And until they begin to gain some insight, to slow down and notice what they are putting into their mouths and, therefore, every cell of their body, most people find it quite unbelievable that food can affect them in any significant way, let alone change everything.

Your KCitK Girlfriends, however, are here to tell you (and offer some living proof!) that what you choose to chow down on doesn’t just make a difference in your weight or your taste buds, it makes a difference in all aspects of your life.
When we were stuck in the middle of Cancer World, we began making changes in our diet little by little, step by step; and as we did, some pretty amazing things began to happen.

Not only did we stay healthy enough to make it through our surgeries and chemo treatments, we also started having more energy, better spirits and more radiance than we did before – even in the thick of all the cancer crap.

Experiencing this shift in the whole of our lives literally rocked our world. It became very clear to us just how powerful food is.

This realization was nothing short of completely profound and our passion now is to share this insight and knowledge with others. Because, let’s face it: with so much in life outside of our control, what we put on our plates is something that we can have a lot of say in. And what’s best – cozying up to real, plant-based food is not only health-promoting, it’s amazingly delicious, too! (Did we mention we have a cookbook filled with tons of super delish recipes coming out soon?!)

So the next time you have a snack or a meal, stop and think about what you are putting into your body. Do you want that to be making you?

‘Cause, yeah, that’s how powerful food is!

Hang out in the Kitchen with us! Click here to receive our free e-book with recipes and keep in touch with your KCitK Girlfriends!

As we are quickly approaching the launch of Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen, things are staying busy for us! We are working closely with our marvelous editor, Jennifer Kasius, and our talented designer, Frances SooPingChow, both part of the awesome team at Running Press. We are all reviewing the last proof of the book, and it will be heading to the printer next week!

One of the many things we’ve learned during this whole process is that books are often promoted with a video trailer, just like we see for movies. And that has been the latest part of our adventure: We filmed a trailer.

Our super-cool, magnanimous and artistic videographer, Steve Legato, did the filming and is now working on post-production. A big thank you to Steve for his amazing work and good company! Filming took place in Maine mostly at Kendall’s house, as well as a couple of local businesses in Brunswick, to which we are grateful for the use of their spaces - Jai Yoga and Morning Glory Natural Foods. We also had some lovely supporting actresses (Kendall’s sister, mom and a couple friends!). Thanks for your help ladies! We filmed for 2 ½ days and had such a blast doing it!

We’re so excited to reveal the trailer (hopefully in a couple of weeks!) and share what Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen is all about. Stay tuned!

To get your Kicking Cancer Meal Planner, go here.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the protective lining of the body’s internal organs called the mesothelium. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. In rarer instances, tumors can form in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum and the lining of the heart called the pericardium.

This disease is most often caused by asbestos exposure. When the naturally occurring mineral is disturbed or broken the fibers float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed.

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma mimic those of other less serious diseases, many patients don’t seek help from their doctors until the cancer is in its later stages. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain in the chest or rib area, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and fatigue.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at the greatest risk for developing mesothelioma. Many shipbuilders, miners, demolitions workers, firefighters, construction workers and military personnel may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers throughout the 20th century; and some risk of exposure remains today in older buildings, ships, factories and mines.

The families of these individuals were also at risk since asbestos can attach to clothing, hair, skin and shoes and be brought into the home.

Preventing Mesothelioma

Since most asbestos exposure occurs while on the job, workers should take every precaution by wearing protective gear whenever asbestos may be present. Any clothing worn while working in the presence of asbestos should not be worn home. When disposing of asbestos, proper removal or containment (abatement) procedures and regulations should be used.

In the home, asbestos exposure usually occurs during renovation projects. When doing renovation work in homes built prior to 1980, always wear proper protective gear. If possible, hire professionals who are experienced in dealing with asbestos to do the renovation and disposal of any materials that may contain asbestos.

Resources for Mesothelioma Patients

Due to mesothelioma being such a rare cancer, affecting 3,000 people annually in the United States, resources aren’t as readily available as other forms of cancer. The following are some resources that are available to individuals affected by an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

• Mesothelioma Center – Provides free informational literature on the subjects such as books and packets. Patient Advocacy program that works with individuals and their families free of charge to help them find the best mesothelioma doctors, treatment centers and support groups. Additionally provides a comprehensive up to date website with information on all the latest treatments, clinical trials and information about mesothelioma.
• Supportive Care Coalition – This organization focuses on improving palliative care. They work with patients and focus on their spiritual, emotions and physical needs. Mesothelioma patients go through pain from the cancer as well as from the treatment they obtain to fight the cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and the Supportive Care Coalition helps these individuals manage their pain.
• Air Charity Network – This organization matches people in need with free flights and travel arrangements to specialized mesothelioma treatment facilities. Their service is for all 50 states. They work with individuals that have a medical diagnosis that requires specialized treatment, such as mesothelioma.

Preventing Mesothelioma after Asbestos Exposure

Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. However, the risk of developing the disease is greatly increased after repeated, heavy exposure to asbestos. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos should monitor their health regularly with physical or radiological exams.

People who have been exposed to asbestos should not smoke because studies have shown that smoking greatly increases the chances for developing lung cancer.  

Maitake Mushroom

Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine, and offer some of the best immune system support on the planet. They are often classified as a vegetable or herb, but they are actually fungi. Mushrooms contribute texture to a dish, and can add their own flavor to food or take on the flavor of other ingredients.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms all contain lentinan, a substance that stimulates the immune system, helps fight infection, and rocks with anti-tumor activity. They can be used to support the immune system during chemotherapy. Even the more common types of mushrooms – white button, crimini and portabella – offer cancer-preventing and -kicking benefits. Add them to soups, stews, stir-fries and sauces.

Do you cook with mushrooms? What varieties have you enjoyed?

Hang out in the Kitchen with us! Click  here to receive our free e-book with recipes and keep in touch with your KCitK Girlfriends!

You may be used to seeing kale as a garnish on your dish in a restaurant, but this leafy green veggie is much more beneficial when it IS your food, rather than simply decorating it. This nutrient powerhouse has been repeatedly shown to have powerful antioxidant capabilities as well as offer protection against certain types of cancer. Like broccoli and cabbage, kale has the ability to activate enzymes in the liver, which detoxify cancer causing substances, reducing their ability to damage cells. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C as well as the carotenoids that are important for good vision and the prevention of cataracts. It’s also rich in calcium.

Our guest blogger today is Karen Glowacki. Karen is the communications director for WhatNext.com, the leading source of firsthand insights into cancer treatments by others on a similar path. She writes about health issues and oversees the WhatNext cancer blog. WhatNext was developed with the participation of the American Cancer Society.

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When dealing with a cancer diagnosis, many patients and their loved ones are faced with the daunting task of determining a treatment path. It’s difficult coming to terms with an overwhelming diagnosis and then deciding, often relatively quickly, if you want to attack it with surgery, chemo, radiation or a combination.

WhatNext.com, the leading source of firsthand insights into cancer treatments of other on a similar path, is making it easier for people to feel more confident about their decisions by giving them access to thousands of experiences of other cancer fighters just like them.

At WhatNext, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their loved ones are matched with others based on diagnosis, age, stage of cancer, stage or treatment and role (patient, caregiver, survivor, loved one). They can then search and read through the journeys and experiences of others who made the same decisions they’re considering.

Seeking a more holistic approach
In addition to sharing perspectives on chemo, hair loss, financial issues and just getting by, cancer fighters on WhatNext are also discussing lifestyle issues, such as:

• Following a more “natural” diet since getting the cancer diagnosis
• Is sugar is good or bad?
• Using herbal and/or vitamin supplements to complement cancer treatment.

WhatNext was founded by David Wasilewski after his uncle was diagnosed with brain cancer and given a choice of brain surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and combinations of all three—and three days to decide.

Like 80 percent of Internet users and 59 percent of all adults, according to a recent Pew Internet survey, David sought information online. He particularly wanted some perspective from others who made a similar decision. But it wasn’t easy. His uncle ultimately decided on surgery but the experience inspired David to create WhatNext.com with the participation of the American Cancer Society.

To gain insight into the cancer treatments and experiences of others who share your specific diagnosis, please visit WhatNext.com.