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Showing posts from May, 2024

Chemotherapy, A Journey Down The Rabbit Hole

The night before my first chemotherapy session, I was terrified. Sleep felt impossible. The word chemo scared me just as much as cancer did. I didn’t know how my body would react, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. Everyone experiences chemo differently, what if I had every side effect possible? My husband could see how anxious I was, so he took me on a late-night walk, hoping it would help me relax and go to sleep. I had packed my hospital bag, but nothing could really prepare me for what was coming. My treatment plan was four biweekly cycles of Epirubicin Cyclophosphamide (EC) - also known as the red devil - followed by four more biweekly cycles of Paclitaxel. Walking into the chemotherapy suite at the Sussex Cancer Centre, I was met with warm smiles from the nurses, their kindness was a beacon of comfort. First came the routine checks: weight, blood pressure, oxygen levels. Then I followed my own little routine, one that became my comfort. A quick bathroom stop before being hoo...

Iron-Boosting Beet & Pomegranate Salad

During chemo, I had to get blood tests every two weeks to check my blood count and make sure my liver and kidneys were handling everything okay. With so much going on, I wanted to do whatever I could to support my body. That’s when I started making this salad regularly, it quickly became a favourite! Beets are a great source of iron and help with detoxing and inflammation, plus they’re packed with antioxidants. Pomegranate seeds add a sweet burst of flavour and are loaded with vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron. Parsley adds even more iron and antioxidants, while carrots bring beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A to support your immune system). And the orange, makes everything taste fresh and delicious while also helping with iron absorption. This salad is simple, tasty, and a great way to give your body a little extra love! Ingredients: 2 cooked beets, grated or finely chopped ½ cup pomegranate seeds A handful of fresh parsley, chopped 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped...