Scan Results and Messages From Above

Going back to basics!

Going back to basics!

First, I have to say thank you for all the amazing comments after the last blog.  Wow!  All that support, encouragement, love, and vulnerability had me laughing out loud and wistfully pondering big questions about life.  Thank you guys!  At some point I may actually get around to responding individually because there was so many points I wanted to speak to.

And all the love couldn’t have come at a better time.

On Wednesday I got the results of my most recent set of scans.  It wasn’t what I had hoped for…  But it wasn’t nearly as bad as it could be.

The good news is, that the ultrasound of my arm showed no more deep vein blood clots (which is awesome!) but there’s still some circulation problems – restricted flow, and superficial clots in peripheral arteries.

The not so good news is that my tumor marker 25.29 level is up again (from 35 to 70 to 90 now).  Bummer!  And the PET scan shows that the cancer is trying to set up shop in my body again.  There are clusters of cancer cells spreading from my thyroid area, through my chest, and into my left armpit.  Serious bummer!  Most of the spots are pretty low on the SUV scale and may still be associated with inflammation from the surgery & stress of the move.  But a few seem pretty serious and may partly to blame for the circulatory issues and pain I’m having on my left side.

I’m trying not to freak out.  But the first day was hard.  I shed some tears.  Even thought about just giving up for a moment.  Then I said, enough with that.  Let’s look at the positive…  The cancer hasn’t spread anywhere beyond the immediate chest area which is great news.  There were a few suspicious spots in my leg but they didn’t light up on the scan – so i’m not wasting my energy thinking about them!  My energy is still good and I’m still living life.

Still, my body is definitely not happy.  The pain is nearly constant.  Luckily it’s just a dull ache.  Nothing deep or sharp.  But still totally annoying!  My poor body is screaming out to me to make changes.  To stop neglecting myself.  To slow down.  To reassess.  To get back on track.

So I’m going back to the basics.  Re-reading Kris Carr’s Crazy, Sexy, Diet and maybe even doing a 21 day healthy eating cleanse.  I’m trying hard to get my 8 hours of sleep each night.  I’m assembling a kick-ass healthcare team.  I’m making time for meditation, visualization, and affirmations.  Doing my daily exercise.  Drinking my green juice & green smoothies.  And adjusting things in my life to help make this happen.

What else can I do???  Well, my oncologist offered me what western oncology has to offer – meds.  Period.  Either more chemo meds or more anti-hormonal meds or meds to stop my ovulation.  No thank you.  At least not for now.  When i go inside and ask myself what feels right.  It’s not taking more meds.  So for now i’m going to forgo pharmaceuticals and give this healthy living thing everything I’ve got.  With my awesome team of doctors, naturopaths, functional nutritionists, reiki healers, support groups, and therapists I truly believe I have the chance to kick this cancer again.

I have a new naturopath on my team who is awesome & brilliant.  She and I are meeting next week to come up with a plan of action.  I’ll keep my oncologist up-to-date and then we scan again in another 3-4 months and take it from there.

Yesterday morning I went for a run through the woods and ended with a meditation on the beach.  I looked to the sky and asked my mom for help again.  I cried and I tried to visualize the waves washing through me and carrying the cancer away.  I breathed in the salty air.  And tried to shift my energy.

Later that day Miss M and I were cleaning the house when I saw a little red fox pass by the window outside.  I knew it was my mom talking to me – sending me a message of hope and support.  When I looked up the symbolism behind the fox it said foxes bring energy of magic, increased awareness, and opportunity.  The fox reminds us to enjoy life & have fun.  The fox is trickster and reminds us to be adaptable and curious.  And just the night before my cup of chamomile tea had held the message “be curious” on its tea bag.  Hhhmmm…  The universe (and my mom) are definitely trying to send me a message.

So I’m going to remain curious and aware.  Keep thinking outside the box.  Trust my intuition.  And stay open to the magic and messages that appear around us every day.

Cancer – you don’t stand a chance!

Hugs,  – T

Miss M took this shot on one of our nature walks.

Miss M took this shot on one of our nature walks.

Local beach beauty.

Local beach beauty.

11 Comments

  1. Lauren on September 13, 2013 at 11:39 am

    As I type this message, I am in awe of your strength, your courage, your determination. With every ounce of my being, I know you will win this round, just as you won the last….by kicking some serious cancer ass!



  2. Stevie on September 13, 2013 at 11:42 am

    You are just so fabulous. I love that you are willing to stick with what feels right for you and that you are really taking the time to ask yourself what that is, what does feel right? I’m sorry to hear the scans are not what you hoped for. Still it seems consistent with previous ‘blips’ – they all seem to circle around times of high stress. Now you are aware of that and able refocus on the things that work for you, diet, meditation, etc I feel sure you will be able to reverse these changes. You’ve done it before after all! I’m full of love and good energy & sending it all your way! Hugs. S.



  3. robertaindia on September 13, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    Teri,
    Its a powerful time for prayer for us Jews, and you are at the top of mine. With love, Roberta



  4. Vicki Oates on September 13, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    You blow me away,lady!I’m sorry the scans weren’t optimal,but your reaction to them takes my breath away.Where I would be wallowing in fear,you are assembling a team that will work with you to kick cancer’s ass back into the corner.Your goal is to be curious and open to the universe…that is magical!Your mother named you well,and you are so like her.Go forth,be curious,and find all of the silver linings that await you.Sending strength and love…



  5. Peggy v on September 13, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    You amaze me! You can focus your energy towards the good when you’ve just heard the not so good I just love the fight you have inside you; fight off those little Bas—ds again!!! If anyone can do it, it’s you!!!



  6. John on September 13, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    You are strong, you are smart, you are brave, and you have many, many folks sending you support and love — PLUS you have your Mom working on things from the Other End ™. Cry when you need to, yell and scream and kick some random butt — and then when that passes YOU will remain and do what needs doing for this particular moment. Much love, — John



  7. Morphidae on September 13, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    You are going to kick this cancer’s ass. You are a rocking warrior woman! Love, Morph.



  8. Lila Bryant on September 13, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    I believe in magic….



  9. Cindy Tighe on September 13, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    You continue to inspire Me in so many ways as I walk with you on Your journey and on my own journey to fight against this disease! You are so strong, and positive. Continue to listen to your body, cry, laugh, meditate, and know as I do you will live to be 100! Xo



  10. Jennifer on September 14, 2013 at 11:05 am

    T- Not a single day goes by when I do not think of you and Miss M…We are missing you madly, but we know you are where you need to be. Listen to your body and just be…Now that the move is over, you can focus on nurturing your body, mind and spirit. Change is challenging and disruptive, so just be, my amazing friend. Overfield misses you all, but your strength, beauty and determination will always be present! Love you!
    -Jennifer



  11. Donna-Lee DePrille on September 16, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Your amazing resolve and strength inspire me. I think of you often and always wish you well. Sending you healing thoughts.