Things I have learned since the onset of my Breast Cancer Journey

2020 was the beginning of many uncertainties for all of us .  Covid-19 dictated our lives on so many different levels.  I relocated to another city March 2020, but could not move into our new place due to so many things being shut down.  Companies had to adjust to working remotely and new protocols for in person business.  So our actual move in did not begin until the second week of April.  That's when I really began to notice fatigue, but I was thinking it had to do with moving and the mental stress I was under.

June 2020 rolled around, and I was in bed.  I felt an urge to scratch in the center of my breast when I turned over.  That's when I felt a lump in my right breast,  It did not hurt.  There was no discoloration.  I didn't see any dimples, but I was left with the feeling of this is not right.  I already had appointments scheduled with a specialist for a follow up on my Adrenal Fatigue.  The following week I was scheduled for my annual gynecology appointment.  The Internal medicine physician was concerned after she examined the area.  She advised me to make sure I kept my gynecology appointment.  I did.

The following week my gynecologist completed the exam, and sent a stat request over for a mammogram to the breast center.  That began the journey of ultrasounds and MRIs.  Then, I met with my surgeon, after getting the run around from other surgeons.  They were more concerned with bringing on their plastic surgery affiliates to discuss breast reduction on the other side and implants.  It was so disappointing that at many offices I felt like a number rather than a person.  On top of thinking they are trying to see how much they can juice my insurance card for opposed to getting to the core issues.

Finally, we get to October 2020 and my first breast cancer surgery was performed on the right breast.  There was not one, but two golf ball sized lumps removed: Stage 2 Cancer.  I was blessed to have my family come from within and from two states to be with me.  I had lots of prayers from family and friends.  There were several offers and help from my church family.  More support by phone, text, and video from various friends and family.  That is what kept me going.  Although, there were always a good share of negative energy lurking.  It took some time and effort in the areas of prayer, heartache, betrayal, and inspiration to get to where I am today mentally, emotionally and physically.

I thought surgery was bad enough since I do not have a high pain tolerance.  (I still have minimum nerve like rotating pain from breast to breast.)  Then, I get to the radiation department.  My first doctor was inspiring because she was young and female.  Later, we had a clashing because I felt she was trying to dictate my treatment.  I reminded her that "This is my body." "This is not Burger King, and you won't have it your way."  Her approach to the treatments were not making since to me, and the veteran doctors had a different approach that made since to me.  Moreover, they were willing to explain to me WHY they were recommending treatment in a certain approach whereas the other doctor was more like "because this is what I want to do, and you are just along for the test dummy ride.)  

So the six week ride began in December, and by the third week I had excruciating pain no matter how much Eucerin they gave me to rub on the breast.  So they were able to try different pain medication to try and minimize my discomfort.  I was not prepared for burnt skin falling off when I showered; finding burnt skin in my clothing and bed. I made it through, and it took another three weeks before the peeled skin came back enough where I was not feeling pain from clothing or other skin touching.

Now it's nearly two years and that breast is still not at it's normal color.  It is still a few shades darker.  I dealt with swelling and more heat on that side until  November 2021 when I had the first surgery on the left breast.

Posts from my Facebook page   (Click to see more- a few listed below)

 #dailymotivation #DailyShare (1 reflection shared daily )

#WhatILearnedFromHavingBreastCancerSurgery3xsInTheLast2Years

My breast cancer was Estrogen Responsive. I have always had hormonal imbalances.

I graduated from Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2017 as a health Coach. I fell off what I had begun to practice as my lifestyle as I allowed negative influences overwhelm me that parked me at #AdrenalFatigue . So I was in #SurvivalMode not really living life and food was my comforter. However excess fat cells generate #Estogen .

I now - protect my physical, emotional and mental space as #Stress causes #Disease ( Dis-Ease ) + Remove #NegativeEnergy from my immediate environment utilizing a #SmudgeStick and #Prayer

I’m back to basics- focusing on #CleanFoods , 5xs more #fruits and #Vegetables per serving of meat (avoiding #FarmRaisedFish and #HormoneTreated meats)

I start the day off with #RoomTemperature #Water with 1 squeezed #lemon or 2 #Limes to balance my #Alkaline vs. #Acidic internal system. (#Cancer thrives in an acidic environment)

#HealthyLifeCoach702 - Sundays detailed blog posts regarding #Healing and #Overcoming