Update: Lessons I’ve learned healing stage four metastatic breast cancer

This IS our happy place! 

Update:

I haven’t made one in a while. It’s been a rough ride since Thanksgiving…

Taking a break

I took a break from Ozone Therapy and High Vitamin C last August. I’d ran out of money but at the same time, my veins were worn out. Due to cancer being in the lymph nodes in my right arm, I can use that arm and my left arm just didn’t want to cooperate. I’d been trying to get into a surgeon since my diagnosis last April, but this is where I just absolutely suck at adulting. I truly am like a house plant. Gimme sunshine and water and say nice things. lol if it requires me to work full-time and stay on top of appointments and go the extra mile to take care of myself- well basically, one day turned into the next and I’d been calling weekly since July but couldn’t get the nurse to call me back.  My mom’s surgeon by the way- yes she was in the middle of “retiring” from one hospital and starting at another but I still can’t believe the experience I’ve had after another. No wonder we have so many people ill. You know that saying “Men- can’t live with em, can’t live without em”? Basically feel the exact same about doctors. 

New Blog Post

I posted a new blog post last week about my experience at MD Anderson. I’m so grateful to my parents for countless things through all of this, and taking me to the ER in Houston as well as offering me to stay in their travel trailer through chemotherapy treatment are at the top of reasons why I’m feeling SO much better today! 

They helped SO much in getting my pain, nausea and vomiting under control; all of been experiencing almost daily at a 10 since before Christmas. 

Short-term Disability

2/20/24 I went on short-term disability at work and that has been one of the biggest blessings. While it’s only 60% of my income and I was no longer able to afford my car so I voluntarily repoed it, but man it’s freeing not having that stress daily also. 

Paliative Care

I had my first round of palliative chemotherapy 4/17- palliative (no longer curable) bc it’s now stage 4 metastatic in my liver, adrenals, spine, and multiple other bones as well as both breasts, lymph nodes, neck and sternum. 

The bone pain they warned of was immediate as well as the decline in my vision. I’ve lost about half my hair although you wouldn’t know it! One, it was already so thick but also I cut it off to donate it the day before my first chemo treatment and the way my hairdresser (an absolute rockstar btw! hit me up and I’ll connect you guys!) Round two is next Wednesday and I expect to be completely healed, defying all odds, and blowing all my doctor’s minds by June!

Changing Boxes

In addition to the wonderful healing aspects I mentioned above, I’ve spent nearly every day in meditation, multiple times a day. Joe Dispenza, particularly. I listen to one during every bath/shower. I do a walking meditation sometimes twice a day! (I’ve even been on a few jogs this last week!) and fall asleep to one of his sleep meditations.

I’m amazed, but not at all really, at how much has healed in such short time. I clearly understand the recipe to “changing boxes” “jumping timelines” and “creating a life you want”, and I’m diligently working to continue to meditate and stay focused on the work but also, just acceptance and patience, trying to learn all I can, eat well, exercise daily, be grateful, ground… it’s endless but I’m so grateful I’ve been allowed to trade the daily grind for this lifestyle for the time being.

Slowing Down

Slowing down and REALLY focusing on healing inside and out has been the biggest blessing.

I’m still eating mostly keto but I’ve added more fruit to my diet overall. I ordered a book of healing juicing recipes I’m looking forward to implementing. This last week, I decided to check out the Whey Protein Shakes from Plexusa and to my surprise, I’ve been enjoying them. (never been a protein replacement gal until now- needing to gain weight for the first time since childhood). Happy to report, I’ve gained 8 pounds the last 21 days! I’d gotten down to 120 that I’d checked although I suspect more like 115-117 before it was all said and done.

Grateful for all the texts and prayers and good vibes and well wishes! I’ve never felt more loved and I’m so appreciative.

Biggest Lesson

The biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout this journey is that self-advocacy has to come first before everything else. We have to speak up and continue to push for what we know is right regardless of who stands in our way, doubts us, gaslights us, outright does and says hurtful things. Only you know when enough is enough. Sometimes we have to trade sacrifice for good things.

My hair will grow again. My body is healthier overall than it was before during and after my first experience with chemo. (more on that here), and I’m eating better and exercising more this time around as well but MOST importantly, I’m healing the haunting thoughts of my past and accepting ALL of the good that wants to come.

If this helped you or feel it would help someone you love, please share ❤️