Clean(ish) Living: Our Real-World Approach to Wellness During Cancer
May 05, 2025
When cancer enters your life twice, you start questioning everything. Eight years ago, our first encounter with cancer felt like a tidal wave. This time, we're navigating it with more intention - as a family.
"Clean living" can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling hospital visits, childcare, and trying to keep everyone fed. But here's what I've learned: it's not about perfection. It's about making small, intentional shifts that actually stick.
Why "Clean(ish)" Works Better Than "Clean"
Clean living shouldn't feel like punishment. During my husband's second cancer journey, I've discovered that sustainable wellness comes from:
- Small shifts that fit real life
- Progress over perfection
- Finding what works for YOUR family
- Ignoring perfection-pushing social media
The Beauty Essentials That Actually Matter
Beyond the buzzwords: When everything feels chaotic, focus on daily-use items:
- Moisturizer (what touches your skin every day)
- Cleanser (what you wash with morning and night)
- Deodorant (what you apply under stress)
My surprising discovery: EU-approved products often meet stricter safety standards than US counterparts. I switched to Mádara face cream, and my kids now use Weleda toothpaste. Not because influencers told me to, but because the formulations are cleaner.
What to reduce:
- Synthetic fragrances (headache triggers during chemo)
- Parabens and phthalates (endocrine disruptors)
- Products with talc or formaldehyde
Kitchen Foundations That Support Healing
Our game-changing swaps:
- Plastic to Glass Storage
- We use Pyrex and Ball jars
- No more plastic containers in the microwave
- Kids help transfer leftovers (it's their "science" game)
- Water Filtration
- Installed a Moen under-sink filter
- Game-changer for taste and peace of mind
- Kids actually drink more water now
- Cookware That Matters
- Switched to 360 Cookware (stainless steel)
- Cast iron for roasting vegetables
- Goodbye forever, non-stick chemicals
Home Environment: Breathing Easier
Simple shifts for better air:
- Oransi HEPA filters in main living spaces
- Air-purifying plants (snake, spider, peace lily)
- Opening windows daily - even in winter
- Simplifying our cleaning routine
Cleaning without chemicals:
- Vinegar, baking soda, and citrus handle 90% of our needs
- Truly Free for laundry and dishes
- Kids help make "cleaning potions" (water + vinegar + essential oils)
Natural Fibers: Comfort During Treatment
Why we switched to natural clothing:
- Cotton, linen, hemp breathe better during hot flashes
- No synthetic chemicals touching sensitive skin
- Lasts longer (important for one-income families)
- More comfortable for long hospital days
Real talk: Yes, natural fiber clothes cost more upfront. We buy secondhand organic cotton when possible and invest in quality pieces that last.
The 80/20 Rule That Saves Sanity
Our approach:
- 80% whole foods, 20% flexibility
- Clean beauty for daily-use items, regular stuff for occasional use
- Filter drinking water, accept that we can't control everything
- Natural cleaners at home, understanding restaurants use chemicals
What Bio-Individuality Really Means
Here's the truth: What works for us might not work for you.
- My husband tolerates dairy, so we keep some
- I react to lavender essential oil, despite it being "natural"
- Our kids need gluten-free bread, but regular pasta is fine
Listen to your body. Trust your experience.
Daily Rhythms That Support Clean(ish) Living
Morning foundation:
- Lemon water before coffee
- Air filter running overnight
- Phone stays downstairs until after breakfast
- Windows open for 10 minutes (yes, even in January)
Throughout the day:
- Movement breaks every 90 minutes
- Glass water bottle refills
- Quick outdoor resets
- Natural light exposure
When Life Demands Everything
During intensive treatment periods, we've learned:
- Paper plates are sometimes necessary
- Ordering takeout beats stress cooking
- Store-bought organic is better than homemade stress
- Community support matters more than pristine homes
Permission slip: Let go of guilt. Clean living supports you; it shouldn't own you.
Starting Where You Are
Pick one thing this week:
- Switch your moisturizer
- Buy one glass storage container
- Open windows for 5 minutes daily
- Try vinegar for one cleaning task
Remember: Your wellness journey is unique. What matters most is that it sustains you through life's challenges, not adds to them.
Ready to simplify your clean living approach? [Download Your Clean(ish) Living Guide →]
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