Recurrence Prevention

MsGebby
MsGebby Member Posts: 659

Is there such a thing?  My oh so brilliant (and I mean brilliant) daughter had a talk with me this past week.  She says I am being irresponsible about my diet and ways of living. My diet is whatever I feel like eating whenever I feel like eating and I go for walks when the mood hits.  I need to be near trails in order to be inspired to go for long walks.  I do love the scenery and sounds in the woods.  

My daughter says I eat too much processed food.  I don't agree.  She is vegan and anything that does not come in its natural skin is processed to her.  I do love chicken and fish and salads.  

I am frustrated with her pointing this out to me.  I know she only wants me to be here alive and well for a long long time to come.  I told her that I don't think about cancer anymore.  It's the truth. Cancer is the furthest thing from my mind since hearing I am NED. I am not sure what I am supposed to be doing to keep BC from recurring other than taking Tamoxifen.  

So I am reaching out to my sisters for any advice I can garner.  I have read about diet and excercise and that seems to be for everyday even if one   is not been challenged with a very serious health issue.  I don't do much excercise for other reasons, not cancer.  My daughter says I eat a lot of processed foods.   It's hard to hear that because it's not fair that the organic foods and healthier foods are way too expensive for a one paycheck household.  What am I supposed to do?  And is it true that the foods we eat can bring on cancer?  I have a problem with this.  If that were the case, than every human being would have cancer. 

I understand the fat/hormone relationship.  I've lost 24 pounds recently (planned) and think I am doing a good job about my weight.  I am a bit overweight, not obese.  I am also diabetic.  There is so much to figure out and I am just feeling so overwhelmed.   

My take on me getting breast cancer is .... it was a fluke.  It's like tripping on air and breaking a toe.  It just happend and now it's all better.  I told my docs this same thing.  My cancer was a fluke and it is not coming back.

Sorry for being long winded but I am not sure if I am supposed to be trying to fend off something I truly believe will never return.

Love to you all,

Mary

«13

Comments

  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    Mary I get the same stuff

    Mary I get the same stuff from my husband, and yes it is frustrating.  For Christmas he gave me a book called "Beating Cancer with Nutrition".  I flipped through it and read a little here and there.  When he asked what I thought of it, I told him the author needed to get his facts straight, and the recipies should match what he preached.  (I did get some other good stuff though.)

    A doctor once told me that an average lunch of a sandwich, side dish, and beverage (healthy or not) contains about 10,000 different chemicals.  How does anyone say which chemical, or combinations of chemicals, feeds/helps kill cancer?  That is further complicated by our own individual biologies.

    Cancer is also one of the oldest known diseases, if it were as easy as changing our diet and exercising...don't you think we would no longer have cancer?

    So with these things in mind, I choose to travel the path of moderation.  I don't drink though.  Since my stupid party days, it hasn't had much appeal.  Then CC posted a really good article about alcohol and cancer.  Hopefully she will see this and repost it.  I do have a hard time with the exercise thing these days...

    I hope this helps you.

    Hugs,

    Linda

     

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    Good for you, Mary!

    That's a big weight loss, and you still did it through the holidays.  I know what the literature says about certain foods and even bottled water, but I wonder.  I say all things in moderation, along with a good exercise plan in place. Do it faithfully! I just wish I could develop your positive attitude toward the cancer issue.  It was great for me to read your thoughts on it being a fluke, etc.  Cyber hug for you, Linda  

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    Nutrition....

    I know what you mean, it is so overwhelming to know what is right along the lines of nutrition. For most of my adult life, I am 54, I have eaten about 75% whole food/plant based diet but also giving in about 25% of the time to a variety of other foods. I did drink my fair share in my college days but then very limited and now not at all. I was a dance major in college and have done some form of exercise most of my life. But....I have been treated for both Stage3b anal cancer and had a double mastectomy for Secretory Carcinoma of the breast, a rare BC. I like to think that my health, although may not have prevented these cancers, did greatly help in my recovery. I could eat my words tomorrow, but right now I feel better than ever before! So many genetic and environmental issues play into our cancer diagnoses, and we can not survive long in a bubble, but I think doing what we can with moderation in some areas is best.

    Your positive attitude will carry you far, that is often something much harder to achieve! Congrats on the weight loss that shows success.

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    The Perennial Question....

    On every board I've been on and go on, it is a perennial question often asked by someone about every 3 months.

    I've never read that anything will prevent breast cancer because there is no clue what causes the disease.  We all know that a recurrence happens when cells go into hiding, biding their time before causing havoc again.    We don't know whose cells or why this happens until it does.  All we can do is give ourself the best odds with the treatments that are available to us.

    Since breast cancer is the oldest recorded disease in history going back 2500+ years,  I feel certain that if food was involved,  someone along the way would have figure it out.   They didn't have process food back in 490 b.c. and you can inform your daughter about that fact, Mary.  Yet, they did have breast cancer.  A good book to read about the history of breast cancer is:  "Bathsheba's Breast: Women, Cancer and History" by James Olson.  A little dated published back in 2002, I think but still very interesting to read. 

    As far as drinking, I believe in moderation.  CC and I differ on this.  Even though she presented a few articles of interest, it doesn't make it a fact.  When the powers make it a fact with a lot more surveys and statistics and state that it is, I will continue to have my occasional glass of wine. 

    One has to make choices on what they want to believe and how it fits into their lifestyle.  

    Congratulations on the weight lost Mary.  

    Wishing you the best as always,

    Doris

  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
    I think Linda, said it quiet

    I think Linda, said it quiet well. The question I have is Shouldn't these people that haven't had cancer be practicing what they preach so they don't get it??? HA

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member

    Mary I get the same stuff

    Mary I get the same stuff from my husband, and yes it is frustrating.  For Christmas he gave me a book called "Beating Cancer with Nutrition".  I flipped through it and read a little here and there.  When he asked what I thought of it, I told him the author needed to get his facts straight, and the recipies should match what he preached.  (I did get some other good stuff though.)

    A doctor once told me that an average lunch of a sandwich, side dish, and beverage (healthy or not) contains about 10,000 different chemicals.  How does anyone say which chemical, or combinations of chemicals, feeds/helps kill cancer?  That is further complicated by our own individual biologies.

    Cancer is also one of the oldest known diseases, if it were as easy as changing our diet and exercising...don't you think we would no longer have cancer?

    So with these things in mind, I choose to travel the path of moderation.  I don't drink though.  Since my stupid party days, it hasn't had much appeal.  Then CC posted a really good article about alcohol and cancer.  Hopefully she will see this and repost it.  I do have a hard time with the exercise thing these days...

    I hope this helps you.

    Hugs,

    Linda

     

    For Linda

    I believe your husband meant well with the book.  However, if the author had the answer, he would be a media star with every talk show begging to have him on, every newspaper, magazine would have his face on the front page and cover, every scientist would throw up their arms, oncologist and Cancer Centers would be obsolete and ...   you get the picture.  I wonder how much money they make?

    Doris

  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    SIROD said:

    For Linda

    I believe your husband meant well with the book.  However, if the author had the answer, he would be a media star with every talk show begging to have him on, every newspaper, magazine would have his face on the front page and cover, every scientist would throw up their arms, oncologist and Cancer Centers would be obsolete and ...   you get the picture.  I wonder how much money they make?

    Doris

    Doris, I know he means well. 

    Doris, I know he means well.  And he just wants me to be better...and he gets frustrated with my 'poor' diet and lack of exercise.

    Hugs,

    Linda

  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    Yeah the money issue.

    As if cancer isn't expensive enough without worrying about buying fresh food daily.  I live up north so the growing season is short.  I grow a lot of my own food.  This way I know what chemicals are used. I home can the food so I know what additives go into it.  I  found that I can sweeten foods with Equal so as to keep with my hubby's diabetic restrictions.  Since I home can the food I also know how many days it is from the garden to the jar.  I do have to buy some of the foods so there is some mystery to that but I am rather certian it is quite fresh anyway. 

    I have been home canning foods since before cancer due to financial considerations.  However, when I learned that BPA lined the cans of soup and other foods that we buy in the store I increased the number of foods I home can.  Don't get me wrong, as there is still some exposure.  The can lids for home canning are lined with BPA as well.  But the jars are not so I figure I have reduced my exposure to BPA by about 75%.  And of course BPA has not been proven to cause cancer but at least with my limited income I can control this one factor, so I do.  And it is a lot of work.  But it saves the bucks on groceries. 

  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member

    Yeah the money issue.

    As if cancer isn't expensive enough without worrying about buying fresh food daily.  I live up north so the growing season is short.  I grow a lot of my own food.  This way I know what chemicals are used. I home can the food so I know what additives go into it.  I  found that I can sweeten foods with Equal so as to keep with my hubby's diabetic restrictions.  Since I home can the food I also know how many days it is from the garden to the jar.  I do have to buy some of the foods so there is some mystery to that but I am rather certian it is quite fresh anyway. 

    I have been home canning foods since before cancer due to financial considerations.  However, when I learned that BPA lined the cans of soup and other foods that we buy in the store I increased the number of foods I home can.  Don't get me wrong, as there is still some exposure.  The can lids for home canning are lined with BPA as well.  But the jars are not so I figure I have reduced my exposure to BPA by about 75%.  And of course BPA has not been proven to cause cancer but at least with my limited income I can control this one factor, so I do.  And it is a lot of work.  But it saves the bucks on groceries. 

    I do think diet affects the

    I do think diet affects the body from a health standpoint. whether it causes cancer who knows. I do think people are predisposed and then something triggers it. I think there is something to the inflammation idea, and keeping your blood sugar in line is important. there are studies that show daily activity and a daily aspirin help to prevent recurrence. If you have boobs you are at risk. did you have a double?

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    In my case, I don't think my

    In my case, I don't think my getting cancer had anything to do with my diet, exercise, etc.  I often get the sense that there are folks without cancer who want to "blame" the patient, perhaps because they think if they do X, Y an Z then they won't get this disease.  I think some of their reaction may be fear-based.

    I remember getting a similar lecture from my sister when I was first diagnosed--even though I was thin, doing Jane Fonda videos every day, with a sensible diet.  LOL!  Then two of my sisters also got breast cancer.  My younger sister was a marathon running health food junkie when she was diagnosed.  Of course, the lecturing sister is the only one who has not had cancer, but she quit lecturing and completed 5 years of aromasin ;-).

    Now, having gotten that off my chest, I won't let anyone here completely off the hook.  We all know we need to be the healthiest we can be to fight this disease.  I have tried hard to modify my diet to include more antioxidants and foods that fight inflammation.  I have quit drinking alcohol because there is just no good news coming from the studies re breast cancer and even moderate drinking.  I personally avoid BPA (found especially in the lining of cans) because it can have an estrogen effect on the body and my tumor was ER+.  I try to AT LEAST get out and walk every day.

    But I promise you that I am not perfect.  It is very hard to live near New Orleans, a city that seems to attract brilliant chefs the way that flowers attract bees, and not splurge on something like Bananas Foster from time to time. Yum!

    Recipe For Disaster: Alcohol and Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer:

    http://breastcancerbydrruddy.com/?p=2703

  • AngieD
    AngieD Member Posts: 493

    In my case, I don't think my

    In my case, I don't think my getting cancer had anything to do with my diet, exercise, etc.  I often get the sense that there are folks without cancer who want to "blame" the patient, perhaps because they think if they do X, Y an Z then they won't get this disease.  I think some of their reaction may be fear-based.

    I remember getting a similar lecture from my sister when I was first diagnosed--even though I was thin, doing Jane Fonda videos every day, with a sensible diet.  LOL!  Then two of my sisters also got breast cancer.  My younger sister was a marathon running health food junkie when she was diagnosed.  Of course, the lecturing sister is the only one who has not had cancer, but she quit lecturing and completed 5 years of aromasin ;-).

    Now, having gotten that off my chest, I won't let anyone here completely off the hook.  We all know we need to be the healthiest we can be to fight this disease.  I have tried hard to modify my diet to include more antioxidants and foods that fight inflammation.  I have quit drinking alcohol because there is just no good news coming from the studies re breast cancer and even moderate drinking.  I personally avoid BPA (found especially in the lining of cans) because it can have an estrogen effect on the body and my tumor was ER+.  I try to AT LEAST get out and walk every day.

    But I promise you that I am not perfect.  It is very hard to live near New Orleans, a city that seems to attract brilliant chefs the way that flowers attract bees, and not splurge on something like Bananas Foster from time to time. Yum!

    Recipe For Disaster: Alcohol and Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer:

    http://breastcancerbydrruddy.com/?p=2703

    Interesting discussion.  I

    Interesting discussion.  I like your idea, Mary, that getting cancer was a fluke.  I also liked CC's comment that some of the lecturing, "blame the patient folks" may be reflecting their own fears. 

    One thing that I am doing is taking Vitamin D3 and getting my levels periodically checked.  Easy to do and one thing my MO said was good for preventing recurrence.  I'm also trying to focus more on shopping the outside perimeters in the grocery rather than the inside rows where more processed food is located.  But, I do agree moderation is a key.

    Angie

  • hope4thebest
    hope4thebest Member Posts: 108
    Enjoy!

    You've worked so hard to get here, I think that you should enjoy and eat what you want.  But, there is always room for some compormise, right?  Don't they say everything in moderation is best?  In my case, Dr also said bc was a fluke and not to let cancer take over my life.  It seems like you are doing that.  My philospohy is to keep it simple, maybe with your diet you can try to eat some more fruit/veggies every day along with other stuff too?  Keep an open mind about exercise, someday it might fit into your life.  Go at your own pace.  Listen to your body and keep informed at the local clinic or community center.  Maybe there will be something that catches your eye.  

    Congratulations on your progress!   

  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659

    Mary I get the same stuff

    Mary I get the same stuff from my husband, and yes it is frustrating.  For Christmas he gave me a book called "Beating Cancer with Nutrition".  I flipped through it and read a little here and there.  When he asked what I thought of it, I told him the author needed to get his facts straight, and the recipies should match what he preached.  (I did get some other good stuff though.)

    A doctor once told me that an average lunch of a sandwich, side dish, and beverage (healthy or not) contains about 10,000 different chemicals.  How does anyone say which chemical, or combinations of chemicals, feeds/helps kill cancer?  That is further complicated by our own individual biologies.

    Cancer is also one of the oldest known diseases, if it were as easy as changing our diet and exercising...don't you think we would no longer have cancer?

    So with these things in mind, I choose to travel the path of moderation.  I don't drink though.  Since my stupid party days, it hasn't had much appeal.  Then CC posted a really good article about alcohol and cancer.  Hopefully she will see this and repost it.  I do have a hard time with the exercise thing these days...

    I hope this helps you.

    Hugs,

    Linda

     

    I am really glad I came to

    I am really glad I came to the "experts".  I knew I would find answers from my best pink sisters.  I agree with moderation.  Those are words to live by. 

     

    It is truly amazing that this discussion is still taking place in this day an age.  I find it discouraging actually.  Women from 2000 years ago did not have processed foods anywhere and still had this disease.  

    I do have lots to bring back to my daughter.  I know she only wants what is best for me.  Honestly, she is vegan because of her love of animals, BUT somewhere in her mind, she probably believes (and I pray) that she will never get cancer because of her choices.   

     I do believe your husband was trying to convey his concerns for you and was TRYING to help.  One of my dearest friends gave me a soup cup with a reference to breast cancer.  I smiled but I wasn't thrilled to get the cup.  I am an ungrateful type, but it wasn't the kind of Christmas present that felt right.  SO I understand what you are feeling.

     

    Happy New Year Dear Sister

    Mary

  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    lintx said:

    Good for you, Mary!

    That's a big weight loss, and you still did it through the holidays.  I know what the literature says about certain foods and even bottled water, but I wonder.  I say all things in moderation, along with a good exercise plan in place. Do it faithfully! I just wish I could develop your positive attitude toward the cancer issue.  It was great for me to read your thoughts on it being a fluke, etc.  Cyber hug for you, Linda  

    Hi Lin
    I think I will try to

    Hi Lin

    I think I will try to walk a little more and get my heart pumping more.  I know it is crucial in my well being.

    How does someone who has dealt with cancer decide what is good and what is not so good?  I believe I eat OK.  I have meat (usually the white kind) about 5 times a week.  Veggies are not as prevalent as they should be and I will amp it up more in this new year.  

    It's hard for me because I feel I have to please everyone around me before I can be happy.  Is that not fair?  It usually is the best way for me to keep the balance in the family.

    Maybe that's more the issue ... not so much my diet.  I don't know.

     

    Thank you for your input.  It means a lot to me.

  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    SIROD said:

    The Perennial Question....

    On every board I've been on and go on, it is a perennial question often asked by someone about every 3 months.

    I've never read that anything will prevent breast cancer because there is no clue what causes the disease.  We all know that a recurrence happens when cells go into hiding, biding their time before causing havoc again.    We don't know whose cells or why this happens until it does.  All we can do is give ourself the best odds with the treatments that are available to us.

    Since breast cancer is the oldest recorded disease in history going back 2500+ years,  I feel certain that if food was involved,  someone along the way would have figure it out.   They didn't have process food back in 490 b.c. and you can inform your daughter about that fact, Mary.  Yet, they did have breast cancer.  A good book to read about the history of breast cancer is:  "Bathsheba's Breast: Women, Cancer and History" by James Olson.  A little dated published back in 2002, I think but still very interesting to read. 

    As far as drinking, I believe in moderation.  CC and I differ on this.  Even though she presented a few articles of interest, it doesn't make it a fact.  When the powers make it a fact with a lot more surveys and statistics and state that it is, I will continue to have my occasional glass of wine. 

    One has to make choices on what they want to believe and how it fits into their lifestyle.  

    Congratulations on the weight lost Mary.  

    Wishing you the best as always,

    Doris

    Hi Doris
    Once again your

    Hi Doris

    Once again your input is thought provoking.  It truly is amazing that women have been afflicted with this disease for over 2000 years and our brilliant scientists still don't know how it happens and to cure it.   AMAZING!

    I will definitely get the book you mentioned.  I need to get more educated about this disease.  It's one thing to deal with it and walk away alive and well and it's another to have more understanding of it.

    The drinking part is very interesting.  I am the occasional drinker.  Social drinker only.  So it's not really issue to me.  

    Your statement about one making choices on what they want to believe is very spot on.  That's why I say "cancer was just a fluke".  It's my belief.  I cannot believe that this beast is still lurking within.  I pray it won't and honestly don't think it will come back.  I hate the follow up appointments because of the fact that it is a reminder.  Walking away is all I want do.  AND there are days that I honestly just want to make believe it never happened and don't need these doctors.  Of course, my intelligence kicks in and I know I have to at least continue seeing docs for the next 5 years.

    Thanks Doris!!!

     

    XO

    Mary

     

  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    carkris said:

    I do think diet affects the

    I do think diet affects the body from a health standpoint. whether it causes cancer who knows. I do think people are predisposed and then something triggers it. I think there is something to the inflammation idea, and keeping your blood sugar in line is important. there are studies that show daily activity and a daily aspirin help to prevent recurrence. If you have boobs you are at risk. did you have a double?

    I so agree with your

    I so agree with your statement " people are predisposed and then something triggers it."   I've been saying that for decades.   I just never thought I would be one of them.  Cancer is nowhere in my family.  Well, that's not quite right.  I had it.  

    I am going to stick with the "everything in moderation" mentality.  I don't overdose on bad foods.  My daughter just might be trying to believe that her diet will keep her safe.  I pray it does!  I know she is scared.  I just wish she would give me credit for having a brain.   I am 57 and think I know a thing or 2.  Then again, I'm not young enough to know everything!

    Thank you for responding.  

    I had a lumpectomy to one of my breasts.  It's a third the size it used to be but I am small breasted and it's not noticeble in clothes. 

    xo

    Mary

  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member

    Enjoy!

    You've worked so hard to get here, I think that you should enjoy and eat what you want.  But, there is always room for some compormise, right?  Don't they say everything in moderation is best?  In my case, Dr also said bc was a fluke and not to let cancer take over my life.  It seems like you are doing that.  My philospohy is to keep it simple, maybe with your diet you can try to eat some more fruit/veggies every day along with other stuff too?  Keep an open mind about exercise, someday it might fit into your life.  Go at your own pace.  Listen to your body and keep informed at the local clinic or community center.  Maybe there will be something that catches your eye.  

    Congratulations on your progress!   

    I think it could be many things

    I think many things can cause it.To many to mention.The things that were going on in my life had something to do with it.Our neighbors for one.They've been reported and justice was done.This was the stress part.Then my grandson elbowed me.It hurt.Went to the doctor he felt nothing.This being my left breast the one I had quite a few Benign tumors.I was worried. Another worry plus injury.When the doctor felt nothing he said wait till the next mammo in 5 months. .The tumor was found and cancerous.Very very small.1/2 centimeter so I feel it very well could be the injury and stress. But I have a family history with 4 of us now.So it's not one thing I can pinpoint.It's many things.

    I have been told by my doctor to eat healthy.I don't.My friend who is a survivor for 18 years does and attribute her long cancer free life to that.She exercises but her job is a sit down job and no exercise during the day.I clean house all day and the only time I sit is when I'm on the computer or watching just a little TV.I get my exercise believe me.

    I need to gain some weight.Lost about 15 lbs this last year and just depressed over it.Sickness was the cause of some and  just overdoing it.I must slow down. So I need to gain about 15 lbs, and eat more than I have been.I would feel better about myself and healthier.Eating some garlic bread now and had cream of wheat this am.Beef and noodles later.I hope to stick with a better diet.

    Lynn Smith

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member

    In my case, I don't think my

    In my case, I don't think my getting cancer had anything to do with my diet, exercise, etc.  I often get the sense that there are folks without cancer who want to "blame" the patient, perhaps because they think if they do X, Y an Z then they won't get this disease.  I think some of their reaction may be fear-based.

    I remember getting a similar lecture from my sister when I was first diagnosed--even though I was thin, doing Jane Fonda videos every day, with a sensible diet.  LOL!  Then two of my sisters also got breast cancer.  My younger sister was a marathon running health food junkie when she was diagnosed.  Of course, the lecturing sister is the only one who has not had cancer, but she quit lecturing and completed 5 years of aromasin ;-).

    Now, having gotten that off my chest, I won't let anyone here completely off the hook.  We all know we need to be the healthiest we can be to fight this disease.  I have tried hard to modify my diet to include more antioxidants and foods that fight inflammation.  I have quit drinking alcohol because there is just no good news coming from the studies re breast cancer and even moderate drinking.  I personally avoid BPA (found especially in the lining of cans) because it can have an estrogen effect on the body and my tumor was ER+.  I try to AT LEAST get out and walk every day.

    But I promise you that I am not perfect.  It is very hard to live near New Orleans, a city that seems to attract brilliant chefs the way that flowers attract bees, and not splurge on something like Bananas Foster from time to time. Yum!

    Recipe For Disaster: Alcohol and Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer:

    http://breastcancerbydrruddy.com/?p=2703

    Bananas Foster

    Ok, CC, what is a Bananas Foster.... ?    I bet everyone wanted to know but where to shy to inquire.

     

    Doris

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    SIROD said:

    Bananas Foster

    Ok, CC, what is a Bananas Foster.... ?    I bet everyone wanted to know but where to shy to inquire.

     

    Doris

    OMG, Bananas Foster is a

    OMG, Bananas Foster is a locally famous dessert served at the fancier restaurants.  It is one of those flaming desserts, beautifully presented and is a very special banana mixture that is served piping hot over vanilla ice cream.  It is to die for.  Here is a recipe from one of the old Grande Dame restaurants in NO, Arnaud's:

    "Bananas Foster

    Serves 6

    5-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    6 tablespoons (3 ounces, ¾ stick) unsalted butter
    3 cups light brown sugar
    6 whole bananas, peeled, halved lengthwise and then cut into quarters
    buy cialis online

    />1/3 cup dark rum
    ¼ cup banana liqueur
    6 scoops vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
    2 long, fireplace matches

    In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar, mix thoroughly and set aside.

    In a flambé pan or chafing dish, combine the butter and brown sugar. Mash together, then place the pan over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts and the mixture caramelizes to a rich brown color.

    Add the banana pieces to the pan, cut sides down and cook for about 1 minute. Place the rum in a large ladle and ignite with a long match. Drizzle the flaming rum into the pan.

    Scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture directly over the flame. As the flame dies out, pour the banana liqueur into the ladle and ignite with a long match. Drizzle the flaming banana liqueur into the pan and stir gently to combine all the ingredients. The flames will quickly die down.

    Immediately place one scoop of ice cream in each of six saucer-style champagne glasses. Spoon the banana mixture over the ice cream and plenty of the pan juices. Serve immediately.

    *We recommend that this magic be performed well away from draperies, low ceilings, intake air vents, overhanging decorations, and your guests’ coiffures or clothing*"  http://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/ar/2011/recipes/dessert-of-the-week-bananas-foster/

    Bon Appetit!

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member

    I think it could be many things

    I think many things can cause it.To many to mention.The things that were going on in my life had something to do with it.Our neighbors for one.They've been reported and justice was done.This was the stress part.Then my grandson elbowed me.It hurt.Went to the doctor he felt nothing.This being my left breast the one I had quite a few Benign tumors.I was worried. Another worry plus injury.When the doctor felt nothing he said wait till the next mammo in 5 months. .The tumor was found and cancerous.Very very small.1/2 centimeter so I feel it very well could be the injury and stress. But I have a family history with 4 of us now.So it's not one thing I can pinpoint.It's many things.

    I have been told by my doctor to eat healthy.I don't.My friend who is a survivor for 18 years does and attribute her long cancer free life to that.She exercises but her job is a sit down job and no exercise during the day.I clean house all day and the only time I sit is when I'm on the computer or watching just a little TV.I get my exercise believe me.

    I need to gain some weight.Lost about 15 lbs this last year and just depressed over it.Sickness was the cause of some and  just overdoing it.I must slow down. So I need to gain about 15 lbs, and eat more than I have been.I would feel better about myself and healthier.Eating some garlic bread now and had cream of wheat this am.Beef and noodles later.I hope to stick with a better diet.

    Lynn Smith

    My take on the diet thing

    is simply that we should nuture our bodies with healthy foods and exercise and avoid things we know are bad for us (cigarettes, processed foods, etc) so we'll be as healthy as possible for whatever comes our way.  And we will all have a health crisis some time.  It doesn't have to be cancer!  And on occasion, we need to nuture our psyche and have that meal or dessert that gives us sublime pleasure.   And I actually practiced that after my diagnosis.  And I felt really good (except when I was on chemo).   For the past year,  eating healthy and exercising has become an occasional experience rather than the norm and that is not making me happy or healthy.   

     Anti Cancer - A New Way of Life by Dr. Servan-Shriver is an excellent book and gives you plenty of food for thought.

    I wish us all the abiity to live as healthy a lifestyle as we can - however we define that.

    By the way, my cancers were caused by running behind the mosquito abatement trucks and playing in the fog as a child!  And if you believe that  . . . .

    Suzanne