Well it’s been awhile since I have updated you all!

In truth, I didn’t think I had much to tell, but I suppose I do have a few things to share:

As you know, upon my diagnosis in August of this year, I eliminated refined sugar from my diet. From there, I decided to take it a step further and slowly eliminated meat from my diet. I started to feel better physically and feeling like I was able to control what I could gave me the emotional boost I needed as well! I was starting my day off with celery juice and a protein shake and going without sugar and meat felt amazing!

I had a CT scan done on November 7th and the results were completely stable! This meant no need for treatment yet. Stable has become one of my favorite words. The moment I heard this news, I thought, I can take this nutrition thing next level!

Next to go? Cheese and eggs and anything containing cheese and eggs. This step was a little tougher and I have to confess I have not been perfect. The ultimate goal is to go strictly WFPB. (Whole Foods Plant Based). This means in addition to the above, I also eliminate oil of all kinds! It’s not what I am used to, but I was excited to learn that a good WFPB plan can include fish an occasion! PHEW! In truth, this lifestyle change has been pretty amazing! I feel better than I have in decades and I have been THRILLED to learn that food has really incredible, intense and wonderful flavor! Here I thought the only things my meals should taste like were sugar, cheese and ranch dressing. Finding the true joy in the delicious flavors in fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and beans has been overwhelming! Knowing that I am going in to whatever comes next as healthy as I possibly can, is beyond!

My next CT is sometime at the end of January. The goal? Keep scanxiety at bay for as long as possible. Letting fear rob me of the beauty in each new day is simply not an option for me!

So today, I am grateful. With Thanksgiving nearing, I am hyper aware of all I am thankful for.

• My amazing and supportive family and friends.
• A job I enjoy working for a healthcare organization I am proud to be a part of.
• Doctors, nurses and other medical staff who have become part of my tribe in a big way!
• Access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other amazing foods!
• Understanding ways I can reduce/eliminate my exposure to every day chemicals and toxins. (read labels, it will BLOW your mind!)

My perspective has changed so much. I appreciate things so much more than I did. I joked that I was growing tired of people saying “well ya look great!”. What I heard was “ya look great for someone with cancer!” Today I ran in to two doctors I had not seen in several weeks. I ran in to them separately. Both stopped to chat a moment, asked how I was doing and wrapped up emphatically stating “well ya look amazing!” Today what I heard was the kind compliment. Not “you look great for someone who shouldn’t look so great”. I heard the positive statement they made. I heard “hey, you’ve been working hard, eating right and increasing your activity and it shows!” I appreciated it so much!

I have been plans you guys! Today is just the beginning.

I’ve got this!!

I can!

Carie Can!!

Buckle up ya’ll! We are going on an adventure!