Back to Life!

It's my guess that we all have seasons in our lives (especially as we age) when health management can supersede all other parts of life for a while. My last post (well over four years ago) is a good example. It reads as so technical; so medical - too much so for a general life blog such as this. but at that time, I was caught up in decisions requiring much study and prayer, leaving little time for anything else, much less blogging on that. And so it is. Sometimes life is mostly medical. Mostly job. Mostly family or elders or a relationship in trouble. But then, one day, it gets back to...life!

And here we are now. A new small corporation, birthed in 2015 to my husband and me, doing beautifully and meeting our needs. Time again in the studios, both art and music, feeding my spirit. Leaving this very evening on a much-needed late winter getaway to somewhere warm and restful. Life. Good life. Sweet life. Life to be lived every single day. Delving into the beautiful study of faith and philosophy. Listening for nudges from Above on who needs a cold cup of water or a kind word. Making plans with friends, dreams, passions...

The times of intense focus on one thing can bring increased joy when one gets back to life. It can be a bit of a resurrection, depending on the depths from whence one has emerged. All I know is that it's good to be back and I hope to move on in these pages with meaningful content on life as I observe it going forward. I bless all who read with good health and long, beautiful life!

Don't Fall Off of a Flat Planet!

Just a quick update on previous posts before moving on.
I opted for mammographic screenings for an apples-to-apples comparison with previous results. I'm comfortable with the risk/benefit ratio at this time. At one year post-surgery, all appears well. I am grateful. Should a concern come up, spiral MRI is an appealing choice, but I see no need for it yet. As for menopausal symptoms, I'm still sizing up my options. Quality of life is at stake here.

There. I'd like to move on now, back to wider topics on these pages. Such as:

Don't Fall Off of a Flat Planet!

 One or two studies (which may or not be accurate), given adequate media attention, can alter health care in general for decades, not always in a positive way. In fact, let's look at several medical myths that have no doubt left many patients (and their care providers) with regrets that the data that they trusted in changed, but they didn't "get the memo" until it was too late:

1. Saturated fat (eggs, butter, etc) causes heart disease.
2. Cholesterol in the body is a killer and is raised by eating foods high in cholesterol.
3. Artificial sweeteners are safe substitutes for sugar.
4. Grains should make up most of our diet.
5. Genetically engineered foods are safe and comparable to other foods.
6. Low-fat foods prevent heart disease.
7. The sun's rays are harmful.
8. Long periods of aerobic activity are healthy
9. Salt is bad for you.
10. All HRT is dangerous.

I haven't time to detail how science has now proven the error of every one of these statements (to differing degrees). Suffice it to say: science evolves, yet news of its evolution travels far, far too slowly.
The above statements have all been accepted as true for most persons most of the time or even all persons all of the time. And though science has discovered otherwise, these myths persist. And we suffer for it.

For example, let's take item 10.

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) is a giant study done in the early 1990's. Information gained from it by 2002 or so caused us to suspect hormone replacement therapy of raising risk of certain diseases, including stroke and breast cancer. And at the time of the study, these concerns were valid, considering the compounds, form of delivery, and timing.

Back then, hormone therapy usually consisted of compounds which were like (but not enough like) hormones produced by the human body. They were administered orally and at intervals also unlike those of the human body. At that time, patients may have been well advised to stop their use.
But in the decade or so since, new hormone compounds have been developed which mimic human compounds much more closely. This has greatly reduced the elevated risk of breast cancer. Timing of delivery has also improved, and we are finding that because oral delivery of these medications is complicated by digestive functions, trans-dermal (through the skin) administration nearly eliminates elevated risks of stroke.

And one more thing worth mention: the patients studied in 1991 were not newly menopausal, active patients of normal body weight. The median was age 62, overweight, and sedentary (a good number even in nursing homes) already at elevated risk for disease. Studies since then have proven that when hrt is initiated within a certain window of time after menopause, safety is much, much better.

So it is clear that in 2014, hrt is nothing like it was in 1991. Health technology has advanced impressively across the board. Yet warnings and contraindications regarding hrt still abound. And a decade of women have missed out on solutions to their debilitating symptoms and possibly even prevention of disease for a longer, better life.There is an old saying that people "perish from lack of knowledge." -Never more true than here.
For those interested in study publications, one of the most comprehensive I've seen is this. It notes critical differences between P4 (progesterone) and synthetic progestins in breast cancer proliferation, and differences in oral and transdermal estrogen administration and differing risk of stroke and blood clotting.

Some people still eat margarine instead of butter, thinking it more safe. Some still avoid the sun like the plague, not just missing out on the benefits of its rays, but actually putting themselves at much higher risk of deadly diseases due to vitamin deficiencies that these rays could prevent. Some persons still trust in extended periods of aerobic activity for optimum health, unaware that this is not the optimum form of exercise, and may even be harmful to some in the long run (no pun). The world is not flat. But we need to know it!

We learn more every day. This is true in medical, political, and all other forms of science. As we learn, we need to be able to use this information as soon as possible. But our methods of getting the word out leave much to be desired. This is why we as patients must do the best we can to learn what we can for ourselves. Though they do their best (under sometimes dreadfully time-deficient circumstances) we mustn't trust others to do this critical work for us. Today, adequate information is available on almost any topic-instantaneously. The purpose of this message is that you avail yourself of it, and as a result, enjoy a much higher health level and quality of life. Search, learn, and then take what you've learned to your health providers. Draft a personal, individual health plan for yourself and thrive.
Blessings and health to you!

Our Best Life - NOW!

Well, summer is well underway. We're enjoying (as always) Tour de France coverage on the telly, something that it would not seem like summer without. Our plans for short getaways and family time are also being drafted and excitement is building. One noticeable difference this summer is the way we are eating. We've cut sugar consumption back by about 70% and even meat by probably 30%. Both are acid-producing in the body's pH balance, making for a more comfortable environment for naughty cells. Veggies abound in our recipes now, and raw ones, when possible. Used to be when I brought in grocery bags, it took little time to get it all stored away in fridge and pantry. But now, it takes more planning and prep. Scrubbing and prepping a "real-food" diet takes time, but is well worth it. I feel better, function better, and have this sense of living life to the utmost, from my innermost cells on out. Unsettling recent events have given me this. And I rejoice in it!

It's that way often, it seems. Something shakes you up, maybe even tears you down somewhat. And then God uses what's left to build you back up better than before. Without the events of the last two months, I'd never be living this dream and I believe this really illustrates the scripture, "In this life you shall have troubles, but be of good cheer-I have overcome this world!" Be of good cheer. Take it all in stride. Let joy be your traveling partner, knowing that in the end (because we are in Him) we always win!

I've also taken it upon myself to enlist my personal care physician's help in nailing a couple of minor health concerns which I'd previously put on the back burner as insignificant. I see now that no health concern is insignificant. We were made for better. Baseline testing has been done and a followup is due next month. Will post more detail then, when I hope to have made some headway. Meantime, better get this lovely bounty scrubbed and stored. Health and blessings to you!

Good News!

Hallelujah! As expected, a good surgical result was found. Small focus (6mm), good margins, and low grade. Everything has been removed and what was removed appears to have no invasive cells in it. Thank You, thank You, thank You, Father! Now we proceed to prevent. Radiotherapy is one way. Thus far, it appears that I have so little recurrence threat that this therapy would gain me little. And, particularly for younger women with time for side effects to develop, it could cost me (maybe much) down the road. For added assurance in this decision, I've opted to have genetic typing done on biopsied tissue with Oncotype DX, a tool which can help predict progression to invasive cancer down the road. This particular tool combines data for a number of markers to create a single numerical score on a scale from 1 to 100, with a lower score indicating a lower risk. Results came in yesterday with my number at 13 - very low, translating to a chance of invasive cancer in 10 years of just 4%.  With radiotherapy offering a 50% decrease in risk, this is only 2% for me-not enough to warrant its use, considering its risks. Same for the other preventive therapy offered, a pill that kills estrogen called Tamoxifen. Again, for patients with higher risk, these therapies may prove to be a good trade-off, even with their risks. But for me, my team agrees that it would be over-treatment.

That said, apparently my team has not seen all that many patients take this road, but cannot argue with the decision on a scientific basis. They seem intrigued by a patient who, without case studies (it's just too early in the game) will take raw science and in effect "become the studies" as it were, because the raw science is just that good and they know it. I thank God that they do. They are true scientists and not just lockstep "standard of care" zombies. They are comfortable in my level of education, interest in my own health, and ability to forge a positive outcome in the future with healthy lifestyle choices and a watchful eye going forward. As such, my deepest heartfelt thanks go to the Breast Care Center at Porter Adventist Hospital Denver, under the expert leadership of breast surgeon extraordinaire, Dr Colleen Murphy.
Natural preventive measures will look the same as those already posted. These are not alternative choices. Alternative means "different". In my opinion, natural means are the norm, and man-made means are different. My primary doctor will help me monitor iodine supplementation to ideal levels, and in so doing, it is highly probable that fibrocystic activity will be resolved (my age can do that too-after menopause, fibros usually calm anyway.) And those nasty micro-calcifications? It's been said that nutrition has little effect, but my hypothesis is that balancing my calcium with magnesium, beta carotene, and K2 will gradually usher calcium back out of soft tissue (arteries, breasts) back into hard tissue (bone) where it belongs. Again, all levels will be monitored for safety. It is my absolute belief that this 8-week journey has revealed improvements that can be made which can avert considerable problems later on. Even the "small things" have seen improvement with these lifestyle changes. I no longer bruise easily. My eyesight has improved. I'm more relaxed and mentally focused. Make no mistake-as a letter once written to the Roman contingent of Christ's followers reads: "All things work for good to those who love the Lord. -All things."And that ain't no Pollyanna-ing there. Ron and I are more intent than ever on living in the moment for the things most important to us. We purge old hurts and jettison vain distractions, moving forward to the more critical purposes of our lives. We breathe deeper, sing louder, and love better now. And in the immortal words of Sweet Brown, "Anybody got time for dat!"

What does the future hold? God only knows. I obviously want to keep an eye on this, but mammography poses particular risks to me. First, DCIS can indicate instability of cells, more easily disrupted by ionized radiation. Second, I have a full sis in treatment for Melanoma, as posted before. Some Melanoma genes (which I may carry) "switch on" more easily when exposed to ionized radiation. Other options are safer but less specific. One thing I know: I shall screen. But I want to do it smart. And God will lead, as always.
Final takeaway: we needn't fear. We were made for better. God prepared me ahead of time with knowledge about this issue, and it brought power and comfort for the journey. My greatest concern, frankly, was that I would be made into a cancer patient when I wasn't one to start out with. Not that being a cancer patient makes anything wrong with you, but I think you get my drift. I didn't want to get caught up in a system that has been proven to make mountains out of molehills (no pun intended) and in their good intentions, see patients worse for the care than before. It happens every day. And I see the frustration of it in the eyes of my "team" as they cheer me on. One especially lovely team-member, Steph, told me that I was selected by God to encourage women to lead their teams as I had, forging their own plan of care (even if it differs from the standard) with knowledge and confidence. Her eyes welled with tears. She embraced me long and hard as she dispatched me from the Cancer Center exam room for the last time. It made me feel special, and has really moved me to help others through this if I can.

I would be proud to be a cancer survivor. I actually like pink (though I'm usually too reserved to wear it.) Cancer survivors are heroes to me. But I don't believe, scientifically, that I am one. I don't deserve the admiration of having faced the grisly beast of cancer in the eyes as they have. And for all my admiration for these soldiers, I do not want to be one of them. In years to come, it is likely that the form of "cancer" that I had removed will be categorized with pre-cancers. But until then, I shall dwell in the purgatory of DCIS "survivors" hoping to help one another navigate this barren landscape of very early (maybe too early) disease diagnosis. Until we get good enough at prognostics to catch up with diagnostics, we'll have to do the best we can at choosing care that is like Goldilocks-not too much, not too little, but just right. In my opinion, that day may in fact be very close at hand, if not already here for some. We'll see how the next 10 years go, and whether my story can give others like me the confidence to walk this road behind me. And there are others like me whom I have found along the way, who are already well into that 10-year journey. Fellow DCIS diagnosees who, after surgery, have opted to watch and wait only, and are doing just fine so far. Sandie is one, Donna, another. They have joined forces in an exciting project which I would love to be part of somehow.
Meantime, summer's in full swing. We just finished a wonderful family 4th of July BBQ and I'm rarin' to ramp it up further. God is good, life is good. Ronny, rev up that little red Vette and let's get this party started!

                              

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you know me. You built me. You love me. Nothing I do or say is a surprise to You. You can heal me with a breath, with a word. Yet there are times when healing is second best, and You know when those times are, too. And in those times, You go into the fire with us, keeping us from destruction. In this season, I have seen Your miracles already over and over again. I cannot understand the peace you've blanketed me in. I don't have that kind of faith. I don't. But You do-and you give it when we need it. And I thank You. I see how You prepared me far ahead of time, giving me understanding which has been my guard and comfort.
I tend to place a lot of trust in the things You've instructed me to do, but need to remember that we can only do so much. Then, we must rest in Your ability to do the rest.
I believe that this week's tests will reveal that there is no dangerous disease in my body. I've studied and worked too hard for too long for that to be. But I also know that life surprises us sometimes. If disease is there, I don't need the extra stress of feeling cheated. There is no "cheated." Or that I've lost credibility as the health lady with all the advice. -Stupid attachment. Or to make an exhibit for You somehow. You are amazing all on Your own. We will live and die and our stories don't usually cause others all that much thought one way or another. We just do the best we can with Your help, and if we help someone once in a while it's sweet. And if I'm sick, I would be grateful as can be that it is early and that I got that screening (the one that, with proven reasons, I was so reluctant to have).  And even though it's well known that many women over-treat this thing just to be safe, I will never again judge them for it (if I ever did) now that I have all the information, and have been to the belly of this beast. Hey, life is complicated and seldom black & white. I give my black & whites and my other attachments up to You right now. I release anything I might have to prove. Who needs it? Maybe letting go is what You mean when You ask "wilt thou be whole?" And maybe that's the best healing of all.

And while I'm looking into my heart here, Lord, I see other hurts and fears that I need to release as well. This is a great time to put them away once and for all. We don't need them! They only hurt us more. Please help me release them all. To reach out, or whatever it takes to get it done. This could be the best season of my life. I don't want to waste the opportunities that lie in it. Life is short. Please help me be whole. -Whether I'm sick or not.

Lord, I've done what I know to do. -What I believe You have instructed. I've learned ways to be more healthy, and done them. I've called loved ones together for prayer, and wow, what prayer has already gone up! And now I've heard Your prayer to me to drop my need for silly stuff and just enjoy what You have in store. You can now do what I cannot, and I know that You will. And no matter what our news is, a miracle is coming. I love You so very much, Father, and I thank You with all my heart. Amen.

One More Step

Well, the result of the biopsy in the last post (and a second opinion which came in yesterday) was DCIS, a special cancer that is trapped in the milk duct and thus cannot do its host harm, unless it morphs into something more aggressive and eats its way out into the body tissues. Determining whose DCIS will do so (and whose will not) is something we are still a few years away from being able to tell, so treatment for either is often the same, a situation the industry itself admits is often over-treatment. Sad, but more understandable when you become one of those contemplating the dire results of walking away from treatment, then suddenly being invaded by true disease. (A fellow Breast Cancer forum member had this happen. Invasive cancer developed in between screenings, and it was not pretty.)

Anyway, all this to say, we are still inconclusive. So we move forward with a wide excision, commonly done to see if there is any invasive disease in the biopsied area. This procedure poses relatively little risk to know for sure and have more peace. This will be in about 2 weeks. Meantime, I believe that by upping my game on diet, exercise, and joy (read: busting stress), I can optimize my results at the cellular level. (If not, I'll feel better anyway and recover that much more quickly so nothing to lose there.) If invasive cells are found, radiation should probably happen next. But if not, my data is looking quite good for foregoing radiation for now (as it would provide little added benefit vs not doing it). And molecular data which I'd found and hoped could help, it turns out, can! We'll test for this along with other things. Woohoo!
But only surgery can reveal it all. So I rest in my choices, and in my God, and in following His plan of health for my life. Got my ears on for His further instruction and will go forward expecting (and actively creating) the best health, & the best life I can!

GREAT News - And More On the Way!

Well, the visit with the specialist yesterday went very well. I learned that one of the "suspicious somethings" seen on breast screenings will require no biopsy, as first believed. We shall wait and watch for any changes for a few months, and if none, dismiss it as no threat. Words cannot express our gratitude for this! Half of the uncertainty has now gone away. The outpouring of love and prayer on our behalf has taken us by surprise. We are especially thankful for this! 

As for the other: biopsy was done yesterday. So just a little longer to wait. I should get a call later this morning. This is when we learn one of two things: either I have some work to do to regain health, or (despite all of this drama) I was never ill at all. (Seems a long time to be held in suspense to hear that you are healthy, doesn't it? Especially with such a serious condition.)

Either way, in nearly two weeks of waiting, new light has been shed upon three things:

* How loved we are by God, friends, family (even strangers)

* How much loved ones have gone through with their health 

* What is truly important in life (and what is not)

Those who know us know that Ron & I have a passion for health. In recent days this passion has been validated as critically important for living our very best life. In fact, we hope to increase our efforts to live well. But bodily health is just a part. There’s also the mind: de-toxing from tired, old thinking in the face of new evidence (politics, religion, etc.) And the Spirit: casting down hurt, fear, and doubt that our loving God would ever let us down. Forgiveness and openness. Learning to live in peace and have fun no matter what.  And helping others do so, too!

This is true wholeness; what we were made for. -What a high price was paid for, & what we wish to honor.

We are made for better. And with God's grace & help, whatever today brings, we aim to live it all the way!