Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Chicago, The Block Center - Let the Veggies Begin!

From Rosa:  *Do NOT miss the secret, very weird, yummy recipe at the end

Tina and I are back from Chicago and the Block Cancer Center.  We were able to take this trip because of your donations. Thank you, thank you!!  For those who made this possible I want you to know it has made a world of difference and it all went really, really well.  


The Block Center is sunny and open and welcoming.  The staff is excellent -  experienced and positive. They had all clearly read Tina’s medical records ( now that's unusual!) so she didn’t have to re-tell the story except for whatever was important to her. The entire projection was forward.
 

The staff explained that whatever statistics we had received or researched were for traditional medical care only and that this was a “clean slate” because with the use of integrative methods those stats were not relevant.  They all had stories about how the odds have been beaten. And, they were very clear that the way to beat this was adherence to the plan – with allowances to get there.

Tina had 18 vials of blood taken to determine where her body is in relation to its ability to get in the game and do what it knows best to heal. The array of supplements she was given to begin the program will change with the results of the tests, and IV vitamins will be added to help the program move more quickly.




 
In another week the lab results will be in and the program will be tweaked. She will return in August for labs again. For now: no animal protein, sugar or dairy – some fish is allowed, and eating small meal/snacks 4 to 6 times a day. It was discussed that she will “cheat” once in a while, but getting back on the program is the game until it is just normal routine. Hell, we should all be doing it, and I am doing the diet myself in solidarity. Not a big jump for me, but sizable for Tina and she is doing great.

Food is medicine, as they say.

Weirdest new food "trick"?  A chocolate pudding* that has a base of avocado!!!?? 

So, here we are. Movement is forward.  This morning I am off to pick up a box of organic, locally grown produce from Rawfully Organic - a great co-op.  Gabe, the elder of her two sons and prone to eating healthy, is taking up the concepts and pitching in at home. We have been running a test kitchen in their apartment, trying out new recipes. Tina says her craving for white sugar has been much less than she expected. 


We are inspired and re-assured by the support from the Block Cancer Center and grateful  for the friends and family who made the trip possible. Thanks to you all!

Rosa


*Bonus Recipie

Chovocado Pudding
Serves 2

1/4 avocado
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


  1. Peel and quarter an avocado (store remainder to use soon)
  2. put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth
  3. serve and enjoy!

1 comment:

  1. yay! who doesn't love avocados and chocolate?? and i am so inspired that dana and i are going to sign up today and start getting our rawfully organic boxes!

    let's get in it to win it!

    behind ya all the way borja brood!

    ReplyDelete