Florence

As early as the age of 12, I had discovered a tumour in my right breast. A biopsy confirmed the tumour was benign. I heaved a sigh of relief. Twenty years later, I again detected a tumour in my right breast. This time round, I was psychologically prepared and told myself that I could have contracted breast cancer. However, the medical report still said the tumour was benign. Two years later, the same thing happened; but this time, the tumour was in my left breast.

It was in October 1996 that I found a tumour in my right breast for the fourth time. A Mammogram did not show anything wrong. But after removal of the tumour, it determined it to be malignant, a 1.8cm. Infiltrating carcinoma (Bloom- Richardson Grade 2 /3) with negative estrogen receptor status. The tumour was small, so the cosmetic result of a lumpectomy would be good. To my understanding, cutting more does nothing to improve survival chances. So I had a lumpectomy with lymph node dissection, which showed no lymph node involved. I underwent 6 cycles of chemotherapy (Cytoxan, Methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil-CMF) and 3 weeks of radiation therapy. During my treatment, I like eating spicy and flavorful foods. I enjoy and crave for foods. I have a well- balanced diet including meat.

My cancer had provided a sound wake-up call--a call that I'm very happy to say, took place at age 43 rather than later. It has allowed me to implement the appropriate life changes. Before that, I'd never thought of helping others. The impact of having breast cancer seemed to have wakened me up. I began to feel that living meaningfully was more important than living long. It was time to start looking at things in a new way. I was determined to figure out what else I could do to enhance the conventional cancer treatments and to fully recover physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by changing various aspects of my lifestyle. I accepted for myself and looking for the best that conventional oncology therapy had to offer and complementing it with additional therapies.

Surgery and radiation reduce the cancer cells but not all of the microscopic ones. Chemotherapy helps to wipe out the microscopic cells, but it probably doesn't kill them all. So the body's immune system has to take over and get the rest. The next logical step would be to find some ways to stimulate the immune system. Most of the complementary treatments - exercise, diet, "positive thinking" techniques, laughter or visualization are methods that will strengthen the immune system and help to fight off the cancer. Theoretically the complementary treatments can work well in conjunction with chemotherapy (the chemicals that kill the cancer) while the complementary method bolsters the body's immune system. Although there has been no scientific proof, I feel that, if nothing else, my ability to empower me and give me a role in my care can't help but be strengthening, why not.

After four years of regular check-ups showing no evidence of disease, but in Jan. 2001, I have Stage IV Recurrent breast cancer with metastasis to my lung. Two tumours on the right and one on the left near the heart. I have 4 cycle of IV Adriamycin. But no improvement, so doctor change to IV Vinorelbine CI 5-FU for 6 cycles. Result of the CT Scan Show no increase of the tumours and its size is also means that cancer have be stable. I requested for a watch and see situation. So I stopped treatment in August before my birthday. During my "rest period" I traveled to Tasmania, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Hatyai, Hawaii and Harbin in China. So far I am doing well, all tumors have remained the same and no symptoms of it, and my overall health is good.

I believe in herbal medicines. I take the Lingzhi (Reishi mushrooms) to boost my immune system and with all kinds of vitamins: A, C, E, and selenium, Echinacea, etc., also drink two glasses of herbal tea [mixture of 7years- Renshen (Chinese Ginseng), Yangshen (American Ginseng), Tianqi (Notoginseng Root), Dongchong Xiacao (Cordyceps)] ground into powder.

My journey is not over. I have to keep up with my checkups every two months for the time being and regular checkup for the rest of my life for reassurance. I am trying to become single-minded, concentrating on my positive thoughts. To my husband, who has stood beside me through all of my chemo and doctors appointments. He never missed one of them. Thanks! And last but not least to my children, aunt and my buddies, Catherine and Charlotte who are a very special part of my life. My children and friends have been a source of great strength and courage to me. I love them all! I am blessed to have supportive family and friends. It is said that a positive outlook may or may not cure you of cancer, but it will certainly make the disease easier to bear, and will help you live life to the full despite the cancer.

To know more about me,Please visit me at:
http://www.geocities.com/sunflower_heng

Florence
Singapore

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