Salad Days

SandiaBuddy · July 2018

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.

airborne72 · July 2018

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

Annabelle41415 · July 2018

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

Otto605 · July 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

ann63 · July 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

JanJan63 · July 2018

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

Trubrit · July 2018

JanJan63 said:
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

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

Trubrit · July 2018

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

SandiaBuddy · July 2018

JanJan63 said:
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

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.

SandiaBuddy · July 2018

Trubrit said:
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

Simplicity

Peace through simplicity. I seek it every day.

SandiaBuddy · July 2018

SandiaBuddy said:
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.

Swinging

I want to go down swinging: video

Cindy225 · July 2018

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

JanJan63 · July 2018

SandiaBuddy said:
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.

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

darcher · July 2018

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.

SandiaBuddy · July 2018

darcher said:
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.

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.

Annabelle41415 · July 2018

JanJan63 said:
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

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

Annabelle41415 · July 2018

darcher said:
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.

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

JanJan63 · July 2018

Annabelle41415 said:
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

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

Canadian Sandy · July 2018

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.

darcher · July 2018

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.

SandiaBuddy · July 2018

darcher said:
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.

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.

Salad Days

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