Every day I am killing cancer! That is my motto since being told to ‘get my affairs in order' over nine years ago. I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer with multiple bone mets on a dark December day. I was 26 at the time and my daughter Sydney was 14 months old. Unable to accept that fate, my family helped me find some new doctors and tackle the disease head on. After three rounds of chemo my 5-centimeter tumor was undetectable!! I still can't write or say that without smiling! My treatment was just starting though, I went on to do a double stem cell transplant, a double mastectomy, and radiation. Equally important to me I radically changed my life to kill cancer everyday by eating well, exercising, using visualization, and prayer. I focused on the good in my life, my daughter, my husband, my family and friends. We laughed when we could and shared our experience through letters that were distributed across the country. We researched like crazy and sought out experts in both conventional treatment and complimentary medicine. I celebrated my 30th birthday by walking a 3Day with two friends in Chicago. As we were walking to the finish line I was elated to receive a phone call that our son Ty was ready to be picked up in India. He could come home to us, his forever family.
Cancer has changed every aspect of my life. I have been inspired to write about my journey in my book, "Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer." I am also a speaker, encouraging survivors and healthcare providers to go beyond treatment through positive actions and words. My latest venture is writing a column for the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine titled "Girl Talk for Survivors" and of course, blogging.
Heather Jose, OTR
Author, "Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer"
Contributing Writer for Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine
http://www.gobeyondtreatment.com
mail@heatherjose.com
