Last Monday, on my birthday, I read the online radiology report from my every-six-month PET/CT scan. It detailed the sizes of several tumors in and around my lungs, making them sound worrisome. It also mentioned cancer in my ribs. I knew about the tumors in my lungs, but hadn’t known about the cancer in my bones. I had an initial “oh shit” reaction, thinking that my metastatic cancer was progressing and I would need to consider some kind of Western medicine treatment.
I’m grateful that in November I attended the Healing Journeys Transformation from Within retreat with Jonathan Ellerby, PhD, and learned some tools that helped me shift emotionally out of fear and into acceptance and curiosity. As a spiritual being having a human experience, everything that happens to me is ultimately for my highest and best evolution.
On Wednesday, I met with my oncologist to discuss the results of the PET/CT scan. At my request, she had made a chart for me showing the results of the last three scans (6 months apart) so we could compare the growth of the tumors. Turns out that the growth rate had actually slowed down in the past 6 months. She said the growth was so minimal that she would recommend I keep doing what I am doing because it seems to be making a difference.
Even though I hadn’t seen the ribs mentioned before, she said the current report said there was no change. She is going to verify that with the radiologist, questioning why they weren’t mentioned before. She didn’t see anything to be worried about.
So I will keep taking the supplements that Lise Alschuler, ND, recommends. I want to increase my commitment to exercise and good sleep, both very important, according to Lise. And I want to re-visit the nine Radical Remission treatments more authentically, including increasing my ability to express and release negative emotions (as I’ve learned about in the book, Edgework, by Ronald Peters, MD).
At a recent conference I attended, I was convinced that acupuncture could be a good strategy to add to my treatments. On Wednesday I had my first appointment with a doctor of Chinese medicine, and am excited to be adding that to my health strategies.
My oncologist recommends that I take a hormone blocker, Femara, and I am considering that. I had taken Tamoxifen for 5 years and Arimidex for 3 years, and I am not convinced that they made a difference because I had recurrences while I was taking them. But that was about 15 years ago, so I’m willing to reconsider. It’s hard to know what has made a difference and has kept me living with cancer for 25 years.
Hi Jan,
Even though I knew this blog was coming and basically what you were planning to say, reading it has had a very profound effect on me. As usual, I got teary-eyed reading your words. You are so effective. But mostly you are such a strong, fearless, imaginative person in the face of something that would pummel most of us (well, at least me.)
Thank you for being so loving, brave and open with your life.
Love,
Cathy
Jan, thank you for sharing your journey! You are a perfect example of how us spirits should respond to these human challenges: leave fear(illusion) at the back door and move on with living your wondrous life. Your a great inspiration. So glad you are in my life!
Much love to you!
Jan, I am so grateful that you are sharing this news with all of us, especially with me in particular. I have attended many of the Healing Journeys workshops and they continue to be a source of inspiration, providing many role models to choose from as a spiritual being in a human body. I had breast cancer 19 years ago without a reoccurrence so far. I have received acupuncture treatments with a Japanese oriental medicine doctor right after my lumpectomy and continue to this day. I am hoping you will receive and experience the wonderful feedback from your own body through marvelous practice in some of the ways I have. Sending belated birthday wishes. Thank you again for all the ways you contribute to the lives of so many of us.
You are a shining star. I say “Bravo” to that nothing to worry about.
Thank you. We travel together and all know so much about each others feelings. You help keep so many in the light – dear amazing woman.
I learn so much from you, Jan, and this discussion of fear and jumping to conclusions is one of those recurring life lessons. I am very, very excited that you will be trying Chinese medicine. You will find that the elements of it are VERY familiar to you.
Happy Birthday Jan. You are evidence that it’s possible to live with cancer. Doing acupuncture and taking supplements will make a difference. I am curious about how you are feeling. If you feel well, trust that you are healing, although not yet cured. I have had a mass in my breast for 5 years and yearly ultrasounds indicate that it is localized but growing. I have learned to accept and live with it.
I take PectaSol C which helps to prevent metastasis. I believe it is an important part of my regime. I avoid any diagnostic procedure that puts radiation into my body.
I feel healthy and strong and have faith that God is taking care of me. May you have many more happy, healthy birthdays, Jan!!
Keep asking the questions! Hurray for good self-coaching and advocacy.
Know that you are surrounded and infused with the greatest of healing powers – love.
Jan, I love how your HEART is in charge of your body, handling the symptoms you have and deciding on the choices of treatment. Your faith and strength are inspiring. Love you!
Dear Jan, you are a testimony to the power of co-existing and thriving with cancer…your story is so informative and supportive. Thank you for being so open and giving! Warm Smiles, Terri
Hi Jan I believe that our attitutes about what we are going through has a lot to do with our outcomes. You are proving that. Remember when you visualized that you were going to rent the house you started your business in even tho it was inhabited. You did get that house. Continue what you are doing and visualize happy,healthy body and mind. You’re amazing my friend. You are nowhere near being finished here. Love you Dottie