Dear Family- Updating letter

Dear Family,

As many of you know, the PET scan results came yesterday. They showed cancer in one one lymph node near my heart, and another suspicious looking lymph node under my collar bone. No tumors on my organs, bones or elsewhere. It also showed my other breast is very clear of anything suspicious. Yeah! I get to keep that one!

Unfortunately since the PET scan shows anything at all, it is classified as a very low level Stage IV cancer. Naturally the oncologist that Don, Ken and I visited with yesterday wants to do some very aggressive treatments designed for stage IV cancer. She recommends 12 weeks of very ugly IV chemo to poison me, and hopefully- the cancer, 2 months of radiation, then 5 years on a hormone therapy that is still a poison, but only in pill form with lesser side effects.

I visited with Don's holistic MD, Dr Billica, with the results and recommendations. He says if I decide to do the chemo/radiation his therapies can help me survive the treatments. Then we can use natural remedies to inhibit the estrogen (this cancer seems to be estrogen driven) instead of another poison.

I will be visiting with a Naturopathic doctor who is not in favor of any poisoning, to learn more supportive ways to stop and cure cancer that requirement a big lifestyle commitment. And I have an appointment with another oncologist so I can get even more opinions on my medical options.

I've, of course, already made big changes to my nutrition, started some IV vitamin C and Bs today, and some other natural health boosting treatments these past weeks. Chemo can not be considered until May- not until my surgery is fully healed. The surgery site unfortunately has an infection, so I'm treating it with antibiotics. Plus I have what is called torso edema from the loss of the lymph nodes, so I need more healing time until they can consider poisoning me. Good! I need the time to decide how I want to spend the rest of my life.

One of the first things Ken and I need is a new adventure to look forward to during this ugly process. So we are heading on a cruise to Alaska in May, before any chemo would start. We are so excited! We've always wanted to see Alaska, and this way we will be pampered all the way! We are taking Holland America from May 14-21. Want to sign up and join us?

Meanwhile it is a matter of actively gathering information and recommendations, visiting with doctors and collecting success stories. I love all the success stories! Keep them coming! Thanks everyone for helping me keep a positive attitude everyday, for all your prayers, candles, and healing circles. Thanks to all Don's awesome caregivers- starting this month I will be mostly focusing on my own journey- they have Don covered! And he feels very safe and well cared for. Wahoo!

Thanks for all your love and support!