We’ve been watching a spot on my lung since 2007 (Cancer Again? 2010) that I had been told in 2010 was stable so nothing to worry about. We didn’t know what it was. This past year it grew from 1.2 cm to 1.5 cm. This year it became something to be concerned about. A lung needle biopsy in December showed it is metastatic breast cancer.
Even though this could be devastating news, I don’t feel devastated. I have held onto the lesson I learned several years ago — that I will be OK no matter what. Of course I am disappointed that I won’t get my celebration, and I’ve had some anxious moments, but I also feel energized by the challenge of mobilizing my healing forces once again. And I am exercising my responsibility to be the director of my treatment team. When my doctor recommended a treatment I wasn’t comfortable with, I asked for a second opinion.
January 9th I had my “second opinion” appointment with another oncologist. He came totally prepared with having read my extensive chart and knowing my 23-year history with cancer. He showed me the images on the computer of my CT scans and my PET scan, which I hadn’t seen before. I now know what the tumor looks like so I can do more effective guided imagery.
The best news is that he gave me information about my lung tumor that I hadn’t been told before. He said between August and December of 2010, it grew 2 mm. Between December 2010 and December 2011 it grew 3 mm. So in 2010 it grew 2 mm in only 4 months. In 2011 it grew only 3 mm in an entire year. That means the growth has actually slowed down. I have been working hard to create a terrain in my body that is inhospitable to cancer. This news tells me that what I have been doing seems to have made a difference. That’s very empowering news.
His recommendation is that I have a thermal ablation. This is the very treatment I had learned about through other sources that felt like my best option. He will present “me” to the lung board to determine if I am a good candidate for this treatment. The team he is presenting to is the very team I had found on the internet that is the most experienced in Sacramento with this treatment.
He said as slow-growing as this is, even if it does come back, it probably won’t be noticeable for 5 years.
I’m feeling blessed, excited, and optimistic, and committed to being more diligent with my nutrition and exercise program, my spiritual growth, and my stress reduction. I always have time to do what is important for my health (new affirmation). I’m feeling empowered that I really can make a difference, both in the quality, and the quantity of my life.
Please leave a reply, or read comments left by others. Thank you!
In the spirit of healing,
Jan Adrian, MSW
Founder and Program Director
Oh Jan, you are inspiring! Hurray for your huge success in slowing down the tumor’s growth even when you didn’t know it was a tumor! I hope you’ll share your visualizations and your continued success in beating this thing. Love and blessings, Kathleen
Sending you loads of love & prayer… the thermal ablation sounds very promising & we’re all sending you our very best…
by “all” I mean my cancer survivor yoga group whom I’m meeting tonight — I know they’ll pitch in gladly!
Jan, my prayers and thoughts are with you completely. You are such an inspiration, I know you’ll come through this one as you have all the others. I’m sorry you won’t get to celebrate the 5 year mark, but maybe in 2017 you will. We all love you.
Dear Jan,
Of course, I’m never happy to hear that the cancer has returned. But, I am always humbled by your attitude and by your skillful approach toward your own healing. You have learned so many things that help the rest of us and I deeply appreciate your openness and willingness to shine a light in all the corners so that we all can see a better, clearer way to maneuver through our setbacks and to even gain momentum from them. You are a brilliant star, dear one. Love, P
Jan, As a former Healing Journeys participant, I am sorry to hear that you will need to postpone your celebration. Hopefully, that is something you will be doing sooner rather than later.
I know you are very well connected, and so I have a question for you. A dear friend has just been diagnosed with metastatic cervical cancer. She had been treated successfully, (apparently) a couple of years ago for cervical cancer. It has spread to her stomach and intestines. Additionally, scar tissue from radiation treatment has made it impossible to eat, and she has lost much weight. She is now anemic and on IV until they can get her strength up enough for surgery, and then possibly chemo.
From your experience, do you know of any successful integrative treatment, and or docs who specialize in this? She is in New York, but can afford to go anywhere for treatment.
With much appreciation and blessings for your healing/recovery,
Rosalie Yelen
WOW! You are in inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am currently in a very similar situation as you (watch & wait on very small lung mets). Your story is such an inspiration to me right now– words cannot even describe. Please keep us posted on your progress. To OUR health!!
Blessings and light to you on your healing journey, and thanks so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration!
You are an inspiration! What a perfect role model for the rest of us with breast cancer even if we have made a 5 year survival. We need people like you who project such positive and intelligent views of cancer and how to get the best possible treatment. A second opinion is never a bad idea!
Best wishes on your journey to healthy healing!
Betty
Dear Jan,
I read your reflection with great interest, understanding and compassion. I have never been able to attend a conference, but we have been living the cancer journey for 7+ years. My husband was first diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in Oct. 2004. After a colon resection, chemo and liver resection he was cancer “free” for two years. Since then he has been on and off treatment regularly for chronic disease. He has had had other surgeries, chemo, and radiation. The reason I am writing is to tell you of my husband’s radiofrequency ablation of his liver tumor by Dr. Christopher Laing of Radiological Associates in Sacramento. He turned out to be our angel of mercy! When other doctors were giving up, and our insurance was putting up roadblocks, Dr. Laing was positive, as you mentioned showed us all the scans and gave us explanations, and he was willing to fight the insurance company if necessary. The procedure was successful and continued to buy my husband more time. That was in Nov. 2010. The cancer has spread to his lungs now, but it remains slow growing and the standard treatments, though not a cure, keep the metastatic cancer under control. We know his disease is chronic, but stable, and he has outlived all prognostications upon initial diagnosis. The key, as you say, is to remain positive, proactive and take control. We changed our way of eating (and loved The Cancer Fighting Kitchen cookbook!), my husband has continued to stay active and we try to incorporate ways to reduce stress. Going on the 8th year of the cancer journey, 6 almost continuous, has been a challenge for both my husband and for me as his caregiver, but we approach it as a team. I thank you for giving inspiration in your reflections and wish you the best of luck with your latest – AGAIN!
Sincerely,
Barbara
Jan, what a wonderfully educational and inspirational letter. Really, you have inspired me to make sure I pursue a second opinion on any treatment options that are presented to me. And you did such a thorough job of researching your options in the process! (Your reliable sources?) We live in such “interesting” times–the promise of truly customized treatment is out there, but for so many of us, it seems just out of reach–your experience shows how very important good scans and biopsies are, along with the confidence to push to get what is really right for you. Thank you for this letter, and all my best positive thoughts to you.
Awesome Jan! I’m living with mCRC and had stereotactic radiation to 4 lung mets a year ago. (refused chemo; last chemo 5/09). Still NED after this Jan CT and doc says my cancer is slow growing too. I’m with you on keeping the healing as a way of life!! good luck
all the best, Leslie
central Wyoming
Jan,
Wishing you the best. I’m thinking of you and all the wonderful work you do.
Dear Jan,
Your story is so inspiring. I went through breast cancer last year and have just had my first mammogram since the diagnosis – that came back clear. It’s funny – after having breast cancer, I guess the thought of it returning will be something that will always be in the back of my mind. I’m happy to see you are taking care of yourself and being proactive, especially if you weren’t satisfied with your first recommendations from the medical community. I have learned to always fit exercise in to my day now – whereas before the diagnosis, I would do it when I had time – which was hardly ever, watch/change my diet and be alert to things that can fight cancer just by eating/exercising! You will be in my prayers. God Bless
Your positive energy is inspiring! I will be sending healing thoughts out to the Universe!
Hi jan – well, of course I already knew this but it’s thrilling to see it out there for everyone. What an inspiring story. love, Sue
Dear Jan, you know for yourself already that you can do it, yet again! See it as a sign that you still need to resolve something in your life, be it present or past, But something is still playing itself out on the stage that is your body and your consciousness. Hypnotherapy guided me to those deeply entrenched issues of present and past lives (same issue) that needed attention now. My breast cancer made that “now” quite clear! Besides dealing with my body, of equal importance was healing my soul, and listening to my body as it guided me there. You can do it! All the best, Kirstin
Jan – I am sorry that you keep having to go through this stuff.
I agree with you – you can better serve those whom you want to reach as you are dealing with cancer. And you have done more to help cancer patients than almost anybody, which you would never have done without your own diagnoses.
However, I think maybe this many times is a bit over the top, God!
I’ll be thinking of you!
Love, Lois
Jan: Keep on keeping on!! Attitude IS half the battle.I will keep you in prayer and put you on my “prayer door” that i knock on every day 🙂 Healing hugs and blessings.. Laura
My dear friend, Jan,
You are my role model and hero! You are teaching me and honoring me with your wisdom and love for life. I walk with you my friend as you go through this procedure. I too affirm that you come to your highest and best because it can’t be other wise. Our God is a loving and wonderful God, who loves you beyond measure. How can you be afraid? Walk with open arms and love, love, love…there isn’t anything else out there. Hugs and big love, Avanell Kirchman
Jan,
You are a wonderful example of someone who is not only “talking the talk” but “walking the walk!” You practice what you preach and it is paying off.
Aloha, Jan! Sending you healing blessings from Hawaii Island. You are an inspiration!
Xxxooo
Jan,
Thank you so much for this insight: “I will be OK, no matter what”, and the lesson, continue to be informed, understand that you have the power to create and do what needs to be done. All of these practices make a difference. How wonderful that you had a second opinion in order to have the insight that what you are doing is making a difference.
Good for you! and good for us.
shirl
I am sending you healing thoughts, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for those us facing cancer and its treatment. Cancer As A Turning Point gatherings were such an inspiration to me when I dealt with breast cancer (1994) and colon cancer (1996). All will be well.
Dear Jan,
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. I will place you in my imagery and prayers.
With love, Dean
Jan,
My first reaction is “Oh, no.” But after reading your take on it, I already feel better. Your attitude and positiveness is amazing and gives others such hope. Keep up your research and positive thinking.
I have been attending your conferences as a practioner and also as a person who has been surrounded by many family members with cancer. Jan, I would like to help you in any way that I can. Please let me do a complimentary biofeedback session for you. I think it would be a enlightening experience for both of us.
Blessing to you,
Jan Carter CBS
You go gal! You are an inspiration to all cancer survivors as a reminder that we can make a difference by practicing good health habits, keeping anxiety down & making our health a priority. Also, knowing that we are empowered to make our own choices re: dr’s & treatments.
With prayers, Bonnie Griffith, 6yr endometrial cancer survivor
GO JAN!!
You can do it!
I applaud you for once again showing others, by example, how to take charge of your fight and being the expert in your own cancer!!
Sending up prayers for your complete and speedy healing Jan and I am thanking God for your renewed health, your attitude and energy and ability to encourage others in their journey!!!
Dearest Jan,
Consider yourself held in my heart and my prayers.
I love that concept of “a body inhospitable to cancer.” I think it’s probably the only time in your live you’ve been inhospitable.
Love and hugs,
Debra
Bless you, my prayers are with you, you are a remarkable woman, keep the visualisations up, do you know EFT this is good too as is self hypnosis which I am sure you are aware of.
I volunteer at my local Cancer drop in centre running a six week 2 hour per week workshop that I have written for groups. Encouraging people to see what cancer may be saying about them, their lives, choices, relationships, etc, personal development along pain control and of course visualisations to create a wonderful positive healing Mind, body and spirit!
Be blessed
Glynes
Hi Jan,
We are praying for you and glad to hear the positive news. You are in our thoughts often and we are forever grateful for the seminar you gave when we were deep into our bout with cancer.
Love,
Brenda and Steve
Oh Jan, I KNOW you’ll be JUST FINE!!!!
I’m looking forward to seeing you again anyways
(:
Funny, I myself was scheduled for a follow-up brain MRI today, but the NW has had a big SNOW day here…so, rescheduled for a later date…I’m not too worried about it, and I can tell you’re not worried about your own challenges either. Love & ((hugs))to you!!!
Jan,
You a such a powerful role model for your courage, inner healing powers, personal strength, and the passion and dignity to live your life!!!!
Along the way, I am so sorry that you have to go through all of this again instead of a cancer free celebration.
Wow Jan, I have not read much on this site for many years. I am 8 yrs out from St 1 Ov Ca.
You have it sooo together! What a HUGE inspiration you are!!! I’m going to forward your article to my friend who’s mid 40’s dealing with an aggressive metastatic recurrance of Br Ca w mets to lungs and brain. I think she can get a lot out of your words. Keep up the awesome attitude and positive energy, it sure seems to be doing you well.
Blessings!
Karen Fitz
Sacramento area
oh, jan, so sorry for this bump in the road. if anybody deserves a free pass, it’s you. that said, i share your confidence that you will be able to guide your body to continue eliminating these unwanted and unnecessary cells. and i know that you will be fine.
much love,
karin ireland
Jan your attitude and outlook are inspiring. I must admit I blurted out swear words when I read of your diagnosis. I know though that you will be ok. You are a warrior.
I’m sorry to hear that your cancer has returned, but I have to say I was really pleased to see you taking full control of your healing process: finding the right oncologist (a positive one who communicates the whole picture), and using guided imagery to help control the tumor. As a hypnotherapist I am very aware of the power of guided imagery. You’ve successfully handled cancer before and I have no doubt you can do it again. My good thoughts are with you. Do continue to keep us posted.
Jan, you are an amazing inspiration, as ever. I appreciate your sharing this news in detail, and am holding you in the Light, grateful for all you have done and all you are.
Here’s to your health!
Fond regards,
kathleen
Dear Jan, I was inspired to read your update.
I came to a Healing Journeys weekend in San Jose in 2009. It was the weekend before I began Radiation treatment for cancer on my vocal chord.
That treatment was completed by Thanksgiving of 2010 and I am now into my second year free of cancer.Attending that weekend helped me tremendously allowing me to feel apart of a community of people focused on Healing.
After my treatment was complete I was recommended by a friend (3 time cancer survivor) to begin drinking a new product that could help my cells stay free of cancer.
I was skeptical at first but decided to take a look. I have been surprised and delighted by what I found. The product is called Asea and is unlike any other supplement we have seen.
We know that cancer cells have not received the message to self destruct (apoptosis)and are growing out of control.For the past 16 years scientists have found that the body has a system of communicating from cell to cell and the essential component is something called Redox Signaling Molecules. There are literally thousands of studies documented on PubMed showing how these molecules are key to our cells protecting, repairing and replacing themselves throughout the body. Asea is the first and only supplement of Redox Signaling Molecules. I encourage you to take look into this, have your team check it out. It is not a cure for anything but it does give our bodies what they need to keep our cells healthy since we generate less and less of these molecules ourselves as we age. They are Native to the body and are completely non toxic at any level.
Blessings,
Gordon Pugh.
Just read your latest news. Just know that we are beaming love and singing at the top of our lungs:
TAKE IT EASY BABY, YOU’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MIRACLE!
Love from Jan & JD
What she said! (Kathleen above) That’s what I wanted to say also.
Sending much love and healing energy,
Lynne
Dear Jan,
You are awesome! I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and I know you will do whatever it takes. Thank you for always supporting us, even when you are teaching us through your own struggles.
Wishing you r’fuah schleimah (a complete healing of mind, body and soul).
Louise
Jan, thank you for your powerful and inspiring sharing. You are amazing. I know that you will be OK. Am sending loving and healing prayers to you.
Fondly, Stephanie
Jan, There is a “Peace that passeth understanding” and it sounds like you have it. Therefore, all is well.
I love you
Mickey
Jan, thank you for being so open with all of us. You remind me that all the things I have learned about taking care of myself are important, and you help me feel more empowered. You are a wonder, thank you for sharing yourself.
Your feeling of empowerment also makes me feel more empowered. I have learned so much via Healing Journeys.
My best healing thoughts are flying your way.
Love,
Ruth
I am sorry to hear of this damn cancer again but you are a model of dealing with it. I will be thinking of you and sending positive energy your way. I know you are receptive to receiving back some of the energy you have given us.
Dearest Jan,
I’m wanting to say so much to you, my amazing friend.
I want to tell you I am sorry that you must face this disease once again, and I want to let you know that I continue to be inspired by you as you face a new challenge.
I want to say fuck…enough of this. And, then, I am reminded of your incredible attitude and optimism – and I realize how important it is to focus on giving you my support and love.
I am thinking of you with healing blessings, warm hugs, and visions of health.
Jan, please do not hesitate if you need anything or if there is anything I can do.
I love you,
xxxooo Diane
Hello Jan,
Thank you for sharing your experiences so openly with us. I have so appreciated your work over the past years and have been to two Cancer as a Healing Journey conferences. I had breast cancer in 2000 and currently teach yoga and stress management classes to long-term survivors as well as people currently in treatment. I live in Richmond, Virginia. You are a true inspiration and my heart is with you as you continue the healing journey. Wishing you abundant peace and love,
Allison Mesnard
allison@stillhereyoga.com
Dear Jan,
You are making and have made a tremendous positive difference in many lives. Thank you for continuing to inspire, for always focusing on the good.
Love,
Jane
Dear Jan,
This news was so disappointing to me, but with your wisdom, your highly tuned sensitivities and caring heart, I know that you will ride this through to remission.
Jan, it has been a lasting gift to me to know you and work with you on the Healing journeys steering committee in Seattle. May the love that shines forth from the conferences be turned toward you in healing light.
Much love,
Linda