One would expect an obvious lump when doing a self examination of breasts but initial concern was from a swollen feeling. The GP’s diagnosis via conversation alone was onset of menopause [I was 44] and noted in four months time I was eligible for my first free mammogram, she felt it was feasible to wait. Why, as a mature, intelligent woman did I not press for that mammogram immediately? As a wife, mother and business owner accepting the doctor's prognosis was the easy option, turns out it was not.
Know your body, trust your instincts, push for answers. Four months later I was called for my first free mammogram. In the following days an urgent ultrasound, biopsy and examination confirming a triple + breast cancer. The tumour was inoperable due to its size, chemo needed to destroy/shrink this invader, thankfully it did. Standardly advanced or aggressive cancers are treated with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and medications of which I did all.
Loss of hair, like a bright red beacon screams breast cancer. My wig sat in the corner of the room like a rodent. I had nothing to feel embarrassed about and felt empowered to face the public with my new rebel look, earrings and eyeliner my new best friends. Concerned it would be upsetting to my clients I eventually wore that rodent and invested in two more wigs that became accessories to my wardrobe making the best of a bad situation.
Initially I was opposed to the word “Journey”, however it fits. Being struck by cancer is no holiday but it is a Journey internally faced by the individual. Differently interpreted according to personality, diagnoses and medical information. Fast action from the medical professionals was amazing but treatment felt like a roller coaster of undigested information, fear and lack of knowledge. I faced my treatments head on, focused on my children who were 13 and 10, still in need of a mother.
Looking back I had “Rushing Woman's Syndrome.” and unachievable expectations of myself all equalling high stress. Conscious of my diet I followed what was advised. Turns out our food pyramid promotes carbohydrates and sugar which I have learnt feed cancer, I eat very differently now.
Confident after a year of treatment I was cured, life went back to normal with little change. In 2017, three years after my initial diagnoses my eyesight was randomly going blurry. An appointment with my optician followed by an eye specialist led me to the brain surgeons in Waikato hospital diagnosing an occipital tumour. The tumour was pushing on the area at the back of my brain responsible for sight. When removed it was confirmed to be secondary triple + breast cancer, in the medical world secondary cancer labels you as terminal.
Another year goes by when a regular MRI shows a new lesion in the cerebellar, an area of the brain responsible for balance. Once again I faced my worst fear as a claustrophobic person and received localized radiation to this new lesion. When having radiation to the head a mask is moulded to your face and clamped firmly to the table you lie on, thank heavens for sedatives. The effects of radiation are less visual than chemotherapy but recovery is an unseen hit to the immunity. Anyone going through intense medical treatments deserved a gold medal.
Another year reprieve. During which time I have been to a couple of cancer retreats, attended talks by cancer survivors, read radical remissions, Continual Keto, Any Way You Can. Tried meditation, experienced ozone infusion, started juicing, veterinarian and vegan diets. Played with Un-legislated marijuana as by law its too hard to obtain and extremely costly. Intravenous vit C became a weekly treatment for a couple of years. A ketogenic diet and fasting are the newest in my study. In my cancer journey I have fallen into a black hole at times but the strong want for life has pulled me out and this is the time I really started to research holistic possibility.
October 2021 cancer has returned to areas of my bones. I am undergoing a course of chemotherapy [vinorelbine] mixed with immunotherapy of trastuzumab and pertuzumab. A new book has entered my world, “How to starve Cancer.” Its now the end of 2023 and my cancer has been in remission for nearly two years. I strongly believe , not just for cancer but a variety of medical conditions, utilising medical and holistic remedies together are the ultimate.
My Life nine years after entering the world of cancer.
- Ketogenic Diet with time restricted eating to keep insulin under control, avoid inflammation.
- Weekly Fast of 36 – 72 Hours for autophagy and growth hormone
- As I read “How to Starve Cancer” I am introducing medications/supplements under the guidance of a Medical/holistic GP whom I trust.
- Downsized my business, working the hours I choose. I love being a beauty therapist. Improving the way people feel returns so much positive energy to me and gives me purpose.
- Stay away from Negativity in any shape/form
- Put Myself First
- Embrace things that make me happy/laugh
- Socialize with positive People.
- Relax, plan holidays and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
- Regular exercise and outdoor activities, very important.
Medical Therapies:
- Immunotherapy of trastuzumab and pertuzumab every three weeks.
- Zoledronic Acid to strengthen bones every three months.
My personality doesn't surrender and although I don't feel like a miracle survivor of cancer it is amazing I sit here today 9 years later writing my story.
