Eleven months ago, after researching desmoid tumors and what they have in common with breast cancer I decided to become a vegan. Primarily due to the fact that both share estrogen receptivity and avoiding the hormones in produce seemed to make a lot of sense to me. Plus Kris Carr is one of my guru's and she is very passionate about her vegan lifestyle and it's cancer fighting properties. So it was very worth trying.
I'm doing a happy dance, want to know why?
This morning I headed off to see my Oncologist, dragging my feet but fully accepting of my fate. With summer over, it's time to start treatment on my desmoid tumor. Treatment being a year or so taking a drug called Nexavar, which is a chemotherapy drug. Whilst it is used for liver and lung cancers, there has been success using it at a low dose to kill off desmoids.
I have resisted starting the drug for the past year since I was first diagnosed. I dramatically changed my diet and adopted many more holistic practices hoping to heal it naturally. But at my last scan in June the Doctor confirmed it had indeed grown and he would recommend me starting treatment. Back then I asked if I could take the summer off and commence in September. He agreed and we also decided I would have a level set scan after Labor Day and then get on with treatment.
My five year cancerversary & five lessons
Late last week it dawned on me that I'd managed to forget a rather big medical milestone. That being that it was officially five years since my breast cancer diagnosis (in fact a little over by the time I realized). Cancer and five year statistics often times go together. It's an official milestone for most that signifies a change in statistics for the better. All up, survival rates improve for those that make it past the five-year mark. So it is a cause for celebration.
Inch by inch
I wrote last week about my committment to start beefing up my good wolf. To really changing my thought patterns. I have been trying. I really have. But as I suspected this process is not fast or easy. Indeed I feel like my automatic reaction is in the other direction, like I've built a neural path way over time. Which is why it's also going to take time to retrain myself toward my more natural state of being. That state of being called love. Love in the form of kindness, compassion, peace, empathy, generosity, forgiveness and hope.
Which wolf are you feeding?
Twice recently I've been told the story of the two wolves by yoga teachers. Firstly at Wanderlust in Lake Tahoe and then more recently at Love Yoga this weekend (Montauk - Heather Lilleston). In both instances I was struck by the simplicity of the story. And the amount of truth in it. I can totally identify with the concept.
Look inside yourself for buried treasure
I believe being your happiest self is one of the most important jobs you have in life. I call it a job for a reason. It doesn't come automatically, it requires work. I'm all about finding those behaviours, character traits, beliefs and thoughts that position me for happiness. Sure I get off track at times (guilty of being human) but the key is getting myself back on again. My mantra of embracing the good stuff helps me stay the course. I think adopting something of a mantra yourself is a good way to stay focussed.
Move your body
Everybody knows on some level how important it is to keep active. The primary reason being that being physically fit reduces your chance of developing a raft of illnesses. It's also credited with helping maintain a healthy weight. Which is somewhat related given obesity presents similar health challenges.
Do you make sure to nourish your support network?
I know this better than most. Mainly because I’ve endured life changing, scary and gut wrenching medical challenges. What you figure out in these times is who is really there for you. So there’s a blessing in that. The people that step up in these times are the real deal. They are reliable. They will be there for you time and time again (no matter how big or small the challenge and amount of support needed).
I am very grateful (lucky) to have an enormous support network. I think of it as lots of mini support groups. First there is my family, they are simply the most important people in my life (and my number one support group). Then there are my best girl friends – I’ve talked about them here before. My work colleagues deserve a mention too. My tribes (blogged about here before) as well. Finally there is the small but very strong group of male friends in my life. Today I want to talk about them.
