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48 Comments
Jackie D.
December 13, 2018
You are certainly a gutsy, firey gal! My compliments on forever holding the reins on that animal. I wish you all the best from my heart.
Karen
October 14, 2018
I don't cook or bake, so how I ended up reading your story is another mystery. Somehow a tomato basil soup recipe led me here & I happened upon you!
I'm currently in chemo for a recurrence of cancer initially occurring 4 years ago. This time my body is tolerating the same protocol/drugs, with significant side effects. Out of 3 sessions 21 days apart, I ended up in the ER twice due to extreme nausea/excruciating headaches & dehydration. Cancer stinks, as we all know, but I don't need to be exposed to others in an ER!
For some reason yesterday, I became emotional & panicky, overcome with fear. Afterward, I reminded myself that positivity is key and I needed to adjust my attitude. So I woke up today, reminding myself of my blessings.
Please share any suggestions for healthy meals for your fellow travelers on this path. I know I need to force water (yuck!), reduce sugar to a minimum and avoid inflammation (however you do that!). Have an insta-pot, never been used.
Suggestions welcomed and wishes of peace & good health!
I'm currently in chemo for a recurrence of cancer initially occurring 4 years ago. This time my body is tolerating the same protocol/drugs, with significant side effects. Out of 3 sessions 21 days apart, I ended up in the ER twice due to extreme nausea/excruciating headaches & dehydration. Cancer stinks, as we all know, but I don't need to be exposed to others in an ER!
For some reason yesterday, I became emotional & panicky, overcome with fear. Afterward, I reminded myself that positivity is key and I needed to adjust my attitude. So I woke up today, reminding myself of my blessings.
Please share any suggestions for healthy meals for your fellow travelers on this path. I know I need to force water (yuck!), reduce sugar to a minimum and avoid inflammation (however you do that!). Have an insta-pot, never been used.
Suggestions welcomed and wishes of peace & good health!
Caroline W.
January 18, 2019
Hi Karen, I am so sorry that you are in the thick of your treatment. It is the piece of the cancer puzzle that really highlights a betrayal of this body you've known your whole life. During mine, I always tried to find the ways that my body was being strong-- isn't it amazing? That we can poison it, radiate it, and it still functions? Walks, getting out in nature, really helped me, too.
It sounds like you're looking to make some big changes. Feel free to email me and/or follow along on my blog, The Wright Recipes, where I share my recipes that suit my anti-inflammatory, grain-free, refined sugar-free diet as well as my family.
I believe there is a lot of life lived beyond the statistics they tell you. I hope you do, too. xo
It sounds like you're looking to make some big changes. Feel free to email me and/or follow along on my blog, The Wright Recipes, where I share my recipes that suit my anti-inflammatory, grain-free, refined sugar-free diet as well as my family.
I believe there is a lot of life lived beyond the statistics they tell you. I hope you do, too. xo
Bob P.
October 5, 2018
You have elegantly expressed what I can not. “Speaking in terms of months” touched a nerve. Thank you for your incite.
Amanda T.
August 29, 2018
You are an amazing & courageous woman, Caroline. Thank you for sharing your beautifully written story. I am sending you prayers for continued strength and good health.
leanneskitchen
August 26, 2018
Your essay confirmed that what I did today made sense. I found out on Friday that my friend and co-worker had lost her brother on Wed. Not knowing how to bring her comfort, one of my thoughts was to make her muffins. Muffins, does that make any sense?
In times of uncertainty, it’s good to turn to something you love and can share with others.
In times of uncertainty, it’s good to turn to something you love and can share with others.
Caroline W.
January 18, 2019
Food is a graceful way to show support and sympathy without inserting yourself, I've experienced. Traumatic times (like death) in a family are practically so very busy and so very stressful that food gifts are very, very appreciated.
Herself
August 26, 2018
Thank you for this article. The cancer lexicon speaks of those who are survivors, but I think we need a new phrase: endurers. I live with a cancer which is labeled incurable, but I much prefer to describe it as cancer for which there is not yet a cure. There are great changes afoot. I was given four years as a likelihood for remission and here I stand at 12 years and a few months. Which is a whole lot of time when you are counting it in small measurements. My 9 year old is 21. After all the treatments, I collected milestones with joy: when I could walk around the block, when I could climb the stairs in one go, when I could taste a glass of wine and best of all, when I could make dinner to feed my family who had stood so steadfast by my side.
anniette
December 17, 2018
Just found this and had to reply because my 9 year old is now 21, too! It is thrilling. I was due to die of my own incurable (I like your not-yet-curable) cancer within five years, but I so longed to stay around to raise my girl. The cancer returned three times and each year that I was literally knocked flat by the surgery/chemo combo, I most missed cooking in my own kitchen. When I was first told about the impending death part, I decided (after a few days’ shock) that I’d better enjoy my days, as they were all I had. Some lucky how, they have stretched into years. I just celebrated my eleventh improbable birthday, and my daughter is ready to graduate from college in May; I never expected to live to see her out of high school. So happy for all my fellow cancer veterans on here, (though I still daren’t tempt fate with the word survivor.)
Caroline W.
January 18, 2019
Thank you for sharing the beauty you see because of your cancer. It is there, I know it well, too. I am happy to hear that the feeling of simple gratitudes toward your everyday life never go away.
Lisa
August 6, 2018
I too am a cancer survivor coming up on 5 years. Mine was a common cancer in an uncommon place so much so that there were no studies to base treatment on. So I “won” the treatment trifecta-surgery, chemo and radiation. Such an adventure! At the end my treatment was successful only to reveal an unrelated tumor lurking in my head of an even rarer variety. I declined the opportunity to aggressively attack it as I am without symptoms. So we live ours lives on a precipice trying to live with value instead of waiting to die. I’ve also started to eat much healthier and so look forward to trying your cake. Thank you.
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
Lisa, what a story! I feel like as kids we are taught to feel that doctors know everything -- they will fix your flu, etc-- so, when I got so very sick I assumed they would proportionately know even more and provide even more comfort. I think the scale is actually reversed-- the sicker you are, the less they know, and the more comfort has to come from inside. It's so very frustrating. I am grateful that my cake might provide you some comfort!
Forget statistics. They're about other people, not ::you::.
Forget statistics. They're about other people, not ::you::.
Lisa
August 6, 2018
I plan to try this for my 60th birthday. (Or maybe before that.) I can hardly wait. And kudos to you for opening yourself up about your health adventure. I wish you all the best.
Annada R.
August 6, 2018
Congratulations on your exit out of the "C" universe! Thank you for sharing your story with us. May it inspire all of us to rely on our passion even in the midst of adversity!
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
Thanks! I haven't exited the woods yet, just learning to enjoy the hike. xo
creamtea
August 6, 2018
Thank you for sharing this. As someone who underwent cancer surgery early this year, I very much understand the cycle of doubt and fear, followed by positivity (I was unable at first to read through the article, but I'm so glad I finally did). I especially appreciate your courage and honesty. Beautiful article. Thank you. Wishing you many, many happy years of health and happiness with your family, and success with your forthcoming book on Catalan cooking!
lastnightsdinner
August 3, 2018
Remarkable. Thank you for sharing this. Here's to your continued good health!
Kristen M.
August 1, 2018
Caroline, thank you so much for this powerful, gorgeously written story, and for choosing to share it with us. You are an inspiration—I'm in awe of how you navigated the worst news in the bravest way.
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
The honor is mine to share here, among this beautiful community you've helped to build. Thanks, Kristen. xo
Dayna
August 1, 2018
Such an amazing and empowering story! I moped then searched for healthy recipes after cancer. Forgetting the biggest thing that you’ve just pointed out - to celebrate life and our people in it.
Wishing you many more happy birthdays and the cakes that go with them!
Wishing you many more happy birthdays and the cakes that go with them!
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
The moping is real! Cooking, for me, is the antidote. There are delicious foods for every diet, especially if you are willing to look for them. Thank you for reading. xo
Wynne
August 1, 2018
What an inspiring story! May you celebrate many, many more birthdays with your "new" version of healthy cake recipes. Perhaps we all need to re-think our ideas about "comfort" food. It is certainly comforting to know you are eating healthily.
Casey
July 31, 2018
So happy for you to have another birthday to celebrate! Caleb Magic cakes are in regular rotation at our house - can’t wait to add your birthday cake to our list!
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
I'm so happy you bake from Cake Magic! I love that book so much. I'd love to hear your favorite!
Bevi
July 31, 2018
Such an inspiring message. Thank you for sharing this, and I hope you celebrate many more birthdays.
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
Thanks, Bevi. I so appreciate your kind words and your reading mine here.
Eric K.
July 31, 2018
My cousin and I couldn't stop crying at the pool after reading this. Thank you for choosing us for this story, Caroline.
louisez
July 31, 2018
Sending you my best wishes for many more birthday cakes (and recipes for them I hope you'll share).
Mckenzie
July 31, 2018
Thank you so much for sharing, Caroline. As someone who has walked with a dear friend through breast (and then brain) cancer, you beautifully put words to the emotions I remember we all felt during that time.
Caroline W.
August 6, 2018
It's terrifying. Your friend was lucky to have you alongside their journey.
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