Cancer connections

In 2014, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I went on a quest to find alternative ways of fighting the disease. I didn't want to go through traditional treatment - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and then anti-hormone pills for years afterward, so I started digging. I read any and everything I could find on holistic and non traditional means of combating the disease. There was a ton of information out there and at times, my research became overwhelming. I was determined to find a way to win the battle I'd been thrust into and I was willing to do whatever I could to do it on my terms. 

I found the most helpful information as I studied Chinese medicine. Some of the treatment options were pretty easy and others more difficult. I gleaned as much as I could and adopted many of the ideas hoping to extend my life for as long as possible. Some people laughed at me as I began drinking 3 or 4 glasses of organic Matcha green tea a day and they didn't understand the boundaries I put up to help reduce my stress, by I didn't care. It was my life and I was going to live it to the fullest. This July 9, I'll celebrate 11 years of being cancer free. I attribute that to the healthy methods I incorporated into my life, to my faith, and to stress reduction. 

I've never understood why so many of my friends decided to accept traditional treatment after being diagnosed with different forms of cancer. I wondered why they didn't do a little digging to try to find a better way. Of the friends I've made since my diagnosis, there are only one or two still living. I can only attribute those odds to the horrible devastation their bodies faced as they were pumped full of deadly chemicals in an effort to eradicate cancer cells. Did they know chemotherapy also killed their healthy cells? Probably not. I doubt seriously doctors told them. Another thing I've never understood is why doctors don't suggest to patients, as soon as they're diagnosed, there are other options. A good doctor, one seriously committed to the Hippocratic oath,"Do no harm," should say, "I'm so sorry to tell you that you indeed have cancer. I want you to go home and think about how you'd like to proceed. There are many treatment options available. Typically, we suggest the traditional route because we've had some good success with it, but the choice is yours. Do your homework and let me know what you decide. I'll help in any way I can and no matter what you choose, I'll support you. I want to see you live." But that's an unrealistic scenario, I know. 

Yesterday, a sweet friend reached out to tell me her cancer has returned with a vengeance. She's a young mother and more than likely won't make it to see the end of this year barring a miracle. I pray she gets it. She's done everything in her power to fight this horrid disease but no matter what she's done, it's continued to come after her, stalking her like a demon from the pits of hell. My heart breaks for her. 

Early this morning, in the wee hours, as I lay awake listening to a YouTube video, I got a text from another friend. We've known each other about 8 years but have never met in person. Breast cancer connected us through an article I'd written for a cancer publication. This woman had taken time to read it and reach out. After that initial contact, we've been kindred spirits. Getting a text from her about 5:46 A.M. made my heart sing. God knew I needed her message. It was filled with sweet memories we've shared over the past years and reminded me of the value of friendship. The funny thing is, we'll probably never meet in person. She lives many states away, but whenever God pricks one of our hearts, we reach out and connect. It kind of reminds me of the old AT&T/Bell South jingle from years ago, "Reach out and touch someone."

Tragically, one of the good things about cancer is it can definitely connect people in ways no other disease can, but it can also tear people apart. Cancer, in all forms, wields more power than many can fathom. It's a hateful, non discriminatory disease and loves to sneak up on the unsuspecting. My hope is that one day, before my grandchildren and great grandchildren are adults it will be completely gone, but I'm afraid that hope will remain unrealized. Why do I feel this way? It's partially due to all the bio engineered products they consume daily in convenience foods or from the many cancer causing chemicals surrounding them each day-  simple things like cleaning products, impurities in drinking water, etc. But I can still hope and maybe, just maybe my hope will become a reality. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ErNQ415s6A&t=44s