WE DID IT!!!!!!!
After 7 rounds of chemotherapy today I received the news that every breast cancer patient wants to hear “Your cancer is now undetectable on MRI”.
This marks a truly monumental day for not just myself but for my whole family and the awesome M.A.S.K. community of people whose Love and support has been truly humbling throughout my journey.
From the diagnosis on Thursday 19th January this year, hearing those immortal words, “Vanessa, I’m truly sorry to inform you that in this lump we found evidence of breast cancer which is now at stage 2”, to following a strict holistic protocol of supplements, Oestrogen blockers, 5Kg of organic carrot juice daily, to getting myself physically, emotionally and spiritually ready to take the step towards chemotherapy – it’s been quite a journey.
As an Holistic practitioner as well as a trainer, I’d been largely warned off of chemotherapy, told of the negative side effects, the long term consequences, the weight loss, the lack of energy and vigour but what my husband Marc, our 18 year old son Jamahl and I did was RESEARCH!
We looked deeply in to chemotherapy, it’s origins, how it’s created and manufactured, the different types, the types suited to my HER2+ breast cancer…we went in fully prepared.
We also consulted with some absolutely incredible practitioners, Deborah Walker Naturopath (this lady is an absolute LEGEND!), Umahro Cadogan Nutritional Therapist, to name but 2 and we left no stone unturned on our quest to increase the efficacy of the chemotherapy whilst minimising the side effects.
…and that’s EXACTLY what we did!
So What Is Next?
Well next I have surgery planned for October 4th to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Whilst “Lumpy” is now undetectable, if I don’t remove the breast tissue he will 100% make a comeback which we don’t want. I’m opting for double mastectomy because I have a history of benign sebaceous cysts in my chest area which can become sinister. My thoughts – ENOUGH…be gone!
Whilst mastectomy isn’t a walk in the park, it’s not how it used to be. In bygone years mastectomies looked like mutilations, both breasts removed, huge scarring both physical and emotional…it was hugely traumatic.
Modern reconstructive surgery means that once all of the breast tissue is removed, there is a “High 5” from the breast surgeon to the reconstructive surgeon who then takes over and adds breast implants!
Quite literally next week my husband and I go to see the reconstructive surgeon to discuss implant size and shape. As my husband says “We are going boob shopping”!
For now we are on cloud 9! I’ve included a video below taken immediately as I left the Wellington Platinum Health Centre after hearing the awesome news.
The universe has granted me a gift of learning, a knowledge that I intend to use post surgery to help many women in the same situation as myself. Helping women not to simply survive cancer, but to THRIVE on their journey.
Sending my Love, positivity and huge thanks for all of the Love and support I’ve received on this journey.
Speak soon,
Vanessa X
