The last time I wrote, I mentioned my CA 27.29 cancer marker. It continued to go up for three months in a row, getting up to 785, which led to my getting a PET/CT scan to see what was going on. A couple of hours after the scan, the doctor who was reading it and writing a report had someone call me to ask what treatments I had been doing since my last scan almost 2 years ago. He was dumbfounded because the current scan was so different from my previous one. He thought I must have been doing chemo or radiation but found no evidence of that in my chart. I told him I have been taking Femara, doing mistletoe injections, and eating a low sugar, low-carb diet with lots of vegetables.
That phone call felt like really good news. What I was doing seemed to be making a difference. When I saw the report, and then met with my oncologist to go over the results, I saw the complete picture. He had said it was different, not necessarily better. On the previous scan there were many tumors in my right lung, on my ribs, and under my arm. Those are mostly gone. Ribs are clear of any metastasis. But now there are new tumors in my left lung. Some cancer cells may have developed a resistance to treatment, migrated to a new site, and are setting up camp. My oncologist says this means I need a new treatment.
So many options, and so little clarity. Terri Tate and I are developing a workshop called From Surviving to Thriving: Finding Your Own Path. We recognize how unique each person’s path is and how difficult it can be to choose which healing path to take in the face of a diagnosis. Our hope is to assist cancer patients and their caregivers in accessing their own inner wisdom and guidance, and crafting their individualized healing plan.
In this case, it’s true that we teach what we need to learn. I’ve had so many opportunities to learn how to trust my intuition in choosing a healing path, and here I go again. Of course I have guidance from the members of my healing team which includes MDs and NDs. They don’t always agree on everything, and I am the one in charge of my body and my health. Every decision is up to me.
I am focusing right now on treating SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), which I was finally diagnosed with last month. Not related to cancer, but my symptoms have created a lot of discomfort in my life, and have prevented me from taking supplements for several years. SIBO treatment and diet are complex and will be my focus for at least a month. Thankfully, there is some overlap in my anti-cancer diet and a SIBO diet. Lots of vegetables, no grains, no sugar, low carbs, and good quality pastured meats.
As I’m planning for what comes next, I’m in a book group reading the 25th anniversary edition of Seat of the Soul, by Gary Zukav. He says, “The body needs rest, and it needs care, but behind every aspect of the health or illness of the body is the energy of the soul. It is the health of the soul that is the true purpose of the human experience.”
When I ask what my soul wants, it takes me right back to the 9 factors in Radical Remission. Only two of them are physical. The other seven seem to be more related to the health of my soul. I’m continuing to address all of them, and it seems like following my intuition is a priority right now. For me, this means more quiet time, meditation, guided imagery, walks in nature, and paying attention to synchronicities.
The 9 Factors:
• Taking Control of Your Health
• Following Your Intuition
• Increasing Positive Emotions
• Releasing Suppressed Emotions
• Deepening Your Spiritual Connection
• Increasing Social Support
• Finding Strong Reasons for Living
• Diet Change
• Herbs & Supplements
Blessings on this new part of the journey. Yes, nurture your soul. You know how and listen for more it may hunger for.
Recently I received a message from a squirrel that I watched for an hour and a half. As we both were leaving, I “heard” these words, “May love prevail.” Amen, sister.
Thank you, Nancy, for your wisdom.
Jan, your blog today powerfully points out the frustrating communication issues that we all face in health care. It is so important to ask questions to clarify, and then to respond with the kind of thoughtful assurance that you demonstrate all the time, knowing that these are your decisions to make. I continue to be informed by your journey, and wish you all of the wisdom you need to proceed and persevere.
Thank you, Julie. It’s both a responsibility and a privilege to know they are my decisions to make.
Jan, I read your blog following along your journey, hearing you again saying to me to follow my intuition. My medical journey became too complicated with different advice and comments from each doctor I visited. So, following my intuition, I released all of the confusing and muddled advice and found a new primary care doctor. Just One, and then the Cardiologist == no cancer talk == and the Osteopathic treatment for lingering lymphodema. I feel Free. Relaxed in mind, body and soul. Feeding my body as you do, and my soul as always.
In tandem with you in spirit and with love,
Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn. So happy you have found freedom and relaxation. Wishing you well on your healing journey.
Dear Jan,
You are in my prayers for good health and peace of mind. You are doing SO many things right. God bless.
Janis Silverman
Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement, Janis.
Intuition is the most important thing & has always served me well. Of course, you need exposure/knowledge of options so your intuition can guide choices. You are doing everything right, Jan. Sending love & support to you every day.
Thank you, Pat. I appreciate your love and support. I agree that you need to know options to help guide choices. It’s a time consuming process, and would lead to overwhelm if I couldn’t access my inner wisdom.
Dear Jan,
As you walk the path to make a decision for your healing I am sending my prayers and loving healing thoughts to you!
I am thinking about you and the group and the smiles and laughs that we shared at the first Mayan retreat in Yucatan, Mexico.
You have always been a powerful person with great resources of information and spiritual guidance to me. And for this I thank you very much.
Thank you, Cristina. I appreciate your comments. I too remember the smiles, laughs, and profound discussions we had with Jonathan in Mexico. Great memories.