Navigating Health and Budget: Tips from a Glioblastoma Survivor

When I got diagnosed with Glioblastoma, it felt like a wake-up call to reassess everything, especially what I put into my body. Making changes wasn't just about feeling better; it was about survival. But let's be honest: prioritizing health comes with a price tag, and it's not always friendly to the wallet. I found out how expensive it is to be healthy, but there are things you can do, and a lot of it starts with research, shopping around, and finding brands you like and trust. I like Native, Toms, Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, Derma Vitality, Boca (toothpaste), Justines, etc.

Let's start with food. Cooking for yourself is vital, but what if you're clueless in the kitchen? That was me. So, I turned to meal services like Green Chef. They make it idiot-proof, with step-by-step instructions and perfectly portioned ingredients. Plus, they often throw in sweet sign-up deals. And hey, if you get tired of one service, cancel and try another—no strings attached. For several months, I literally bounced from plan to plan to see what I liked and to get all the deals. Fun Fact, when you cancel and in about three days, they will send you a fantastic offer to come back. So, you can bounce around for months, getting the best bang for your buck. Remember Thrive Market and those rewards clubs at your local health food store. And for organic goodies on a budget, Costco's got your back.

Next up, personal care products. Native is my go-to for toothpaste and deodorant – free from sketchy chemicals and often with coupons on their site or at Target. And a shoutout to Derma Vitality for skincare. Their products, crafted by an Oncology Nurse, are a godsend for my skin post-surgery. No, I'm not getting a kickback for saying this. I genuinely believe in their stuff. Derma Vitality Link

Now, let's talk household products. Mrs. Meyer's is my jam – good for you and the planet. And while I'm all about going natural, I've learned the hard way about the importance of disinfecting during chemo. So, don't skimp on following CDC guidelines for making a bleach solution to zap those germs. I mix up my batch and spritz away several times a week. CDC LINK

Ultimately, it's about finding a balance between health, budget, and practicality. It's not always easy, but every small change adds up. And when you're fighting for your health, every little bit counts.