcinogens. By adopting a diet low in sodium, individuals can help maintain a healthy gastric environment, reducing the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing processed and high-sodium foods can contribute to a stomach-friendly and potentially cancer-protective dietary pattern.
Healthier Cooking Techniques: Emphasizing healthier cooking methods that utilize less oil and fats, such as steaming, baking, or sautéing with minimal oil, can help preserve the nutritional integrity of foods. By minimizing the formation of harmful byproducts like trans fats and oxidized lipids, individuals can safeguard their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Mindful Meat Selection: Educating individuals about the potential risks associated with high-temperature cooking of animal proteins, particularly through grilling, can foster awareness about the formation of cancer-causing substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Encouraging the selection of lean red meats and incorporating plant-based protein sources can offer a balanced approach to protein consumption, reducing the potential risks associated with certain cooking methods.
By imparting this nuanced understanding of nutrition and culinary practices, individuals can make informed dietary choices that not only support their immediate health but also contribute to long-term wellness and disease prevention.
With the recent prominence of nutrition’s integration into healthcare, what’s your perspective on the collaborative approach between medical professionals, health coaches, and nutrition experts when it comes to delivering holistic patient care? Can you please explain?
From a cancer dietitian’s perspective, the collaborative approach between medical professionals and nutrition experts is instrumental in delivering comprehensive and holistic patient care. The integration of nutrition into healthcare has underscored the critical role that dietary habits play in both disease management and overall well-being.
Medical professionals, including oncologists and primary care physicians, offer crucial insights into the physiological aspects of cancer treatment and the patient’s overall health status. They can provide valuable guidance on the medical implications of specific dietary choices and ensure that any nutritional interventions align with the patient’s overall treatment plan.
Nutrition experts, such as cancer dietitians, offer specialized knowledge in the intersection of nutrition and cancer care. They provide tailored dietary plans that address the specific nutritional needs and challenges of cancer patients, considering factors such as treatment side effects, nutritional deficiencies, and individual dietary preferences. By working in tandem with other healthcare professionals, they can ensure that the dietary recommendations are seamlessly integrated into the patient’s overall treatment protocol, optimizing the patient’s nutritional status and supporting their overall well-being.
Dietitians in an outpatient setting can help patients focus on behavior change and patient empowerment. They can work closely with patients to set realistic health goals, provide ongoing support, and facilitate the implementation of sustainable lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications. Outpatient dietitian recommendations and guidance can provide expertise in motivational strategies and accountability can significantly enhance patients’ adherence to dietary recommendations and foster a positive and proactive mindset throughout the treatment journey.
Ultimately, the collaborative approach between medical professionals and nutrition experts fosters a comprehensive and patient-centered strategy that not only addresses the physical aspects of cancer care but also emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being.
By combining our unique expertise and perspectives, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for patients, enhancing their overall quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
It’s been suggested that using ‘food as medicine’ has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by preventing disease severity. However, there’s concern about the affordability of healthier food options. What solutions do you believe could make nutritious choices accessible to everyone, ensuring that food truly becomes a form of medicine for all?
The concept of ‘food as medicine’ has gained recognition for its potential to mitigate the severity of diseases and reduce overall healthcare costs. However, the concern about the accessibility and affordability of healthier food options remains a significant barrier to realizing this vision for all. To make nutritious choices accessible to everyone and ensure that food truly becomes a form of medicine for all, several solutions can be considered:
Community-Based Initiatives: Implement community gardens, farmers’ markets, and local food cooperatives to promote access to fresh, affordable, and locally sourced produce. Such initiatives not only increase access to nutritious foods but also foster community engagement and education about healthy eating habits.
Subsidies and Incentives: Introduce government subsidies and financial incentives that support the production and distribution of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Implementing policies that reduce the cost burden for farmers and consumers can make nutritious foods more affordable and widely available, particularly in underserved communities.
Educational Programs: Launch comprehensive nutrition education programs that focus on practical, budget-friendly meal planning, smart shopping strategies, and cooking skills. Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed food choices can help them prioritize nutrition within their budget constraints and encourage healthier dietary habits.
Food Assistance Programs: Enhance existing food assistance programs to include a greater variety of fresh, whole foods, in addition to non-perishable items. Collaborate with local food banks and community organizations to ensure that individuals facing financial constraints have access to a diverse range of nutritious food options, fostering equitable access to essential dietary resources.
Policy Interventions: Advocate for policy changes that promote equitable access to nutritious foods, such as zoning regulations that encourage the establishment of grocery stores and markets in underserved areas. Support initiatives that address food deserts and improve transportation infrastructure to facilitate the distribution of healthy food options in marginalized communities.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Foster collaborations between public and private sectors, including healthcare providers, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations, to develop sustainable and scalable solutions that promote the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods. Encourage cross-sector partnerships that prioritize community health and well-being as a shared goal.
By implementing these multifaceted solutions, we can strive to bridge the gap between nutritious food accessibility and affordability, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the healing and preventive power of a wholesome diet. Affordable nutritious food is available now but most feel they are not, so here are 10 ways to make healthier choices that ARE more affordable:
Embrace Whole Foods: Opt for whole foods such as grains, legumes, and fresh produce, which are often more affordable and nutrient-dense compared to processed alternatives.
Bulk Buying: Purchase staple items like grains, nuts, and seeds in bulk, as this can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Meal Planning: Plan your meals ahead of time to avoid impulse purchases and minimize food waste, enabling you to make more informed and economical choices.
Cook at Home: Cooking meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, enabling you to make healthier choices while saving money.
Frozen Produce: Stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables, as they are just as nutritious as fresh options and often more affordable, providing a convenient and budget-friendly way to add more produce to your diet.
Canned Goods: Incorporate canned goods like beans, tomatoes, and fish, which are economical and offer a convenient way to add essential nutrients to your meals. Make sure to choose low or no-sedum and low-sugar canned foods.
Comparison Shop: Compare prices at different grocery stores and consider purchasing generic brands or items on sale to maximize savings without compromising on nutritional value.
Minimal Ingredients: Opt for recipes with fewer ingredients and simple preparation methods, as this can save time and money while still allowing you to create nutritious and satisfying meals.
Water as the Primary Beverage: Choose water as your primary beverage, as it is both budget-friendly and essential for maintaining proper hydration and overall well-being.
DIY Snacks: Prepare your own snacks, such as trail mix, yogurt with fruit, or homemade energy bars, as this is often more affordable than buying pre-packaged snacks and allows you to control the ingredients. Here are ten simple and healthy snack combinations, each made up of only 2–3 ingredients:
Apple Slices with Almond Butter: Enjoy the crisp sweetness of apple slices paired with the rich nuttiness of almond butter for a satisfying and nutrient-rich snack.
Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Dip fresh carrot sticks into creamy hummus for a delightful blend of flavors and a dose of fiber and protein.
Greek Yogurt with Berries: Combine tangy Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh or frozen berries for a refreshing and protein-packed snack rich in antioxidants.
Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter and Raisins: Spread peanut butter on celery sticks and top with raisins for a crunchy, sweet, and savory snack that provides a balance of protein and natural sugars.
Banana with Peanut Butter and Cinnamon: Drizzle peanut butter over a banana and sprinkle with cinnamon for a simple, delicious, and energy-boosting treat.
Cucumber Slices with Cottage Cheese: Pair crisp cucumber slices with a dollop of cottage cheese for a light and hydrating snack that offers a satisfying combination of crunch and creaminess.
Hard-Boiled Egg with Avocado: Slice a hard-boiled egg and avocado for a protein-rich and nutrient-dense snack that provides a mix of healthy fats and essential nutrients.
Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese Slices and Grapes: Enjoy the complementary flavors of whole grain crackers, cheese slices, and grapes for a balanced and satisfying snack that combines fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.
Rice Cakes with Almond Butter and Banana Slices: Spread almond butter over rice cakes and top with banana slices for a crunchy, creamy, and naturally sweet snack that provides a blend of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella Cheese: Pair juicy cherry tomatoes with fresh mozzarella cheese for a simple and flavorful snack rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. How does one navigate the vast array of nutritional advice available today to curate a diet tailored to individual needs, ensuring health and longevity?
Navigating the abundance of nutritional advice available today to curate a diet tailored to individual needs can be a daunting task. Given the uniqueness of each person’s body, it’s essential to approach dietary decisions with careful consideration and a focus on long-term health and longevity. Here are some key strategies to help individuals create a personalized and sustainable nutritional plan:
Consult a Qualified Registered Dietitian Nutrition Professional: Seeking guidance from a registered dietitian who can provide evidence-based recommendations tailored to your specific health goals, dietary preferences, and any existing medical conditions. Our expertise can help you navigate through the vast sea of nutritional information and develop a personalized dietary approach.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different foods. Keep a food journal to track how specific meals make you feel, both physically and emotionally. This can help you identify any patterns of discomfort, allergies, or sensitivities, enabling you to make informed choices about what to include or exclude from your diet.
Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods, including a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Emphasize the quality of your food choices, aiming to include a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Experiment and Adjust: Be open to experimentation and adjust your diet based on your body’s response. What works for someone else may not work for you, so be willing to adapt your dietary choices based on your unique nutritional requirements and wellness goals.
Moderation and Balance: Strive for a balanced approach by incorporating a variety of food groups in moderation. Avoid extreme diets or restrictive eating patterns that may deprive your body of essential nutrients and lead to nutritional imbalances.
As our understanding of the intricate link between food and health continues to evolve, we’re curious to know which emerging trends or breakthroughs in nutritional science excite you the most. How do you envision these advancements shaping the future of healthcare?
As a cancer dietitian, I find the advancements in nutritional science and their potential impact on healthcare truly promising. One particularly exciting trend is the increasing recognition of the World Cancer Research Fund’s Continuous Update Project (WCRF CUP), which continually reviews and analyzes global research on how diet, nutrition, and physical activity affect cancer risk and survival. This dynamic approach allows us to stay updated on the latest findings and continuously refine our dietary recommendations to optimize cancer prevention and management strategies.
The 5 questions about nutrition and cancer with an Oncology Dietitian – NFCR comprehensive analysis not only sheds light on the impact of specific dietary components on various cancer types but also underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health. By emphasizing the significance of dietary patterns rather than isolated nutrients, this initiative encourages a shift toward whole food-based interventions. This approach aligns perfectly with the evolving understanding that the synergistic effects of various nutrients and bioactive compounds in whole foods contribute to overall health and may play a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment.
This comprehensive research framework enables us to better educate individuals about the significance of long-term dietary habits and lifestyle choices in cancer prevention. By translating the WCRF CUP’s findings into practical and personalized dietary recommendations, we can empower individuals to make informed choices that align with their health goals and reduce their risk of developing cancer.
Looking ahead, I envision that the integration of the WCRF CUP’s ongoing research into clinical practice will revolutionize the way we approach cancer care and prevention. By prioritizing evidence-based dietary interventions and emphasizing the importance of sustainable lifestyle modifications, we can foster a proactive and preventive approach to healthcare, potentially reducing the global burden of cancer and promoting overall well-being.
How can we better educate the public about the medicinal properties of food, and what role do professionals like you play in this educational journey?
Educating the public about the medicinal properties of food is essential in promoting a deeper understanding of the profound impact that dietary choices can have on overall health and well-being. Whole foods, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, possess inherent medicinal properties that can support various bodily functions and contribute to disease prevention and management. Cancer dietitians play a pivotal role in this educational journey, serving as trusted guides who translate complex nutritional science into practical, actionable advice.
One crucial aspect of the cancer dietitian’s role involves safeguarding individuals from potentially harmful dietary practices. With the proliferation of misinformation and fad diets, cancer dietitians play a crucial role in identifying and debunking non-evidence-based dietary trends, dangerous practices, and scams. By providing evidence-based guidance, they empower individuals to make informed decisions about their dietary choices, steering them away from potentially harmful or ineffective dietary regimens.
Cancer dietitians can offer personalized nutritional assessments, thoroughly reviewing patients’ laboratory results to identify any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. By tailoring dietary recommendations based on individuals’ unique health profiles, they can effectively guide patients towards foods that promote optimal nourishment and support the body’s natural healing processes.
In the realm of supplements and herbs, cancer dietitians emphasize the importance of caution and vigilance. Unlike medications, supplements are not subject to the same rigorous regulations as food and drugs. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and review any supplement usage to ensure their safety and efficacy. Cancer dietitians play a critical role in providing reliable information about the potential risks associated with certain supplements or herbs, highlighting the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before incorporating them into one’s diet regimen.
By leveraging their expertise, cancer dietitians can effectively bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application, empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices that promote optimal health, resilience, and longevity.
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Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra, a Certified Health Coach and wellness entrepreneur with 28 years of experience, is the visionary founder behind Crunchy Mama Box, a Mission-driven Marketplace promoting healthier, sustainable living. Committed to social engagement, Wanda supports causes like environmental preservation, animal welfare, mental health, human rights, and social responsibility. Through her work, Wanda writes passionately about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact, and eco-friendly living. She shares valuable insights, advocating holistic health and sustainability, and aims to simplify wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com
Amy Ettinger would have turned 50 on May 15, and wrote beautifully about how she had no regrets about how she had lived her life. She had a history of embracing creative risk and adventure and wrote how putting friends and family first allowed her to face her terminal cancer diagnosis with a deep gratitude for the life she loved.
Amy’s approach to life inspired her friends, her writing community, her students, and her readers. As her husband Dan wrote, Amy was “flooded with responses,” to her first Washington Post essay, “which essentially asked: What would your life look like if you cared much less about what other people think of you? Could life be ‘a series of moments,’ and not the endless pursuit of stability over bliss, or working for some long-delayed dream of post-retirement fulfillment?”
“I’ve always tried to say ‘yes’ to the voice that tells me I should go out and do something now,” Amy wrote. “Even when that decision seems wildly impractical.”
Amy embodied that philosophy when she rode in a clunking old ice cream truck through the streets of Bensonhurst as part of her country-wide investigation into America’s favorite dessert in her 2017 book, Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America. And she showed that spirit when she packed up her bags and took her husband and daughter on an impromptu trip to a goat farm in central Oregon to see a solar eclipse. Her credo was this: “Money always comes back, but if you miss out on an experience, the opportunity may never come back.”
It brought Amy immense joy when she saw others taking chances, choosing adventure and happiness, making the most of their lives. In honor of her, and in the hope of keeping the inspiration she shared with all of us while she lived, let’s share how we plan to Live Like Amy.
Amy Jordana Ettinger, a beloved Bay Area author and writing teacher, died Monday morning at her home in Santa Cruz. She was 49. The cause of death was leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Only 1,200 cases are reported in the United States per year. She was born May 15, 1974, in Rochester, New York. Her family moved to Cupertino in 1978. She attended Cupertino High School, where she was involved in the drama program and orchestra before she finally found her calling with journalism.
While still in high school, Ettinger was selected as one of the five “Our So Called Lives” columnists for the San Jose Mercury News, detailing the angst and struggles of Generation X. She was an alumna of UC Santa Cruz (Merrill ’95, American literature) where she majored in American Literature, and later received her Masters degree in journalism in Northwestern University in 1999. Ettinger worked as a daily news reporter for the Monterey Herald before becoming a freelance writer, contributing work to the New York Times, the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Salon, CNN, Newsweek, AARP, and many other high-profile publications.
Her nonfiction book Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America was published by Penguin Random House in 2017. The book is an experiential, historical and reporting project that looks at ice cream makers and the ice cream industry from across the United States. In a laudatory review, The Wall Street Journal described Sweet Spot as “a surprisingly serious, impressively thorough treatment of ice cream’s cultural significance.”
Ettinger has been interviewed on NPR Marketplace,All Things Considered,Here and Now,and on KQED FM. For the past seven years, Ettinger has worked as a creative writing instructor at Stanford Continuing Studies, teaching essay writing and nonfiction book proposal writing, and helping her students get their work placed in national publications. She stayed busy until the end, teaching her final Stanford course in late February just before starting hospice.
Ettinger began teaching in the Stanford Continuing Studies creative writing program in 2019 and continued teaching after she was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. During her time at Stanford, she taught 14 non-fiction writing classes, including courses like CNF 75: Creative Nonfiction Book: From Idea to Proposal and CNF 76: Pitch and Publish Your Nonfiction Stories.
Her final story for the Washington Post appeared in print on Tuesday, March 19, just one day before she died. She is survived by her daughter, Julianna, and her husband, Dan White, (whom she met while both were working at the Santa Cruz Sentinel,) She is also survived by her brothers Mark and Steve, her uncle Kenny and aunt Mary. A Funeral Service will be held at Los Gatos Memorial Park on Monday, March 25th at 1:30pm. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
“Amy graciously and generously shared her love of writing with students who gravitated to her for her energy, enthusiasm, and unflagging support,” said Malena Watrous, the creative writing coordinator at Stanford Continuing Studies. “She wanted them to know that being a published writer was within the realm of possibility for anyone who was willing to pursue a story and put in the work of getting it on paper and revising it until it shone.”
Ettinger taught two courses in the program until she began hospice care.
She wrote about her experiences with a terminal illness in two pieces for the Washington Post – her final story published in print the day before she died – in which she reflected on some of the meaningful moments during her final months. One of the highlights she shared was teaching at Stanford to the very end of her life.
“Amy had a generous spirit. She never did anything in half measures, whether she was writing a personal essay for the Washington Post or teaching her writing classes at Stanford,” said Ettinger’s husband, Dan White. “She cared very much about her students, and she was so proud of the work they did.”
Helping students find their own sweet spot
Ettinger was an accomplished writer herself.
She began her career writing for the Monterey Bay Herald before becoming a freelance journalist. Her pieces appeared in national outlets including the New York Times, the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Salon, CNN, and Newsweek. In 2017, Ettinger published her own nonfiction book, Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America (Penguin Random House).
“Amy loved to connect to large audiences with her writing, but teaching added a whole new dimension to her career,” said White. “She loved the idea of helping students demystify the process of getting published and writing proposals, or removing some of the fear factor and help them consider the perspective of the editors and publishers who would be looking at their work.”
Ettinger encouraged her Stanford Continuing Studies students to find their own sweet spot. Ettinger’s classes filled with both new and returning students, including Alyssa Lauren Stone who took two courses with Ettinger in 2022.
Within months of working with Ettinger, Stone published her own work in well-known news outlets. She credits her early success to working with Ettinger, particularly her advice on pitching compelling ideas to editors.
“Amy had a real knack for knowing what stories editors like,” Stone said. “Amy was a generous teacher who did not hold back from sharing her tools for success.” Ettinger was also a mentor to another instructor in the Stanford Continuing Studies creative writing program, Gregg Wrenn.
“Amy was an extraordinary creative nonfiction instructor who gave me the emotional support and editorial expertise I needed to finish my memoir,” said Wren. “Her work touched hundreds of students just like me who will miss her deeply.”
When I found out I had Stage 4 uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Doctors said I may have just a few months to live. Treatment could buy me a little extra time, but not much. My disease was advanced and incurable. My prognosis had left me shocked, sad, angry and confused. I wake up some mornings raging at the universe, feeling betrayed by my own body, counting the years and the milestones I expected to enjoy with my family.
I am leaving behind a husband and 14-year-old daughter I adore, and a writing and teaching career I’ve worked so hard to build. I’ve been thinking a lot about my life, and in addition to the horror, a surprising feeling has taken hold: I am dying at age 49 without any regrets about the way I’ve lived my life.
I learned that lasting love is about finding someone who will show up for you
In my teen years, I fell hard for a boy who broke my heart, not just once, but half a dozen times. It was an obsessive first crush, the kind that made me stop eating and sleeping. He broke up with me and we got back together many times in high school.
The feeling was addictive, although it made me miserable. Even after I graduated, I could not get him out of my head. His story ended tragically — he took his own life at age 21. His death was heartbreaking, but my fraught relationship with him, and the traumatic aftermath, taught me what I ultimately wanted in love — safety, support, fun and adventure.
I needed a partner who would help me feel good about myself, someone steady, reliable, and free from all that romantic drama. A few years later, I met my future husband, who was insecure and grappling with his own worries. Dan was smart, bookish, funny and kind.
His love for me was constant and never in question. He was a writer, but instead of being competitive with me, he supported my career. Dan and I have been together 25 years, never having broken up or even separated, even for a day.
I pursued my dream career with passion
“No one can make a career out of writing.” It was a statement I heard from almost everyone I knew, from teachers to parents to concerned friends. I was told I would face a life of rejection and begging for late paychecks. To ease my depression, I volunteered to help dying people
But I knew I could not survive waking up each day to the morning commute and heading to a 9-to-5 office job under fluorescent lights. I like to be in charge of my own life and schedule. When I wanted to write a reported history about ice cream in America, some people laughed. “I can see it as a magazine story, not as a book,” one agent wrote me.
And yet I went on to land a contract with Penguin Random House to travel the country, eating ice cream, gathering research, interviewing Jerry from Ben & Jerry’s, and riding around on the back of an ice cream truck through the streets of Bensonhurst, N.Y. The book contract was lucrative, and the publication of “Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Through America” opened up opportunities I never expected, like being on NPR and teaching creative nonfiction writing.
In the last few years, I have been able to mentor and coach dozens of promising writers. In return, these students, with their sincerity and soaring ambitions, helped revitalize my own writing, reminding me why I went into this business in the first place.
I have never had a bucket list; instead I said ‘yes’ to life
I’ve always tried to say yes to the voice that tells me I should go out and do something now, even when that decision seems wildly impractical. A few years ago, with very little planning, my family and I got in a car and drove 600 miles to a goat farm in central Oregon, where we camped out for four days to watch a solar eclipse. I once jetted off to Germany on two days’ notice, spending a week exploring Dresden and hiking through the Black Forest.
“Money always comes back, but if you miss out on an experience, the opportunity may never come back.” This has been my mantra since I met Dan. Even when our bank account was low on funds, we decided to move to New York City to pursue our writing dreams. It was ridiculously hard at first, but it worked out because we gave ourselves no other choice.
I’m a good saver but things like retirement accounts were never important to me. When given a choice between taking a family trip to Kauai or squirreling money into a 401(k), I always chose to head for the islands.
I found people in my life who can accept me as I am.
I don’t try to hide who I am or apologize for it. I am a bit of a hermit. I am sure I have hurt people’s feelings with my behavior from time to time by ducking out of parties early or choosing not to go to Happy Hour. I have spent very little time worrying about it. I think it’s more important to find people who get me and accept me than want to change me. I have done my best to avoid people who come at me with unreasonable expectations. And because I don’t have to spend any time covering up my real self, my friendships are genuine. Since my diagnosis, I’ve had a chance to tell my friends how much I love them. They’ve told me that, too, and I deeply feel it.
I live where I want even though the numbers never add up
I love spending time in the redwoods and by the ocean. Just a few months ago, I was walking four miles a day along the sweeping ocean coastline at West Cliff Drive where I could see surfers and otters frolicking, and humpback whales lunge-feeding just off the shoreline. This became my everyday routine.
My favorite spots are within a 10-minute drive of my house, and most are still accessible even as my energy continues to drop off as the cancer spreads through my body. The flip side of this dream life is the cost. My family and I live in one of the most unaffordable places in America.
Dan and I have talked dozens of times about uprooting, but my friends and our writing community are in Santa Cruz, and my daughter loves her friends and her school, so my husband and I have chosen to stay. My family will never own a house — at least not in my lifetime — but at least I am dying around people who love me and are bringing me meals when I need them. These are people who are willing to show up for me no matter what. And I know they will show up for my husband and daughter, even after I am gone.
The end of my life is coming much too soon, and my diagnosis can at times feel too difficult to bear. But I’ve learned that life is all about a series of moments, and I plan to spend as much remaining time as I can savoring each one, surrounded by the beauty of nature and my family and friends. Thankfully, this is the way I’ve always tried to live my life. Amy Ettinger was an author and creative writing instructor living in Northern California.
“It was not what I expected. I just wanted to survive it. I never expected to be able to walk out of it, knowing exactly how I was able to beat this cancer.” – Robb Owen
“Once I started filling all this stuff out, it jumped off the page. It’s a synergistic mix of everything together. The two prescriptions they gave me had key components in this. It wasn’t just all-natural. It really was an integrative mix between natural and conventional. I firmly believe that if you follow this path, the treatment can be reduced to three weeks versus a seven-week treatment plan.” – Robb Owen
“Half of my patients are up here behind me. I had to go through that same thing coming up with something novel. This is why it didn’t stress me out in what I did. I’ve had battles before with all kinds of doctors before with my own health where I’ve often been correct. So, I’ve had enough training in my background to put my mind at ease to make decisions that are not considered typical.” – Robb Owen
Meeting Summary
“Engaged patents get better outcomes” is one of our core beliefs at The Cancer Lab Youtube’ – Search (bing.com). But what does a very engaged patient look like? We encourage advanced cancer patients and caregivers to get very involved in educating themselves about their disease so that they can be copilots with their medical team in making complex testing and treatment decisions. Some patients and caregivers take it a step farther by leading their care decisions, sometimes disagreeing with the advice of their medical team, and carving their own path. If they are successful in controlling their disease, they are seen as “citizen scientist” role models by many.
He’s a mechanical engineer by education and profession. He is an artist, writer, and cancer patient “citizen scientist” activist by passion. He had never dabbled in the medical sciences until he got a diagnosis of stage 4a (metastatic) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma last October. He had heard of squamous cell carcinoma but knew very little about the disease. Two of his cousins had experienced head and neck cancers with one having a near identical incidence like his. He used his cousins as reference points in advance of his treatment, then dove in and learned everything he could about squamous cell carcinoma in a few months from extensive reading of the medical literature available.
He realized during his treatment that he was progressing remarkably better than his reference points. He began to ask direct questions of his oncologist. The multiple oncologists and medical team’s typical responses were, “Sometimes we see this, and sometimes we don’t, and we don’t know why.” He didn’t like these answers, so he decided to solve this mystery on his own. He began studying the details of the blood markers the doctors used to track his progress, then studied his head and neck squamous cell carcinoma biochemistry.
He had implemented a strict regimen plan including vitamins, minerals, hyper-hydration, drugs, stress mitigation, and exercise based upon a typical regimen he had utilized for several years. Once he added the modified chemoradiotherapy program into his regimen, the tumor resolved in two weeks, and he ended chemoradiotherapy after three weeks, showing no evidence of disease (vs. the seven-week standard protocol).
During his chemoradiotherapy treatment, he began cross-referencing how each component from his personal treatment plan interacted with components of the immune system and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. He realized that the synergistic benefits of this plan were the reason for his remarkable recovery.
He had battles with his oncologist over his proposed treatment regimen.
His radiation oncologist had read a preliminary case study Robb had written about his plan and couldn’t dispute any of the findings, but did tell him, “You haven’t proven anything yet.” He then told him, ”You are risking your life by ending treatment now.” Robb responded, “I am risking my life more by remaining in the treatment because you are now treating a cancer-free healthy patient,” and stood his ground, ending the prescribed protocol. His primary care doctor told him, “You are putting out radical ideas,” but did remark that, “This treatment plan may be a cure for this disease or at worst, a better way to treat it.”
A follow-up visit after the post treatment PET scan with his osteopathic doctor, Robb asked, “How often have you seen people respond to treatment like I had?” His doctor responded that he saw it often, but stated, “The only difference between those patients and you is that you stopped treatment so early.
All patients previously either stopped portions of the treatment due to its debilitating effects on their body or they were terminal and wanted to live out the rest of their lives as normally as possible. I’ve never seen a patient stop their treatment on their own accord with the success that you’ve had.” His team is the group that submitted Robb’s case study to Mayo Clinic for review.
During his chemoradiotherapy, he didn’t experience the typical side effects of standard chemoradiotherapy — he did not throw up or lose any functional ability, and he was able to eat normally without taste issues with a modified Mediterranean diet and minimal side effects from the radiation (EBRT).
Robb wrote a 109-page technical case study about his experience that he has shared with Mayo Clinic, Ascension St. Vincent’s Oncology and ENT tumor clinic, and oncologists and doctors around the globe. He has written a book about his problem-solving method that is currently in an editing phase. He is writing a patent for an oral and IV version of the treatment solution to be used prior to and concurrently with standard chemoradiotherapy protocols.
What does Robb believe caused his exceptional response?
A combination of traditional medicine (chemotherapy, radiation, and steroids) with complementary therapies (nutrition, exercise, hydration, stress reduction, and supplements)
An unusual ability to heal faster than typical patients from a strong immune system, specifically a more robust fibroblast system (fibroblasts are cells in the tumor microenvironment that secrete factors which influence cancer progression), due to a combination of genetics and his lifestyle and supplements
The ability to handle anxiety and uncertainty in his chosen treatment based on previous experiences in fighting resistance to innovation
A model derived from research literature of how each treatment component (the standard therapies like radiation and chemotherapy, plus various supplements and superfoods, such as zinc) reacted with squamous cell carcinoma and with the immune system, then self-experimented with his cancer treatment; he used lymphocytes and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to measure the strength of his immune system
His intuition and listening to his body’s cravings for specific foods during his treatment, which he believes helped his immune system fight his cancer
What can we learn from Robb’s story?
Advocate for yourself: Patients and caregivers should be willing to challenge their doctors.
Consider holistic approaches: incorporate nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and supplements along with the standard treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiation)
Find a peer community: Connect with others who have gone through similar experiences to get a sense of community and support.
Run experiments: try things and measure it against an intermediate endpoint, e.g., the strength of your immune system
Strive to find your minimum viable dose vs. the maximum tolerated dose: if you have a measure of your disease status (e.g., through a blood test), tune your treatment to get the effect you want, and maybe you will need less treatment than the standard dose (usually the maximum tolerated dose), thereby avoiding toxic side effects
What can you do to learn more about integrative practices?
Study Robb’s spreadsheet with his treatments and their methods of action
See our conversations with others who have talked about integrative oncology:
The information and opinions expressed on this website or platform, or during discussions and presentations (both verbal and written) are not intended as health care recommendations or medical advice by Cancer Patient Lab, its principals, presenters, participants, or representatives for any medical treatment, product, or course of action. You should always consult a doctor about your specific situation before pursuing any health care program, treatment, product or other course of action that might affect your health.
For a transcript of the conversation, please see here.
For the video recordings and the matrix of treatments and effects, please see here.
If you would personally like to checkout Robb Owens Facebook Group
. So, in my true fashion I decided the best course of action is to up and go on a road trip out west with Jack and hike. 
This Time. 
The BlackRock Ad: Thomas Crooks, a 2022 graduate from Bethel Park High School, appeared as an unpaid student extra in a BlackRock advertisement last year. The ad featured a teacher from Bethel Park High School, with several students, including Crooks, in the background. This connection has brought additional scrutiny to the investment giant amidst the ongoing investigation. 
BlackRock’s Statement: In an emailed statement to Reuters, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, expressed their condemnation of the attempted assassination. “The assassination attempt on former President Trump is abhorrent,” the company stated. BlackRock has since removed the ad from circulation and is cooperating fully with the authorities, providing all relevant video footage. 
Thomas Crooks’ Background: Thomas Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, has become a focal point in the investigation following Saturday’s incident. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported on his educational background, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative. 
BlackRock’s Response: BlackRock emphasized their stance against violence and assured the public of their full cooperation with law enforcement. “We will make all video footage available to the appropriate authorities,” the statement read. As the company prepares to release its second-quarter results on Monday, this unexpected connection to such a serious incident has put them under a spotlight.
Public Reaction: The revelation has sparked widespread reactions, with social media buzzing with discussions and theories. Hashtags like 
Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are meticulously investigating the attempted assassination, with Thomas Crooks at the center of their inquiries. The cooperation from BlackRock is a critical component in piecing together the events leading up to the incident.
Laurence Douglas Fink 
Coconuts Should Be Your New Best Friend 
Kitchen Magic! 
Skin and Hair Saver!
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