Navigating Health and Budget: Tips from a Glioblastoma Survivor

When I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, it felt like life hit the reset button. Suddenly, everything—my health, my habits, my spending—needed reevaluation. Eating better, cutting toxins, and being mindful of what I was putting in and on my body became essential. But here is the truth: trying to be healthy can get expensive fast. So how do you stay well when money is tight? That is the balance I have been learning to strike. As a Glioblastoma survivor, here are some real tips that helped me do it.

Food: Where Wellness Starts

Meal Kits for Beginners

Cooking for yourself is one of the best things you can do for your body, but it is not always easy—especially if you are not a kitchen whiz. I was totally clueless at first. That is why I turned to meal kit services like Green Chef. They deliver everything you need, portioned and prepped, with idiot-proof instructions. These kits made cooking less intimidating and helped me build confidence while improving my diet.

Here is a hack: most services offer great sign-up deals. So, I bounced between a few—Green Chef, EveryPlate, HelloFresh. I would cancel one, wait a few days, and like clockwork, they would offer a discount to lure me back. Rinse and repeat. It is a smart way to stretch your budget while trying healthy meals.

Shop Smart and Save

Eating clean on a budget takes strategy. That means keeping your eye out for membership deals, coupons, and reward programs. Thrive Market is a good option for pantry staples. Your local health food store probably offers loyalty discounts, too.

And let us not forget Costco. If you are buying organic in bulk, it can save you tons over time. Their frozen section and pantry aisle are loaded with organic goods at prices that beat most grocery stores.

Farmers' markets are another option worth exploring, especially near the end of the day when sellers often offer discounts to clear out inventory. Some even accept EBT or local produce vouchers, which can make fresh produce much more accessible. Building relationships with local growers not only supports the community, but can also give you access to fresher, more affordable produce.

Personal Care: Clean Ingredients, Reasonable Prices

Trusted Brands I Use

One of the first things I changed after my Glioblastoma diagnosis was my personal care products. Native became my go-to for deodorant and toothpaste. They are aluminum-free, paraben-free, and often run coupons on their site or in-store at Target. I also like Toms, Boca for toothpaste, and Justine's for natural snacks.

For skincare, I cannot recommend Derma Vitality enough. Their products are formulated by an oncology nurse and have been lifesavers post-surgery, especially for my skin. Their creams feel gentle yet effective. Check out Derma Vitality here. No sponsorship—just honest appreciation.

In addition to brand loyalty, using cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta can make a difference in the long term. Every dollar adds up, and if you are already shopping online, you might as well earn a bit back while you are at it. Signing up for email newsletters from these brands will also keep you in the loop for seasonal sales and limited-time bundles.

Household Cleaners: Natural but Effective

Staying Safe During Chemo

Mrs. Meyer's has been my go-to for household cleaning. Their products are effective, smell great, and do not leave behind harsh residues. But here is the thing—when your immune system is compromised during chemo, being "natural" is not enough. Disinfection becomes a priority.

I follow the CDC’s bleach solution guidelines to disinfect surfaces a few times a week. It is simple, cheap, and effective. It is also necessary when your white blood cell count is low. Here is the CDC link on safe bleach use. You can mix a safe batch and keep it in a spray bottle for regular use.

Disinfecting common touch surfaces—doorknobs, remotes, kitchen handles—might seem excessive, but it matters. I learned to keep a checklist and sanitize consistently, especially during flu season or if anyone in the house had a cold. That routine helped ease my anxiety and gave me a sense of control during an otherwise unpredictable time.

Finding Balance Between Budget and Health

Living well with Glioblastoma means finding what works for you. For me, it is a blend of smart shopping, trial and error, and learning to read labels. It is about investing where it matters most—your food, your rest, your peace of mind. Yes, some things cost more, but not everything does. The key is to be intentional.

I have learned that you do not need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to start somewhere. Swap one product, try one new brand, cook one meal. Then keep going. Over time, those small changes add up.

Health is not about perfection—it is about consistency. And affordability does not mean sacrificing quality. It means being resourceful. It means meal prepping on Sunday nights. It means taking the time to compare ingredients, looking beyond the label claims, and doing your homework on what really works for your body.

Helpful Tips for Fellow Survivors

• Sign up for mailing lists of clean brands—many offer first-order discounts.
• Compare pricing online and in-store—sometimes Amazon is cheaper, sometimes not.
• Join Facebook groups or Reddit threads for coupon sharing and product recs.
• Call your local food co-op to ask about assistance programs or monthly discounts.
• Always check return policies—some natural brands offer refunds if you do not love the product.
• Look for bundles or subscription discounts—many brands offer lower prices when you commit to recurring deliveries.
• Consider making your own cleaners using safe DIY recipes that include ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and essential oils.

Final Thoughts

Being a Glioblastoma survivor means making a lot of adjustments—physically, mentally, financially. But you do not have to give up on wellness just because the budget is tight. There is always a way to make it work if you stay flexible and informed. You do not have to go broke to go healthy. You just need to get creative.

It took time for me to find a rhythm, to learn what was worth investing in and where I could save. But I am better for it. Stronger. More aware. And hopefully, a bit wiser. If sharing these insights helps just one other person navigate their own journey with Glioblastoma a little more easily, then it is worth every word.

I am still learning, still adjusting, still experimenting. But every step I take toward healthier living, no matter how small, is a victory. And I hope these tips help you feel more empowered in your own journey. 💪

Helpful Resources

• Derma Vitality – Oncology Skincare
• CDC Guide to Safe Bleach Use
• More Tips from JohnVsGBM

Tags: Glioblastoma Survivor, Budget Wellness, Clean Living on a Budget, Cancer Life Tips, Non-Toxic Products, Affordable Health Tips, Green Chef, Native Deodorant, Derma Vitality, JohnVsGBM