Ten Years Cancer-Free – A Reflection

Thinking back on my “re-birthday,” the day I woke up from surgery cancer-free, involves a lot of emotions. Gratitude is at the top of the list.

I had Stage II, ER/PR+, HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma. As each year passes, the worry of recurrence lessens. But the “what ifs” never really go away. It’s always in the back of your mind. I have a gene mutation (PMS2), also known as Lynch Syndrome, that puts me at risk for about five different cancers, so I will continue seeing my oncologist every six months for a checkup and bloodwork. I still sigh in relief after seeing my bloodwork and clear cancer markers. It doesn’t guarantee that something isn’t brewing, but I try to focus on the positive.

Over the years, I’ve said, “If only I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently,” but the thought serves no purpose other than producing the negative emotion of regret. So, I give myself grace and remind myself that I did the best I knew how to do at the time.

As with any procedure or medicine, cancer treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Deciding on treatment was very difficult for me. I genuinely believe it’s a personal decision only you can make. Doctors, family, and circumstances all play into decision-making, but they should be only part of the equation. If you’re an adult, the decision is yours and yours alone.

I am grateful for the Mammaprint and Oncotype DX tests, which helped me make the decision to not do chemotherapy. See my old blog To chemo or not chemo. That is the question, from November 2013.

I had the following procedures and treatments:

•          Bilateral mastectomy

•          Estrogen-blocking medication (Fareston) for two years

•          Oophorectomy (ovary removal)

If I had to make the same treatment decisions today, I would have most likely had a lumpectomy (without radiation) and forgone Fareston and the oophorectomy altogether. Here’s why:

• I’ve suspected heavy metals played a role in my initial osteoporosis and breast cancer diagnoses, at the age of 45. I later discovered that my implants were full of toxins and heavy metals. Implant Illness can wreak havoc with your well-being. That’s why there is a trend of women explanting, but, for me, to explant is to go flat, and I don’t know if I am emotionally ready for that yet.
• Two years into taking Fareston, I finally read the package insert¹ and realized that endometrial cancer had been reported after taking the medication. And section 13.1 discussed carcinogenicity and cancer in animal studies. I opted to continue my healthier lifestyle instead of relying on this medication for another eight years.
• Removing my ovaries put me into immediate menopause, which was unpleasant. It also significantly increased the chances of my osteoporosis getting worse. Hindsight is indeed 20/20.

Lifestyle changes I made:

• Healthier food choices – organic, non-GMO, whole foods, and filtered water
• Removed toxins from the home (cleaning supplies, beauty products, etc.)
• Stopped drinking soda and eating fast food
• Limited alcohol consumption
• Therapy, faith, and mindset

I’ve had my suspicions of toxins, emotions, and heavy metals all playing a role in my breast cancer. In addition to eating healthier and reducing processed food, sugar, and alcohol, I’ve also worked hard on opening my detox pathways. I use an infrared sauna several times a week, dry brush, use milk thistle to support the liver and take detox baths. Last year I took a ten-month certification course through Trinity School of Natural Health  to learn more about natural health and healing.

Despite all the steps I’ve taken for a healthier lifestyle, I still was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It’s an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid. 

Healing is exhausting work. It’s like the proverbial onion – peeling away layers one at a time. And there is always another layer there waiting for you. It can sometimes be overwhelming, but I am thankful for all I have learned through my cancer journey. It taught me to question everything and put myself first. I’ve learned that the body has the ability to heal if you keep the terrain healthy by removing toxins and eating healthy.

No matter where you are on your health journey, I encourage you to keep going. Find the support you need, be your own advocate, ask lots of questions, pray, and take care of yourself. You can do this. You’re worth it!

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020497s006lbl.pdf