My Pops...

This is my dad here to the left. This was taken last year at one of my farm work parties. My parents fly up to Portland a few times a year from L.A. for very "important" reasons, like: to work on my old beat up pick up truck, to bring me 20 pounds of fresh baklava, or to fix a leaky faucet in my apartment. I come from a large Greek family, I happen to be the youngest of 7 kids, so you better believe that i still get treated like the baby. I don't think more than a couple days have gone by where i haven't talked to my dad since i left home 11 years ago (i know!! crazy!). I am the definition of daddy's little girl. Just to tell you a little about this guy, the best man i know, he is 64 years old, an easy going southern boy with a kind soul. He has spent his whole life sacrificing himself for other peoples happiness. its funny, i always say there is a reason why your last name is Givens, you give too damn much. Unfortunatley, on May 19th 2011, almost a month ago, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has metastasized into his liver. They told him he has 6 months or less, it is now becoming clear that it is much less than that. The journey begins...

Why I'm Writing...

hey everyone,
i decided to start a blog about the journey i have been on for the last month. Maybe many of you can relate with what i'm going through and hopefully, if nothing else, my story will help you feel like your not the only one, that you're not alone. My name is Stacey Givens and this is my story....

Keeping a Healthy Body to Fight Cancer by David Haas

Recently a cancer advocate sent me an article on a topic he has been researching about the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle when dealing with cancer. check it out! thanks david!

Keeping a Healthy Body to Fight Cancer

Whether you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, are battling a rare cancer like mesothelioma, or a survivor of prostate cancer, maintaining the healthiest body possible is important. A combination of the proper exercise and diet can help you physically and mentally prepare to deal with the difficulties of living with cancer.

The National Cancer Institute stresses the importance of good nutrition to those living with cancer. A healthy diet is critical throughout treatment and remission. The institute reiterates findings that patients that eat a diet high in nutrients and low in fats, salt and sugar often have a better prognosis or chance of achieving remission.

Treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation often take a toll on a patient's appetite and ability to eat properly. Side effects from these treatments may include digestive problems like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing that can make it hard to receive all the nutrients your body needs. Your doctor and nutritionist can offer you advice that can help you avoid malnutrition.

Focusing on eating healthy foods can have a significant impact on your cancer outcome. Overweight patients often have a compromised lymphatic system, which results in a weakened immune system that makes completing cancer treatment even more difficult. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins and getting the right balance of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates daily will prepare your body to go through treatment successfully. These nutrients will help your body stay strong throughout treatment and may help prevent cancer from returning.

Exercise is another component of keeping a healthy body to fight cancer. The benefits of exercise are enormous. Patients that get daily physical activity often report a healthier body weight, better sleep patterns, lower stress and increased amounts of energy. The nonprofit organization asserts that women that were being treated for breast cancer that worked out three or more times a week showed higher numbers of immune cells.

Staying fit before, during and after cancer treatment can give you a better quality of life, reduce your stress and prepare your body to fight cancer in the future.

By: David Haas