Jaime's Blog

Jump for Jamie 2016

Jamie Gilmore, founder and inspiration behind the non-profit Jamie’s Hope, continues to battle a rare form of cancer, Acinic Cell Carcinoma. After suffering through the extreme side-effects of chemotherapy for almost 3 years, she decided to completely change her life through diet, exercise, meditation and extreme lifestyle modification. The difference has been nothing short of amazing!! Although she still battles this stage 4 disease, her scans show extremely promising results! As she fights to live, she has chosen to take life by the horns and inspire others to do the same. She blogs daily in hopes that she can encourage others to live life to the fullest and JUMP into living a healthy, well-rounded life. Lifestyle Matters; dedicated to educating others on the importance of cancer prevention through diet & nutrition, physical & emotional wellness and stress management. Click here for photos… WE DID IT! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THE JUMP FOR JAMIE!   $4,300 Raised for Jamie’s Hope Programs!!! Special Thanks… to those that donated $250+ and took advantage of our Lifestyle Matters T-shirt BONUS! Golfers Against Cancer Dan & Lynn McIntyre Texas Eye Institute Dr. Charles & Tammie Johnson SecurityNational Mortgage Company Brian de Armas Massage Heights Debbie Weatherford Thrive Drip Spa Gilad Lutfak & Erin Kemp Options Urgent Care & Wellness Center Dr. Wasim Khan & Fatema Naqvi Earl & Paulette Gilmore Tubular Solutions, Inc. Timothy Bedore What an awesome experience. As Jamie chooses to live her life to the fullest, she’s encouraging others to do the same (even if she has to drag us!). Thank you Jamie for challenging each one of us...

Parabens

I am sure everybody has heard of parabens, but what are they? I heard the word for years, but just didn’t care to listen. But guess what, a life with cancer has me listening now!!! For some of you lucky individuals that have never been affected by cancer or don’t care, you’re welcome to keep ingesting and using products loaded with chemicals, but you may want to start hoping and praying for good health. With the cancer statistics these days the odds aren’t in anybody’s favor!!! Parabens (an endocrine-disrupting chemical with a structure similar to estrogen) is used as a common preservative to prevent microbes from growing. They can be found in processed meats, pastries, make-up, face wash, toiletries, shampoos, and even the contraceptive pill. According to the the American Chemical Society parabens are in about 85% of our personal care products… SCARY! A recent study even showed parabens can spur the growth in certain types of breast cancer cells. So what to do? Read labels, read labels, read labels!!! Look for products that are “paraben free.” OR you can choose to do nothing like I did for 20 years and hope for the best, but that didn’t work out so well for me smile emoticon Common Names to Avoid: parabens, methyparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben, or any ingredients ending in –paraben So today’s project: clean house. Oh… Em… Gee. I couldn’t believe how many products I was previously using or had in guest bathrooms. Seriously…. was shocked and I didn’t even look in the pantry! I was even more shocked to learn Weight Watchers and Archer Farms even...

Potassium Bromate

Did you know that potassium bromate is banned in the United Kingdom, China, Brazil, Peru and many other European countries, BUT NOT THE UNITED STATES? I found that quite interesting and since I have been fighting cancer for over 20 years, I thought it was about time I learn what I have been eating most of my life. So today I bring you a little information on potassium bromate, another food additive that makes the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen.” Considering I previously consumed a diet high in baked goods, processed food and fast food, my guess is I have likely consumed tons of potassium bromate in my lifetime. So what is potassium bromate anyways??? Bromated flour contains potassium bromate, an oxidizing agent commonly used in commercial baking to promote rising, improve and strengthen dough. In the U.S., the FDA has encouraged bakers to voluntarily stop using bromated flour, but shouldn’t we be doing more? At least California is doing something… they are the only state to have potassium bromate on their Proposition 65 list (which warns residents of danger associated with the chemical by requiring a cancer warning on their labels). Thank you California!! Only 49 more states to go unsure emoticon You can also read more at the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) which found that this chemical appears to be “formally identified” as causing cancer. I also included a link with the awesome Proposition 65 list for those interested in avoiding potentially dangerous and toxic chemicals. If that’s not convincing enough, potassium bromate is labeled as a category 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research...

A Healthy Mind

From what I have learned over the past year, having a healthy mind is one of the most important parts of my transformation. Living a healthy lifestyle, dieting, exercising, fighting cancer, etc….. requires serious dedication and motivation. Without the right mindset you can forget it. I incorporated a meditation schedule into my daily regimen and truly believe it played a huge part in changing my life. So, for anybody that struggles staying on track with whatever you are trying to accomplish in life, START WITH THE MIND!!!!! Start small, find a pre-recorded guided meditation and try it for a week. ~ Jamie #LifestyleMatters #Meditation #GetHealthy #Mind #Motivation #Dedication #Cancer...

Up at the office

Up at the office making my sister sample healthy dehydrated foods again, this time from Pat Greer’s Raw, Vegan Kitchen, yaya’s RAW Rah and she liked it!!!!! Anybody that hangs around me, will get healthier or at least start thinking about it, lol smile emoticon ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎RealFood‬ ‪#‎LiveHealthy‬ ‪#‎PlantBasedDiet‬ … See...

New PPO from Humana

In case anybody has to get insurance for cancer (think the enrollment period is about to close), this is the the new PPO from Humana that I just switched to (previously had Blue Cross PPO dropped to the HMO). Yearly detectable $6450…OUCH!!!!!! Monthly premium of $380 for medical a month and $20 for dental, nice car payment there! However, I can now continue my monitoring (PET Scans) and going to integrated medicine at MD Anderson. ~ Jamie ‪#‎MedicalInsurance‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎PPO‬ ‪#‎Humana‬ ‪#‎IntegratedMedicine‬ ‪#‎Healthcare‬...

Questions about my plant-based diet

Lately I get asked lots of questions about my plant-based diet. First one is always about getting enough protein since I don’t eat meat anymore, not to worry I am getting plenty of protein in my diet (also the 1st one discussed in this article)!! There are also a few other good ones to read about including counting calories, which I have not thought about even once in the past year. I eat as much as I want (plant-based foods), am never hungry and lost over 40 pounds just by eating right. ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎PlantBasedDiet‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎Vegan‬ ‪#‎HealthyLiving‬ ‪#‎Prevention‬...

Day 5

Raw plate today after only blended food the last few days. Don’t think I have ever been so happy to eat raw food!!! There is no way I could have eaten this a year ago, probably would have starved to death, lol. Think juicing was my gateway into eating vegetables. So thankful, my tastebuds have FINALLY changed! Started the day with Planting II, we each get our own tray so I am actually growing my own wheatgrass. Then the coconut experience, laying around the ocean for a bit with a little Chopra reading, afternoon massage, then ended with environmental consciousness. Lots of learning and feeling awesome!!!! ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎HealthyLiving‬...

Disappointing…

However I am happy we are starting to see recommendations change in many areas. I have been battling cancer off and on for over 19 years and it wasn’t until my 4th relapse that I learned LIFESTYLE DOES MATTER. If my doctors in the past told me my dietary habits could play a role in my disease, it’s always possible I may have made healthier decisions. Always felt my whole life getting cancer was just bad luck, but not anymore! ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬...

It’s official…

Detoxing on day 3 with my mom. She is feeling it a little more than me. Probably all my juicing over the past year saving me!!! My mom has been into healthy living almost my whole life, she watched her own mother battle cancer off and on over 20 + years, eventually passing away from cancer. Should have listened to her a looooong time ago, not sure why we do the opposite of what our parents tell us, lol. Oh well, listening now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also included a little breakfast of champions pictures smile emoticon ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎GetHealthy‬ ‪#‎PlantBasedDiet‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬...

Been bad…

Skipped afternoon yoga for the beach!!! Have to live a little, will be at 6 am yoga tomorrow smile emoticon Day 2 recap: Food prep classes, seashell hunting, organic grocery store hunting and now beach meditation… Seriously nothing beats meditation on the beach, feeling the breeze and listening to the ocean!!!! Doesn’t get much better. ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎GetHealthy‬ ‪#‎Meditation‬ ‪#‎PlantBasedDiet‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎Organic‬...

***GIVE-A-WAY***

“Each year, about 589,430 Americans die of cancer; around one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying too much weight.” ~ American Cancer Society WIN a Fitbit, JH fruit infuser, and JH tumbler. You must like our Facebook page and share this post! Once we have 3,500 page likes we will announce the winner! We want to help you get moving in this new year ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎LifeStyleMatters‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎GetFit‬ ‪#‎EndCancer‬ ‪#‎Prevention‬...

Puerto Rico here I come!!!!!

First time to fly alone in over 3 years (since 4th cancer relapse), pretty excited that my health has improved so much!!! Last few flights had to use wheelchair service and have help from family, come a looooooong way smile emoticon Made it to the airport early via MK Limousines, we personally use them for al airport transportation & limo needs. They are a Jamie’s Hope supporter, got to know a few drivers over last few years (Otto is def one of my favorites)!!!!!! Had a last minute green smoothie after check in, rest of my juice is checked in and will be waiting for me in Puerto Rico when I land smile emoticon Luggage in pictures is mostly health related… 15 juices & 15 green smoothies in checked cooler, Omega Juicer, Vitamix Blender, 15 prepared supplement containers, extra supplement bottles in case I stay longer. ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Juicing‬ ‪#‎GetHealthy‬ ‪#‎TravelingWithCancer‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬...

Packing…

Traveling with cancer, fun!!!! Juicer, Vitamix blender, lots of bikinis and of course tons of Texans gear… Have to represent! Also, little education (books for reading on the beach). Puerto Rico bound right after Texans game tomorrow, on my way to do more learning about being healthy. Ready to kill some more cancer!!! Excited! ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎PlantBasedDiet‬ ‪#‎Vegan‬ ‪#‎CancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎Texans‬ ‪#‎GoTexans‬...

How Sugar Might Fuel Cancer

Anybody interested in prevention, cancer patients and survivors should read this!!!! I have struggled with sugar my entire life, most of my close friends and family have often heard me joke about sugar being my drug of choice. Until last year my diet was almost only red meat, carbs (pastas) and processed sugar (0 fruits and vegetables). It took me 19 years, 4 cancer relapses and 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy before I finally learned how much lifestyle played a part in my health. From somebody that has lived a life with cancer (since 14 years old), trust me lifestyle matters!!!!!!!!!!! ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎Sugar‬...

Meditation Monday…

65 days straight of meditation today!!!!!!! Woohoo, tomorrow it’s officially a habit according to the article below! Recommendation start small, incorporate into your morning schedule. I started with a 25 minute guided meditation cd and worked my way up to 2 hours a day. There are tons of guided medications on iTunes, YouTube and also MD Anderson (Itunes University). ~ Jamie ‪#‎MeditationMonday‬ ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Motivation‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎Meditation‬ ‪#‎GuidedMeditation‬...

Late start today

Christmas hangover (NOT from food or alcohol, from being busy)!! Started the morning routine around 11am. This is everything that normally goes in my body by 8 am every day. Food is my medicine smile emoticon ~ Jamie #LifestyleMatters #Carrots #Juicing #GetHealthy #Cancer #TheCancerFreeWay #PlantBasedDiet...

Cancer reality……

Cancer reality…… Meditating after the game, have to make time no matter what is going on in your life smile emoticon Had a great day and extra awesome when we win!!!!!!!!!!! < Jamie #Texans #GoTexans #Watt #OutLivingToday #Cancer #JamiesHope #TexansGameDay #TexansHomecoming #StageIV...

Lost Phone Recovered

Lost phone and recovered this morning!!!! Relieved.. Have my music back and 20k photos smile emoticon Been listening to music (pretty much all day) which has helped keep me moving even when I am super TIRED smile emoticon Thank god I knew right away when it was missing but had to wait for Memorial Middle to open this morning (daughters theater performance). ~ Jamie ‪#‎Music‬ ‪#‎MoveIt‬ ‪#‎Motivation‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎GetHealthy‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎Texans‬ ‪#‎CancerFreeWay‬...

Uber to Pilates

Uber to Pilates this morning. My driver was a Prostate cancer survivor.. Always love hearing when people survive and beat cancer!!!! He caught it early, treated at MD Anderson and quick recovery… He had to listen to my 19 year battle with cancer story and how important prevention is talk, lol. One of our cars went down, so I gave my car up this morning but refused to miss our class!! ‪#‎Motivation‬! ~ Jamie ‪#‎GetHealthy‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎Prevention‬ ‪#‎HardcorePilates‬ ‪#‎Pilates‬ ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎Dedication‬ ‪#‎Uber‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬...

Good Kind of Pain

Pain today (good kind), letting the body rest!!! Golf got me, but not near as bad as ‪#‎HardcorePilates‬ smile emoticon Going back for more torture on Tuesday at 10 am and looking forward to it, lol!! WHO WANTS TO JOIN US???? Cindy, Amanda & I will be there and there are 6 other spots available! ($20 special for first JH class) ~ Jamie ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎Pilates‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎TortureTuesday‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎Exercise‬ ‪#‎MoveIt‬ ‪#‎Motivation‬ ‪#‎Live‬ ‪#‎GetHealthy‬...

Here we go..

Uber to the Corinthian!!! ‪#‎MasqueradeForACure‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎CancerSucks‬

Back at it Again

Back at it again.. Making turmeric and black pepper supplements. ~ Jamie #cancer #tumeric #TheCancerFreeway #JamiesHope #HealthyLiving #Prevention #LivingWithCancer #CancerFreeWay #LifestyleMatters

Some Sun in Backyard

Working on the my vitamin D in the sun with my book in the backyard after a long day doing IV C at a clinic today. Tired, but sure seems like I feel maybe a little better after being outside when it is so beautiful outside!! Thinking I might be changing my routine to outside first in the mornings, lol smile emoticon ~ Jamie ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎LifestyleMatters‬ ‪#‎HealthyChanges‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎CancerFreeWay‬...

Texans Game

Texans game with Garrick, Amanda & Lauren for The Pink Breast Cancer Awareness!!! Love being at Texans games!!!!!! ~ Jamie ‪#‎Texans‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎CancerSucks‬ ‪#‎GoTexans‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎Pink‬

Cindy and Amanda at it Again

‪#‎Repost‬ @cancerfreeway ・・・ Cindy and Amanda at it again, lol. They sent my mom to pick me up at 8 am to get me to @joyyogacenter. Abs are still sore from yesterday, but made it through the class!!!!! Never imagined a few weeks ago I would be doing back to back exercise classes when walking up the stairs was such a challenge and leaving the house only happened if there was a Texans game, lol smile emoticon Thanks again to Joy Yoga for having us and my support system for motivating me!!!! ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎JoyYogaCenter‬ ‪#‎Yoga‬ ‪#‎FlowYoga‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎CancerSucks‬ ‪#‎LifestyleChange‬ ‪#‎CancerFreeWay‬...

Tortured This Morning

TORTURED (lol) this morning by Amanda and Cindy (Neera also joined us), who dragged me out of my house to Hardcore Pilates with Patricia Hall. Survived!!!!!! It was my first time at Pilates and was worried about my hip (cancer and hip replacement) but she was able to adjust my machine which was perfect. The machines are very gentle and actually seemed like the perfect way for me to start working out again. They are working on motivating me and trying to get me moving more so we will be back up there next week smile emoticon Abs are sore already!!!!!!!!!! Soooo thankful to have so many awesome people supporting me as I continue fighting cancer!! My crazy full time health regimen is the hardest thing I have ever done and having motivators in my life truly makes a difference. ~ Jamie ‪#‎JamiesHope‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎HardCorePilates‬ ‪#‎Pilates‬ ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎CancerFreeWay‬...

At MD Anderson

At MD Anderson Cancer Center for Pain Management and Targeted Therapy appointments. Have my my mom and sister with me today smile emoticon Been here since this morning, ready to get home and in bed…TIRED!!!! Learned I lost more weight, the one benefit of my eating right, at the lowest weight I have ever been even before high school. ~Jamie ‪#‎Cancer‬ ‪#‎Endcancer‬ ‪#‎CancerSucks‬ ‪#‎TargetedTherapies‬ ‪#‎MdAnderson‬ ‪#‎TheCancerFreeWay‬ ‪#‎CancerFreeWay‬...

Lord hear my prayer

Lord hear my prayer. I pray for you to place your healing hands on my sister tonight Lord. Jamie needs you to help her heal and to take away her pain. I need you to heal my sister. She is an amazing woman in need of you Lord. Please please please help us. In Jesus name I pray,...

Pre-Op appointment for a new biopsy

Pre-Op appointment for a new biopsy tomorrow morning MD Anderson Cancer Center. Looking for gene mutations that we can possibly Target. Hoping we learn something new to find any new options smile emoticon A lot has changed since my first biopsy 3 years ago, praying for new answers and possibilities!!! ~...