About three weeks ago I discovered this “lump” on my thigh. Concerned it was a blood clot my husband insisted I schedule an appointment with my doctor. This involved finding a new doctor due to my ridiculous insurance parting ways with my favorite medical group. Luckily, I was able to find an amazing doctor who I adore. She’s absolutely amazing…and she’s not afraid of finding out what’s wrong.
So, while I sat there on the examination table she noticed the spot. I’ve had this spot for three years. Despite two different remedies, it’s never quite gone away. I had resigned to live with it despite it being ugly and the occasional flare of itching.
I found her more concerned about this spot than I was about the lump. I really didn’t think it was THAT big of a deal. It was just you know, ugly. Before the appointment was over I had an ultrasound scheduled for the lump and a biopsy scheduled for the spot. The next day.
I was amazed. Surprised. Thrilled that I had a physician who seemed genuinely concerned about my health. Sure it could be just “nothing” but she wasn’t just guessing, she was going to find out WHAT it was. The Biopsy…um, they cut a piece out of my body…and it HURT…even with numbing medicine. No big deal. Right?
Life went by for a week. I thought nothing of it. Until last week. When I received the letter.
I’ve never received a letter. Usually I get a call from the nurse who says, “Everything is ok.” This was a letter written by my doctor AND it included the biopsy lab report. OK, this MAY have not been a good idea because my anxiety showed up. Full force. Racing heart and all..scared me REAL good!
It was diagnosed as Actinic Keratosis with a few other “-osis” things. Signs of squamous cells appeared. She emphasized it was NOT cancer, but that the cells were showing signs of “changing”. It was recommended that I schedule an appointment immediately to have cryotherapy completed.
Here’s the deal. The spot is NOT where the sun shines. I’m NOT immodest enough to let that area shine. Something in my body is reacting to something other than the sun. And it’s causing my body to grow weird things with “changing” cells. Now I have more appointments, more tests. A trip to the dermatologist has been made to examine a few marks on my body. Blood tests scheduled. More stress. Good times.
This weekend I finally came to the realization that my life as I know it cannot stay the same. I HAVE TO CHANGE. I can no longer think that my genetic risks of cancer are for someone else. I have to control the things I CAN control: my diet, my environment and my emotional being. I don’t have the luxury of just being ignorant about my health.
This isn’t about weight (although she said it wouldn’t hurt to lose a little bit). It isn’t about being radical, an agenda or my looks. It’s about saving my life. About restarting my body, giving it a break. It’s about realizing that I want to see my children grow up. I want my last breathe to be when I’m REALLY old…not when I’m young.
I don’t have answers. Only a body that is telling me that it can no longer filter the crap that I keep throwing at it.
So, I’m I’m putting myself on a 30-day challenge of clean eating. Or at least, MY version of that.
- None of my food allergy items: Bananas, Cranberries, Pineapple and Dairy (I’m weaning myself from this one. BABY steps. )
- No chocolate because even though it didn’t show up on the blood test…it’s making me ill.
- No processed foods. If it has ingredients that I don’t know…or cannot pronounce…I’m not eating it.
- Taking vitamins daily.
- Finding something to counteract the medication that I have to take everyday. I know that it’s a HUGE contribution to my body’s overwhelm, but honestly, my family cannot afford me to not manage my ADD and Depression at this point.
- Wear a mask when I clean the chicken coop, garage, garden, and dust. Dust and mold are my big environmental allergens. They are a “Level 3” allergen on my list. The problem is that the biggest on is mold. I live in Oregon. It rains. A Lot. I have chickens. They poop and it decays. That is making me sick. I supposed I *could* give up my chickens. The compromise we came up with is to wear a mask. I don’t have time for vanity anymore.
- Sunscreen. Daily. No exceptions.
- Be conscious about the origination of my food. I am going to slowly move to organics as much as I can.
- No more soda. No more buttery microwave popcorn. No more stops at 7-Eleven for a Banana Slurpee. No more chocolate. Did I mention that already? Ya. I’m really sad about no more chocolate.
- Detox. This is going to happen when I figure out which method I feel is going to work with all my weird issues. My mental health can go sideways fast…so I have to be careful with anything I do.
My goal is to get a healthy body that can deal with the things I cannot control. To not trigger those cells to change into a beast that can take my life. If I lose weight, it will be a bonus.
I started today. The jury is still out on whether I like hummus or not. But, I did learn that I can make a mayo using Greek yogurt…and I like it. One step at a time.
Love your honesty and willingness to share. I bookmarked the link you posted on Facebook and plan on doing lots of reading and praying. I feel like the Lord has been talking to me and I keep skirting his words to me…that’s a long story. I know what you mean about mental health/depression issues and I also deal with Type 2 Diabetes. I have always been an all or nothing gal and that just doesn’t work for eating. I look forward to walking this journey with you. Hugs to you my friend.
Ali, glad you are joining me! I am so bummed that our trip is delayed until after this summer….I was so looking forward to getting to have tea! But, I know it is God’s timing…he’s showing us the areas that need to be cleaned up.
I want to join you in this. I’ve been here before for infertility but when hubby is out of work, find it much harder to eat this way. However, surgery to have a cervical mass removed at the end of this month has been MY motivator. I’m praying how to do it with limited funds and a family who isn’t ready to go there with me.
Funds are tough, as are family. However, my husband needs to change too, so it’s a good motivator for us. One thing I’ve discovered that as the mom I can usually get cooperation when I’m passionate about something.
I did a full blown juice fast last year for 30 days! It was REALLY hard but it was also AMAZING I felt great. Right now I am TRYING to juice (fruits and veg) twice a day. I find it interesting that you are allergic to Banana, Cranberries, and Pineapple! I always get a funny feeling in my mouth when I eat fresh pineapple. HUM I wonder???
Have you looked into local C.S.As or the Bountiful Baskets program (I know there is one in Beaverton) Adding more natural unprocessed stuff is hard. Thanks for keeping it real though.
Very scary to have the changing cells, but what a blessing to have a doctor who caught it so you can take action.
I’ve been slowly getting rid of unhealthy things and eating ‘clean’ as much as possible. I tried doing the Ultimate Reset with Beachbody as I’ve heard phenomenal things about it. But, I had an allergic reaction to one of the supplements and had to stop after 3 days. Instead, I’ve made changes in my diet and added regular exercise to the mix.
Instead, I’m trying to convince my inner toddler that I can do a 6 week ‘reset’ through just food using a book I reviewed last year. http://daybydayinourworld.com/2012/03/the-blood-sugar-solution-by-mark-hyman-md/
I’m also considering juicing and have a few of the Juice Lady’s books in house to help me once I can get my hands on a juicer.
Wishing you the best and hope that the changes help you in the long run.
Best of luck with that challenge. The slurpees would be so hard for me (if we had a 7-11 near me!)