May 2, 2017 was the day I got the devastating news. It was the same day my younger brother died and a date that is embedded in my heart. There was a knock at the door and it was Dr. Gleeson, my doctor. She was so friendly that I thought she was just in the neighbored to say hello. Not the case. She started by saying she needed to be with me in person for the type of news she was about to reveal and didn't want me to hear this on the phone.
Then she began. She said I had triple negative breast cancer stage 1A. And said she would be there to support my every need. My heart sank. With a blink of an eye my whole life changed. What do I do now, who can I talk to, where do I go from here? She reinsured me that everything would be done possible to fight this monster.
Death was all I could think about. Did I finish everything I wanted. Did I leave any words unspoken? Was death right around the corner? How will I tell my family, my kids, my friends, my workers, and the grandkids coming. I was a mess, an inconceivable wreak.
I have lived in a healthy window for so many years and always worked out, and was an aerobic instructor. I even taught nutrition for many years. Who knew. I did not have the gene for cancer but did live in some bad smog cities.
With my surgeon Dr. Caldwell, who talked me out of getting a double mastectomy was my angel. It was not in my better judgement to go that route. So, I listened as getting butchered and having to heal from constructive surgery was very easy to say NO to. But the good news is, after two lumpectomies, I am cancer free. I was told if the cancer is going to come back , it will no matter what you do. So why go for mutilation. But, I believe that if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got. So discussing what to do next is what this is all about and I hope you will join me on this journey of health and hope. This is where you can turn to, to be loved. I will show you how "I Did It My Way."
I will explain what I have done and you can share what you have done. I have changed to an almost vegan diet, still exercise, and meditate. You are not alone. I have the unconditional support and love of my family. My oldest son is a doctor and volunteered to help with reviewing to give us extra tips on how to live a long, healthy lifestyle. You are loved, always and always.
My family sent me a card that said: "We shall fight on the beaches, We shall fight on the landing grounds, We shall fight in the fields and in the streets, We shall fight in the hills, We shall never surrender!" -Winston Churchill
2020 is going to be an awesome year! "We Shall Never Surrender"
The News is never easy. I was just one person and my doctor came to me in dire circumstances. With her good wishes and support that is what helped me heal. That is a true healer. To love your work, one patient at a time.
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