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an anniversary of sorts ...

quiet here .. I know 

life has a way of laying silence in your lap 

...

today I share a post written elsewhere to another group of friends 

about our new lives . a different way of eating
 ...
 a more mindful way of living 

because I love you 
....

Tomorrow will be eight weeks since my husband underwent radical surgery 
for an aggressive cancer. Upon receiving the diagnosis a few months before the surgery,
 we took what we thought was a healthy diet up a notch and became plant strong or vegan.
 
After the cancer diagnosis I immediately did lots of reading and research
 to find out what I could do to help with this shocking turn of events in our lives.
 The answers that became apparent to me involved food choices.
So many different ailments our society faces seem to be helped by eating  more plant centered meals.
I thought I would really miss the cheeses, greek yogurt, eggs and skim milk, meat etc.
all of which I felt were healthy, but found that over time our tastes changed.

 We knew that while we did not have a cure, our changes would be encouraging,
give us something hopeful to focus on instead of the C word
 and a tangible way to be in some form of control over our day to day life.
 We have each lost 25+ pounds and LOVE the food and the way the lifestyle makes us feel!



The good news is that Jack is cancer free now, recovering well 
and will undergo extensive tests in March to determine if cancer cells have returned.
 Obviously, it was the best outcome we could have received!  
Because of the radical nature of the surgery, he has ongoing physical struggles and challenges,  
but we remain happy in the knowledge that our choices will continue to provide
 us with an amazing way to keep as healthy as possible! 

moments online here on my blog and in my Etsy shop
 have been gently stacked to the side on my old wooden table
 happily replaced with long walks together with our special golden 
along with renewed gratitude for each day we are given

duke


28 comments:

elizabeth said...

I had no idea, but wondered at your absence. So happy for the good report and praying for continued good news! Also, I'm interested about your diet changes and would love to hear more.

mrs mediocrity said...

This is so wonderful... I have thought of you both many times, and I am glad to hear that the news is good. xoxoxo

spread your wings said...

so glad to hear the positive news.

S. Etole said...

So thankful all is going well. It's always a joy to see you here.

Beautiful photos.

ELK said...

thank you friends ... I am happy to see you visiting my space and think of you often!!

rjerdee said...

Bless you, your journey has been long and hard. So glad you find food a way to feel better and improve the lives you have. Continued health along your way.

GailO said...

Right now my husband and I are awaiting some biopsy results for a concern he has been having....It is too soon to worry and yet I find myself worrying.

So here I am hoping that I don't have to look foward to what you have been going through and also very happy that for now your husband is better.

I am interested in your dietary changes too!

Jennifer Richardson said...

i'm so grateful for the wellness
you're both feeling
and for the fresh grace that found
you in this new lifestyle change.
i hold you both dear to my heart
with bold hope.
-Jennifer

beth said...

i had no idea that this is what life had given to you and your husband (or if somehow i had, i had forgotten in your absence) and i'm thrilled to know that things have progressed with happy news.....

thinking of you now and praying that the uphill climb you've been on is now smooth and without any pebbles on its path.....

xo

d smith kaich jones said...

this time has passed so quickly, but i'm sure it felt so slow for y'all. such wonderful news, and wonderful days.

xoxo

Anonymous said...

what happy news to find here - sending love and light to you both! xx

Tracy said...

REJOICING along with you Elk in the good news! May your husband continue to recover and re-balance and be well. Life is a precious thing. We need to make adjustments sometimes, learn new things, try new things... Your story hugely inspires! Many thanks for sharing your love light here when you can :o) ((LOVE & HUGS))

windrock studio said...

I am so happy that your husband is doing better, so happy to know you are enjoying long walks together, very happy to gaze at your beautiful pup! And very interested to learn more of your way of eating, I've felt for a long time, also, that's where the cures are to be found.
All the very best to you both.

Jill said...

It's so good to see you post again but how blessed to know that it was okay to stack it on the side of your table as you say to take a break from here. Praying for continued reports of good news for your husband!

Linda said...

Awwe. Blessings to you, and yours.

Joan Elizabeth said...

So glad things are still on the improve. My prayers continue with you.

What a wonderful road in the bottom image and a special thought with it.

Mrs. E said...

Prayers for both of you!

joyce said...

so glad the surgery went well and congrats on your new lifestyle! That would be a hard one for me.

ELK said...

thanks so much friends ..your comments mean so much !!

Elizabeth Halt said...

Rejoicing with you! So happy he's recovering well and sending wishes that he continues so.

Country Girl said...

I never knew this until today (Feb. 3) and my heart goes out to you and to your husband. Wishing you best of luck in that next scan. And I love that you researched the food situation.

Judy said...

Oh wow Elk, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband, but I'm so glad to hear that he is now cancer free. I have heard that what you eat has a lot to do with how your body feels and heals. Lots of prayers sent your way my friend not only to your husband but to you as well.

Anonymous said...

Best wishes to you both, ELK, may he have continued good health.

Becca said...

I've been wondering about you...wonderful news! Love your sweet puppy. I would love to learn to eat like that.

Kanelstrand said...

I am so glad about the positive outcome of this challenge you faced. We too are quietly changing our eating habits, though for now I cannot leave Greek yogurt and feta cheese. We are discovering grains like quinoa and it is a wonderful journey. I wish both of you health and many more happy moments together! Sending happy thoughts your way!

margie said...

an opportunity to move forward, moments remembered and carried with you. be well. all of you.

Relyn Lawson said...

Please know that I am praying for your family. I am praying for strength, peace, and complete healing.

Leslie said...

thinking of, praying for, you all, today.