Six years ago, l heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You have cancer.” Mine was esophageal. In a single moment, everything changed. My days were no longer measured by plans and routines, but by panic and prayer, then hope and the strength to keep going. All of a sudden, I felt like my life was on hold. Fighting this dreaded disease became my full-time focus. The unending tests, treatments, procedures and finally surgery consumed not only my life, but the lives of my family.
That chapter helped to reshape the way I live today. Although I haven’t changed my lifestyle completely as far as getting rid of all bad cleaners, ( I do use window cleaner and bleach on occasion, but not often), and the way I eat today has been greatly altered due to my surgery.
Many things I used to love to eat, now make me sick. Surgically, much of my esophagus and stomach are no longer there and I’m unable to process sugars, dairy, and fats like I once did. On the upside, I did lose 53 unwanted pounds. Fortunately, the good foods like vegetables, fruits and grains, I have no problem with, so I eat these often and usually pick fresh over frozen. I figure there must be some connection between being able to eat fresh and not being able to eat processed foods.
This got me to thinking about the harmful chemicals we clean with. If my body can’t handle foods with preservatives, maybe I shouldn’t be cleaning with chemicals either. I have made some serious changes in the way I clean my house now. I started to view the fact that if I can’t seem to eat much processed foods, but the good foods are okay, then maybe chemical cleaning products are something I should get rid of, as well.
Fast forward to six years later. I try to fill my home with natural scents instead of harsh chemicals: Making a home and linen spray with just distilled water and essential oil in a spray bottle, is a cheaper and healthier alternative to fragrance sprays. Experiment with blending a few drops of your favorites to come up with your own unique home scent. Try several different scents for a variety.
A few household items you may already have, can clean as well as kill germs just as well as the chemical types.
Natural Cleaning Swaps That Support My Health and Home
Here are a few of the simple swaps I’ve made that have worked well in my home:
• All-Purpose Cleaner:
I mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a
spray bottle,
then add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil. It works beautifully on counters, glass, and even bathroom surfaces.
• Dusting Spray:
A mixture of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and a drop or two of orange essential oil makes a lovely natural polish for wood furniture.
• Baking Soda Scrub:
For tougher spots like sinks and stovetops, I sprinkle baking soda, spritz with vinegar, and let it fizz before scrubbing. It’s safe.
• Laundry Freshener:
I add 20 drops of essential oil (like eucalyptus or lavender) to a pint jar filled with plain Epsom Salts. Mix well and use a small scoop or cup (I keep the little cups that come with liquid antiacids). I store the cup right in the jar. Put one cup – about 2 tablespoons right in the wash cycle.
• A half a lemon sprinkled with course sea salt, rub on your cutting board and work in until salt is fairly dissolved. Rinse well let air dry. This combination kills 99% of household germs. Never use fresh meats on a wooden board as the cutting produces fine scratches that germs from meats can adhere to.
What surprised me the most wasn’t just how well these natural solutions worked—it was how much better I felt using them. No headaches, no heavy fumes, and a deeper sense of comfort in knowing I’m not exposing myself or my family to toxins in the name of “clean.”
Rethinking My Pantry: Choosing Real Food for Real Healing
Just like with my cleaning cabinet, I took a good look at what was living in my pantry and fridge. The more I learned about processed foods—the preservatives, additives, and hidden sugars—the more I realized how disconnected I’d been from the food that was supposed to nourish me.
After cancer, food became more than just something I enjoyed. Besides the fact that I couldn’t eat much of the foods I used to love in the past, I started to worry that some of the ‘junk’ that I loved may have caused my cancer. It sent me on a spiral to eat healthier and even a little more organic.
Here are some of the shifts I made that helped me feel more in control of my health:
• Check ingredients. If a food had a label which I couldn’t pronounce, I’m or apt to pass on it. Now, I stick to more to basics: oats, rice, beans, nuts, fresh or frozen produce, and clean proteins. Does it mean I don’t ever eat processed food? Absolutely not. I still have my favorites. I just don’t eat them as often.
• Cooking from scratch more often. It doesn’t have to be fancy simple soups, roasted veggies, and homemade dressings are things I experiment with. I have also taken a renewed interest in canning. Last fall I visited the farmer’s markets and canned beets, peaches, and tomatoes. I made preserves, chutneys, and piccalilli. It’s a lot of fun and I know what ingredients we’re eating. It’s amazing what you can make with a few wholesome ingredients and a little love.
• Cutting back on sugar and processed snacks. Okay, snacks are a problem for me. For some reason I can still eat potato chips and I do eat them more than I should. But since I can’t eat ice cream or Pepsi (staples I ate a lot of) I now have a stash of teas in the afternoon instead. I still enjoy treats, but I’m more intentional about what they’re made of.
• Reading labels: Just because they may be marked ‘healthy’, it doesn’t mean they are.
This isn’t about being perfect. And God knows, I’m not. Do I still reach for chemical cleaners? Yes, sometimes. But I will say, I buy the chemical cleaners less and less as time goes on. It’s about being aware and making the best choices I can with what I have. And every time I reach for a cleaner option, I’m honoring the life I fought so hard to keep.
So, six years later, I still wake up every day thanking God for sparing me. I try to live my life with gratitude—for this body, for the chance to do things differently. Cancer changed me, but it also opened my eyes. It taught me to listen more closely to what my body needs and to create a home that supports healing in every corner.
If you’re on your own journey, whether it’s healing from illness, learning to live more gently, or simply becoming more mindful, I hope my story reminds you that small changes matter. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Just begin. One cleaner swap, one home-cooked meal, one moment of grace at a time. If something I’ve shared resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story. Please share your journey with us. If you’re walking a similar path, know that you are not alone and sharing really helps.
DID YOU KNOW… Exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep along with doing the things you love, like reading, and listening to music, helps a cancer patient cope with and endure the treatments and surgery. Along with a good support system which is also essential, your frame-of-mind during this time is so important.
Wishing you warmth, comfort, and a home that hugs your soul!
~ Karen
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