Happy not-having-cancer! I drink similar combinations to satisfy my desire for something strong and fizzy that’s not alcoholic and not sweet. Works wonders. (p.s. Hi Valerie, it’s me Sarah B, happy new co-blog, too!)

Valerie, my blog sister, hugs and “huzzah’s” on yesterday’s fabulous milestone. You rock, you obedient patient, you!

Congratulations on this milestone in your life and health, I am dealing with a girlfriends dad with cancer and going through 1st stages of chemo. But the doctor has recommended he takes as much anti-oxidants as possibly and think positively. But as amazing as the pomegranate is, thats only 1 fruit and piece to a well balanced diet. The ACAI berry has more anti-oxidants than any other fruit or vegetables tested to date. But its about moderation of the fruits and vitamins we take in and a variety of them helps are body with all of its needs. If you check out this amazing 100% juice blend of anti-oxidants at this web site. And for February there is free enrollment to help your overall health with also extra omega-3, plant sterols, glucosamine, and resveratrol… Please check it out to make some great cocktails like monatinis, or monaritas…

Thanks, all. J.B. thanks for mentioning acai. That’s a terrific idea for a spin on the cocktail. I feel compelled to add that my doctors very specifically told me not to O.D. on antioxidants during chemo. That’s because anti-oxidants are so powerful that they strengthen ALL cells, including the cancer cells that you’re trying to kill. I mention that because I know many people suggest high doses of vitamin C during chemo, and really, really going anti-oxidant crazy. By my doctor’s counsel, I waited until after I knew most of the cancer cells were our of there before stepping up my cell-boosting measures.

I wish I had this for when my daughter was going through treatment. She is 4 months off treatment, age 14.

I also had someone in my family with hiodgens disease and he was 9yrs old at the time and i know what u were going through………….he is now 9yrs cancer free and 18yrs old and going to college and i pray everyday that it never returns,.,,,,,,but with God’s help we got through the treatments and sickness as cancer does that to u………………….thank you and hope u will comntinue to be cancer free also…………………..darlene

Hi Valerie Congratulations on this important cancer free Anniversary and thanks for sharing the recipe of your special cocktail.Sounds good and I will try it.May God bless you with perfect health bearing in mind he created us and with him ALL THINGS are possible You strength comes from God and I thank him for your healing.God bless you and your familt too

I totally understand. Although I did a year of peg-Interferon/Rebetol Combo thearapy for Hep C.The side effects are very simular. The meds didn’t work, but I’ve changed my way of thinking 110%.I don’t think that I could of mustered the brain power to even think of what I could keep down. Mostly the negative took over. Asking myself “How many sips of water can i get before it comes up” I finished the treatment 2 yrs and 2 months ago. I took 6 monthes off of any I mean any Doctor visits. Then pulled my big girl panties up and started “LIVING”.
#1 Do not sweat the petty stuff.
Now I make it a point to Thank everyone, hug everyone,(I’m not a touchy type person) to listen and hear, To offer a hand to anyone needing it. To tease my 13 year old son everyday at least once. To savor very moment with my family. And remember always. I woke up this morning-One more day to “Love” Thank you GOD
Oh yeah!! Tried the ‘Valeri Fancy fuzzy’Awsome drink.
Although I’m not much of a selzer drinker, so subed with 7up. Also tried a 4 ingrediant twist with the ACAI berry and equal amount Pom, of course I had to up size to a margeretta glass, with sugar rim and slice of orange. That’s what I’m talkin about.

Valerie,
My mom just went thru chemo and radiation but she is having problems eating after completeing the treatments. It has been a while since she completeed but her taste for foods has not come back yet. They had to put a feeding tube in her for a bit but now she don’t have it. I thought you might have some ideas that you might could share that would help.
Thanks
Pam~

I too had non-hodgkins hen I was 37, two children. I went to work everyday and the days I had chemo I would leave early, then go home to cook dnner for my family and then to bed, as I was exhausted! 23 years later, the cancer came back-I had a large tomor on my thigh. I had chemo (lost all my hair–got a beautiful wig) My granddaughter named it “Mary George”. 5 years later I fell at work, fractured my femur (it was paper thin from the radiation). Had a plate put in, the plate did not hold, had a total knee replacement and a rod from my thigh to my knee. Developed a staff infection twice. I have had 7 surgeries on my leg and for the grace of God and prayers from all my friends and relatives–Im still going. I can remember my surgeon saying to me “I’ve had patients who have opted to have their leg amputated rather than go through so many surgeries” Through tears-I said, “I will have 50 surgeries before I have my leg amputated.
I have lyphodema pretty bad and use a pump and wear a compression stocking but I keep going!!
Thanks for sharing you story with me–keep up the good woek!!

no more smoking,i promise…(.so help me god)

Last week my battle with cancer came to an end. I was doagnosed last July with lung, liver & colon cancer & today there is no trace of cancer anywhere in my body. I owe my success to my oncologist, Dr. Gold & his wonderful staff. The treated me both physically & mentally so that I got through the 6 months of chemotherapy with as little discomfort as possible.
The most important words that I heard were” cancer is not a death sentence” & I believe them & that your mental outlook is more important than anything else in fighting cancer. You can’t give into it. I know I pushed myself to continue living my life as close to normal as I could. I went to work almost every day, went surfing, took care of my home, my business & puppies.
I’m glad its over, relieved & looking forward to getting back in shape.

i,too, am a “cancerista”, fighting the good fight against a clever, insidious foe…colon CA, with mets to liver, both lungs, adrenal gland & lymphs…asymptomatic manifestation…
i am, indeed, humbled, by YOU!, powerful examplars of extraordinary inner strength, tenacity & PLUCK!
Our collective struggle continues – we are ever-hyper-vigilant! Here’s to our life in EXTREMIS – may we live it well!

Ten years ago, at age 30, with my first baby being 17 months old, I was diagnosed w/breast cancer that spread to lymph nodes. Had surgery, chemo, radiation, 5 yrs meds. During chemo, the tube even shot off during a simple saline flush, and landed in the ventricle of my heart – thankfully a heart team pulled it out through my leg! Whole other story! Life was turned upside down for a while. Ten years later, God blessed us with a miracle baby – didn’t think I could have any more children. She came by c-section and docs were supposed to tie my tubes (being that I’m 40 now & she was high-risk) and when they went to tie the tubes, they couldn’t even find them! Doc said it’s amazing how I ever got pregnant! Life is right side up again. Great hubby and 2 beautiful, healthy daughters. There is life and joy after cancer…faith, family, friends, focus…this is what carried me through.

Those are amazing journeys, incredibly unique and yet so many similarities. And yes, I am a leukemia survivor. I was first diagnosed in June 2007 with AML, level 5. It is an aggressive form of leukemia but one that is often cured (that’s right, CURED). I went through the whole red devil and other chemo concoctions. And, like everyone who faces the C-obstacle, my world turned upside down. There was a less than 20% chance of reoccurrence, and guess what? Four months of remission was all God allowed me. The next step was a bone marrow transplant. They tested my three brothers, no matches. A beautiful woman whom I hope to meet someday, donated the bone marrow from Portugal. (Hence the word “Borboleta” it is translated to butterfly). Right before I went into the hospital for my eigth time, a close friend of mine, Julie, told me to think of this as a caterpillar climbing into her cocoon for a little while, and when it is time a vibrant butterfly will emerge. I kept her words close to me the whole time.
I believe a strong faith in God, a sense of humor, and more determination and commitment than I ever thought I would have got me through this. Today, after four months of isolation at a Moffitt apartment in Tampa, I am 7 months and 2 days out of the transplant. I am leukemia free and the transplant is engrafted at 100%. I am back home and working full time. Oh, there are issues, but nothing that stops me from realizing how wonderfully I have been blessed. We can get through it.
For those of you who have fought the battle, my hat tips to you. For those who are still struggling with the unknown, know that God has good plans for you. Not plans to hurt you. He will give you hope and good future – Jer. 29:11

I never drank that. Somes great though and will try it. I’ve had Breast Cancer twice in seven years. Free 13 years lf. side and free 6 years on rt.
The Chemo has a hold on me. It caused bad Heart problems, vien, and a slue of other things. I haven’t been to work in 13 years. Sucks, but I’m still here.
Hppy Valentine’s Day!!

WOW! You guys amaze me… I cannot imagine the feelings and pain you have endured. I was once told I had precancer cells on my cervix, but a little job called “cold cone” something did the trick. I still remember the dread those words instilled in me. But what you have gone through is remarkable. You are each very brave to be staring death in the face and working past your fears. I salute your doctors and nurses for all the hours they put in, for a fantastic job they do. I can’t help but believe that God has his hands on each of you, doctors, nurses, and patients. Thank you, God Almighty
Keep it up,
Marian Beilharz

hello Everyone,
My name is Oanica and I was diagnosed with the pink ribbon (breast cancer) in Jan. 2007 at the tender age of 36, it was an agressive stage 4 cancer that was moving fast, because of my age they decided to do chemo first to put a stop to it’s progression and to shrink it. On Oct. 8th 2007 after 9mths of chemo I had a drive by masectomy to remove he three dots that were left. I thank God for life, my mother, my neice, and all the prayer support that I recieved, and most of all for the Doctors and Nurses at the James Cancer Clinic. They are the best and from the bottom to the top. I never gave it a thought of how things really were I had no time 2 much was going on in my life at the time so all I could focus on was living and how Iwas not going to let this thing beat me. So I gave it no power over me and I did the spiritual, mental, and physical work that was needed to get thru the challenge. As a result I’m here today working thru minor adjustments but cancer free. I don’t think they thought I would be here but I beat the odds. KUDDOS to all have come thru and all that are going thru Stay positive and focused on the things you want to accomplish with God all things are possibile if you only believe. We Are Survivors TYG!!!

Greetings! Hapy Valentines’s Day to you all. I am acancer survivor. Well here is my story. I was 7 years old at the time not Knowing that I was quite sick a lot. Mom brought me back and forth to the dr. Mom said she is tired a lot, not much energy, cold lots of bugs(colds, flusetc..I suffered from severe allergies as well. This continued for many years, than bang all of a sudden I had a very serious car accident. Needless to saw I was badly hurt. mom and dad went on with their lives then it struck Mom got diagnosed with advand B.cancer, I was told to leave home(Literally kicked out!!) go fing your own place to live and I also had a diagnosis of chronic Leukemia..boy that took mom by surprise..Her health is failing cause she had surgery, high agressive chemotherapy and many bouts of radiation…I was on steriods for quite some time not knowing what would happen to me. I prayed and God heard my prayers….upset and confused My Dad on the other hand did not believe the mom’s diagnosis was in complete denial…Well I not say much more..I have been cancer free for several years now I am truly grateful for my faith, I remember the serenity prayer which help a great deal. Hope you all keep well.

Like you I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I was 45 years old and had recently married for the first time! Life was bliss- Married in May then—- the other shoe- diagnosed in November. I walked around in a haze for the first day or so, trying to find a way to tell my family that I was ill. What I needed was a hand to hold and a shoulder to cry on for all of about a week. Then it seemed like some unforseen emotion took me by the shoulders and shook me. It was my time to fight. Prayers, smiles, cards and yes even recipes for Cocktails were what got me thru. It also gave me a second chance at another life, one that was not so dependent on “others” . Some called me brave, I don’t think so, but I am strong.

Happy Valentines Day to All,
I hear what you are saying. I too have had lung cancer. I was diagnosed in 2002, and then it moved to my mediastinum 18 months later. Then to my brain. It was in two places in my brain (front and back of my head). I had to go to the hospital two times for brain surgery. They were too far apart. That was over a year ago. So far I have been stable. Happy to be here. Keep the faith. I believe God has plans for us. Love to all

I had not been sick but had abnormal blood results show up in an annual physical. After a bone marrow biopsy, I was told I had stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I went through two years of Rituxan chemo and was one of the lucky ones. The Rituxan worked. My bone marrow originally had over 30% cancer cells, after the Rituxan treatment, less than 5%. The treatment never bothered me. I was never sick. I never lost my energy or felt bad in anyway. And yes, I did get a second opinion. My doctor says the Nile is more than a river but if this is denial, it works for me. I know I will probably have to have more Rituxan at some point, but if I do, that is what I will do. I feel confident that I will live a long healthy life but in the meantime, I am enjoying my life with my family and friends. I continue to work, bowl, workout, everything I did before the diagnosis. My family and friends credit my health to my attitude. Maybe.
May God Bless all of you.

I hear what you are saying. Even though I am a male, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma about a year and a half ago. I just celebrated my first cancer-free anniversary this month. Like you, its not so much like I beat cancer, it was just something I had to do. Though I wish I had your cocktail recipe then. Nothing I drank had any taste. Stay well!

I also was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma. I was 36 and raising 5 children by myself. When they found it I had already had it for two years so I was fourth stage and nobody had any hope for me. I was told by Drs to go home and get my affairs in order and find home for my kids. Well, I just moved on to a different hospital. After almost two years of chemo, experimental chemo, I was given a stem cell transplant. So here I am today 15 years later and still alive and well.
I wish I would have had your cocktail then. I didnt eat for two months. Everything made me sick. I would get so thirsty but couldnt drink.
I pray everyday for a cure.

I’m about to start an oral chemotherepy drug called hydroxyurea. I’m wondering if anyone else has used this and how you felt durring treatment. I’m still very new at all of this and overwhelmed on what to expect. Any information will be very helpful thank you.

To everyone dealing with cancer,
I also went thru chemo, twice, was told to get my affairs in order, was raising 2 young girls alone, lost my hair both times etc.
I want you to know that it is your attitude that will get you thru it all. Stay positive! I don’t care what any Doctor tells you, there is still hope! NEVER give up. There are new treatments all the time so don’t ever give in to this disease! We’re all in this together. Best wishes to you all!

Itoo was diagnosed in Feb 2004 with Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in my bone marrow, (Mantle Cell). I went thru 6 months of CHOP chemo therapy. I was very sick, loss my hair, lot of lbs, could’nt eat couldnt taste, energy level was at a all time low. I was raising 3 teenagers on my own and I was Blessed with family and friends to step in and help me thru this difficult time in life. Yeah, I too got my affairs in order, signed a will, designated who & where my children would go, you know all the things in life you don’t want to think about. On top of this for 4 yrs prior I had bee fighting Hep C – Liver Fibrosis. I too became a very positive person and full of faith and hope. Today I am cancer free, still battling the hep c, living life one day at a time, still not working, just living. Thank God

I was diagnosed in June 2008 with stage 2 breast cancer, had 6 strong chemo treatments, lost my hair, lost the taste of most foods, odors were terrible, after each chemo treatment, I was so nauseated and weak for approx. 2 weeks, there was no anti nausea medicine that helped. I now have completed 4 weeks of Radiation and have 2 more weeks to go, I go everday M-F, my skin is beginning to burn some, the next 2 weeks will be my worst with skin irritation. I am told that I am cancer free, I had a masectomy before my chemo. A person’s attitude has so much to do with their healing. God has brought me on this journey for a reason, He has blessed me with the most wonderful peace, either way I am a winner, I am healed or if it my time, I have a home in Heaven. Thank God, God Bless All of YOU .

send this to marie i didn’t know her address by memory

I too went through the whole works chemotherapy in the year of 2003. I had breast cancer, masectomy, and radiation. I went through 5 months of chemo until I ended up in the hospital with a double pnuemonia. I almost lost my life when I ended up in the hospital. With my belief and faith in God, I beat my cancer so if anyone that is out there and afraid, don’t be because God is always there with you and guiding you everyday. If you need someone to talk too, I am available through this email address. I have a brother that is going through with his treatment now and I pray for him everyday and he is doing just fine with his treatment and has more strength now. I ask God and his holy angel to guide him each day and my prayers are always answered. So if you need someone to talk to talk took I am here for you.

Hello Waveline Gentry and Olivia C,
Thanks for the encourageing words. I was diagonise in 2004. Exactly 14th February, 2009 Valantine Day when I was successful operated. Mastatomy to be precise on my left breast. I went through chemo very very terrible, but by God’s Grace I am well and kicking.
I am on tamaxofin a day. what do I do; I am always in fear but with the consolating from this web size I hope to live longer.
Grace

Hello All of you brave warriors….
One year ago I went through R-CHOP and then R-CVP chemo treatments for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. It sure is a “journey” to remember. I only went through 4 of the 6 treatments as every time I would go through a treatment, I would end up in ICU a week later for a week. In fact February last year I almost died several times due to sepsis and then kidney failure. Chemo was becoming a real killer for me. Anyway, I am here by the grace of God and loving every minute of it. To read my story, you can go to http://www.hoppersfaithhopelove.blogspot.com
and go back to January and February of 2008.
P.S. My husband had cancer at the same time. He went through a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. God was good to us! Really!
God’s blessings to All of You….Janet

Grace, I am not sure what you are asking, when you say, what do I do. Each person’s body is different, and there is several stages of breast cancer, also differet strength’s of chemo and Radiation. My breast cancer was my left breast, all of my lymph nodes were negative, my hormone level was negative, the only thing that put me in a stage 2 was the size of my mass, it was a 6cm, I was told by my Oncologist, they usually do not do Radiation with a mass 5cm and under, since mine was a 6, I am having to have radiation, this puts me in a less % of a reaccurence. I did a lot of research before I had my masectomy. I did not choose implants or reconstructive surgery. I am a firm faith believer, I put everything in God’s hand, have had many wonderful prayers lifted up for me, God is always in control. He has blessed me with so much peace, the chemo was terrible, God was with me each step of this journey. MY prayer is that each person that is facing a journey, finds the wonderful peace that our Heavenly Father has to give us. If I can be on any help. I will try to answer on this web site. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

I just want to say I have been cancer free since 1995. I had non-Hopkins Lymphoma and was first diagnosed in 1991. Did the whole chemo treatment and it came back in 1994 but was diagnosed the second time in Feb. 1995. Had to do the major chemo with full body radiation.
Hence the bone marrow transplant. I was lucky they used my own bone marrow. My age at that time in my thirties. It took me years to crave chocolate and I still don’t each much of that anymore because rich food still bothers me a bit. But I do notice the sunsets, listening to the birds sing and children laughing are wonderful and heartwarming to hear. Feel the wind in my hair (after it all came back). Everything is more enhanced and I notice and the events of nature more, also the tragedy of man, during that time not long after all this was 911. So everything I cry easely. But I try to stay focused on the beautiful side of the world. I like you sharing your cotail for cancer. I will try it some time.

Hi my name is Faith and i was 28 yrs of age when first diagnosed with breast cancer of the right breast . 3/2000 diagnose ..went through a full radical skin sparing mastectomy , tram flap reconstruction, tamoxifen , radiation , chemotherapy .. God was with me then after 7 yrs Iwas rediagnosed 2007 am being treated with chemo only . its been longer with treatments now but God didnt leave me then and hasnt left me now ..My first warning came through doing Breast Self Exams I strongly encourage women and young ladies alike to do BSE once a month after the menstrual period not before It was a clearer indication to me and a way of early detection for me .. ALWAYS I MEAN ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY IF SOMETHING DOESN”T FEEL RIGHT THEN LISTEN TO YOUR BODY >>>SEE YOUR DOCTOR …EARLY DETECTION CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE .. every one is not the same and every body is different LOVE HARDER …LOVE STRONGER