Yesterday was my mom's second follow-up visit since having one of her kidney's removed last November just before Thanksgiving.  74 years old and a 56 year smoker, she was diagnosed with bladder and kidney cancer last September.  The bladder cancer did not extend into the wall of the bladder and they were able to scrap that out in a separate procedure 6 weeks before the kidney was removed.  

Get the word out to all the smokers you may know (can you believe how many still smoke?  I know I am always surprised to see someone smoking.)  Kidney and bladder cancer are 99.9% caused by smoking.  We never hear about them since they are not as potentially life threatening as lung cancer.  They are both considered survivable cancers, and lung cancer is much less survivable. BUT, there are no real tests to check for these two cancers either, not until problems show up.  My mom is very blessed that she didn't have to have her bladder removed and that the cancer only affected one of her kidneys.  I believe God gave us two kidneys for a reason, but thankfully it's possible to go on with just one.  Very important to keep that remaining kidney healthy.

Since then she has totally embraced the BTD - she's an O-.  She's quit smoking too of course, although she confided to me yesterday that she still battles the urge to smoke - such a nasty addictive drug those evil things are.

I know the BTD is helping her with regaining her strength and keeping her cancer free.  She doesn't need to go back again now for the kidney tests for one year, the bladder check in 6 months - that will probably stay at 6 months for quite awhile as a visual check with scopes is still the best way to make sure the cancer isn't returning.

I believe the BTD has also helped my mom in getting back in charge of her life - cancer can leave a person feeling so helpless.  Now she is taking very seriously her need to get out and walk twice a day, to eat well for her blood type and is looking and feeling so good compared to just one year ago.

I'm so proud of her!

Oh man.. what a great story.  It's so good to read this kind of stuff where one turns the corner with eating, exericising and taking good care of themselves.  I wish my Mom would do that same.  

Thank you so much for sharing.  It put a warmth in my heart this morning for both of you and another moment of having great thanks for being part of Dr. D's great eating plans.  

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I'm so proud of her!

you bet!

Good for her!

I smoked for 5 years and I couldn't stand it anymore, quit 6 years ago.  Congrats to her for quiting, it can be tough.  I think some people are more prone to smoking, I was always real nervous growing up and when I was introduced to a cigarette and it relieved my anxiety I was hooked.  Now I do yoga, go for walks, stay on the diet and I'm fine.

That's great that your mom is embracing health! It's never too late!
I'm going to tell my sister about the bladder/kidney cancer from smoking. Maybe she won't go back after her gastric bypass then.