Honoring Each Other's Journeys

The following is a 'sister' who has chosen a different path than what is the 'gold standard' of treatment after surgery, chemo and radiation for breast cancer. For me, I applaud her willingness to research and empower herself with knowledge and then to listen to her own inner wisdom. This may not be the course of action I choose, or you choose. And, I feel that whatever path is chosen by an individual, we should honor them for making the hard choices and hold space for their belief in them. Others' choices can open our eyes to new possibilities. So here's to dancing to your own inner music and being celebrated for your bravery in orchestrating your personal path to wellness. Thank you Michelle, for sharing your uniqueness,

I never thought I would have to worry about breast cancer especially at the age of 35. My Mom and Dad both come from a family of 10 (yes, we are Catholic) and breast cancer is nowhere in the family. I also never had a lump. I had an amazing OBGYN in Los Angeles who, because I was turning 35, suggested that I have my first baseline screening mammogram. And there it was. We were both shocked. I had lobular breast cancer which my breast surgeon explained grows in tree like branches or wisps. I was really lucky that it even showed up on a mammogram considering I was young with dense breasts.

I have gone through chemo, radiation and surgery. I was told that I should take Tamoxifen for 5 years but declined it. My oncologist at the time was not happy about it to say the least. It has been three years now since my diagnosis. I have found a wonderful world of alternative or holistic treatment that I feel suits me better than a pill. The funny thing is I wasn’t supported with my decision by some breast cancer survivors. I thought of all people who would understand not wanting to put anymore poison and toxic substances into my body not to mention the desire to have more children, it would be people like me! I am still glad I didn’t take Tamoxifen even if I don’t have any more children. And the last time I checked, there is no 100% guarantee whatever course of therapy we choose or the oncologist dictates to us. Cancer is cancer. I am going to live my life the way I want to and to the fullest. It would be nice to meet other women that have gone against the grain of Western Medicine so we can support each other.