and that’s what this section is about. Our physical sensations can affect our minds and vice-versa, but they are not the same.
MIND: Our minds deal with emotions, will, decisions, feelings, choices, moods, even rational intellect. Everything we think and feel comes from our minds – our perceptions of reality, how we understand ourselves, how we relate to others and descriptions of our own personalities…all reside in the Mind.
SPIRIT: Many people think of your “spirit” as describing your emotions and mood. Emotions and mood are actually a part of one’s Mind, at least for my working definition for this book. Your Spirit deals with issues of meaning, essence, faith, energy, “God,” Universe, purpose, spirituality and “Higher Power.” You don’t need to be religious or even believe in God or a Higher Power to gain use from this section. Use the Spirit section to connect with the deepest part of who you are, however it is you define that. I will use different terms from various teachings, but feel free to insert your own.
Although my own experience has been with skin cancer and breast cancer, this book is for people who have experienced all forms of cancer, for people of any age, for men and women alike, and for new gardeners and experienced ones. Cancer does not discriminate, and I don’t, either.
Throughout this book you will see images of people performing all kinds of garden activities. All of these people are cancer survivors; no models were used. You’ll also see boxes with what I call “Survivor Spotlights” – these are quick views into the lives of gardeners who are cancer survivors, and you can see what their diagnoses were and read their tips for getting through diagnosis and treatment. Gardeners are the best people to share everything – divisions, cuttings, coffee and cancer advice.
You’ll notice that I have included a few screenshots of text messages and Facebook posts randomly throughout the book. These messages and comments between my family, friends and me (and sometimes strangers on Facebook) served as a kind of journal to me throughout my diagnosis and treatment. When I look back on them and read them with new, fresh eyes, it is very moving to me that I had the love and well wishes of so many people. When I feel discouraged about my recovery from time to time, I can simply go back and read these messages of support, encouragement and incredible love – they remind me that my Tribe is so much bigger than I ever dreamed it could be. I hope that they can remind you of how large your Tribe is.
You’ll also notice that I often stress talking with your doctor before doing anything in this book. Whether we are talking about an oncologist, a surgeon, a holistic doctor, a rehab therapist – whoever it is that helps you manage your treatment and care – those people need to be consulted first before you make any changes to your treatment plan. It’s impossible to overstress this point. I have a number of professionals at my disposal, and I rely on them to help me heal, and it’s to my advantage to include them and consult them at every turn. So please, don’t be a Lone Ranger here. I am not a physician, a therapist or a surgeon.
That brings me to my last point. I could never have guessed where my life would lead me, but I feel that it has led me directly to writing this book. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Theology, and I’m a writer and a landscaper. Some would say I collected oddball degrees and certifications along the way, and I can’t say that I disagree with them. I never imagined how all of the education I’ve received and my life experiences would come together in one book, but that is exactly what has happened. Call it serendipity if you will, but although I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I am thankful for my breast cancer diagnosis, I can surely say that I am thankful for where it has led me. My life is forever changed, as I’m sure yours has been, by this diagnosis – but it’s the combination of so many twists and turns in this life that have brought me to this point.
And I’m glad to meet you here.
body
ONE
Sweat It Out
Exercise is good for everyone, but especially those going through treatment or healing from it. Caution is the word, however, as your body might not be able to do the things it once could. Take it slow and honor what your body has gone through and is going through, and let your garden help your body get stronger.
Surgery and treatment, whether it’s chemotherapy or radiation, can really zap your immune system and physical energy. When I was going through treatment, my oncologist, Dr. Rubin de Celis, told me, “Consider it a part of your treatment to get regular exercise.”
Cardio
Given your doctor’s approval, you can participate in cardio exercises that will, over time, increase your stamina – but go slow and build up to longer sessions in the garden with greater intensity. This is particularly true for those who have lymphedema like I do, as the swelling in your limbs or torso can be greatly exacerbated by sudden changes in your physical exertion.
Some great garden chores for light cardio include:
• Hauling mulch bags, one at a time to start
• Turning your compost pile
• Shoveling compost into new beds
• Pushing a ½ full wheelbarrow up an incline
• Mowing your lawn
• Hoeing weeds
Safety First!
• Sunblock
• Wide-brimmed garden hat
• Compression garments, if necessary: glove, gauntlet, sleeve, bra, or trunk garment
• Bug repellent
• Sturdy shoes
• Gloves
• Surgical gloves to layer underneath garden gloves
There was a time during my treatment, as the weather was getting colder, that we’d bought some winter vegetable transplants from the garden center. Those poor plants sat on our back patio for a couple of weeks because, frankly, I was exhausted and so was Brett, my fiancé. One day he texted me that we should get those plants
