Hi Darling,
Ten years ago, this week, I was given exactly ten years to live. Stage IV cancer, no cure, no treatment, no options. Thankfully my expiration date was inaccurate. Like many people diagnosed with cancer, my life drastically changed that day.
A decade later I can honestly say that cancer changed my life for the brighter and better.
In this blog I’ve reflected on ten tips that helped me and can help you too (whether you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic poop pickle or not). You’ve heard me say many of these things before, but they bear repeating.
As I meditate on the impact that illness has had on my life, I realize I’m a better, more grateful woman today because of cancer. I was asleep at the wheel before cancer shook me awake. And though there’s still no cure (yup, rare diseases don’t get much attention), I continue to live harmoniously with cancer. Once every year and a half I get scanned (hmmm, I think I have one coming up this summer, I forget), otherwise I just live my life. It’s not always easy, but it is my life, and I love it. For me, cancer isn’t a death sentence, at least not today. My disease is the slow-moving-could-get-aggressive-one-day variety. It’s weird and unknown.
Above all, cancer is a spiritual practice that teaches me about faith and resilience. You can learn these skills too.
You don’t need cancer to wake you up like I did.
I hope some of these tips resonate with you. And remember, when the going gets tough, take a really deep breath and trust that you will know exactly what to do. You’re smart and your intuition is rock solid. You’ve got what it takes to live an incredible (pinch yourself) life. Don’t wait. OK?
1. Find the best MDs.
If I had listened to the first doctor, I wouldn’t be here today. Thankfully I was willing to travel and hunt for the best oncologist for my sarcoma. If you’re newly diagnosed (with any medical life lemon), I highly suggest you do the same. Your life is in their hands. Do they have impeccable skill, experience and access to the latest research? Are they tapped into a network of colleagues who can talk about your case? Your local hospital may not cut it.
It took second, third and fourth opinions, but today I have a great oncologist and a strong integrative team. They’re kind, compassionate and treat me like I matter. They’re also very different. My oncologist at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (a sarcoma specialist) 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. My integrative MDs treat my whole body, not just the symptom. How do they do that? With dietary recommendations, targeted supplements, IV’s, stress management tips and regular tough love (they often bark at me for working too hard!).
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.
- 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)
How to find an Integrative MD
Check out the directories below and interview your doctors to make sure they’re the right fit for your healing team.
- Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner
- American College for Advancement in Medicine
- American Association for Naturopathic Physicians
2. Just juice it!
If you really want to turn your health around, start juicing today. As many of you know, daily green juice has been a consistent part of my life for about six years now. Though my disease continues to be stable, I’ve had other health challenges. Without a shadow of a doubt, my green juice practice has been the glue that’s not only held me together, it’s allowed me to thrive in spite of my obstacles.
Juices are hydrating, energizing, nourishing and medicinal (but they don’t have to taste like medicine!). And as for the old “I don’t have enough time” excuse, yes you do, and you’re worth it. So stop that nonsense! When you get good at juicing, it only takes about 20 minutes (especially if you prep your veggies ahead of time and rinse off your juicer right away). If you only have a blender, that’s fine, make smoothies. Blend, baby, blend. Cheers!
3. Eat more plants.
I’ll give cancer props for another minute (just one). The little “c” was the catalyst I needed to find a compassionate way of eating and living. In a nutshell, my food philosophy is as follows: Embrace gorgeous greens, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, sea veggies, fruits and vegetables galore. Crowd out inflammatory, hormone-filled animal products (even when organic) by filling your plate with plant-strong whole foods. And while you’re at it, pull back on the processed white stuff, especially sugar (it feeds cancer).
If you’re not interested in going full tilt vegan, no worries! Make plants the main dish and animal products the side dish. Reduce your consumption, and do your best to avoid factory farm products. For heavenly plant-inspired recipes, check out my cookbook, Crazy Sexy Kitchen.
4. Beauty 911.
We all have our favorite go-to beauty products. Some are luxurious; others are tried and true drugstore scores. Did you know that the average person uses 9 personal care products per day containing about 126 chemical ingredients? Many of these chemicals have been linked to increased risk of cancer, infertility, birth defects, hormone disruption and the list of dangers goes on. Babies, children, teens, adults — we’re all exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis and there is still much we do not know about their long-term health effects.
Shame on the FDA for not reviewing or approving the majority of personal care products before they go to market. In addition, companies aren’t required to test their products on their own and are allowed to leave hazardous chemicals off their labels. It’s 2013. Why is this ok? Join me in making educated choices about the products we use. Your lashes and longevity will thank you. Use the Environmental Working Group’s tools and resources to get educated and lessen your exposure to toxins.
5. Take ten minutes to move.
I’m a writer, which means that a lot of my day consists of sitting in a chair and staring at a screen while (praying for inspiration) and clacking at the keyboard. Guess what’s happening in my body as I sit and type? Absolutely nothing. My posture slumps and my energy wanes. But studies have shown that even short bursts of exercise can have impressive results for your health — decreasing long-term health risks, boosting your immune system and improving your mood.
You don’t have to have a lot of time or fancy equipment to make a difference. But you do need to get out of that chair and shake booty for ten minutes (preferably a few times a day). Yoga, dance, martial arts, sex, whatever rings your bell! In our ever-busy lifestyle, everyone can find ten minutes — without fail.
6. Take care of your mind.
Before my diagnosis I didn’t give my mind a second thought. It was wild and scattered, full of anxiety and doubt. Post-diagnosis, I knew that the chaos in my mind would only harm my body. So I packed my bags and checked into a zen monastery in New Mexico. It was there that I learned about meditation and breathwork and since then, these basic practices have become my lifeline when I need them.
If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Learn how to cope sweet friend. There will always be dark days. Give yourself and your loved ones (because your mental health affects them too) an everlasting gift by learning how to calm your mind. In addition, you may need some professional support. It might be talk therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), animal-assisted therapy, group counseling, AA, art therapy, or a combination of approaches. Figure out what works for you, and don’t forget a good ole massage from time to time. We hold so many issues in our precious tissues.
7. Adopt a furry friend.
The biggest healers in my life have been my animal companions. As a child I visited the dairy farm across the street from my home on a daily basis and befriended the cows. From that point on, I’ve developed a visceral connection to all creatures, whether I’m at an animal sanctuary, watching a deer disappear into the woods, or hanging out at home with my rescue dog Lola. My cherished fur children have given me more joy and unconditional love than any human (and I have a really close family — no offense, Mom!).
Studies show that pets actually boost our immune system, help us live longer and aid with depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pets decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. They are wise, kind teachers if you’re willing to open your heart and tend to their needs. If you have space in your home, please consider adopting an animal in need. Every week we include animal adoptions in our newsletter. If you’re not on our mailing list, whatcha waiting for, zesty hot stuff!
8. Create a new tribe.
Releasing toxic people and embracing supportive, loving people is deeply healing. Are you walking on eggshells with a certain someone? Pretending to be someone you’re not for fear of rejection? It’s time to find out. The quickest way to identify who should stay in your life and who should get the boot is to just be yourself. Who cheers you on? Who boos and brings you down? The answers are clear and so are your choices.
As you rise and acknowledge your light, you’ll find that new, exciting, supportive people start moving your way. When I began walking my talk, I quickly connected with soulful biz-savvy women, innovators, change-makers, thought leaders, activists and other compassionate, holy beings. My entire life shifted toward that warm energy. Today my community is an infinite galaxy of inspiration. Not because I shrunk to meet the expectations of others, but because I grew to become the person I wanted to be. You can too. Actually, you must.
9. Unconditional acceptance.
Accepting where we are right now is the path of the mature spiritual warrior. It takes courage to embrace your current situation, to be present and loving towards yourself exactly as you are. Truthfully, why wouldn’t you accept yourself? You are your reality. You are your truth. Can you change? Absolutely! But even talking about change puts us in the future. And while there’s definitely a time for that, building a strong foundation on the now will allow you to consistently love and care for yourself. Stop for a minute. Give yourself props for the hard work it took to get where you are today. Bow to your resilience. Take in your good. If you’re hell bent on strategizing about all that could be better, then you must promise to give equal time to what’s amazing right now.
When I was first diagnosed, my burning goal was remission. Anything else seemed like colossal failure. And even worse — my fault. Ten years later, I’m a master at my own advice. I. Accept. Me. Cancer and all. Does that mean that I’ve given up on my health? Of course not! Acceptance is different from quitting. It means that no matter what happens, you won’t abandon yourself in your time of need. And here’s the the part that contributes to your overall well being: Acceptance allows you to rest, renew and replenish — rather than stress over what isn’t going your way. You are your own angel, treat yourself as such. Stand by your own side as you try new things and spread your wings. Life doesn’t start when “this, that or the other thing” is resolved. Life is now. Don’t wait it away.
10. Go for it.
Everyone has something special stirring inside. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to open a natural pet foods store. Maybe you’ve dreamed of volunteering for a political campaign or simply going to the Grand Canyon with your kids. I wanted to make a film and write some books. The odds were not in my favor — financially, physically or emotionally, but I did it anyway. And I’m pretty happy that I did.
Some leaps will seem small and others sweeping, but they all call us to have faith in ourselves.
I found the love of my life after my diagnosis and though remission was my prerequisite, it wasn’t his. I left a career that was draining my life force and took a gamble on starting my own business. I moved out of the city and worked with my husband to rebuild a broken down farmette because we had a calling to create a sanctuary — a place to rescue animals, grow vegetables, write, live and give. With each of these steps, I just had to go for it. There are no safety nets. No guarantees. Sometimes we will all fall down, but now that I’ve taken the past decade to embrace these ten tips, I know that I’ll be okay. The risks are worth it because life is worth living. Living like we really mean it. If you haven’t already, I invite you to join me. Because you deserve love, health and true happiness. And it’s here for the taking.
Thank you for all your love these past ten years!
My readers are my virtual family. I cherish you! Keep taking care of yourselves. Your health is a gift.
I love you.
Peace & celebration!
Happy Anniversary Kris! I have only recently found you and the amazing work that you do and I have to say you have inspired me to take steps that have started to transform my life already whilst dealing with a chronic medical condition. You are a wonderful soul and I wish you many many more years of good health and happiness. Congratulations to you and all that you have achieved. Thank you! xx
Congratulations, Kris, on this momentous milestone. You are such an inspiration! The world wouldn’t be the same place without you.
Here’s to the next ten years, baby (and the next, and the next)!
Blessings to you!
New reader, new commenter. Love your post and will share. Congratulations on an amazing 10 year journey. Your clarity and calls to action are an inspiration!
So, so beautiful, Kris!! Happy Anniversary! you continue to inspire me daily.
Bonny
CONGRATS !!!! YOU ARE MY HERO ….
Kris, thank you. I have lived with myleo dysplasia for the past 26 years, was told at diagnosis that I might live a year. During the first 16 years I had over 100 gallons of blood in transfusions. This, of course, was only one of the health challanges. When I became vegetarian, my health improved and my need for blood lessened. When I met the love of my life, incorporated some of his lifestyle choices, my health improved further. It has now been nearly nine years since the last transfusion. I live in a country near the equator now and have for the last two years. Incorporating many of your tenets into my life has given me a beautiful life. Again, thank you for sharing!
Cappy, you are a gift to us all. What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it! xo
You are an inspiration to me and a beacon of hope my girl! Rare “orphan cancers” like ours have individualized treatments. My docs are making it up as we go along and it has worked well for me! I also believe in wellness and physical fitness so I am strong enough to fight the beast!
Congratulations on all your hard work! And thank you for all your hard work. My family and I feel healthy and happy because of this little book called- Crazy, Sexy, Cancer- that I just happened to see in a store window. I am typing this drinking my green smoothy. And my six year old little girl just drank her green juice before school today. Cheers to your hard working, healthy decade, and many more! xo
Thank you Kris Carr! Much love to you!! xox
I love you Kris!!!
Rock on baby,
Xoxo
Monica
You are such an inspiration and you have helped me so much!!! Thank you for sharing with others and I wish you much happiness and health!!!
A very, very happy anniversary to you Kris! Having spent the last two months in and out of scans, appointments and surgery due to a breast cancer recurrence, your journey is the precise inspiration that I need. Here’s to another 10, and another and another and… repeat!
Love you right back Kris!!!!
My husband was given 8 years to live 10 years ago. He was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer when he was 23 years old – DEVASTATING! The first 4 or 5 years were spent sick: three surgeries and a ton of depression. In 2007 or so (maybe 2008?) I happened to see an ad for ‘Crazy Sexy Cancer’ on TLC, and somehow managed to convince Dave (my husband) to watch it. He was in a very dark place (had just had surgery and was unemployed) at the time and was pretty resistant to anything ‘Cancer’. That day changed everything for us. We laughed, we cried… we cried again, and then we bought a juicer on a credit card we knew we wouldn’t be able to pay off. We used that credit card for all sorts of life-giving cancer stuff: an infrared sauna, a subscription to an organic veggie delivery service, a trip to Peru where we got married. Two weeks ago, on Dave’s 10-year cancer anniversary, we paid off that credit card – what a feeling!
He’s had clean scans since the day we started following your lead. We now have a successful business (one that will allow us to have an on-going income if Dave ever gets sick again), we adopted a puppy named Pickles, and we’re both happier and healthier than ever – happier and healthier than most of the ‘healthy’ people we know!
So a HUGE congratulations on 10 years – we know what it feels like because of you.
Julie & Dave
I am literally crying. You both are spectacular. And I am sooo happy for you! And proud of you!
Seriously, you made my day. xo kc
Congratulations to you both! Love life! You are an inspiration as well. 🙂
Hi Kris! You are a great inspiration to me! When I was in traditional treatment for AML Leukemia 4 years ago, my sister gave me your Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips. OK – at the time it was a great read but I just didn’t want to go all natural/organic/vegan at the time. After some years and learning more about all the chemicals that are out there in my daily products, and the resulting (and upcoming) total knee replacement I about about to have. I found out it was caused by all the medications through cancer and bone marrow transplant I had to have to be cured and avoid rejection of my new stem cells. EWW!! I now am a vegetarian working organics into my household and use all natural skin, hair care products and such. And am also using natural cleaners in my home.
I regularly share your blog and books on my website and Cancer Kaleidoscope FB page, too. As I said, you are a great inspiration to me. I am happy to learn from you and share your experience with my followers as well.
Blessings to you and I hope you continue to THRIVE!
Lisa
Way to Go Kris!! I am so happy for you! Keep on a THRIVING! It’s always so refreshing and uplifting to read your blog a hear about you and your life, your awesome!!!! Here’s to good health!
Thanks for being such an inspiration and congrats for this amazing 10 year anniversary!!
Wishing you many more healthy and joyous years!!
I love the way you write, Kris. Your writing is inspiring and always makes me reflect on not only the big picture of things, but the little picture too. Thank you for reminding me to not always worry about the unknown of the “someday” but rather to focus on the beauty of the “right now”. Congratulations on thriving to this milestone.
Congratulations!!! You are plain fantastic and you inspire us every single day!
You are a beautiful lady inside and out and you give hope and light to many folks out there!
You are AWESOME and we love you!!!!!
Loved this article, Kris, especially the part where you say that “accepting yourself means that no matter what happens, you won’t abandon yourself in your time of need.” So true! Congratulations on ten years!