I got informed, started doing Reiki, visualisation, meditation; used homeopathy, Bach flower remedies, sound therapy; colour, crystals; became vegan and so on. My osteopath used applied kinesiology (AK) to help me establish a supplement protocol, and I also followed the Hulda Clark program to rid myself of parasites. I finally agreed to a Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) in Jul 96. I refused chemo and tamoxifen, on the grounds that I had now detoxified my body and was not convinced that either of those treatements would significantly increase my prospects.
I recovered well from the surgery, and was in glowing good health. My long-term partner Graham and I got married in October, and later that year had a fabulous honeymoon in St Lucia. While things would never be 'normal' again, I got back to work and other activities pretty much as before. I started getting more active on the internet, joining the Amazon Alternative Therapies for Breast Cancer mailing list.
Late summer 97 I noticed a tiny lump in my scar, which the surgeon assured me was just a suture granuloma. He did an FNA which was negative. Jan 98 my onc got more concerned and ordered another FNA. This time it came back showing malignancy - 20 months after the MRM. I had the lump removed by local excision Feb 98. This time the pathology report indicated dermal invasion. I started mega vitamin infusions and protocol from Dr Kingsley Feb 98. Added juicing and coffee enemas, upped some of my other supplements. Around this time I joined the BC Discussion listserv.
After much soul-searching and information gathering, I decided to have conventional treatment as well. I started 6 cycles of CMF Apr 98 and radiotherapy in May. Finding myself spending even more time on the internet, I set up the Swallows mailing list and discussion forum for Complementary Therapies for Breast Cancer. I received such terrific support and information from my friends on the other mailing lists, and have learned so much over the last couple of years, that I wanted to have an opportunity to share this with others who had also chosen to use conventional therapies, whilst wishing to maintain a holistic approach to regaining their health.
As of December 1998, I am well and with no evidence of disease. I am now tackling the symptoms of chemo-induced menopause with the same approach, using herbs and supplements and conducting my own research into both conventional and alternative therapies.
If you would like to read more about my experiences, I have placed some of my journal online.
August 2001 Update: Thankfully, I am now 5 years + from my original diagnosis and in good health. My husband Graham and I are now living aboard our yacht Oasis and living our dreams. I think myself very lucky that I had a wake-up call to alert me to the importance of living life to the full and enjoying the opportunities that are there. It's surprising what you can do when you put your mind to it. Having reached 50 I was able to retire on a small pension, which together with the investment that we have from selling our home, provides us with enough income to do what many people only dream about. You may enjoy reading about our adventures onboard Oasis. I still suffer from hot flashes occasionally, although they are far less frequent than they were. I can't say I ever found any really effective treatment for them unfortunately, but I feel less embarrassed about them when I am living in a hot climate!