From Initial Diagnosis to Making a Positive Impact: Shirley’s Breast Cancer Journey

Initial Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Facing Breast Cancer at 37

I am Shirley from Toronto, Canada. I had my first encounter with breast cancer when I was 37 years old leading to a left breast mastectomy, chemotherapy, and reconstruction surgery. I completed my treatment plan and lived in remission for 4 years while taking a hormone therapy drug called Tamoxifen.

Unexpected Recurrence and Metastasis

I waited 4 years to have my reconstruction surgery to balance both breasts and was bumped several times due to trauma cases being prioritized over an elective surgery. In my fourth week in recovery, I started to have some pains in my upper abdominal area, and I was sent to the hospital to ensure that I did not have any complications of surgery such as a blood clot in my lung. The scans came back and determined that I had several tumors in my liver and that the primary breast cancer had spread.

Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer

Adopting a Chronic Disease Mindset

Upon receiving the diagnosis, my doctors called it a “chronic disease that can be managed”, and I was determined to manage it. The doctors say that secondary breast cancer is not “treatable” however with immunotherapy we should be able to create a treatment plan going forward.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Treatment

I immediately embarked on a plan to ensure that I tackle this from all angles, both naturally and the treatment plan recommended by my oncologist. I am fully intending to treat this condition and ensure that I achieve the outcome of shrinking the tumors and having clear scans going forward.

Integrative Strategies for Breast Cancer Management

Incorporating Natural Therapies

I have engaged a naturopath to help me through this journey. In my first go around I was recommended specific vitamins that helped me manage the potential side effects of the medication provided through my treatment plan. I had great success with this approach and had minimal chemotherapy side effects due to the boosting of my immune system with this integrative approach.

Focusing on Nutrition and Exercise

I have also included a nutritionist and plan for regular exercise as I found this to be tremendously beneficial both physically and mentally. Cannabis has also helped with sleep and anxiety and has additional healing properties.

Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking

Last but not least, I am ensuring that I keep a positive mindset throughout this journey. Living with gratitude and purpose helps make this difficult journey a lot easier. A friend recommended a book called You are the placebo, making your mind matter by Dr. Joe Dispenza. He shares numerous documented cases of those who have reversed cancer and other diseases by believing in a placebo. As I said, I am tackling this from every angle!

From Patient to Advocate: Making a Difference

Building a Supportive Community

Cancer can be very isolating and having a community that understands this journey has been very helpful. I would love to help inspire others or be a support for anyone in need of a friend who understands.

Spreading Awareness and Hope

Having gone through this journey in the past, it’s made me realize how precious our time is and how I don’t want to spend any time on things that don’t align with my values and happiness. If I can spread awareness of this awesome site, Learn Look Locate, and share these very helpful resources I know I will be making a positive impact on this community.

Learn Look Locate: Empowering Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

At Learn Look Locate, we’re deeply inspired by Shirley’s resilience in her ongoing battle with metastatic breast cancer. Her story exemplifies the power of integrative approaches and positive mindset in managing this challenging diagnosis. Through resources like Shirley’s narrative, we aim to educate and support individuals at all stages of breast cancer, including those facing metastatic disease. We’re committed to providing comprehensive information on treatment options, lifestyle strategies, and the importance of community support for metastatic breast cancer patients. Shirley’s journey reminds us that even in the face of advanced disease, there is hope, strength, and the possibility of making a positive impact on others.