October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we felt compelled to share a bit on this topic because it’s near and dear to my heart…literally (my girls are right by my heart 🙂 and because we all know people who have been affected by breast cancer.

UPDATE

For starters, a few months ago we shared a blog…Cancer Sucks which detailed how cancer has reared it’s ugly head once again in our family and I wanted to share a brief update on that.

Those 3 little words ‘you have cancer’ can flip your world upside-down. Such news is hard to believe and so unwelcome however…it has been amazing to witness my sister-in-laws journey and attitude in facing this monster. She is strong and fearless and not letting the diagnosis crush her spirit.  The cancer is not gone but she is not allowing it to ruin or rule her life. She has a strong Christian faith that has only been made stronger through this journey. “Heaven is real and hell is hot” she will say as she boldly speaks of a heavenly father who is looking out for her and, while he may or may not take this cancer away in this lifetime, he is with her every step of the way.

Not only does my sister-in-law have a great attitude and strong faith and hope, she has a great support network in friends and family, she has access to great healthcare and has been willing to try different experimental therapies and treatments and she is doing her part through lifestyle, diet and exercise choices she makes.  In fact right now she’s out having a blast somewhere!  Have fun Sista!

That’s valuable for everyone.

So here’s how we’re gonna ensure cancer doesn’t rule or ruin our lives.

PREVENTION

The information is out there on ways to decrease your likely-hood of developing cancer.  Several sites and experts agree that leading a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a healthy diet made up of mostly plant based foods, limiting alcohol and processed food consumption, sufficient sleep, limiting stress and anxiety to name a few are great ways to keep cancer at bay.

Healthline, formerly Authority Nutrition is a very helpful resource not just for cancer prevention but for general health information…they’ve got articles on everything that or backed by science…you can search their website for a list of cancer fighting foods and boom…you got it.  It’s one of our go to resources!

DETECTION

There are signs and symptoms to be aware of as well as regular check-ups and recommended screenings.  These may not prevent cancer but early detection is always a good thing.

READY FOR COMBAT

If you have been diagnosed with cancer all the preventative measures listed can’t prevent cancer but can help in fighting cancer.

All the info listed above as well as having a strong support network is very empowering.  While some people might have that there are other places to find support. Inspire Health is a wonderful resource whose goal is to provide the best care possible for those people living with a diagnosis of cancer.  They have programs, resources, groups, events, recipes and more.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

There is so much YOU CAN DO.

If you’ve been diagnosed – that sucks!  I hope you don’t let the diagnosis destroy you…I hope you do whatever you can to fight…with your attitude, with your lifestyle choices, with your support network and with your medical team.

If you don’t have cancer – count your blessings.  Then research and put into practice preventative measures and find ways to do your part to support and help those who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer here…or any other type of cancer for that matter.

Cancer still sucks but let’s kick it’s butt!

And remember to check on the girls!  It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month after all.