Progression and “Psychooncology” - Interaction Between Brain and Body

Jim and I celebrated my first stage 4 cancer diagnosis anniversary on June 27th. Thankfully, my first line of treatment has been working…until now. Or maybe it will continue to work for a bit longer.

My latest scans showed some progression. Metastatic involvement throughout the spine, pelvis, ribs. A lymph node enlargement. But I’m still the little engine that could.

I’m attending my first in-person medical conference this September and will share my story on a panel. My oncologist is excited about starting me on a Phase-One drug trial this fall. My team of doctors say, ‘Hang in there. You’re doing great.’

Since getting diagnosed (again) this past year and delving into patient advocacy, I probably get 30 to 50 medical articles a day through email or from friends who are in the same situation as me. This paragraph from an article published by the National Library of Medicine caught my attention today:

The field of psycho-oncology is hung up on the hyphen in its name. How do we understand the link between mind and body? Is that hyphen merely an arrow to the left, indicating that cancer in the body affects the mind? Can it be an arrow to the right as well, mind affecting the course of cancer? We know that social support affects survival, including that with cancer. Also, people tend to die after rather than before their birthdays and major holidays.  Depression worsens survival outcome with cancer.  Yet we have been understandably delicate about mind-body influence, not wanting to claim too much, or to provide unwitting support for overstated claims that wishing away cancer or picturing white blood cells killing cancer cells would actually do it. That arrow to the right is a connection, not a superhighway. Yet in our desire to be respected members of the oncology community we have often minimized a natural ally in the battle against cancer – the patient’s physiological stress coping mechanisms.

So here I am today. Despite this latest scan… I AM DOING GREAT!

Supportive Language with Cancer Patients

As I approach my one-year anniversary of getting diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, I think one of the saddest statements people make to me is saying innocently, ‘You'll be fine!' Although these comments are well-intentioned, they DO often invalidate my feelings.

What I have isn't a chronic disease. It will kill me. The goal and the hope is for it someday becoming a chronic disease. But we're not there yet.

Please check out these two short and informative articles.

https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/post/talk-with-loved-ones?postId=a364283d-fc70-425b-9aac-93595a069ccc&utm_campaign=6c296ec0-9205-4ef8-aff8-09e8689f4eb5&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=9e027de3-f8ce-40df-b0a9-0c37a19a024e&cid=064092a9-796a-4f8d-834d-ae2ea30dca0e&fbclid=IwAR1rvLhp6RQnFI6tJPfHdHfy1wcz28wAi6YT0x6mZxXYtNx4jC7AeUwIz4I

https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/news-personal-stories/battling-brave-or-victim-why-language-cancer-matters

As always, posting this with love and gratitude for all your prayers and warm support.

May Gray in California...and Good News on our Journey

Well, the annual "May Gray" has enveloped our corner of the world, so (ornery as I am) I find myself impelled to share a positive update with all of you. Through the mists and fog that accompany these days, a ray of hope always manages to shine through, warming our spirits here.

First and foremost, I again want to express my deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and affection you have showered upon me during this challenging time. Your unwavering presence in my life has provided solace and strength, reminding me that I am not alone in this battle. I am eternally thankful for your constant loyalty and love.

Speaking of battles, I am happy to share that I am responding well to the current regimen of chemotherapy I have embarked upon. Though the road ahead will be arduous, your encouragement, prayers, and well wishes continue to fortify my spirit, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

However, since my last report, an important change has taken place. After seeking a second opinion with a top oncologist in San Diego, I made the decision to change my care team. This may seem like a small shift, but in the realm of battling cancer, it carries immense significance.

The experience of facing this adversary has taught us the value of seeking multiple perspectives when it comes to our well-being. All of us diligently research and compare material possessions such as televisions and cars, but when it comes to matters as precious as our health and confronting the complexities of cancer, we need to remember that the same principle applies. It is through this realization that Jim and I sought a second opinion—an act that has empowered us and bolstered our confidence in the decisions we make regarding my treatment.

In closing, I want to emphasize how truly blessed I am to have such an incredible community of readers, friends, and well-wishers. Your letters, messages, and gestures of kindness have touched my soul in ways that words can never adequately express. Together, we shall face the challenges that lie ahead, weaving a tapestry of resilience, love, and unwavering determination.

First CT Scan Update of 2023

Hi Friends—

Today's appointment with the oncologist was a positive one. The scans show a slight improvement in the previous cancerous areas, and even more important, there are no new areas that are lighting up. This news is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds after a stormy week. Actually, a stormy nine months (since my diagnosis).

Also, my dosage of chemo is being adjusted, and I will now be on two weeks on, two weeks off, which will allow my blood counts to improve in between treatments.

Jim and I want to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who have been praying for me, sending positive vibes, and keeping me and our family in your thoughts. Your love and support have been a constant source of comfort and encouragement, day after day. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful community around me.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. Again, your love and support mean the world to all of us. We love you all and are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.