breast cancer – 60plus and loving life

We all have our battles: a Journey of Resilience and Connection…

By 60plus&lovinglife August 10, 2024 0

I was chatting before class with one of my trainers at the gym. She was checking in with how I am travelling after my hectic health issues last year😊

I told her that the breast cancer is in remission; the non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is still “watch & wait” with 6 monthly check-ups; the Lymphocytic Colitis is mostly under control and I have my Cochlear implant in my left ear so hearing is awesome!

So this year is pretty good really.

She confided that she is feeling a bit unmotivated with life at the moment, but feels that when she hears about my journey that she has nothing really to worry about.

I told her that we all have our own things to deal with and to not feel that hers are any less valid. They are absolutely real for her and there are times we all feel unmotivated with life.

Life, in all its complexity, is a series of battles. Some days, the sun shines bright, and the path ahead seems clear. On others, the road is shrouded in darkness, and every step feels like an uphill climb.

Whether it’s relationship troubles, health issues, or the general malaise that sometimes settles in our souls, we all face challenges that test our strength and resolve.

But here’s the thing: it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to feel lost, tired, or overwhelmed.

The important part is that we keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.

I’ve come to understand that life isn’t about avoiding difficulties—it’s about how we respond to them. It’s about resilience, that quiet, persistent strength that keeps us going even when the odds seem stacked against us.

And while it’s essential to draw from our inner reserves, we also need to recognize the power of connection, of leaning on others when our strength wanes.

Lifting Each Other Up

No one is an island. We weren’t meant to walk this journey alone. Yet, how often do we hesitate to reach out, to ask for help, or to simply share what’s weighing on our hearts? We worry about being a burden, about showing vulnerability, about not having it all together.

But here’s the truth: we all have our moments of doubt and despair. When we share these moments with others, we often find that we are not alone in our struggles. Our friends, family, and even those who might just be passing through our lives for a brief time—they’ve been there too.

And in that shared understanding, we can find comfort and strength. There’s a profound power in lifting each other up. A kind word, a listening ear, a simple “I’m here for you”—these small gestures can make a world of difference. They remind us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone.

Being Our Authentic Selves

Authenticity is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and to others. In a world that often pushes us to present a curated, polished version of our lives, being real can feel risky.

But it’s through authenticity that true connections are made. When we allow ourselves to be seen—flaws, scars, and all—we create space for others to do the same.

We open the door to deeper relationships, where we can support each other not just in our successes, but in our struggles too. Being authentic isn’t about oversharing or laying bare every detail of our lives; it’s about being true to who we are.

It’s about acknowledging our battles and facing them head-on, with the understanding that it’s okay not to have all the answers.

Checking In with Each Other

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the people around us. We get caught up in our routines, our to-do lists, our own worries. But it’s so important to take a moment to check in with those we care about.

A simple, “How are you, really?” can open the door to meaningful conversation and connection. It shows that we care, that we’re paying attention, that we’re here to support each other.

Sometimes, that check-in is all it takes to remind someone that they’re not alone in their battle.

Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, with triumphs and trials. We all have our battles, but we don’t have to face them alone.

By lifting each other up, being our authentic selves, and checking in with one another, we can create a community of support and love—a place where we can all find the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Let’s be there for each other. Let’s face our battles with courage and compassion. And let’s never forget the power of connection in this beautiful, messy journey called life.

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Embracing Life: Celebrating Victory Over Breast Cancer

By 60plus&lovinglife January 31, 2024February 29, 2024 0

In the grand narrative of life, there are chapters that test our resilience, chapters that redefine our strength, and chapters that celebrate our triumphs. Today, as I sit down to share my story, I find myself basking in the radiant glow of victory, for I am officially free from breast cancer.

The journey has been nothing short of tumultuous, a rollercoaster of emotions, fears, and hopes. Yet, through the darkest nights and the brightest days, I have not merely survived; I have thrived. With unwavering determination and boundless courage, I confronted each obstacle head-on, refusing to let adversity define me.

Just recently, I received the long-awaited results from my PET & CT scans and blood tests—a testament to the relentless pursuit of healing and the power of resilience. No sign of breast cancer! *happy dance*

The non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, once scattered throughout my abdominal area like ominous clouds, has regressed. Several nodes have shrunk, one has vanished entirely, leaving behind whispers of hope and whispers of gratitude.

Yet, amidst the triumph, there lingers one stubborn node, a reminder that life’s battles are not always easily won. But as they say, there’s always one, isn’t there?

In this moment of celebration, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude, for I have not walked this path alone. To my healthcare providers, whose care and remarkable skill have been beacons of light in the darkest of times, I extend my deepest appreciation. Your unwavering dedication has been the cornerstone of my journey, guiding me towards healing and restoration.

To my gym trainers and gym buddies, who stood by me through the toughest of workouts and the most challenging of days, your encouragement fueled my spirit and strengthened my resolve. In your company, I found solace and strength, forging bonds that transcend mere friendship.

To my beautiful daughter, my rock amidst the raging storm, your love and unwavering support have been my greatest source of strength. In your eyes, I found the courage to press on, to fight fiercely, and to never lose sight of the beauty that lies beyond the shadows.

And to my dance community and friends, whose laughter and camaraderie lit up even the darkest of nights, your unwavering support and boundless love lifted my spirits and carried me through the storm. In your company, I found the courage to dance amidst the rain, to embrace life’s melodies, and to celebrate each precious moment.

As I stand on the threshold of a new beginning, I am reminded that life’s greatest victories are not measured by the battles we win, but by the love we share, the friendships we cherish, and the moments we hold dear. In the tapestry of life, every thread, every triumph, and every tear, weaves together to form the masterpiece of our existence.

Today, as I embrace the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the wind, I am reminded of the beauty that lies within each moment, the magic that resides within each heartbeat.

In my life, amidst the laughter and the tears, there lies the promise of a new beginning, a promise of hope, and a promise of love.

And so, as I bid farewell to the shadows of yesterday and embrace the light of tomorrow, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, a spirit renewed, and a soul ablaze with the fire of resilience.

imagecredit:NukeP

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musings about ageing

Who am I? A year of learning about myself, more than I ever thought I could be!

By 60plus&lovinglife November 2, 2023February 29, 2024 0

I caught up with a good friend of mine for lunch today. We always talk about random things and deep dive on any issues we might have and untangle thoughts and feelings to get at the core of things.

It’s wonderful to have friends like that and she is an absolute gem!

We talked about my health which has been a bit of a dumpster fire this year. My friend talked about my identity as a healthy and fit woman. She is correct, my identity is very much wrapped around health & fitness and being a role model for women in their 60s.

Heck, one of the reasons I started this blog was to talk about health & fitness and how to stay well as one ages!

My family of origin has and is riddled with heart disease, metabolic illness, and COPD.

My whole life and part of my motivation to stay healthy and fit was to keep, primarily, heart disease at bay and I can say I have been overwhelmingly successful in this endeavour.

So, you can imagine my utter shock when cancer decided to knock on the door earlier this year. Specifically, breast cancer. No-one in my family has had breast cancer and it took some time to wrap my head around it all and what that meant for my health, fitness, and self-identity.

This year has had enough plot twists to write a book about. On top of the breast cancer, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgin Lymphoma, Lymphocytic Colitis and then Sudden Sensorineuro Hearing loss in my left ear – meaning I will need surgery to be fitted with a Cochlear Implant.

In amongst all of these hectic challenges, I have kept my spirits up, dealing with one thing at a time. I have kept up my exercise regimen when I could.

There were some weeks when recovering from a procedure or two, that I have had to take a break to rest and recuperate. I have had to take the time to allow my body and spirit time to rest and recover and to get better.

If I couldn’t go for a run, I’d go for a brisk walk. If I couldn’t go to the gym to do weights training, I’d pick up an extra yoga or Pilates class. Going for a swim is always a nice option, gentle, weight bearing and slow. Dancing is a constant too.

If it was all too much, then resting, reading, walking my dog, and spending gentle time with family and my friends were the order of the day!

I also had some emotional turmoil to deal with this year. A person whose sole purpose in life seemed to be to relentlessly bully me via my blog and to get his minion to do likewise.

Generally, I am very much of the opinion that bullies are just cowards that if you ignore them, they eventually go away. But this one was unrelentingly persistent.

In the end I got rid of them, but it took some work to do so and if they ever rear their heads again, I will go straight to the Magistrate and get an AVO. I have all the written evidence and witnesses of in-person bullying and harassment. Plus, nasty sh*t sent to friends of mine, that has also been kept as evidence.

All up the year has presented some unique issues for me to deal with and overcome.

But you know what? I am resilient, I am strong, I fully believe my fitness has enabled me to deal with the health issues effectively. Exercise and eating well also helps with emotional upheaval.

The other thing I have in my favour is a supportive family and the best friends and community. They literally wrap themselves around me like a warm hug!

I am blessed and honoured and humbled by the love and support I have received this year.

imagecredit:negativespace,quotebyauthor

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Healing Energy: Nurturing Well-Being on the Cancer Journey

By 60plus&lovinglife July 7, 2023 0

It’s been a little while since I gave you all a health update 😊

And I’m not entirely sure what to say. I have good days and days where I’m just really super tired and a bit emotional. But that’s normal for my new normal. Today started off good and now it’s not so great, that’s the way it goes.

I had to go back to my Haematologist a bit earlier than planned for my follow-up. I have been quite unwell over the last month and that ended up with a visit to the ER and a CT scan.

On that scan they picked up that the Lymphoma has gotten worse.

I’ve had more blood tests, yet another CT scan, and another PET scan.

I get the results and discuss treatment options/plans this coming Monday.

Then I will know the next stage of this rather strange and fascinating journey that I am on.

All in all, I am deeply grateful for the support of my beautiful and loving daughter and the care and love of my partner. I have not enough words to express the depth of love I feel for these special people without whom I would be lost.

Now onto the main topic – meditation & mindfulness and how these two practices are shaping my life:

Dealing with cancer is undoubtedly one of life’s most profound challenges. The physical and emotional toll it takes can be overwhelming, leading to a rollercoaster of good and challenging days. In the midst of this turbulent journey, however, lies the transformative potential of meditation and mindfulness. Personally I find that these practices offer solace, strength, and a renewed perspective, reminding me of the privilege of life and the importance of valuing my health and well-being.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Living with cancer can be an unpredictable journey, with good days and challenging days intertwined. On the good days, when energy and optimism surge, it’s essential to embrace them fully. These moments allows me to savour life’s simple pleasures, appreciate the beauty around me, and strengthens my resolve to fight.

However, I’ve found it’s equally important to acknowledge and honour the challenging days when fatigue, pain, or emotional turmoil loom large. These moments can be disheartening, but they, too, hold valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.

The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness

I have found that both meditation and mindfulness are invaluable tools for navigating the peaks and valleys of my cancer journey. By training my mind to be present and aware, these practices have enabled me to find inner peace and resilience amidst uncertainty.

Here’s how they can make a significant difference:

Cultivating Inner Calm:

Through meditation, I have learned to focus my attention on the present moment, allowing worries and anxieties to fade into the background. By observing my thoughts without judgment, I have been able to reduce stress and foster a sense of calm, even in the face of adversity.

Enhancing Emotional Well-being:

Cancer can bring forth a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to anger and frustration. Mindfulness has helped me to improve my emotional intelligence, allowing me to acknowledge and process these feelings without being consumed by them. By cultivating self-compassion, I have found solace and acceptance within myself.

Building Resilience:

Meditation has really strengthened my ability to respond to adversity with resilience. It has absolutely helped me develop a deep inner wellspring of strength and equanimity, enabling me to bounce back from setbacks and face each day with renewed determination.

Connecting with the Present Moment:

Cancer can disrupt my sense of time, pulling me into thoughts of the past or worries about the future. Mindfulness always brings me back to the present moment, helping me appreciate the beauty and wonder of life that exists in the here and now. It allows me to experience moments of joy, love, and gratitude amidst the challenges that I currently face.

Embracing Life’s Privilege

The cancer journey inevitably confronts us with the fragility and preciousness of life. Each day becomes an opportunity to cherish the gift of existence and to honour my health and well-being. Meditation and mindfulness serve as gentle reminders to value the present moment and nourish my body, mind, and spirit.

By incorporating meditation and mindfulness into my life, I have cultivated a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. I have become more attuned to my body, listening to its needs and responding with care. I have learned to appreciate the small joys and find beauty in even the most difficult of circumstances. Ultimately, I have recognized that every breath is a privilege, and every day is an opportunity for growth and gratitude.

As cancer presents its myriad challenges, the power of meditation and mindfulness shines through as a beacon of hope and strength. These practices provide invaluable tools for navigating the unpredictable journey with grace and resilience.

By embracing the good and challenging days alike, I find I can foster a deeper appreciation for life’s preciousness.

Let us remember to value our health and well-being, cherishing each moment as a privilege and a gift.

image credit: RizelleAnneGalvez. Words my own.

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Nurturing Wholeness: Embracing a Plant-Based Diet and Holistic Well-Being as an Alternative to Radiation Treatment

By 60plus&lovinglife June 1, 2023 0

This blog post is intensely personal for me. It is not advice for anyone reading it. I am in no way qualified to give any form of medical advice and I urge you to always consult with and seek information and advice from your health care practitioner. However, I wanted to share this with you as part of my healing journey and I believe that for me, this is the best way forward. Love and peace to you all 💕

When faced with critical health decisions, we are often presented with multiple paths to choose from. In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have explored alternative approaches to conventional treatments, seeking to integrate holistic well-being and dietary changes into their healing journeys. In this blog post, I will delve into the decision I made to forgo radiation treatment and instead choosing to embrace a plant-based diet and holistic well-being practices. Through reputable research articles, I explored the potential benefits of these choices and in this post I aim to shed light on the growing interest in this alternative path to healing.

Understanding the Radiation Treatment Decision:

Radiation therapy is a well-established treatment option for various medical conditions, including cancer. It involves the use of high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. However, the potential side effects and long-term impacts of radiation therapy led me to consider alternative approaches.

Exploring Holistic Well-Being: Holistic well-being encompasses the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. By adopting a holistic approach, I sought to address the root causes of illness rather than solely focusing on symptom management. Practices such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, energy healing and Vitamin C infusions are among the various modalities embraced in holistic well-being journeys, including my own healing journey.

The Power of a Plant-Based Diet: Numerous research articles have highlighted the potential benefits of a plant-based diet in promoting overall health and preventing chronic diseases. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2017) concluded that a plant-based diet was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition (2019) revealed that a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These are just two of many recent peer-reviewed research articles supporting the health benefits of a plant-based, whole food diet.

The Role of Nutrition in Healing: Reputable research supports the notion that nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s healing processes. A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research (2015) found that a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes may offer protective effects against certain cancers. The study suggested that the high content of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fiber in plant-based foods could contribute to reducing cancer risk. Again, this is one of many reputable research articles in support of nutrition in healing.

Finding Balance and Individualized Care: Choosing holistic well-being and a plant-based diet as an alternative to radiation treatment requires careful consideration and personalized guidance. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about integrative medicine and can provide support and guidance throughout the healing journey. Each individual’s circumstances are unique, and an individualized approach ensures that the chosen path aligns with their specific needs and goals. For me, I feel I have found the right balance of well-being practices and modalities to best support my continued healing and return to good health.

The Mind-Body Connection: The mind-body connection is a fundamental aspect of holistic well-being. Research, such as a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2018), has shown that mind-body practices like meditation and mindfulness can positively impact overall well-being and aid in stress reduction. Cultivating a positive mindset and emotional resilience can contribute to the healing process. I have adopted daily meditation practices and I can say that I feel far calmer, grounded and serene. That’s not to say that I don’t get moments of anxiety, but I now find it far easier to let go of stress and anxiety and maintain balance and a sense of calm.

Embracing Wholeness and Individual Agency: The decision to forgo radiation treatment and explore holistic well-being and a plant-based diet is deeply personal. It involves embracing the belief that healing encompasses more than just the physical body. By nurturing wholeness and embracing individual agency in healthcare decisions, I have been able to embark on a path that seeks to address my unique needs and honor my personal and spiritual values.

In closing and to reiterate my points, choosing an alternative path to healing by forgoing radiation treatment and instead embracing a plant-based diet and holistic well-being practices requires careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals. Reputable research articles have shed light on the potential benefits of holistic well-being and nutrition in promoting overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Each individual’s journey is unique, and finding balance and individualized care is crucial. By nurturing wholeness and embracing individual agency, I have been able to embark on a path that resonates with my values and supports my overall well-being.

main image credit: dragonfly ave

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My healing journey

By 60plus&lovinglife May 25, 2023May 29, 2023 1

I am not here to give advice or tell anyone how to live their lives or how to heal during or after any illness or period of stress. I am on my on healing and wellness journey and the path I travel is unique to me.

If anything I write about resonates with you, that is good and if not, also good.

Given that I have had a couple of recent health challenges (check my previous posts here and here for further information), I am pleased that most people tell me I look fit, well and fantastic. It’s lovely to get positive feedback. But I actually do feel fit and well. The surgery slowed me down a little, momentarily, but I have literally bounced back to my own self fairly quickly.

Mostly because I was already super fit and healthy and also because I know how to listen to my body and do things that work for me.

I have also decided to go completely WFPB (whole foods, plant based). I feel this is very much the right decision for my body in terms of healing, getting optimal nutrition, re-setting my immune system and for the best health outcomes.

If you want to know more about this – I’ve found a couple of legit websites for you to peruse for further details. WFPB (for beginners) and this from Doctors for Nutrition for further guidance. If you’re looking for some recipes to consider or if this is something new to you and you don’t know where to start, check out Forks over Knives for some nutrition packed and delicious recipes!

I love my food and I love new and interesting and tasty recipes! It’s always fun to experiment and broaden out my culinary repertoire. I find I am eating way more nutrient dense foods and that’s a plus. I love it and I am full of energy, vitality and super happy!

What I am not so fond of is folk telling me what I should be doing health-wise. I recently got bailed up in the toilets at my dance class venue! I was washing my hands, minding my own business, then got chatting with a friend about my current health situation. An acquaintance came out of one of the stalls and started berating me about my medical and health choices.

Alright then.

My friend said “her body, her choice.” Yep, ain’t that the truth!

Acquaintance carried on regardless.

When she was done spouting her view of what I should be doing with my body (and no, she has no medical or nutritional qualifications or expertise), I said to her that next time she is welcome to her thoughts, but she should aim to keep them in her head and not let them wander out of her mouth as they are not welcome.

I then left her with mouth agape, waltzed out the door and went about my business.

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Mother’s Day, breast cancer, love & well-being…

By 60plus&lovinglife May 15, 2023May 29, 2023 0

Hello my lovelies

It was Mother’s Day in Australia and the US (UK is a different month/day) on Sunday just gone.

I have a tradition whereby I run a 5km fun run that is a fundraiser for breast cancer research. I have entered the fun run for several years now as I’ve always believed it’s a good cause and I have had a number of friends impacted by breast cancer and one friend died last year after contracting it for the third time (plus it had spread throughout her body). She refused any further treatments as she wanted to go out on her own terms. Full respect for her and her decision. She was a beautiful soul.

Last year my daughter joined me for the run (usually we’d catch up for lunch after I completed the run). It was fantastic to have her with me and little did we know that a year later the run would have far more significance for us.

(The main image photo is my daughter and I after we finished the run – the love and bond between us is clear to see. She is the best human I have ever had the honour to know and love and I am so grateful to her for all the support she has given me, plus her quirky humour and kind and generous nature.)

Now I am the 1 in 7 women who has been directly affected by breast cancer. Read about the stats at the link here understanding breast cancer. My diagnosis was less than two months ago, my surgery (lumpectomy and 5 lymph nodes removed) 8 weeks ago.

I have healed really well and I have returned to all my former pursuits. Running, dancing, gym workouts, hiking and walking my dog. I’m also back at work, I never really stopped, but some of my specialist appointments and my surgery and recovery days were during working days (I work part-time, 3 days/week). My workplace has been super supportive and my boss has said I can take as much time as I need, even if it means I suddenly need to leave work – which actually did happen when I first saw the surgeon and had surgery the following day.

I have also made some changes to my health and wellness routines. I quit alcohol completely, the minute I got the diagnosis, I’m like “I’m done…” alcohol is toxic and my body was unwell and now healing and there is no place for toxins. There is a direct correlation between alcohol consumption and cancer. Studies show that alcohol increases the likelihood of certain cancers, but there is no clear indication that it impacts one after a cancer diagnosis, but the recommendation is to steer clear – see this link for further information alcohol & cancer.

I am currently dealing with two separate cancers (got a diagnosis of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma a couple of weeks after the breast cancer diagnosis). So basically, for me, alcohol is off the menu – permanently and I don’t really care, it’s not something I will miss. Whether alcohol played any role in my cancers is irrelevant really, my aim is to have optimal health and only consume things that have a positive impact at the cellular level and help with my healing journey.

I truly believe that the lymphoma was stress related. There is research that has found a link with chronic stress and speeding up the spread of cancer. Chronic stress also weakens the immune system – you can read more about it here connection between chronic stress and cancer. There is no direct evidence stress causes cancer (however a weakened immune system due to chronic stress may be a trigger), but it sure as heck makes it grow and spread like wildfire.

Therefore, in addition to rejigging my health and wellness routines, I have eliminated all forms of stress from my life. People who aim to cause me stress are no longer a part of my life, I literally cannot afford to have drama queens/kings causing me distress or trauma. I am meditating daily (it really, really does help in creating an inner peace) and focusing on the positives in my life, of which there are many.

I also decided at the beginning of last week to alter my diet to being entirely plant-based. For years now I have tried to eat only fresh food, mostly plants – but in addition I did eat meat and fish, eggs and some dairy. I feel that this is the right decision for me and my health, wellness and recovery/healing journey. I love finding veggie recipes and already had a bunch of go-to recipes that are plant based. I love chickpeas, hummus is life! So far, I am not missing or craving meat and I am increasing my nutrient intake with more veggies, legumes, nuts and pulses. And yes I am aware that I need to ensure sufficient Vitamin B12 (nutritional yeast for the win!); calcium and iron. I’m good at ensuring I get the right mix of food each day. Plus two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. There is evidence to suggest that the lignans in flaxseed have a beneficial effect, particularly in relation to breast cancer. Read about it here: 3 nutrients cancer survivors should know.

I have also eliminated refined sugars, the processed kind, not the sugars that you obtain from fresh fruit. There are different types of sugars and it’s the refined ones that cause damage at the cellular level. There is no direct evidence linking sugar and cancer. However, there is “…accumulating evidence that sugar consumption is associated with increased cancer risk, recurrence, and mortality.” (Reference link Sugar & Cancer UCSF.)

I’ll keep you all updated on my health and wellness journey, particularly with my tweaked nutritional regimen. In the meantime, stay well, stay healthy, stay strong!

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What are you grateful for in your life?

By 60plus&lovinglife May 11, 2023February 29, 2024 0

Gratitude is an interesting concept. It’s important to acknowledge what we have in life for which we can be grateful. Sometimes it’s challenging to find something. When life is testing you or presenting you with serious challenges you can lose sight of the good things.

I’ve had a rocky start to 2023. It began with a long-term relationship ending suddenly and abruptly. However, with time to reflect, I have realized it was one of the best things to happen. The person who removed themselves from my life was not good for me and given the things that happened shortly afterwards, I am deeply and sincerely grateful that they decided to end things. It has given me the space and time to reflect, move on and prioritize my own well-being.

In rapid succession I was diagnosed with breast cancer, then non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and a wee bout of Covid thrown into the mix! In the weirdest way I am grateful I found the lump in my breast and eventually got the surprising (and unwelcome) diagnosis of cancer. Because of that I had scans that picked up the non-Hodgkins.

If the other person had not decided to walk himself out of my life – I think my health would have been far worse as the stress and impact on my emotional and physical wellbeing would have been overly taxing!

As for my health journey, I am feeling fantastic. I have a team of medicos looking after me and I have a Naturopath for the complementary treatments and advice. I have tweaked my diet to be even healthier than ever, no alcohol, no refined sugar and exercise daily.

For me gratitude is important. Even if it’s just “hey, I woke up and here I am!” I am meditating daily and I have found that is so helpful in staying centred, calm and balanced emotionally.

What am I grateful for?

my daughter (she is my rock)
my sister (she is in touch daily and we share health updates and humour)
my body (it has allowed me to recover from surgery quickly and it is capable of so many things)
my dog (he is awesome!)
my job (it’s fun and I have the best colleagues)
my meditation app (Balance – check it out and no, I’m not paid to promote it)
My gym (I have literally the best trainers and gym buddies)
My friends (they know when to get in touch and when to let me get on with things)
My dance classes and teachers and dance friends (they are supportive and fun)
The place where I live (it is literally paradise on earth!)
Running (I love to get outdoors and go for a run, living near the river is a bonus!)
Hiking and getting out into the countryside (I find my emotional well-being is uplifted)
My medical team (I don’t always agree with them, but they are all fabulous in looking after me)
The amazing women and men I have met on this cancer journey (their strength and endurance astounds me, our gallows humour is the best!)
And you! All of you 🥰
I probably have many more things to be grateful for and I will add to the list when I think of them
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge gratitude to the man who walked out of my life at the beginning of the year, he did me a favour by leaving and for that I am deeply grateful. I wish him well in life (far, far away from me!😂)
.

What are you grateful for? Let me know 🥰

main image credit: Fernanda Festucci

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Staying well…

By 60plus&lovinglife April 28, 2023 0

Hello and oh gosh, it’s almost the weekend already!

I hope you’ve all had a stellar week and that all is well in your world😁

Y’all know I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then subsequently non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Double-barrel cancer!

The non-Hodgkins is nothing to worry about, no treatment apart from high dose Vitamin D (recommended by the Haematologist) and then a follow-up in 3 months and more blood tests. It’s linked to the ILyAD clinical trials that have shown promising results with Lymphoma patients and Vitamin D. More on that trial here.

The breast cancer is all gone, but the Breast Cancer Oncologist wants me to undergo several rounds of radiation treatment, then go on hormone blockers. I’m waiting to hear from them re when I’m to book in for the radiation. I’m still not comfortable with the idea of that treatment and would prefer not to undergo it.

However, I will make a final decision when I hear back from them. Oh they just called! I’m booked in for a consult with the Radiation Oncologist (yet another specialist!) in a couple weeks time. I’ll go, but I’m still not sure I’ll take the treatment.

The hormone blockers sound horrendous. One sort may cause endometrial cancer the other can crumble your bones to dust! All sounds very appealing (not).

In the interim, whilst trying to decide what to do, I went to see my Naturopath.

She has given me natural oestrogen (estrogen) blocking tablets 2 per day and some natural remedies to detox and strengthen my immune system.

Alongside my super healthy, nutritious and plant based fresh food diet, with healthy carbs and protein. Oh and flaxseeds, ground flaxseeds, my Naturopath recommended them and I had already started to add them to my morning oats or smoothies. I’ve ordered a little electric spice grinder as the mortar and pestle grinding takes to long and essentially I am lazy and when I’m smooshing them I end up with the little feckers flying all over the place! And she recommended oatstraw tea – it’s actually quite delicious, so I’ve added that to my health arsenal.

I have also been having regular Vitamin C infusions. There is research supporting Vitamin C and cancer which I have referenced in my previous post – here’s the link if you’d like to check out the research around this topic wellness journey and research links.

So I’m onto my third week with the Vit C infusions and they have incrementally increased the amount. Starting at 15ml, then 30ml and this week 45ml. Next week it goes up to 60ml (usually it’s 1ml per kg of body weight, I’m around 54kgs, but they decided to round up for me, thanks to my double cancer load!).

The infusions take around an hour to an hour and a half. I’m usually sat in a room with a couple of other clients. Last week and this week I met two women (different both weeks) who are all going through either breast cancer or multiple cancers. They are either going through the full chemo and/or radiation journey with complementary treatment to mitigate the side effects of chemo/radiation, or completely natural treatment (one woman last week) or like myself – surgery and then natural treatments.

It’s good to chat with people in a similar situation to myself, it’s both nurturing and bonding. We discuss the various treatments, both conventional and alternative that we have or are undergoing.

Each woman’s journey is uniquely her own. The beauty of meeting women in this environment is that we sit in no judgement. Whatever path a woman chooses to take for her own health is her unique path and her own choices around what works for her and her body.

I am on my own journey as you are on yours.

I will be your cheerleader, whatever decisions you decide to make.

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health and fitness

My wellness journey…

By 60plus&lovinglife April 24, 2023 2

Hello and I hope you are having a good start to your week. This is a bit of a longer read than usual, but it’ll be worth it!

I’ve mentioned in prior posts about being diagnosed with breast cancer – here’s a couple of links, so you can catch up if you are new to my blog, I’ll be here when you come back health update #1 and health update #2

Since then I’ve also been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma – slow growing (they actually call it “indolent” – I apparently have a lazy cancer!😂) And yes, I can certainly laugh about it! I’m seeing a Haematologist today for further information. More on that appointment below.

I’ve been doing some serious soul searching around all of this – I am fit and healthy and I also have cancer. Bit of an oxymoron – but here we are!

I feel absolutely fine and in really good spirits. I am also being brutally honest with myself in searching out answers to what may have caused my body to turn on itself.

The breast cancer is estrogen (oestrogen) sensitive. I was on Hormone Replacement Therapy for some years. There is strong evidence based research that HRT can lead to breast cancer. Here’s a research article you can read which explains the risks a little more. There are different types of breast cancer and some are genetic/hereditary. There is no breast cancer in my family, so I believe that mine is linked with the HRT.

After the breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy and lymph nodes removal), the Oncologist has recommended Radiation treatment, then hormone blockers. I’m taking the time to think about that. Everything has happened so quickly, I literally have not had the time to process and think about what all this means to me and my well-being. I am fortunate and relieved that chemotherapy has been taken off the table. I am also completely supportive of anyone that requires chemo.

As for the Lymphoma, good news on that front. The Haematologist confirmed that it is Follicular Lymphoma, low grade, slow growing, indolent and not requiring any treatment at this stage. He has opted for a “wait and watch” approach. I will have follow-up blood tests and another appointment in 3 months.

In the interim he pointed me to current clinical trials looking into the benefits of Vitamin D on Follicular Lymphoma. He recommended I increase my Vitamin D supplementation regimen. Here’s a link to the research ILyAD (Indolent Lymphoma and Vitamin D) and another article here Lymphoma and Vitamin D

The link with insufficient Vitamin D is interesting. I live in Western Australia and we get plenty of sunshine and sunshine is a prime provider of Vitamin D (other than food sources like egg yolks and oily fish i.e. salmon, sardines etc.) Check this link for more information Sunshine and Vit D

I regularly get out in the sun, but I generally wear sunscreen which blocks the beneficial UVB that you get from the sun that has Vitamin D. I have been taking a supplement for some time now, however my Haematologist basically told me to double the amount.

It will be interesting to see what my blood work shows in 3 months.

The Haematologist said the cause of the Lymphoma is difficult to pinpoint or determine. He said it could be linked to environmental factors such as heavy metals. He pointed out that western countries have high numbers of people with Lymphoma. Whereas other less developed nations do not have such high rates. Lifestyle also plays a factor in most, if not all, cancers. Being seriously overweight/obese can increase your chances as can poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

I am not overweight, I exercise regularly and I eat fairly healthily. So those factors are not what contributed to my diagnosis.

I believe that stress plays a massive role in cancer development. Again, there is evidence based research that investigates the links between high/chronic stress and cancer development and progression. Read more here How stress affects cancer risks and here Chronic stress and cancer.

Chronic and unrelenting stress has been a cofactor in my life over many years. I have held down high level, but extremely stressful job roles. I have had to deal with toxic bosses/managers and I have been made redundant from a couple of jobs and that in itself has caused me immense stress.

Unfortunately, I have also had a couple of seriously stressful relationships, with partners that either have anger issues and or controlling/manipulative behaviors.

I truly believe that the chronic stress I have been under for many years has definitely contributed to my cancer diagnosis.

Things that I have done to mitigate these stressors, even before my diagnosis:

Early last year I quit my last high stress/full-time job. I picked up a part-time job that is low stress, a lot more fun (great team members) and generates enough income for me to get by.

I have eliminated toxic people from my life. All of them. I do not allow any negative or toxic or drama-ridden people access to my life.

I have found a life partner who is kind, gentle, sweet, thoughtful, compassionate and loving.

I have family and friends that are supportive of me and I of them.

The other things that I have decided to do in my journey back to optimal health:

I have started having Vitamin C infusions (intravenously). I came to this decision after reading about some very promising clinical studies on the beneficial effects of Vit C and certain types of cancer – see links here for more information Cancer and Vitamin C and here Vitamin C can kill cancer cells

I will do a separate blog post about that experience.

I am able to return to my exercise regimen after my surgery and Covid that slowed me down a bit.

I’ve been able to dance and go for runs for the last couple of weeks.

This afternoon I am doing my first Body Pump class (it’s been 4 weeks since my surgery). I am beyond excited about doing a proper weights training class. I know I’ll have to go lighter – my head says go the full weights, my body says – not yet!

I’ll build back up to it, but thrilled to be back into it all.

I am doing another dietary overhaul and reviewing all my macro and micro nutrients to see what may be missing for optimal health.

I am seeing a Naturopath this week to talk about re-balancing my hormones and improving my immune system. I’ll give you all an update on that after the appointment.

In the meantime, stay well, be kind to yourself and surround yourself with good people!

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Tag Archives breast cancer