Life has been good for us since returning from St. Jude. We are so happy that we get until February to enjoy-no chemo during the holidays! Yea! Everything got back to normal pretty quickly.
I have really settled into staying at home. It was challenging at first and I have had a hard time managing everything in the household but now I feel pretty good about it. I still have days when I feel overwhelmed but I am slowly learning how to balance the kids and cooking and cleaning and laundry. It has been much harder work than I anticipated! I am so grateful that I am able to stay home with them. I sometimes look at the clock and think about how different our lives would be if I were at work right then instead of at home.
The major change since we got back is in our eating habits. Before leaving for St Jude I had spent a lot of time researching nutrition and cancer. Jason and I both decided that for Abby and for the rest of us, a change in our diet was a must. After lots of reading and planning we are finally making the change to a healthier diet. We have cut out almost all added sugar and processed foods and have greatly increased whole grain, fruit, and vegetable intake. It has been hard at times and it has taken much more thought and planning but I feel much better about what I am feeding her and Lyla! We are eating as much organic foods as possible as well and are switching to organic chicken and grass fed beef. I am still drinking coffee with french vanilla creamer though and when we go to our family's house we eat what is there. Right now the goal is not to deny ourselves food but to replace the food. I don't want to burn out so if I really want some chocolate-I eat it. I have lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks so far. Abby and Lyla like most of what I have made but there has been some real disasters (chicken millet skillet-yuck)! I have thought about starting another blog about our meals but I just don't know if I have the time to maintain it.
Thank you all for your continued prayers!
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I just had to come by and see your blog after you left a comment about the St. Jude e-book. Abby is so very precious. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI have been through the change to healhtier eating and it's hard but it's worth it. If I can do anything to help you please let me know. I know lots of great cooks on the internet with kids so I'm sure I can send some good info your way. I know you're not gluten-free, so a good site is TheNourishingGourmet.com. That's a good starting point. Sending prayers and big hugs.
You are such an inspiration! I've GAINED so much weight since Alyssa's diagnoses. STRESS!!! But, I believe if I change my focus maybe I can make a change for the better. Of course I say this after just consuming Taco Bell:) You are right; the whole family needs healthier lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad things are calm right now!!! I still don't make plans past 3 months. I know not many people understand that. I'm going to have to make myself plan ahead for summer vacation, but it makes me anxious.
We pray for Abby everynight!
Hope to meet you all someday soon:)
Kellie Beggs
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alyssabeggs
I keep Abby in my prayers. As a mom of a cancer survivor I can relate to a lot of what you're going through. My son had treatment for neuroblastoma 20 years ago. He is also epileptic, so I understand the seizures.
ReplyDeleteWe have changed to a mostly vegetarian, whole foods diet and he continues to do really well. Good luck with all your changes, they are sometimes tough, but so worth it!
Janet
http://www.meatlessmama.com/
I found your blog from Amy (above), since I was one of the contributors to the St. Jude's e-cookbook and your story is so touching. I hope that you and Abby are well and things continue to improve.
ReplyDeleteIf you need any help with recipe ideas, let me know. I post many of my recipes at www.onefrugalfoodie.com, and they are in the healthy realm. You can find a recipe index there. And of course, if you have any dairy-free needs, I'm your girl.
Best Wishes