Hiya Gorgeous!
The eleven tips you’re about to read have been life-changing for me. Some of them may seem simple, but I come back to these practices whenever I need to get grounded and remind myself that living with cancer can be healthy—it can even be vibrant, abundant and filled with beauty.
Whether or not you’re living with cancer like me, these tips are universal. I know you’re going to find something (or maybe a few things!) that resonates with you.
So, let’s dive in…
During my teens and twenties, I celebrated (or avoided) Valentine’s Day. Each year had its own flavor. Heartache, romantic plans gone awry and some very sweet moments, too. But, February 14, 2003 changed that day forever. That’s the day I was diagnosed with an incurable, stage IV cancer.
Life stopped… and then transformed.
Valentine’s Day is a very spiritual celebration now. I call it my “cancerversary,” a day of deep self-love, reflection, gratitude and re-birth. It took me over a decade, post-diagnosis, to get to that sacred place. But, I’m here now and if you’re newly diagnosed, trust that you will get there, too.
For many patients, cancer is no longer a death sentence.
Really take that in. The first doctor I spoke to suggested a triple organ transplant, the second gave me 10 years to live. Thankfully, both were wrong and I didn’t listen. If you’ve been given statistical projections or an expiration date, there’s a good chance your well-meaning doctor could be wrong, too.
Once I found a better oncologist for my disease, my entire world opened up. As you may know, I have a weird slow-moving (could get aggressive one day) sarcoma. And though I’m living with cancer, I do it in a healthy, harmonious way. In fact, today I call myself a cancer thriver and I bet that no matter what your personal, medical or emotional pickle is (cancer or something else), you can be a thriver, too.
I would never say that life with cancer is easy, but it can be quite stunning and rich, even in the midst of the pain. These tips have helped me feel better and get stronger along the way. I think they’ll be useful for you or someone you love, too.
11 Tips for Healthy Living with Cancer
1. When the going gets tough, take a really deep breath.
This is the first (and most important) move you can make when the shit hits the fan. There will be endless ideas, advice, theories and even some medical bullying slung your way. Your breath is the gateway to your intuition—it will help you navigate the noise. Breathe and listen. Your breath also has the power to reduce stress (more on that below). When we’re in prolonged fight or flight mode, it’s hard to make decisions and easy to get depressed, anxious and exhausted. Breathe.
2. Find the best oncologist for your disease.
If I had listened to the first doctor, I wouldn’t be here today. Thankfully, I was willing to travel to find the best oncologist for my sarcoma. If you’re newly diagnosed (with any medical issue), I highly suggest you do the same. Your life is in their hands. Do they have experience and access to the latest research? Are they tapped into a network of colleagues who can discuss your case? Your local hospital may not cut it. My oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute understands all the current traditional treatment options for my disease. I still haven’t had any conventional treatment, but should my disease become aggressive, he’d be my first stop (but not my last).
How to find an oncologist: Start by Googling the top 10 cancer hospitals in the U.S. Also, use the resources below to explore the best oncologist for your specific cancer. In addition to these tips, network! I’ve found the best support by asking my doctor, family and friends.
- National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Centers
- American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Cancer.Net Cancer Specific Resources
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)
3. Your oncologist (or other doctor) probably isn’t enough.
Build an integrative team. Integrative and functional medicine practitioners treat your whole body, not just the symptoms. How do they do that? With dietary recommendations, targeted supplements, IVs, stress management tips and other integrative therapies that improve your overall well-being, including boosting your immune system.
How to find an integrative MD: Check out the directories below. Again, network your butt off. Ask around and interview the prospective healing candidates—that’s right, they work for you.
- Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner
- American College for Advancement in Medicine
- American Association for Naturopathic Physicians
4. Reduce inflammation. Eat plants.
In a nutshell: Embrace gorgeous greens, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, sea veggies, fruits and vegetables galore. Crowd out inflammatory, hormone-filled dairy and other animal products (even organic) by filling your plate with plant-strong, whole foods. And while you’re at it, dump the processed white stuff, especially sugar (it feeds cancer and other bullshit). Speaking of sugar, choose low-glycemic fruits and desserts. If you’re not interested in going full tilt vegan, make plants your main dish and think of everything else as a condiment. If you don’t ditch animal products, reduce your consumption to 2-3 times per week and avoid factory farm products at all costs. For delicious recipes, check out our recipe section at Kriscarr.com, Crazy Sexy Juice and Crazy Sexy Kitchen.
5. Juice your ass off. Not sugary juices.
Avoid store bought processed juices and choose fresh, green, healing juices that you make yourself. Organic is definitely best if you can afford it. If not, check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen for guidance on avoiding chemical-laden produce. Without a shadow of a doubt, my daily, low-glycemic green juice practice has allowed me to thrive in spite of my obstacles. My basic juicing rule for patients is a 3:1 ratio—three veggies to one low-glycemic fruit. You can also add lemon, as it has very little sugar. Ginger rocks too. Juices are nutrient dense, hydrating, energizing and medicinal. If you only have a blender, that’s great, too. Make green smoothies instead. Cheers!
Thanks for this email so interesting and can save many life thanks again
You are amazing!!! Your story is amazing and you are so inspiring. Merry Christmas!! Here’s to a great 2017!
This is a very informative post. My story goes like this, i had breast cancer stage 3 and i undertook 3 chemo sessions in two years to no avail and the tumor were still there and it even grew bigger and i was so scared which left me with the option of seeking an alternative cure which permanently changed my life for good and saved me from the cold hands of death. I read about Dr Aleta’s herbal medicine treatment which can cure breast cancer permanently without recurring. I got her contact and placed an order for the medicine which i took according to instructions and today i am cancer free. Well do not lose hope of finding a cure because there is a cure, you too can reach the doctor directly on (aletedwin @ gmail. com) for advise, and more information about the medicine. Happy new year.
I never knew Cannabis oil was indeed wonderful and very effective in treating cancer and other diseases, From the dept of my heart i must say a word of appreciation to Dr. Rick Simpson for the timely intervention in the life of my Daughter suffering from Kidney Cancer. As I’m writing this testimony on this Blog my Daughter is so strong and healthy in spite she hasn’t completed the total Dosage.
Thank you for this amazing website. It helped to safe my friends life and now it is going to help to save mine. <3
I’ve been following you for a while and just read one of your books. You really are amazing and in a world that feels like no hope sometimes (negative doctors etc) you give hope – thank you.
Woow! I have been following you for a while now and it’s the first time I discover this part of your life! I respect even more now and look up to you! You are a real inspiration! I wish you health and love ?
Great article, very inspiring words. My oncologist Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy best cancer doctor in India, encourages me by his treatment and by giving many tips to prevent cancer. Your article gave inspiration and encouragement by your words.
I LOVE READING YOUR POSTS ‘YOU ARE SO STRONG AND WISE ABOUT YOUR CANCER-I KNOW IT WOULD HAVE IT’S BAD DAYS THAT DRAINS YOU .BUT YOU GIVE US AL THE WISDOM TO DO BETTER FOR OURSELVES WHETHER WE HAVE CANCER OR ONE OF SO MANY OTHER LIETIME SICKNESS THAT INVADE OUR BODIES. BLESS YOU ,IN YOUR ENDEAVOURS FOR US ALL.
I decided that I just didn’t have time to die ! Too much life to live, and being very spiritual, just assumed that I “was protected” and meant to live in order to help others!
You are such an inspiration to so many Kris! I have shared your book and positive living with friends and family and others who are learning to find their healing journeys. Wishing you the best!
Yes, you’re amazing,as well as all the comments, and I would so love to share my cancer survivor story with you, as well as your readers. I name it;
“An Awakening”
When I was diagnosed with Breast cancer a few years back, I reacted like most who receive a cancer diagnose, first thing came to mind was a “death sentence”. I found out later that it was truly “an awakening” for me; even after being diagnosed with colon cancer a few years later. I began questioning God, why would you do this to me? What had I done so bad in life to have this thrown upon me? But instead of bemoaning my fate, I decided to look for the positive side of it. There has to be a reason for it all.
I also realized that I was about to face a new beginning, new hope, do and see more with a whole new prospective on life. When I think of the “gift of life” that was given to me, I know that I will develop and gain strength from all my experiences. Not saying, and nor would I ever say that cancer was a gift, surviving it, receiving a second change at life, is the gift. Even with the complications I now have to live with, I still feel truly blessed. For a while, I wasn’t happy with the way I looked after my surgery and the pain I had to endure each day, but I decided to snap out of it. I thought about the individuals that are no longer among us. I also realized that there will always be someone worse off than I am. I reminded myself, that I “still have my life” and who am I to complain.
One day I experienced something of a miracle and felt the compulsion to write it down. I turn that experience into a poem and I called it “Peace”. Writing has become therapy for me. I took that poem, along with many others I had composed during my breast cancer period and placed them into book form. I was blessed enough to have that book published. I’m hoping that anyone who has the opportunity to read my poems, get out of them, what I placed in all of them. I wish to make a positive impact on someone who’s ill or otherwise, where they could develop the strength to embrace life in a whole new way. I never anticipated becoming a writer, I just became one. I truly believe when you survive a horrific tragedy or a horrible disease as cancer, it’s for a reason, “you have a purpose”,” and that’s what I’m all about now, inspiration.
I would have never become a writer, producing inspirational poems and stories, if I had not gone through all that I did. I’m a true example that you can survive cancer not once, but twice, providing you
catch it in time, have faith and allow that faith to direct your path. I’m not saying all will be easy, I won’t say everyone will survive it, even while holding on to their faith. But as you embark on such a journey, fight with all your might and believe, that no matter what, God is with you every step of the way!
Karen Rice
x2 Cancer Survivor/Author
Kris:
You have been an inspiration to me. I’ve been diagnosed with the same cancer you have just a few months ago. When I Googled EHE, your information came up and I’ve been following you since. I’ve started juicing and love it. I’ll continue to follow you. You are a true role model.
Do you take Milk Thistle? I have heard it can heal some liver lesions. https://www.google.com/search?q=milk+thistle+liver+lesions&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 I’m very interested because, YOU ARE STILL HERE. That is amazing and wonderful.
Hi, my dad has been doing distilled water and the foot detox thing..his liver enzymes dropped to normal level in 3 weeks. He did the foot detox at holistic 1x per week.
Thank you for making me normal…… I love all of your books, blogs etc…
Hai Kris, Thank you for sharing this article, Kris!! You are truly amazing and inspiration. We had written a similar content on our site. You are really a role model and encouragement for all.
Hi Kriss , what is your view on frozen veg/ fuits . I do not grow my own , and find it’s more convenient for making smoothies. Would be interested in your reply . Thanks in adavance Mandy Reay – young
My partner was diagnosed with brain cancer and some complicated gastrointestinal tract infections Luckily he had an encounter with Dr wiliams, a renowned Italian doctor that helped him overcome his cancer and other infections in less than two and a half months, just with the use of herbal medicine and spiritual help, i can now boldly say He is cancer free and a proud living testimony,Dr Jose is known to be able to tackle any type of cancer found in the human body, God forbids any one should suffer here on earth, thats why I believe he created all these herbs, if you also want to clear your doubts and fight cancer to the barest minimum, take the bull by the horn and avoid death, you can contact our Doctor, by his email [email protected]
Thank you for doing what you’ve done. A thriver. I like that. So am I. Five years w/Multiple Myeloma which also does not go away. I’m writing a book now. Take care. All the best.
Great read Kris! I didn’t realize you are a cancer thriver. That certainly boosts your credibility from all the other health nuts …lol
I too have (had) stage 4 breast Cancer. Incurable, bone mets… everywhere. They had never seen a case so advanced. Gave me the “talk” and said get your affairs in order you have 3 to 5 years. Well I said you can all fuck off on the horse you road in on, and this was not how my story was going to end! I just passed 5 years. You are bang on with all your points. It’s all about self love and getting your head on straight and scraping the negative noise off your plate. It’s no mistake I read your article today. I’ve been slipping and not been taking proper care of myself. So my beautiful Kris, I will step up, because we really are worth it. Cheers to you! Jennifer