The Chemo is Working!
The very cool part about doing the chemo therapy before surgery is that you can actually SEE it working. When we started this whole thing, my tumor was almost 5cm. in diameter. ( Think about 3 finger widths) Now, just from feeling it, the tumor has reduced to about 1 finger width. The rest is just tissue. Same with the lymph node. You can barely feel anything but a small notch- instead of a full nodule . That’s pretty cool considering it only happens to 25 % of patients undergoing this type of treatment. That makes things a little more worth while for me. I have to believe it is a whole package deal. Chemo, combined with healthy eating, exercise and lots of prayer. I have 5 more treatments left (10 more weeks) So, if It can continue at this pace, I feel pretty good the whole scenario.
I am glad I had this method of treatment first. I have to start lining up my other surgeons to wrap this thing up, but now I have a chance to see which one I am going to feel comfortable with instead of rushing in to things. My surgery will consist of a double mastectomy and the ovaries removed. I will have reconstruction as soon as I can so I don’t have to wake up ‘boobless’ .
I also came across another cool book called “ Waking the Warrior Goddess” by Christine Horner. Christine Horner is responsible for passing the bill that says insurance companies have to cover reconstructive surgery. Without her work, I might have ended up with my breast removed, but no reconstruction. Talk about a real self esteem issue! The book itself is full of information about traditional and alternative medicine. It is a bit hard to read because there is so much information in small print. I like things spread out and easy to read, but that’s just me.
I also came across this website I thought I would pass on. http://www.understandingcancer.tv/ It has my girl Kris Carr featured and some others. It also has a cool thing about the healing power of laughter. I tried it- there’s no way you can feel bad if you are laughing- even if it’s just the sounds. It’s pretty amazing.
Hope this post finds all of you happy, healthy and living a life of purpose! Much love until next time,
Angella
Angella,
So glad to hear that you can feel the difference. I am certain that it is very encouraging and is helping you to get through the bad days. Keep up your great spirit. You are an inspiration!
XXOO, Wendy
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Yea! It's working.
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Ang,
After reading this and talking with you
last night, I felt alot of gratitude that the chemo is working so quickly.
Found out some real disturbing news today though. Suzie, my best friend at
work has lung cancer and will start
chemo first. Moreless will go through
what you are and have been. she has been updated on you all the time and
now I will refer her to your inspiring
"inner tough girl web site". I am sad
today.
love, mom
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I am very sad to hear this too- lung cancer is a totally different animal than breast cancer- sometimes even the chemo is different and method of treatment. But, she is lucky to have a supportive co worker like you- You will make a big difference to her. I am sure you are very sad - it seems like the "c" word is taking it's toll on way too many people. What are we doing as a society to cause so much cancer?
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It's so cool that you get to have chemo first. That way they know for sure that your body is responding to the drug.
I had to have a ultrasound on my liver yesterday. My liver enzymes went through the ceiling last week which can mean liver tumors. The ultrasound was clear (Thank the Goddess) and my doctors' have no idea why my enzymes were so high.
I went up to the mountain (Mt. Baker) the day before the test and went cross country skiing. (I fall down a lot snow boarding so I trying to build my strength back up before getting on a board.) It was a bluebird day and I felt so grateful to be alive. I had so much fun I knew in my heart that there couldn't be cancer in my liver. I just had to trust the universe.
Cancer is just too damn scary sometimes.
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Lisa, so glad to hear about the results!!! That is awesome- Once you have been disgnosed, it's almost like post traumatic syndrome when something is awry- waiting for test results is never quite the same.
I'm so jealous about the cross country skiing. You must have some endurance! It's so great to get to some mountain air. Good for you! I know what you mean about the board, I will definitely need to build some strength before getting back up. Plus, my son has just blown past me in light years so I have some catching up to do , but looking forward to it.
Thanks for letting us know how things turned out - way to hang tough!
Angella
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Angella,
Got the card, read the blog start to finish, took me a while to get centered. In case I never mentioned it, you are one of my favorite people in the whole world and I am reminded of that every time I run across one of the old Gratitude Journals from our project. My favorite Unity minister and I will have you on all the prayer lists we can muster, including Silent Unity. Sandy has a site at positive-prayer.org where you or anyone can request specific prayer. I am confident that the Spirit in you is more than capable of tackling this, and I hear that in your posts. More to come by mail.
Much love from both of us,
Wes & Sandy
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Wes,
That's funny because I feel exactly the same about you! Having some time to get a handle on this, I have decided this was my wake up call to do bigger and better things with my time here on earth. The process is not one I would have chosen- but we don't always get a say in those things. Thanks for reminding me of Silent Unity and letting us know about Sandy's site. I will definitely mark that as a recommended site. I am glad to hear things are good 'up north' Thanks for your love,support and prayers!
Angella
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So glad you are seeing good results from the chemo. Miss you!
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You go girl! I keep checking in periodically to get the latest update, and I do love your mushroom cap. You are incredible testament to keeping the faith and I am delighted to hear of the reduction of the tumor!
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Dear Angella,
My heart has been deeply touched by reading your blog. You are a beautiful person inside and out, as is reflected by your writing and your picture. I'm so glad that I can say I know you. My thoughts and prayers go with you. You are also on our prayer list up here in the White Mountains. Wes and I look forward to seeing you. I know that you have the wisdom, love, and good judgment of the Christ Mind, and that you are led, guided, and directed as you take each step on this journey. Love, Sandy
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