My mom, dad, and stepmom are all in their early 90s and still contributing to this world… building machinery, painting, teaching, gardening, and loving the people in their lives and the world. No illnesses, still fully active.
I thought that would be my life too until this fibroid I’ve had in my right breast since my late 20s decided to change.
Wishful thinking couldn’t “wish” away this lump.
When the biopsy revealed Stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer, I wasn’t sure what healing path to take… There’s fasting, wheatgrass, mushroom extracts, spiritual healing, acupuncture, Qigong (pronounced chi-gong), yoga, and the list goes on and on. I ended up choosing the traditional western chemo route. That was hard for me as I didn’t want to hurt my body – just heal the cancer. But I didn’t know how to do it all on my own.
In the first 3 rounds of chemotherapy, my mind thought of chemo as poison and how it was damaging my body. After ending up in the ER because of severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, I knew I needed to “flip that coin.”
I swim in an open water lake here in Orlando called Lucky’s Lake. In the winter, when people say the water is cold, I rename it “refreshing” and it doesn’t seem quite as cold to me. I knew my new mindset with chemo had to be one that helps my body heal. I now refer to chemo as “Chemosabi” and it’s nibbling up all of those cancer cells, giving me a healthier body.
Remember the story of The Lone Ranger? For those of you who may not, The Lone Ranger began on the radio in 1933, continued in books and on TV, and eventually hit the big screen. The story goes that John Reid is the sole survivor of a group of Texas Rangers who were ambushed and killed. An Indian man named Tonto finds him and nurses him back to health. From this point forward, Tonto and the Lone Ranger refer to each other as Kemosabe, meaning “faithful friend” or “trusted scout”. The two go on countless adventures together and take care of each other. This was my inspiration for Chemosabi. Makes sense, right?
I’m still working, walking, cycling and doing pilates, yoga, and spin (no open water swimming for now) but at a much slower pace. My staff has been so very helpful filling in the gaps when I have a doctor’s visit or just need to take a nap. My son, TK, has been taking the lead more with client communication. I’ve had so many visits from family and friends.
I didn’t know how to let you know until now. I’m in a good place. Breast cancer has given me the chance to deep dive into life and why I’m still on this Earth. It’s a great teacher for me. I want to live. I am strong. I have a good mindset and I have people that love me.
My last chemo will be just before Thanksgiving so I’m hoping to feel better by early December. Then it’s on to step two of this journey. But one step at a time.
Loving and living,
Candace (Chemosabi)
P.S. I’d love to hear from you. Give me a call or shoot me an email if you get a chance!
