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Yard Personality

May 7, 2026 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

From the farm to the classic Southern porch, outdoor spaces have always been a source of comfort and connection. Whether it’s a grandparent’s porch or a friend’s carport, these outdoor spaces offer a perfect blend of all things nature and relaxation. All the while, these outdoor areas reveal a sense of personal warmth permeating from the home. Read on and learn more about creating your own unique Yard Personality.

I can remember going to visit my Grandparents house which we called “the farm”. As young kids we had a large open space to run and play outside. Often as you would drive up to the farm, you could find my Grandma and Grandpa Adams outside on the porch or they would be sitting under a shade tree in lawn chairs.

*Old Beautiful trees dotted my Grandparents landscape at the farm as a young kid*

The cousins group had loads of fun playing on the farm. We had a large open space to run and play outside. Thankfully, we were always within earshot and eyesight of the adults who were visiting outside. A small creek ran behind the house and we cousins would end up there in our wanderings and play.

I recently visited a friend. We were sitting outside on her carport. She has created a sweet, little spot to retreat to… complete with an outdoor rug, comfortable, cushioned chairs, music playing, and yes, a ceiling fan just to name a few amenities. The natural breeze flowing through the porch made it a perfect spot to spend a warm afternoon in conversation with good friends.

These family memories coupled with my recent visit to my friends house, got me to thinking about how people use or don’t use their space/ yard and how “individual personality” can impact outdoor spaces and its uses.

*Living on a Farm… yard personality of its own*

Growing up and living in the South, I would like to note that probably one of the most common outdoor spaces that people use are porches… front/back porch, or maybe even a screened in porch.

**Porches: a place where stories are told and memories are made** …This long, large porch located in Valle Crucis has been a favorite of ours *for many years*

The PORCH… where HOME meets the outside world. A porch allows us to connect with the exterior world, all the while, enjoying the creature comforts of being HOME.

These outdoor “rooms” are often used as a gathering place or even as a place of retreat. On a Southern porch, you can definitely “sit a spell”… one can watch traffic go by, swing, rock the day away in your favorite chair, view the stars at night, or simply listen to the sounds of nature.

Within the confines of a porch outdoor space, one can let the worries of the day wash away. Complete with and no phones or technology. Add in a cold beverage in hand, and the perfect porch sitting weather is upon us, minus the pollen!!

*New Rocking Chairs from WCH are a perfect way to spend a afternoon relaxing on a porch or deck*

As we sometimes do, Richard and I will go for a drive on a sunny afternoon. I love to “window watch” from the vehicle window as we make our way down the country roads.

Those Sunday afternoon adventures make me realize that Summertime is a wonderful time to notice the little bits and pieces of Yard Personality from the exterior and my car window…You know it when you see it as we make the “drive by”. Kids in the yard playing games, or even noting an interest in gardening with flowers abounding from the yard. Then I spot Rocking Chairs on the front porch as we pass by. The visible story of the homeowners unraveling right in front of your eyes… neatly kept lawn and shrubs, and orderly gardens. Or maybe just the opposite, flowing gardens that seamlessly wander from one area to another, featuring an old chair, chipping paint holding a garden treasure, the grass waiting to be mowed. Both of these scenarios create a sense of order and peace for each homeowner because that’s exactly what they wanted. Marked distinct features of personality that dominate the Yard…just from a quick glance as we drive past.

This chippy chair holds a strawberry plant on my back porch.

Have you ever thought about your distinct yard personality??? I haven’t ever given this topic much consideration, until recently. Is this really a legitimate topic… Absolutely!!!

First let’s define the term “YARD”. According to our purposes of this topic… a YARD is the entire surrounding area around the house, including the grass, pavement, porches, other outdoor spaces, and includes dedicated gardens.

*Walkways are an important part of Yard Personalization, visually what is seen as you approach the front door? Is it welcoming to visitors?*

In essence, the YARD is ALL useable outdoor space. Looking at the term YARD, the opposite is true in the United Kingdom. The garden IS the whole. Yard would not be the proper terminology.

*Gardens are the baseline of the individualized personality in the UK, it’s nice to include the whole perimeter of your usable area in **Yard Personalization** here in the US*

Processing this new concept of Yard Personality, I think it’s crucial to understand that People will prioritize their needs and wants into how they want to use their yard based upon what it’s important to them. Of course, often budget is a factor… but the use of good ol’ elbow grease, sweat equity and repurposing materials can make a huge impact!

After a quick visit at my friend’s house, I concluded that she has beautifully created a place to relax and uses that space as a place to retreat after a long day at work.

According to a quick Google search, most people fall into a few key categories when it comes to YARD PERSONALITY. I was extremely curious to see where I would fall… or not be found.🧐 Would my style potentially overlap with more than one???

*This sweet little stained glass frog would look great in any outdoor space.*

My curiosity got the best of me and I kept diving into it. Here’s my modified list to keep it simple and easier for writing purposes.

Yard Personalities:

1. The Lawn Expert… these individuals create a carefully designed and manicured/maintained yard. Gardens are well kept or maybe not present because the emphasis is literally on the beautiful the yard itself.

*The Gardens pictured here at Tryon Palace are a perfect example of the “Expert”*

2. The Lover of Nature… The Yard and Gardens meandering about, flowing with a variety of colors and styles of flowers. Areas are designed in the yard to attract various species of wildlife(hummingbirds, birds, butterflies, etc) and you may find seating areas present to enjoy the fruits of their labor throughout the entire yard.

*Planting to attract wide variety of bees, butterflies, etc*

*Bird houses and feeders in all shapes and sizes available at WCH*

3. The Entertainer…This individual may have a Grilling area is set up to entertain and to cook up a great meal, a festive outdoor table set to welcome friends and family, maybe a fire pit to welcome guests, lawn games, swimming pool, you name it, the Entertainer will have it!

*BBQ sauces, rubs, Traeger pellets, and grill accessories all available at WCH for the summer entertainer*

4. The Kid and/or Pet Friendly Yard… Basketball, volleyball, soccer goals set up in yard, or swimming pool visible…riding toys scattering along the driveway or the yard, outdoor play areas created for the kids, or maybe even a tree house. Backyard fences keep the kids and pets within view and allow them to play safely.

*Pool water testing and chemicals are available for purchase at WCH all summer long for family fun😎*

This is just a small sample of brainstorming that I did to imagine these different types of Yard Personalities. I feel sure that this is only scratching the surface!

My mind then wandered back to my own to Spring “to do list” as I began refining and defining my Yard Personality. 🧐. What area(s) did I want to focus upon in my own YARD???? After some thought, I decided our back porch needed a bit of TLC.

*A good back porch cleaning was necessary… we have some great items at WCH for outdoor clean up*

So I’ll pose the same questions to you. Did you find a Yard Personality that you strongly identified with??? Is your yard in shape for the upcoming Spring and Summer season??? 🧐🧐🧐

*These handmade wind chimes would make a great addition to any yard or garden*

Currently, I’m slowly trying to make a few projects a reality and keeping within budget using objects that I already have… finding a new way to repurpose them, and adding in color/texture as I can. I’ve slowly been working on my back porch area over the last few weeks adding a few things to make it more comfortable for us to use on a regular basis in hopes that it will become a welcoming space for all of us as well as our guests.

Work in progress from my back porch, flowers still yet to be planted, repurposing my strawberry planter as a quick side table… hanging baskets and crates to warm up the siding using vinyl siding clips, very easy project!!!

Another thing worth mentioning, a portion of Yard Personality can be attributed to how you use found objects or even Art in your space.

*These unique outdoor lanterns add a nice touch of Art and beauty to your existing landscape*

Art is often a form of creative expression and imagination which can be found in a visual form. It could be the appearance of hand created objects, like bird houses, or feeders, or the appearance of a symphony of vibrant colors from the garden, or Yard Art.

*These PVC bird houses found at WCH are exceptional!!! Long lasting and made in NC!!!*

The use of Art can evolve with your imagination and creativity all the while, looking at needs and wants within a given outdoor space… ultimately bringing vibrancy to your Yard.

Let your imagination and creative energy shine this year! Wilkes County Hardware is here to support your new found passion and dedication to creating and developing your own unique Yard Personality, making home a true place of retreat and comfort.

*Store Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-6pm , Saturday 9am-3pm*

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Cancer Journal #6…Tackling The Colossal Elephant, Cancer

March 31, 2026 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

A new ornament on my Christmas tree this past year… full of symbolism and inspiration for my cancer journey

The African Male Elephant can weigh up to 14,000 pounds, making it the largest of all land animals! A female elephant weight is a bit smaller, coming in at about 6,000 to 8,000 pounds on average. Regardless of the weight, the elephant is a huge animal! Experiencing Cancer can be a heavy experience similar to the weight of an elephant.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis and embarking on a health journey like facing cancer is similar to tackling a colossal elephant. The old joke goes “how do you eat an elephant??? One bite at a time … What really does this old phrase really indicate??? Navigating the cancer experience requires bite-sized steps, breaking it down into manageable parts allowing progress, much like the elephant metaphor suggests… not eating the elephant itself.

Experiencing Cancer is the very similar to eating an elephant…You tackle it one day at a time. Focusing your energy on the most pressing task at hand, learning as you go through it… based upon my own personal experience. The “Cancer Elephant” is a massive task to tackle.

These cute little elephant watering cans are found at WCH

What’s it like eating that “cancer elephant” one bite at a time??? 🐘🐘Here’s a quick look at my personal experience with my “cancer elephant”… one day at a time.

–Initial scans and tests to confirm diagnosis (multiple doctor visits/tests)… I think I lost count of the number of trips between home and Winston Salem between early November to March 2026.

–Meeting new oncology doctors… I have a few different ones in my cancer journey… (oncology surgical , medical oncology, radiation oncology)these are the ones I have met so far in my own cancer journey. After I completed radiation treatments, I will continue to see my medical oncology doctor moving forward every 3 months. I will also follow up with my surgeon early this summer. Mammogram/ MRI’s will probably alternate every 6 months.

Female elephants-creating a perfect sisterhood, more coming up as you read on

-“Dealing with the Elephant in the Room” Cancer impacts family members. Beginning to tell family and friends about your new cancer diagnosis and trying to help them to understand your ongoing treatment is a necessary step. It is essential to note…Cancer patients move forward from one appointment to the next, often waiting several days or maybe even weeks in between, before the next test or appointment occurs. This waiting process can be unsettling to loved ones who would love to have the full “cancer puzzle” picture in their mind. The waiting game on all the “puzzle pieces” to come together. This is what happens sometimes when multiple tests/scans are needed in order to move forward with confirmation of a cancer diagnosis. It can be taxing for some people who wish to have full “puzzle picture” in mind.

–“Eating the Elephant one bite at a time”…Reading and Researching to learn more about your specific cancer

I have read extensively about Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. And the key dietary changes as a new cancer patient that was highly recommended. Lastly, the lack of estrogen within my own body moving forward (after treatment)… slowly digesting the “cancer elephant chunks” all the while, trying new to apply what I have learned so far. This research process is in my ongoing timeline into the future as my cancer path changes.

–Navigating and using your Cancer Resources Did you know that an elephant can use its own body resources effectively to cool down, swim, eat, and to protect itself?

At my cancer diagnosis appointment, I was given a large amount of information about breast cancer. It was impossible to digest it all at once. But luckily the information came with three nurse navigators to help me. They helped me initially by making key appointments with my new medical oncology team.

I’m still able to use these three ladies as concerns have arisen, and they have help me with those questions like dietary needs, and integrative cancer medicine, and more!

Breast cancer Facebook groups have been helpful to me as people are facing similar challenges with cancer. I have been able to gain a few insights within this group as I have moved through this process.

This was an amazing resource which broke down each part of the cancer treatment process

–“Elephant Diet” …Implementing healthy dietary changes

I have learned that experiencing cancer and cancer treatments changes your bodies metabolic needs. Cancer creates a weakened immune system which in turn, facilitates the need for a healthy diet to strengthen your body. Also, a healthy diet can help in maintaining muscle mass, and help with weight management.

Elephants eat a variety of plants, fruits and twigs to sustain themselves. Now, after my cancer diagnosis, over half of my plate is mostly vegetables! This new change is a continuous marathon, that will hopefully continue for years ahead.

Cancer Journal #5- Simple Switches for a Lifetime of Health

–Grocery Shopping with a true Whole Foods mission …For the last several months, I have been purchasing foods to defeat cancer and reading labels like a cancer superhero! We all three (in our household), flip the nutrition labels over and often discuss the label contents. AND Turning labels over and reading contents in the drug store too! Estrogen can be found in skin care or beauty products.

–Preparing for surgery and surgical recovery … There were a few key essential items that I needed prior to my surgery. Those items were purchased prior to my surgery date in early January. After my cancer surgery, it took about 2 weeks for me to recover. As my energy level increased slowly, the residual pain/pressure subsided from the surgery.

–“Drink like an Elephant”Preparing for Radiation Therapy…My cycle of radiation did not begin until after surgery healing and oncology follow ups had occurred. Once radiation began, I personally experienced tiredness that stayed with me for several days after treatments.

Hydration helped me tremendously as well as walking a bit after radiation treatment each time. I tried to make sure that I had enough electrolytes and non-caffeinated drinks after radiation. Elephants can drink as much as 50 gallons a day of water!!! Wow!!! And we think that 8 full glasses of water a day is a lot!!!

Thankfully, the radiation treatments were spread out over a few weeks. The after effects of radiation treatments can last in body for a few weeks afterward… skin burns, irritation, redness, and tiredness.

A powerful combination… protein shakes, Sugar Free Gatorade, and water before and after radiation treatments

–Allowing time to Rest

Elephants can sleep standing up, but for a more relaxing deeper sleep they need to lie down for a few hours. This means that they are more vulnerable to a predator attack. Often elephants will not lie down unless they feel completely safe within their tribe. Luckily, that herd mentality is a strong force within the pack and active watch is kept to protect those who are sick or need the rest.

I quickly learned that cancer changes your energy levels and energy can fluctuate.. good energy days and bad days are common. I have found out that my body needs more restorative sleep in order to recover over the last few months of experiencing cancer.

My boys are definitely good at reading my body signals as well AND have encouraged me to rest as I need it. I’m definitely going to bed earlier and sleeping a bit later each day. My work schedule isn’t back up to normal yet due to this reason as my energy level fluctuates.

–“Think like an Elephant”Adjusting your mindset

Cancer IS life altering. Life definitely changes after Cancer. Just because active treatment is over doesn’t mean the cancer fight is over. Cancer Reoccurrence is always a concern for every cancer patient and survivor. The doctor appointments maybe fewer in number, but scans, bloodwork, medication can continue for several years afterward.

The Maintenance of a healthy lifestyle can help reduce risk of a cancer reoccurrence. Let’s chunk it down a bit more…

The elephant brain weighs anywhere from 10-12 pounds, and it is the largest brain of any land animal!!! The large temporal lobe of the elephant creates the ability of long term memory. Did you know that Elephants have the ability to remember an interaction with another elephant from years ago and an elephant can remember places they have traveled to before??? The essence… the memory of an elephant is sharp! So there is truth in the statement that an elephant never forgets!!

The same “elephant memory” is carried by a cancer patient /survivor. They never forget what they have been through and don’t wish to face another cancer reoccurrence.

That being said, some cancer survivors will continue to make the healthy lifestyle changes permanent, being a “mindful elephant” with the goal of trying to prevent a reoccurrence or relapse.

– Cancer Life after “active treatment”

What will life look at after surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, when all of the major “cancer stuff” is over???

Life in POST CANCER… I have learned Life after active treatment is an adjustment not only for yourself, but your body. The human body needs time to fully recover and heal from the stress of active cancer treatment. Often times the outside world assumes that life for a cancer survivor goes back to normal, because they no longer see the “visible parts” of the cancer journey after the day to day appointments disappear, and the visible treatments are over.

I understand this fact more intimately now that I’m seeing it for myself as well as my fellow cancer friends who have been through this process before me.

Ultimately changing that perception, along with carrying the weight of the“cancer elephant”, can be heavy. It’s just a bit messy.

For me personally, Post treatment cancer, will be adapting and finding a new “normal” in daily life while, allowing rest as I need it. AND adjusting to a new medication for the next five years.

I’ll write more about this in another blog post as my body has time to adjust and I meet my another new doctor, an Integrated Cancer Health in early April.

–NED Status… NED (No Evidence of Disease) This is a term/status that cancer patients want to ultimately achieve. No evidence of disease (cancer) present on scans, bloodwork or other results. This takes time to achieve and I’m looking forward to reaching this milestone. I’m cautiously optimistic that I’m getting closer to this milestone as surgery went well, and radiation is completely finished. Some people rank cancer survivorship at a 5 year mark after no reoccurrence has materialized.

-“Elephant Emotions” …Connecting with Other Cancer Survivors

Elephants have shown researchers that they have the ability to show a range of emotions like being able to show love, joy, empathy, compassion, and even grief.

In the wild, Female elephants tend to travel together in a herd working together for the good of the female pack. These females will circle around each other in times of distress, giving birth, or offering protection to the sick/weak from nearby predators. Female elephants have a strong bond amongst themselves and they consistently work together to rear the youngest elephants in the herd.

Similarly, Cancer survivors often circle around newly diagnosed cancer patients. These survivors offer kindness, friendship, compassion, and empathy as they begin this highly individualized cancer journey.

I’m very thankful to those cancer survivors who took time to help me navigate this journey. Thank you 💕.

My family members and friends who made me feel wrapped in love and prayers as I have navigated through this journey, I’m so grateful. 💕Thank you. I have appreciated your kind words, cards, messages, and prayers.

The Cancer journey can be uniquely different for each individual… from the type of cancer, how oncology doctors choose to treat it, and many other factors.

I’ll conclude by stating, cancer survivors all have one key thing in common.. tackling the colossal elephant of cancer, one day at a time, offering the gift of Grace to those who need it the most, even themselves. In some form, I think we all can use the elephant analogy and apply it in regard to our own daily lives.

Thank you to all who have helped me tackle this colossal cancer elephant, one day at a time. I’m so grateful for your kindness, love, and circling around me in my continuing cancer journey.

Footnote: I have now finished my active cancer treatment and have begun my medication phase for the next 5 years… medication until 2031! It’s been a bit of an adjustment due to managing some side effects, but I’m hopeful.

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Winter 2025- 2026 Photography

March 19, 2026 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Winter of 2025-26 has been very eventful with my official breast cancer diagnosis in early December. Several of my December days were filled with appointments, making many trips to Winston Salem. Then came January… Surgery, recovery, and radiation all during the remaining winter months.

I did find time to snap a few pictures that I loved in this unique season of my life and compiled for a Winter memory album. Photography is an outlet for not only creativity, but the beauty that comes to my mind as I go about my daily activities, essential for hope and a great force in cancer recovery. All of these captures are from right here in our beautiful home, Wilkes County.

I hope you will enjoy these pictures as much as I have in a winter season filled with challenges, hope for healing and yet grace abounded in the winter season of 2025-2026.

I personally enjoy the winter season in regard to photography, the contrast of the starkness of barren trees with the vibrant colors of sunrise. I have organized this blog so that you can witness the evolution of the winter with a glimpse into each month of the winter season.

Thanks for supporting my blog and I deeply appreciate all of your prayers.

**Hope Abounds**…December morning sunrise taken about a week after my cancer diagnosis… I now view the pink skies as a beautiful sign of HOPE.

**Happy New Year!!!** The First 2026 Sunrise

**March Storm Cloud Watch… Black and White**

March is in Bloom… The Hope of Spring

Pup Interlude…

**Our sweet little crew of pups… Cookie, Joy and Jethro (Ro)**

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Cancer Journal #5- Simple Switches for a Lifetime of Health

March 8, 2026 hardwarelifewife 5 Comments

I’ve been attempting to learn how to play Mahjong. This tile game has been around for many years and has become extremely popular recently. When the opportunity to learn to play came my way, I decided to try my hand at this tile game, and laughing with good friends an extra healthy benefit ☺️.

Sometimes in the middle the midst of a game, I can sense that the tiles I need to complete my hand are not coming to me. It’s time to pivot. When playing Mahjong, hopefully this insight comes earlier in the game than later… Is there potentially another hand that I can easily switch to… making a swap for success???

Mahjong Tiles on the mat before the game begins!

Recently, I was talking with another cancer patient, who is also a good friend and it’s worth mentioning that I have relied on his own personal experiences with cancer as my own cancer health journey has unfolded. Carl and I often discuss the “good foods” for cancer patients, and discuss the research behind it. Carl said something very insightful in a recent conversation. Looking back, I’m not even really sure what foods we were discussing at that time, but what he said definitely stuck with me. What Carl basically said that totally describes the evolution of how cancer has impacted my food choices… it is the simple swaps that creates the lasting change, adding them in slowly over time.

In reflection of that conversation, have been just that! Cancer has brought about the time to pivot… just like my Mahjong game analogy!

My dietary switches haven’t been a sprint to the finish line but a slow, steady pace of change, with the focus on nutrient rich foods to fuel my body through this cancer journey. I’m very thankful for dear friends who have been down this path of healthy eating during treatment and yes, even after active treatment, who have been able to guide me through this new way of eating. Thank you fellow cancer survivors and friends… your support means the world to me!

Food plays a key role in prevention…“you are what you eat”, as the old saying goes … it is true! Our overall dietary choices impacts inflammation, metabolism, and yes, future disease risk. Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer has definitely changed what I consume. The nutritional needs of a cancer patient focuses on the maintenance of muscle mass, while combining healthy eating as well as boosting the immune system. In order for all that to happen, simple swaps have been necessary for better health.

Instead of potato chips I have made purple sweet potato chips!!! A fun little swap

Breast Cancer patients need a good portion of protein each day (90 grams). Please keep in mind, these recommendations are for women… men your recommendations may look slightly different! Good sources of Lean animal proteins… chicken and fish, eggs, and whole grains. Beans/legumes are all good sources of protein. I’ve been experimenting with lentils recently as a new additional swap. I recently made a lentil casserole… lentils, mushrooms, and veggies. We enjoyed it!

My cancer dietician used the analogy of imagining a deck of cards as a guide for protein on your plate. That “deck of cards of protein” on your plate would be equivalent to around 28 grams.

Chicken is a dietary staple. I was struggling to figure out how to boost my remaining white rice in my pantry to add more nutritional value… added frozen veggies and saffron and it was a definite improvement!!!

According to the cancer dietary guidelines, some Proteins need limiting…red meat! Ugh!!! Red meat lovers… this one is hard! Red meat consumption (18 ounces week) and another suggestion…eliminating processed meats (sandwich meats, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, etc)!!! That’s right… BACON!!!😬

Why??? Processed meats are considered a class 1 carcinogens. These types of meats include chemicals that can increase risk of developing certain types of cancer like colon cancer and other cancers. More research is ongoing but it is definitely worth noting this.

Based on my research, and discussions with my cancer dietitian… I am trying to make half of each meal fruits or vegetables. Vegetables are a powerful source of not only fiber but nutrients needed in the body. The goal is to have at least 25g of fiber and LESS than 25g of sugar a day. Folks, that’s not a lot of sugar… bye, bye dessert! 😳

Cruciferous vegetables are fantastic for cancer patients… broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, Brussel sprouts

As a result of these new switches over time, I have begun to decrease my carb intake since last November. Pasta is pretty much a thing of the past for me and I don’t miss it. It is also worth noting, Carbohydrates and sugar are important in maintaining a healthy diet and I haven’t totally ignored them.

Instead of pasta… I have moved to a full plate of steamed vegetables with some spaghetti sauce. It is absolutely one of my favorite switches!!

Let’s move onto the elephant in the room… Sugar. Sugar is found in two forms.. natural sugars and added sugars(processed sugars). Natural sugars are the way to go! Natural sugars that are found in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, milk, vegetables and grains…these are considered complex carbohydrates.

Breakfast fruits (natural sugars) with Low sugar Yogurt gives me a punch of protein too!

The body processes complex carbohydrates more efficiently and slowly. It is more work for your body to digest complex carbohydrates than digesting simple sugars. Processing simple sugars can create spikes of glucose in your body. Complex carbohydrates contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in addition to natural sugars. All of these nutrients are important to overall energy, health and immunity.

So here’s the kicker for cancer patients… Every cell in the body requires glucose for fuel, including cancer cells, AND glucose also feeds the cells in the rest of the body. We cannot pick and choose which cells get what nutrients/fuel… the phrase sugar feeds cancer cells is somewhat true!

The fact is that all cells, including cancer cells, need sugar in the form of glucose to generate energy. All Cells use glucose the way cars use gas for fuel. Normal cells use a reasonable amount of gas, but cancer cells are like gas guzzlers! 😳

Cancer cells are like cars with the accelerator stuck to the floor, using glucose at higher rates because they are dividing at much faster rates than normal cells.

*Cancer cells definitely don’t use a speed limit!!! 😬*

What is absolutely amazing… dietary switches and changes can limit that gas guzzler impact!!! If those changes or swaps aren’t made, diets in high in added sugars and ultra-processed foods can continue to increase inflammation over time. Chronic inflammation isn’t great for overall health.. which can lead to a weakened immune system…opening the door for other diseases or yes, maybe even a cancer reoccurrence!!! No way!!! , I definitely don’t want that, so the switch is on!

All this being said about the necessity of cancer nutrition, I’m not depriving myself of a special treat every now and then. I definitely will enjoy a side of French fries or tots with a meal every-once-in -a while or my favorite comfort food. AND it worth saying, that Eating out can be a challenge. My overall palate has begun to change and I physically need more vegetables and fruits to balance out my diet, that can be hard to find at certain places.

Stuffed flounder with crab and shrimp on a bed of hash browns… a little treat with lots of good stuff still on the plate… spinach included!

Making switches in my diet has been an ongoing learning process… eating and shopping for great cancer fighting foods. I grocery shop now by turning labels over before I buy. It will stay on the shelf if the sugar content is too high or nutrient value is too low. It has been a journey to find new products and recipes that will fit this lifestyle change, permanently. Has my grocery shopping list changed? Absolutely! Am I spending more money??? Ummm… probably not. My swaps have changed in the nature of what stays in my pantry and refrigerator, AND some things just aren’t worth the purchase anymore!

Have I actually shed a few pounds??? Possibly, but my overall activity level has dropped significantly due to surgery recovery, sickness, and now radiation treatments. My goal is to get back to “normal-ish” soon! Allowing my body to rest and recover has been a process for me, adjusting my cancer mindset.

Chicken tortilla soup loaded with beans has been a great addition to post radiation meals… during radiation, boosting protein intake is necessary

Living through Cancer has been a definite challenge. Taking things one day at a time, navigating through a myriad of research, eating with simple swaps, constant appointments, recovery, rest, and ultimately, the HOPE of NED (no evidence of disease).

HOPE… a simple reminder as I walk into the cancer center each visit 💕

Hope and faith is definitely important in the cancer journey mindset. Here’s something to consider as someone who has never been through the cancer journey and for the overall cancer mindset… Just because active cancer treatment ends (surgery, constant appointments, scans, chemotherapy, radiation) doesn’t mean the fight is over. The cancer fight never truly ends for a cancer patient/survivor.

For those who have not been diagnosed or had a family member who faced cancer, here’s something worth mentioning… Often times cancer patients are faced with taking medications for several years following the active treatment schedule (ie: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) AND The Appointments still occur (which maybe less frequent), bloodwork, and scans are required years afterward. Cancer is always in the rear view mirror of your life as a cancer survivor. It’s just a different phase of the cancer journey.

Pink morning skies are extra special this March as I have begun Radiation Treatments

This is also my story. I will be on estrogen suppressant medication for 5 years after radiation therapy is completed this month. The side effects of these medications necessitates a healthy lifestyle. Using the dietary simple swaps, physical activity, and much more will be a long term lifestyle change not only for medication necessities, but in hopes to prevent a cancer reoccurrence.

Core Power protein shakes has been a great find!!! These a good boost when needed.

My ultimate hope for you is that YOU can use these simple switches and include them in your daily routine. I simply started out last November initially with increasing my own mindful awareness of my fruit and vegetable consumption… the first swap and step… slowly adding more swaps over the last 4 months. You too can do this for better health if that’s a goal for yourself and your family in 2026, beginning with one simple swap.

Salad loaded with spinach, red cabbage, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, simple switch for my cancer healing journey

**Thank you for your continued prayers and please pray for other cancer patients who are walking this journey that you may not be aware of.**

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Cancer Journal #4… Victory Gardening

February 18, 2026 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

The concept of a Victory Garden began during World War I and continued throughout World War II. People were urged to grow their own food, saving resources for the war effort. Victory Gardening was well received during the World War eras and recently we saw a revival of gardening that occurred during the Covid Crisis.

I personally have always enjoyed gardening. Growing flowers, herbs, and sometimes the occasional vegetable to add a dash of flavor into our lives. Fresh cut flowers are a wonderful addition to any space during the Gardening season as well as vegetables. I always hate to see the end of the garden season come to a close as colder weather approaches. Over the years, I have learned, as a gardener, I don’t enjoy weeding the garden! Ugh!!!

Weeds, the unwanted earthy material we desire to rid our flower & vegetable gardens of, forever. Weeds can somehow creep into your garden and appear almost overnight. Weeds steal valuable water & nutrients from your growing garden. And before you know it, your once gorgeous garden is chocked full of weeds and struggling to survive amongst the weeds. It only takes a few warm days of consistent rainfall, for those weeds to take root.

Usually around late February or early March, folks begin to search for their favorite garden seeds… The dream of the new garden begins in earnest once those tiny micro seeds are planted. The ultimate test of faith and hope, growing them inside from the seed starts. Eventually, these seeds will emerge as a small green plant… Ready to transplant once the weather permits. Hmmm… No one ever dreams about growing weeds 😂?? Right?

One of my cancer doctors recently used a “gardening analogy” to describe my experience with cancer. Upon further reflection, it was a clever way to describe everything that has happened thus far, and it just clicked. It is definitely worth sharing.

**Wherever Life plants you, just bloom.**

Stay with me for a moment, I’m going to share a bit of background information:

1. Breast cancer is caused by damage to the DNA of a cell, a mutation.

2. When healthy cells are damaged, those same cells lose their ability to repair themselves, and can continue onto the path of Cancer.

3. Cancer cells have the ability to exhibit uncontrolled growth. They never stop dividing, and these cells don’t die out!

4. The entire process of tumor formation from cancer cells takes on average 8-10 years. This process doesn’t occur overnight.

5. It is also worth mentioning that some Breast Cancers can double in size very quickly from a span of 29 to 200 days. Some Breast cancers grow much slower, like mine. Thankfully!!!

Obviously, other factors can influence cancer, like genetics. But the knowledge that we can control a portion of our own cancer battle is empowering !!! As the saying goes, “Reap what you sow”. Taking care of your garden, can benefit your ultimate harvest….with the outcome of focusing on wellness, physical activity, and good foods can make a difference… in your overall physical health… achieving Victory!!!

**Like a wildflower, grow where people thought you never could**

Cancer treatment will vary depending on the key characteristics of the cancer itself, just like your garden. Each garden is unique to its surroundings, and what is cultivated in the garden space.

I have met several new medical professionals in this cancer journey. Each one of these individuals has a specific role in defeating the cancer. This is where the garden analogy comes into focus. Consider the human body as the garden as you continue to read on.

One of the first doctors I met was my Surgical Oncologist. The role of the Surgical Oncologists, using the garden analogy… She Pulls the “weed” (cancer) directly out and also the areas around the cancer “weed” (gaining clear margins) to ensure that the entire weed root system isn’t left. My cancer was fairly small, 14mm for a nasty little weed.

Next up, my Medical Oncologist. She does “weed pollen control”. My medical oncologist addresses the whole body systems to prevent “weed pollen” from spreading by using medications that can assist in fighting the cancer or help prevent a reoccurrence. I will spend many appointments with her in the future because of the medication (5 year cycle)that is recommended for me after the radiation treatments.

Pollen is the fine, yellow, powdery substance produced by plants and yes, even weeds! Spring pollen season isn’t always a pleasant experience for many who face allergies. But, pollen can play an essential role in the garden. Often plants rely on certain insects, bees, or birds to transport the pollen, while common weeds distribute their pollen by wind. My medical oncologist is trying to prevent the “weed pollen scatter”.

**Bees are wonderful pollinators in the garden**

I recently met my Radiation Oncologist. She is the one who used this garden analogy to describe my experience with cancer thus far. In her role in my cancer care, she targets the area around where the cancer was. In essence, radiation therapy will be the “weed killer”.

Often when you pull up weeds from the garden, especially the big, testy ones with strong roots, you might come behind with a targeted weed killer to ensure that those weeds do not come back. No one wants to do all that weeding work to find several more new weeds in your garden just a few days later!

As she continued with her explanation, Tiny microscopic cancer cells can be left behind even after surgery, the goal of radiation therapy is to kill those cancer cells that might be left behind and help prevent a reoccurrence of cancer.

As I prepare for the next phase of my cancer treatment, Radiation therapy, I find myself full of anticipation… waiting for the next major hurdle to pass. I’m scheduled to begin radiation treatment in early March.

Yet, the desire to grow my garden hasn’t waned. I realize that our personal garden is our own personal story waiting to unfold. Cancer has become a part of my story and a part of my garden that I didn’t expect to grow. Trust me it hasn’t been “all roses and flowers in my garden”. I have found myself recently, deep in the weeds and thorns. My immune system has been weakened due to this cancer and I have fought off Covid for the last two weeks. My own mind’s timeline of healing hasn’t matched my sickness. The rate of recovery has been a bit longer than I anticipated. But I shall continue pulling through the weedy path in my garden.

Thankfully, planting a garden is a definitive expression of hope, and resilience… And our forefathers got it right… the concept of a Victory Garden. I will bloom where I have been planted and turn towards the sunshine. Facing this new path where the weeds are, and begin anew in Victory!

**“Plant A Garden- Plant A Victory Garden” WWII Era Slogan**

Footnote: Please say a prayer for all who are “deep in the weeds” with any type of cancer treatment. My heart is heavy for others who are battling cancer or any other serious illness. This is a battle that no one willing wants to fight but sometimes prayers can provide that strength. Those prayers are often felt at the moment they are needed… that is a victory!

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business