| October 2003: In June of 2003, I was diagnosed with breast
cancer. I've had surgery, and now in October, am undergoing chemotherapy,
and will have radiation when that is completed.
August 2004: I finished chemo in January 2004, landing in
the hospital with severe neutropenia. After recovering strength from
infections, I completed radiation in mid-March, and now am undergoing
hormonal therapy as well as working to rebuild my strength and health
through my own methods including diet, fresh air, philosophy, yoga, Reiki,
and plenty of wonderful times with the people I love. So far I am doing
well.
These are some of the wonderful resources and blessings that have come
to me since that time, for which I am grateful:
The wonderful doctors, nurses and support staff at the B.C.
Cancer Agency who are all exceptional people. Their website
contains a wealth of information about cancer, with an extensive
database about the chemotherapy, as well as objective information
about alternative medicine.
Jean Shinoda Bolen's book: "Close to the Bone:
Life-Threatening Illness and the Search for Meaning"
The BREAST-CANCER list,
a wonderful group of people that provide information, support,
diversions, encouragement and friendship
Nan Lu's book: "A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast
Cancer: Traditional Chinese Medicine"
Dr. I William Lane and Susan Baxter's book: Immune Power
Sat Dharam Kaur's book: "The Complete Natural Medicine
Guide to Breast Cancer"
My weekly yoga class, and yoga breathing
A dear friend, Maggy
Brimelow, who fought breast cancer from 1996 to February 2004,
and another dear friend, Lorraine Irwin, who was diagnosed the
same time as I was, and died July 14, 2004. Both of these women, in
the midst of their own struggles, gave me tremendous, loving
encouragement.
Friends and supporters from all over the world, subscribers to "The
Western Separatist Papers" and the "Friends of
Freedom" newsletter
My friend Carol, who took me to chemo
My family: Doug, Cadeyrn, Kalonica, my mother, my brothers, and
Doug's parents, all of whom were there when it counted the most and
who continue to be there for me
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