- Search CSN:
- Members: Login to search all areas
- Not a member? Click here to search public areas
![]() |
Jul 21, 2018 - 7:49 pm
Technically, I guess, “salad days” refers to the carefree days of youth. But I have been thinking about the term lately and personally define it as “a worry-free good time.” Many on this blog have commented about wanting their old lives back, or adjusting to the new normal. And pretty much, the new normal entails thinking about cancer on a daily basis. However, I do believe that for at least brief periods of time, salad days are still possible. One of my favorite activities is hiking the Grand Canyon. I just finished a two-day hike in which the top thing on my mind was keeping my footing, having enough water, and making it down (and up) the trail to my destination. I didn’t think about cancer for two days, despite the fact I am scheduled for my next CT scan on Monday. On a small scale, I find that salad days are still possible. So, we are in the fullness of Summer. Fruits and vegetables fill the store shelves. Friends and family have time off. Swimming pools are open and resorts are in full swing. I hope that all of you will find a way to experience a few salad days of your own. |
Joined: Sep 2012
50%
Sandiabuddy:
I have always (with the exception of some military times) maintained a garden. It is my passion and tomatoes have always been my favorite produce.
It has been four months since my ileostomy reversal surgery and I am now eating as many tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet banana peppers out of my garden as I can swallow. Fortunately, they do not have any negative affect on my bowels. I am very lucky and so thankful. In fact, this was one of my greatest concerns during my reversal surgery process and I am so thankful that I can once again consume them. Did I say that I am thankful?
By the way, if any one needs some I will be more than happy to give them to you, but you'll need to come visit me to get them - HA!
Jim
Joined: Feb 2009
Salads
Never hear of "salad days" and the only thing that came to my mind was eating salads which is a big part of my diet "daily". That is my favorite part of my meal. I'll eat more salad than anything else. Good for you on the hike though. What an excellent way to get exercise in and put yourself into nature and think about nothing but surrounding you. I'm also glad that you didn't think about the "c" word for two days - that's amazing. If there is no test coming up for me, it's still in the back of my mind. Every ache, pain, twinge, etc. puts me in that zone. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself and I'm sure the scan will come out great for you. Please us know how it goes. Glad you got to enjoy some of those "salad days."
Kim
Joined: May 2018
Great Post
Sandia,
Thanks for the great, inspiring post. My wife and I went to France in the spring, and I found during many days (but not all) I did not think about my condition. I am a big advocate of positive thinking and keeping a good attitude, and I do so on a daily basis, regardless of the potential outcome of my disease.
Thanks for your keen insights and keeping it positive.
Otto
Joined: Apr 2018
Buddy,
Buddy,
Thanks for the uplifting post on salad days.
I love to walk outside every day and have my ”salad time” then.
Annie
Joined: Sep 2014
I'm so glad to hear that some
I'm so glad to hear that some people have them. For me, I feel so lousy every day that I don't think I ever get one anymore. I remember whining to my husband about how I wish I could get a holiday day from feeling crappy and then realized it would probably make the rest of the days seem even worse. And I don't think I realize just how crappy I feel because it's been so long since I've felt normal. I can't make plans beyond today because I get sick and feeling really lousy without reason so I can't predict or prevent it. I just wake up some mornings and there it is, a worse than usual day.
And I don't even want to talk about salad specifically because I can't eat it due to getting partial blockages and I miss it SO much.
Sorry, I wish I could relate to what you guys have. Hiking? I can barely walk a block before I start stmbling because I'm so weak. I work out but it seems like I got to a certain point and can't get beyond it. When I asked my doctor why I'm so fatigued all the time he said "you have stage four cancer, I think you're doing really well". Ugh, I'm just grumpy today. Went out to see my horse and didn't have the energy to ride him. I'm sick and tored of being sick and tired. The oils don't seem to work at all anymore.
Jan
Joined: Jan 2013
So unfair
To say that life is unfair, is a huge understatement.
My heart aches for you, and for all of those in this big, wild world that suffer; and there are so, so many ways to suffer.
In fact, it could really get me down if I thought about it too much, so for now, I will jsut think of my dear forum friends who do not get to have 'good days', and you are one of them, Jan.
I remeber how you feel, and I am blessed to not feel that way anymore. But I can promise you, I never, ever take one day for granted. I experience my joy, and balance it with the sorrow of others. For me not to appreciate my joy means I dishonour those who have none or little.
I can only wish that you are able to expereience some, even if its a few, relativly normal days.
Tru
Joined: Apr 2017
So sorry
So sorry, Jan, that things are not working out well for you at this time. On a down day, drinking helps me. Maybe increasing your oil dosage could help? Anyway, I wish you better days.
Joined: Apr 2017
Swinging
I want to go down swinging: video
Joined: Sep 2014
Thank you both, sorry to be a
Thank you both, sorry to be a downer. For some reason I had a good day yesterday. Very slight nausea and had some strength. Today my tummy is sore from having an ultrasound yesterday morning. Geez, they really press that thing into you! They're trying to figure out if the radiation gave me a fistula between my bladder and cervix. She was asking questions about my kidneys during it so now I'm worried about that, too. My kidney's have had issues for some timenow due to internal adhesions but the blood tests said they're holding steady at this time. I get the results Friday.
Jan
Joined: Feb 2009
Tests
Praying that the results come out good. Sorry you are going through all of this. Seems like any test they do they squish you and make you hurt.
Kim
Joined: Sep 2014
Thanks Kim. I've been sliding
Thanks Kim. I've been sliding this summer to try to have a good one and not be on chemo and have it ruined. I'm hoping that's not going to come to a crashing halt. I wish the cancer was the only thing I have to worry about.
Jan
Joined: Jan 2013
I never thought I would see the day...
when I didn't think about cancer throughout. But, I am so happy to say that I have reached that point. Yes, I do think of Cancer during the day, but it does not dog my thoughts constantly.
I walk up my little canyon almost every morning. The creek, birds, wind, leafy trees, snow (in season), rocks, every little thing brings me intence joy. Those who are friends on FB can tell you, its about all I post.
Along with that appreciation I remember always, those who are not so fortunate. Not just those with Cancer, but the multitude of people throughout the world. It motivates me to do my best to stay as I am, NED, and to help when I can, in my own little way.
May happy days come to us all.
Tru
Joined: Apr 2017
Simplicity
Peace through simplicity. I seek it every day.
Joined: Feb 2017
Life 2.0: Embrace, Enjoy and Make a Difference
Thanks for sharing salad days mindset SandiaBuddy! Finally starting to feel good about picking up where my husband and I left off two years ago when we retired only to learn that I had cancer. I just applied to be a middle school girls running coach for Girls On The Run in our school district and was accepted. I am so looking forward to being able to contribute in a full and meaningful way and sidelining cancer for now...
May we all have an opportunity to embrace and enjoy our salad days moments...
Cindy
Joined: Jun 2017
I thought this was about diet :)
When I first opened the thread I thought it was about eating our way to a better place. Can't disagree with that. I've made up my mind to get back into the swing of things as best I can. I'm still controlled mostly by my necessary proximity to a bathroom. Yup, even 6 months out from surgery I still get the poops every hour or so. Although I think it's mostly stress induced. There are good days where I don't think of it at all. Today would have been one had it not been for the CSN interview I volunteered for, lol. Yup, they got me. It was interesting in that they're looking for ways to improve the site. The one thing I told them they need to do is block the snake oil. It's still here, aprcote seeds, diatomaceous earth, raising alkalinity to kill cancer, blah blah, all the usual suspects.
Joined: Apr 2017
Blocking
But do realize that CSN also has blocked my posts on multiple occassions. It might be better to let the "snake oil" posts get reported--which happens pretty quickly. CSN should recognize that people who have been on the board for a year without complaint should not be automatically blocked. Also, from my perspective, there needs to be wide latitude for people who want to explore alternatives.
Joined: Feb 2009
Diet
Yup me too as I've never heard of the salad day. I'm with you on the bathroom issue too. I'm still going up to 15 times a day no matter what my diet is. It's not a diet thing for me of bathroom issues but when I'm in there so much it does bring up the reason why I'm going all the time is because of cancer. No normal personal would be going 15 times a day so I'm faced with the "no free salad days" every day.
Kim
Joined: Jul 2016
I’m so sorry for everyone
I’m so sorry for everyone that’s suffering so much. Jan.....maybe you could increase the amount of oil you take? I was happy when it was helping and you felt so much better.
Joined: Jun 2017
I wonder.
Maybe I should create a new thread for this but on these "salad days" is the thought of cancer absent? On days where it is thought about are there more frequent bathroom visits? For me, absolutely there is a correlation.
Joined: Apr 2017
the sword of Damocles
For me, salad days are days free of thoughts about cancer. That is why they are so rare and precious. About restroom breaks, I am not sure, but I did read that people with back pain (me, up until about a week ago) feel much less pain when they go to an amusement park. Maybe there is a link.
Joined: Feb 2009
Ugg
Salad days with no bathroom issues would be a wonderful day LOL. I'm forever in the bathroom so that would be great.
Kim
Joined: Sep 2012
Everyday is...
I remember a miserable day many years ago in the Army when everyone was dejected and a crusty old sergeant said something that remained with me since. He said that "everyday is a holiday and every meal is a feast." Those words carry great meaning.
Everyday for me is a salad day literally. My daily diet is largely salad. I rarely have a figurative salad day. My health has been challenged for the past two decades with chronic, intractable spinal pain and of course cancer.
To commiserate with Kim, I average two trips to the bathroom during the day and three at night. I no longer enjoy uninterrupted sleep. It's merely a nap here and a nap there; here a nap, there a nap, everywhere a nap nap. (Sorry about that, I am so use to singing nursery rhymes to my 11 month old granddaughter that it slipped out.)
But, in summary - everyday is a holiday and every meal is a feast!
Jim
Joined: Aug 2013
I find I'm pretty bouyant on
I find I'm pretty bouyant on a daily basis, still working, still moving. I can't hike during off-time, because the feet can't take the pounding and still be good at work, so alot of my getting out is with my mind. At some point I'll start the car trips that I'd hoped Cindy and I would have, but for now salad days are very much the state of mind I can carry through tasks, big and small. Trying for too much bliss of course comes with a letdown so I aim for the small pleasures of life, and the absence or minimalizing of pain. My newest struggle is pretty light-weight compared to most here; the English Bulldog I sold my bike to get for Cindy after she was diagnosed is 9 and a half years old now. Harleys blind can't hardly smell, barley hears much and likes to stay in my room, under my desk or by my bed. He can still get up, but he's not alerting me to take him out for potty breaks any more, just dropping it on the bathroom floor, if I'm sleeping. He doesn't seem to be in great discomfort, still takes his biscuit treats when I give them. I've begun pondering the inevitable, read on vet sites, mentally preparing for the decision to put him down, but I can't even write the sentence without my eyes watering. 3years 3months out from losing the wife, and yet I'm still so emotionally brittle. I guess surviving battles of the kind here, hasn't made stronger in the way I thought it might. "Salad days "is an interesting term, and I have plenty enough of them, but still, getting to the state of mental freedom and minimal responsibility that I am looking for, is a ways off. "Cancer" may not pop in my head most days anymore, but there's always something else of some weight willing to take its place. Oh well, back to trying to practice mindfulness and Stoicism, I've got to get better at those disciplines eventually, right?................................................Dave
Joined: Apr 2015
Salad Days
I almost feel guilty for having salad days when I don't think about cancer, especially knowing that so many folks like Jan are having such major issues and feeling so weak and worn down. But honestly, in between chemo treatments I generally feel pretty good and can go several days without thinking about cancer. Maybe it helps that I have a colostomy so bathroom issues aren't a problem, and Stella Stoma and I have come to an undertanding where she's cooperative most of the time, although she does get embarrasingly loud at times. I've given her the task of investigating the mystery of the phantom rectum to keep her busy. I have found that Yoga helps, and mindfulness- being aware of being here, now, and not trying to live in the past or worry about the future. Maybe it also helps that I'm past seventy, something I still find surprising at times, given that neither of my parents lived past 62. I've no idea how long these salad days will last, but I'll take them as they come and enjoy them while I can.
Dave- I hope you and Harley have more time together. We had to put our English bull dog, Winthrop, down years ago. It's never easy to watch them suffer, or to let them go. Our Boston terrier is about 15 now and showing her age so we may be in that place again soon.
Carpe diem-
Grace/lizard44