cancer is evil

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Recently, my grandmother was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. As you can imagine, this was not easy for anyone to hear. I have spent the last few days on the verge of tears. I cry for my grandma who is still young, and active, and full of joy. I cry for my grandfather who sounds stressed, anxious, and lost. I cry for the hope that grandpa has. I cry because I still have plans for grandma. She is going to be a part of my wedding someday. She will get to meet my kids someday.

I’m freaking out right now.

My grandma is an ultra-cool chick. She enjoys fashion, gossip, and shopping. She keeps her hair colored and her nails polished. (Grandpa colors her hair) Grandma frequents a fashion boutique in her neighborhood, and this is where she purchases her fancy clothing. If grandma likes your handbag or your newest pair of Rocket Dogs, she may go out and purchase a look-alike for herself. Grandma is very popular, she has a lot of friends. She is hip to modern day technology, she owns an iPod, texts regularly, and keeps up with her Facebook page.

Grandma is also very thoughtful, and spiritual. With everything that she is going through, Can you believe that grandma & grandpa made and sent me a card of Sympathy when I lost (other) grandfather last week? Grandma & grandpa have been married for 55+ years and are a true role model couple.

Whenever I get the opportunity to hang out with my grandparents, we like to try new foods together. I introduced them to a few vegan restaurants, and they introduced me to Cherry Pockets. Grandma & Grandpa both ate their first bites of sushi while out with me. Grandma ate a whole ball of wasabi and Grandpa thought the ginger was salmon. hehe Hey, they’ll try anything even if it’s only once!

Every time I talk about my grandma, my friends beg to meet her. (if only she didn’t live so far away!!) A few of my friends have never had a set of grandparents like I have. I understand how lucky I am to have these amazing grandparents.

Years ago, I remember talking to a friend whose mother had been diagnosed with a deadly disease (may have been cancer, I do not remember) and I recommended that he talk to her about changing what she eats, which could have possibly saved or at least prolonged her life. He declined, said she wouldn’t be willing. I was taken aback by his ignorance and lack of faith. Sad.

Although I’m unsure of the response I’ll get, I’m going to make the same recommendation to my grandma. I do not lack faith. I expect that grandma will be willing to try something out-of-the-ordinary based on my recommendation EVEN THOUGH I am no professional. I am flying down to Florida on Monday and I will be there until Thursday. I have two goals to accomplish on my trip:

1. Help grandma change her eating habits.
2. Create & indulge in moments of joy.

Here are a few resources I am referring to during this tough time:

• Acid Alkaline Diet
• Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr
• Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying
• The Cure by Dr. Timothy Brantley

For the remainder of the day, I’ll be busy reading books and blogs and putting together recipes that I can recommend grandma & grandpa use. If you have any reading suggestions for me, please share in the comments.

♥