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
Bless your heart, you have been a real trooper fighting for your life. You were so close to 5 yrs, give yourself a pat on the back and find a way to celebrate! May this treatment be successful and you continue to give us reports. God Bless, Ribbonmom (a 6yr. survivor)
Dear Jan,
You are a powerful woman. Holding you in prayer, knowing you are drawn to exactly whatever supports your radiant health and inspiring, joy-filled presence in the lives of so many.
Love, Lynne
I love your attitude!! Have you heard about the amazing curative aspects of cannibis (sp)? Dr. Donald Abrams at Osher Integrative Ctr in San Francisco prescribes it for those with cancer – with amazing results in stopping its growth – more studies have & are being done in Italy and Spain. Some of my clients are using it along with healthy life styles, meditating, diet, etc.. sending healing energy your way….
Dear Jan,
I, too, am sorry to learn of yet another cancer challenge on your plate. You have been so valiant for so many years. But, I am excited and inspired by what you have apparently been able to accomplish through nutrition and other modalities. I also operate on the same principle (changing the internal terrain) to prevent a recurrence (Stage 3 breast cancer, no chemo) and would be very interested in knowing more about your ‘program’ (as I suspect many others would also). I am 3.5 years post-‘treatment’ and would love to ‘share notes’.
There are a lot of people out here pulling for you.
Wishing you many years of good health to come,
Roxana
I am inspired by your courage and optimism…you are a great model for anyone dealing with this process. Have you heard that diseases of the lungs are correlated with loss or grief?? And have you read about German New Medicine’s theories..(Dr. Hamer),
well worth investigating.
I send healing blessings your way. Hope you’ve had a chance to gaze with Braco the Croatian healer too.
Bless you on this new journey, Jan! So terribly sorry this has happened but your responses & your sharing of them are wonderful!
Sending you a gentle hug & my very best wishes!
Norma Jean
You have been a inspiration to me and so many others, Jan.
Envision the healing color of pancreatic ca. gold and affirm that you are being healed throughout your body. I am a 11 year survivor of pancreatic ca.
My prayers will be with you too.
Love and many healing blessings to you.
Love, Sandy
Jan,
You are truly an inspiration, a ray of hope to others who aren’t where you are at with knowing one can have control over their ultimate treatment plan and can be active in their treatment by practicing mindful nutrition, exercise, and spirituality. You inspire! I will be holding you up in prayer as you move through your treatment on all levels. Kristin
Jan, I understand the disappointment and am encouraged by your spirit to thrive. Thank You so much for sharing. I’m scheduled for a blood draw for ca125 on Friday. Reading of your courage and spirit is a tremendous support for me. I will keep you in my prayers. Thanks again and God bless! Gaylynne
Dear Jan,
Your news was frightening but then empowering–to know that we have so much power over what happens to us. It is definitely helpful to have the facts in front of you and to have a doctor who is in alignment with your ideas. You are an inspiration to others going through similar circumstances. Thank you for sharing.
Marjorie Schallau
Thank you for writing.. Your letter was optimistic. I worry about reoccurrence as most of us do that have had the dx. of “breast cancer.” After treatment, I have chosen to focus on nutrition, yoga and less stress.. I love to read that you have the same ideas.. That alone is very reassuring and supportive as we each individually try to find our way along in this journey of “life”.
Dear Jan,
What an awesome inspirational Lady you are and such a blessing to all of us!! Thank you for sharing your own personal journey with us and the light of positive thinking and action that you create and share. I am inspired to embrace my life with your reminder to LIVE!!
Jan you are AWESOME. My prayers to you and your family as you go forth. May God Bless you Jan and THANK YOU for all you have done for so many and continue to do. Light, Love, and Blessings to you.
Laurie
You are an inspiration Jan! Your sharing gives me hope that all the holistic practices I’m doing is helping, too. I just had a scan that showed very small spots under a cm in my lung. I love how you turned a potential negative into a positive. It inspires me to continue to do the same.
Dear Jan,
You are on my mind so much . . . I will continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers. As always, these are prayers of gratitude for the help and inspiration I have thrived on since my first diagnosis in 1995. Many healing moments from your conferences and writings follow me again through my second breast cancer recovery – since 2008.
Remember that time at Stanford, right after lunch, you asked the murmuring crowd returning to the auditorium, who had outlived their prognosis? People began to stand up all over the hall and a shout went up that echoes through my days; even now I feel its energy in every healthy cell! and I welcome once again the healing tears that come with this wondrous memory!
Thank you Thank you
Kerstin
Dear Jan – What a story! I send you the absolute very best wishes. Love, Janet
Dear Jan
While I was not happy to read about a recurrence, I was gratified and proud to hear your response and your diligent and pro-active approach to dealing with this. You become a good model for others in honoring life and continuing to be a fighter for life. I will be very interested to hear about this thermal ablation, which I have not heard of.
I am proud to know you–the best of healing wishes to you–Warmly, Lynn Vandenberg
Dearest Jan
While I am upset that you are having to go through this again, once again you prove what an amazing woman of power,courage, strength and inspiration you are to all of us. I want to write a chant that you can sing to yourself with your words of “I always have time to do what is important for my health.” So powerful! Just know that I am sending prayers of ease, grace, and continuing to feel empowered. Blessings of health to you dear one!
Love
Karen
Hi there Jan: Just read your “latest” Blessings–the question is never Why”? But one does wonder what the good Lord has in mind. As an old “Med. Tech” my reaction is she will be able to relate to “anyone” well maybe not “testicular”–Lordy, woman, you sure has interesting Karma. My prayers go out each day for all and, of course, you are included. Love you, Shirley
You are the strength beneath my wings as I myself go along for years with slow growing chronic cancer (uterine). I have every confidence in your ability to keep going.
Linda
Dear Jan, Making your body “inhospitable” to cancer is what I am sure has led to the slow growth… Follow your acceptable treatments,believe in what you are doing. I believe you are going to be around for a long time yet!! Live well,& be happy until you’re ready to check out! It’s quality of life not quantity that really matters.. Sending a BIG Healing Hug…. Cheryl
Hi Jan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a strong woman and will come through this triumphant, again.
Regards,
Jaime
Dear Jan, You are such a role model to so many, I cannot but believe you will be victorious in your continued battle against this monstrous demon that is cancer. Prayers, blessings and good wishes to you, Martha Rowe
Dear Jan, You are always such an inspiration! Tomorrow I begin my first Cancer Wellness Workshop as part of my new practice, ReVision Health. I will share your newsletter tomorrow as a way of offering courage and hope. Best always, Peaslee
Jan, I could relate to your experience well. I was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer in June 2008. We found during a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer that breast cancer was metastasized to all removed lymph nodes in my pelvic area and then found it throughout my bones skeleton in the Fall. There was no evidence of cancer after treatment in Fall 2008 and I’ve been treated with Arimidex hormone therapy since. I’ve been doing great, taking good care of my terrain (except not as well the last six months in 2011).
In late October 2011, they found a 1.2 cm by 1.3 cm tumor in my lung, which was barely noticeable in Feb 2011. It grew another cm by Dec 2011. The lung tumor board felt it was too risky to biopsy and recommended stereotactic radiotherapy. I went for a second opinion at Sloan Kettering in NYC. They recommended since my breast cancer is hormone positive to treat it as progression of breast cancer that is no longer responding to the Arimidex. I started Aromosin hormone, plus Afinitor (chemo pill) two weeks ago that was just reported in December in San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference as being more effective than just aromosin alone. Side effects have been minimal so far. SK says they can biopsy the tumor, although it’s tricky with risk of internal bleeding. I saw the scans which is great for guided imagery. If the tumor continues to grow by the next scan in March, then we probably will biopsy it to find out the type of cancer and its properties. So I am back to fully taking great care of myself again, not working the hours I had slipped into again with the stress.
I share your attitude. I felt I could almost replace my name for yours as I read your story… I’m really sad you are going through this, but wanted you to know someone else is traveling this road with you.
I’m sending you my strength and positive energy for great success with your treatment.
Oh,Jan! Another monster challenge for you & your loved ones. Am hoping the oblation will work to stop the growing….and enable you to live many more productive years. Thinking of you and recalling the wonderful times I spent at Healing Journey days. May this community continue supporting you and breathing hope into your cells and your mind. Thank you for all you have done and all you intend to continue doing.
Jan,
I’m so sorry to hear you have to go through yet another procedure. I’m so impressed with your positive attitude and we all know that means a lot. But please know when you are not feeling quite as upbeat, there are a lot of people who love and admire you and are sending positive thoughts and energy your way. I hope you can feel it.
Love and blessings,
Diane
Jan, I, like you, am disappointed your special celebration is now postponed for a later date. I can feel your determination to face this latest malignancy with your usual grace and positive flair. What really impressed me is that you are not declaring war but rather accepting what is while setting your intention to make the very best of it. You’re engaging all your resources – both personal and professional – to determine the best possible approach for healing. I join my healing journey with yours and send many blessings your way in the process.
Dear Jan,
Just wanted you to know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.You are an inspiration to me!
Hugs,
Maria
Dear Dear Jan,
Know that you are the “SHEERO” of a million
singing, chanting, praying, meditating women all for you, we carry the inspired power of your healing. Shine on..Jan, our collective and brilliant light will render helpless the weakened smudge that dares to trespass among us.
Love to your light and beautiful life.
Sand
Hiya, Jan..we have not actually met, but your work and passion has touched my life and that of my partner’s in ways you may never know and in ways that are continueing to unfold to us as we walk this journey of healing and change. Thank you so much for all that you have done and continue to do. We are sending healing thoughts and light and visualizing the best possible outcome for you….many blessings….Uschi
Jan,
WOW! What an inspiration, encouragement, and blessing your email is to read. Despite the return of those “cowardly cancer cells” you stay focused on the positive!! The timing of your email is perfect, as I have been struggling with the negative voices in my head, and I am humbly reminded of my part in allowing those voices to run amuck! I was fortunate enough to attend the Cancer Fighting Kitchen Seminar in Loomis, CA a few months ago, which provided me with invaluable info to make changes in my life right as my treatment had come to an end. Your email is a reminder that I need to make even MORE healthy changes because it DOES makes a difference!! Thank you for what you do, and for how openly you share your journey! Count me in as one more person lifting you up in prayer, and anticipating favorable results from your treatment!! God Bless, Kim
Beyond words, I hold the Knowing. Unspeakable love to you, Jan. Namaste.
Dear Jan, thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. I heard you speak at the recent Cancer Fighting Kitchen day at the Flower Farm, and am so grateful for the work you do to help so many of us. That day was my first sojourn out of the house and into the public – chemo behind me, radiation to come. It was the most fantastic and uplifting day. I still feel the vibration of the beauty and fun of it. I marvel at the fact that I made it through the day and never once felt the need to leave early because I was tired. I felt so alive.
I am thinking of you, and if you don’t mind, sending loving and positive thoughts your way. It has always helped me to know people are praying, thinking and pulling for me.
Love and blessings, Susan
Dear Jan,
Thank you for your positive energy to confront whatever comes your way. It is very powerful to hear from you about this current “recurrence.” It is positively accepted and positively confronted by you and I send you prayers and strength. I attended your last “Healing Journeys” and was so happy to have the support from so many people with the challenges and that was because of you. I will send you positive thoughts and prayers–God Bless you. With love and bright light on your journey, Ann
So glad to hear that you are feeling prepared to fight on! You have helped me tremendously on my cancer journey. We met at the weekend meeting in Monterey, Ca in 2007 or 2008. It was a wonderful conference and helpful step for me. Know that your journey is in my heart and I wish only the best for you! It is great you are your own advocate and asked for a second opinion! Know that many love you and hold you in their hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Jan,
And the miracles just keep on coming. I am convinced your work here is in it’s infancy! Your presence is vital to so many that, to quote Stevie Wonder, “God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed”. Thank you for your inspiration… always received with breathless awe!!
love Joanne
Yay for you! Keep up the good work, and what a blessing your new doc is.
You are an inspiration! I attended a few Healing Journey Conferences more than 6 years ago. My thoughts and good wishes are with you.
Dear Jan, you are truly an amazing individual and an inspiration to us all. I trust this new occurrence will be a minor event in your life and that you continue to carry on with the life-changing, healing effects of Healing Journeys.
Dear Jan,
Happy to hear you continue to live well and manage your diagnosis wisely. Sending love and light to strengthen you on this leg of your healing journey.
Be Well and Wise and Playful!
Toni Crotty
You have been and are a shining example of courage and grace and watching you do battle with this scourge of Cancer has given me the courage to do battle with many things in my life besides Cancer – I shall light a candle in a lovely church in San Francisco on your behalf and shall send Light and Love and Energy your way.
Dear Jan, I can’t tell you how “amazing” you are to me with this thing called cancer. You really have taken your Life into your Hands in such a empowered way. I am putting you on my alter and remember you daily for perfect health and amazing peace. Much love, Joyce
Jan, A portion of a morning prayer that I pray every morning is this: “This is another day, O Lord, I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.”
As I read about your latest health issues I think of you in my morning prayer. You are always ready for whatever the day brings. I know you have heard these words before, but you are truly amazing. You certainly are an inspiration to me. You are in my prayers and I know that you are going to win the battle.
Please give our mutual friend, John, my greetings. Much Love, Helen Rogers
Hello,
I read your story about cancer returning after almost 5 years of being free from it. So, I wanted to share something that has helped me heal my body from cancer. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February 2010 and had surgical removal of my thyroid in April. However, I am of the thinking that the body has self-healing capabilitites, so I embarked on a search for what I could do to nutrionally support my body to do what it knows how to do. I found a nutritional treatment that worked wonderfully for me. I am now free from that disease without needing Radiation treatment, thanks to that nutritional treatment. I just would drink 5 to 6 times a day this drink that nourished the cells in my body so that they can detox, be hydrated and heal…. it works! I have spoken to many others who have used this for any and all types of cancer and they have had amazing healings take place. If you or anyone would like to learn about this treatment that can be done at home, I would be happy to share it with you!
Happy healing,
Lia
Thank you so much for sharing. My oncologist told me in October that the spot on my right lung was ok. We would just watch it. I GASPED – WHAT SPOT. Not at any time since my 2010 diagnosis of cancer in my left breast was there EVER a mention of a spot on my right lung! I was devastated for about a week AND ANGRY.
I too said ok – my attitude is very important here and I am choosing to believe that this will be ok and whatever the journey will be, God will sustain me thru it as He did thru 16 chemo treatments and 6 weeks of radiation. I had amazing support even with my family 2000 miles away.
I will be praying that the growth continues to slow down.
I have been trying to continue some of the dietary things that I implemented during chemo as well as the way I prepare food. I am also working on removing as much stress as possible in life.
I am interested in the things that you implemented that you believe has helped your body to create a better environment around the tumor.
I anxiously await hearing from you. Thank you again for sharing.
Jan, I am forever grateful to my friend for bringing me to you and Healing Journeys. You are an inspiration to so many of us. My new mantra is now “I will always have time to do what is important for my health” since I am worth it. Thank you for sharing your journey. Bless you and yours.
Corrinne
Jan,
Thank you for your sharing and inspiration. What a gift you are!!
Love and Blessings,
Dennis
Jan,
That is both devastating news but blessed news. How incredibly empowering to know that body/spirit work you’ve been doing, is proving effective! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Namaste, Michelle
Much love to you always, dear one!
I think of you often with blessings and gratitude for who you are and all the gifts you bring to so many people. You have what it takes in responding to this latest challenge, Jan. My prayers are with you,
Namaste,
Beau
Hi Jan,
You’re the most inspirational person I’ve known. Your positive spirit in the face of adversity is most admirable. I know I can count on you to focus on your healing which will hopefully come soon.
May you continue to be blessed by the Great Providence!
Regards,
Catherine