A Journey

My recent journey with cancer began with a small lump in the breast, noticed in mid 2021, but ignored until I saw my doctor in late 2021. I had recovered successfully from a previous cancer in 2011. It had returned.

I saw other doctors and surgeons who suggested various procedures: remove the lump, do a mastectomy (remove one breast or both, and have breast replacement surgery. I considered but did not do anything.

Early last year (2024), I was hospitalized in emergency for low sodium level that was very dangerous. It improved and I got better. However, tests and scans were done and I was informed I now had weeks to live and would need to get my affairs in order, which I did. I was consequently to be put on medications and palliative care. 

I knew I had the breast cancer and was now also informed about inflammation in my body, mets in my liver and cancer tendrils growing around the liver.

Over time, back in my home, I was reduced to using mobility aids to get around a little and other indignities. Family and friends had rallied around. I had supportive home care. My doctor made home visits.

I then received chemo (with hair loss) and palliative radiation and I currently am administered monoclonal antibody treatments monthly. 

I’m told lately that cancer is in my bones, which apparently have fractures, and certain vertebrae have collapsed giving me a hunchback. 

However, the breast healed, the liver is healed as far as I know, and I no longer use regular pharmaceutical meds unless I really have to, which is not that often. Yes I have a painful condition in the ribs, very sore to touch and this curve in my spine, which I am told may collapse. But I have my mobility returned to a reasonable level. I can go up and down stairs from 4th floor. I can drive my car. Doctors and other people are amazed.

I’ve combined traditional cancer care with using supplements and the medicines from nature that God freely gave us all to use, natural treatments of various kinds. 

I thank God for this degree of healing in my body and this much improved mobility. 

I thank God for everyone who has helped me along in this journey, as many have in very practical ways with things I was unable to do, and by visits and prayers. 

Life is not guaranteed, but I fight for it while knowing it is in God’s hands and the healing He has promised me will be had either in this life or in the next when it is His time to take me home. That is a sure guarantee.

I’m sharing this as encouragement to those who are also on a journey with cancer. Perhaps my story will give someone else hope. 

Let me know in the comments…..

Note: I may make some additions to this story as I remember some facts more clearly. It was a rough time.

Ann