I'm Ready to Talk -- Not really, but feel inclined to do so :-D.

The Bombshell

For anyone who is not aware, but has seen various postings on Facebook and have yet to figure out what is going on, I was recently diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.

Gratitude
First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for all of the thoughts and prayers in my behalf. I truly feel the blessings of the your prayers.  I am grateful for such loving and caring neighbors and friends.

How Are You . . . Really?
I get this question a lot.  And I am doing great!!!  I really am!!  I feel great physically, mentally and spiritually.  Don't get me wrong, I have had my down days, but as you read on, I hope you will understand why I feel so positively fantastic!! 

My Reasons for Staying Silent
I also would like to state that I prefer to keep things to myself.  I have never felt a need or desire to talk to everyone about this, so for that reason I appreciate the space that everyone has given me.  Your unreturned calls or FB inquiries is not my attempt to be rude, but rather, I just don't want to talk about it.  That's just how I choose to deal with it.  However, in an effort to keep any other convoluted information from being passed around, I have decided to blog key information and use this as a forum to "journalize" my journey and experiences and what I learn along the way.

I have titled this blog "Inga's Journey to Healing" because up to this point I feel I am on a journey.  I have had some very undeniable impressions and promptings that I am NOT to do "cookie cutter chemo treatments and radiation therapy."  So whether you agree or not, I am not seeking your approval, but would appreciate your support.  As I told the nurse at Huntsman Cancer Institute, my decision is between me and the Lord and as far as I am concerned, that is all that matters.

Clinical History
My diagnosis came as quite a surprise as it was found on routine mammogram. there was no lump or mass associated, just some calcifications.  I had never heard of  "calcifications" before and thought, no big deal right?? Well then the biopsy showed DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and ductal carcinoma, minimally invasive.  WHAT??? Are you kidding me??  My first thoughts were "I don't have time for this," and I was simply determined to address it as quickly as possible and get it out of the way.  However, I discovered it was not going to be that easy since surgery revealed it had spread to the sentinel node, which resulted in the removal of 10 other nodes from under my arm.  My surgeon greeted me in postop with "That node just bought you a ticket to chemo."  Thanks for breaking it to me gently, I thought.  Thankfully pathology showed that none of the nodes under my arm were affected, but that still did not change the treatment course, which included chemo, radiation, and Tamoxifen (which happens to be a carcinogen that causes uterine and liver cancer, not to mention blood clots -- Gee sign me up!!!)  I quickly came to the realization that this was not going to be gone as quickly as I wanted it to and I was going to have to make time for it, dang it!!  Needless to say, I was very, very depressed because I felt I had no options.  My options were all wiped out with the sentinel node involvement. 

The Journey Begins
As I was laying in bed recovering from surgery, I was ruminating on the prospect of chemo.  I just couldn't believe that I was going to have to inject poison into my body and kill every single cell in my body to address the cancer.  I mean after all it was removed in surgery. I mean I am healthy, I eat right, I have a pretty strong immune system, why would I destroy the very system that was designed to fight cancer?  It just didn't make any sense to me and it didn't feel right and I felt backed into a corner.  Suddenly a scripture came to my mind that I had read only two days after I learned of my biopsy results, and it was "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, and knock and it shall be opened unto you."  It was like a light went on.  All along I had prayed that I would know what to do.  I didn't ask for a miraculous healing, but rather that I would know what to do, yet I had not been seeking.  I immediately pulled up my laptop and started doing some seeking and searching.  The information I found was incredible and nothing shy of a miracle. I started feeling hope again.  I started feeling like I had options once again.  The very next day I received a random email drip campaign on my blackberry.  I never open those emails but this time I did.  It was referencing the same information I learned of the night before.  Coincidence??? I think not.  I knew I had some serious reading to do, and I got to work!  What I have learned has been amazing and maddening all at the same time.

What I Have Learned
I would like to state a disclaimer right now.  First off, it is not my intent to create controversy or offend in any way.  It is often hard to accept new information (even proven documented information) when we have been so indoctrinated into one way of thinking.  So with that said, I will boldly state that cancer is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an inefficient immune system.  If you don't believe me read the "Cancer Answer" by Albert E. Carter.  We all have cancer cells or disobedient cells in our body.  These are cells that start growing a bit out of control from the way they were programmed.  With a strong immune system, those cells are wiped out by your lymphocytes before you know you even have a problem.  Unfortunately, there are a whole host of factors that can adversely affect your immune system from diet, environment, water (chlorine and fluoridated), and stress that can beat up your immune system and can cause it to be less than efficient. 

The Best of Both Worlds
I have always believed in a more holistic approach to health and wellness, but wasn't sure that approaching my cancer treatment completely that way was altogether wise or responsible.  I have found a doctor out of Mesa, Arizona who is a medical doctor and practices integrated oncology and homeopathy. He does a chemo sensitivity test, which is a blood test that is only done in Germany and Greece that actually determines what chemotherapy drugs your specific cancer cells are sensitive to.  Just like antibiotics are bacteria specific.  He then uses a technique called insulin potentiation therapy (IPT) as a modality for the administration of low dose chemotherapy that has been used since the mid 1930s.  The dose of chemotherapy is about 10% of the normal dose.  The IPT actually targets the cancer cells like smart bombs and attacks them with very little affect on the other cells of the body.  NO HORRIBLE SIDE EFFECTS!! Along with the IPT therapy, there are several holistic healing modalities that help strengthen the immune system and create an inhospitable environment for cancer to grow or thrive.  I am being very general and nonspecific here to spare you the details, but just know that when you understand all the information, it makes perfect sense.  He has had incredible success with this therapy, even with stage IV pancreatic cancer, stage IV breast and ovarian cancer.  I have actually spoken with these patients who have been cancer free and remained well for five years beyond their diagnosis.

A Useful Metaphor
If you had some weeds in your garden, would it make sense to throw a pesticide on the weeds as well as the flowers, trees, shrubs and grass, and then expect the flowers, trees, shrubs and grass to return spontaneously and thrive?   Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either. 

Knock and it Shall Be Opened unto You
I realize that without knowing all the information I have gathered, this approach may not resonate with everyone, but just know that I have received my answer and feel such a sense of calm reassurance and peace. 

Finally . . .
I know you were wondering if I was ever going to stop.  My plan is I am going to be going to Mesa, Arizona for six weeks.  The plan is to leave on October 16th to start treatment on the 18th.  I will be staying with my brother who lives just outside of Phoenix.  I have a big family support group and appreciate the many offers of help and service.  We will need it during that time. 

I would be ever so grateful for your continued faith and prayers.  My journey is just beginning. 

Inga