Uniquely Unexpected

There are some aspects of the Unexpected Journey that truly have no clear connection to the experience of trekking -- to try to make the connection for the sake of the blog would seem contrived at best.  And while the current state of affairs, which I am about to describe, is unique to our current footsteps along the Unexpected Journey, getting here (and moving from here to there) definitely requires prized trekker mindsets and characteristics like: flexibility, optimism, deep belief in one's abilities, willingness to venture forth despite long odds/unknowns (accepting possible failure as an opportunity for deep learning and growth), curiosity, perseverance, passion, team-orientation and spirited joy in the present.

On my way to Treatment #17

I said from my earliest blog (now forty posts, ten months, seventeen treatments and two surgeries ago), "I know I can do this!!  I am NOT a cancer victim."  Back then, I identified myself as a cancer patient . . . but really I have been a cancer warrior from the start.  And in that regard, I also now recognize (with the help of my amazing partner, Cliff) that although this cancer is a part of me, I am not at war with any part of me or my body, rather I am endeavoring everyday fully to understand the terrain, and adopt the battle tactics that will extinguish (or at least lay dormant) my cancer.  I never have felt as though I would die of this disease.  That does not mean I have moved forward without experiencing fear (at times intense fear). 

The plain truth is: I didn't get the surgical cure in February.  I've had setbacks (likely not the last) of accelerating cancer markers, scans that showed disease progression, crappy treatment side effects and knowledge of a pretty evil genetic mutation that's crafty in changing its tactics -- forcing us to keep changing ours.  I've had meteoric emotional highs and some corresponding lows.  And I've learned how to achieve equanimity (a practice, not a perfect).  And through it all, I wake up each day grateful for my life.  I remain determined to understand and combat the manifesting causes and symptoms of my cancer and to win. 

For now, our curiosity, flexibility, belief and willingness to explore have led us to tweak (in some significant ways) our path.  For example, over the course of forty posts you've become acquainted with many (most) members of the amazing warrior team, to include the team of medical professionals.  And in this post, I am thrilled to be able announce we are expanding our ranks to include an integrative medicine physician -- and a naturopathic oncologist with whom she will consult in my care.  And perhaps the very BEST news about this expansion -- is that my super-hero, onco-shaman, special teams' captain, Dr. Olivier Rixe, is enthusiastically onboard with the team expansion.  Just today, I was reading a book by an acclaimed cancer nutritionist, who was musing about a best-case time in the future when conventional oncologists and integrative medicine experts would work together in managing cancer.  I was reminded how fortunate I am to be working with open-minded, collaborative professionals who put warrior care above ego or recognition.  And even better, they welcome Cliff and me as team members (not pawns) by championing my involvement in my care, listening with interest to our concerns/ideas and never dismissing our questions (and yes, we show up for every appointment with a list!).  For us, the time is now, the team is topnotch and we have the perseverance and passion (aka: grit) to trek on.  Being a part of this powerful, determined and dedicated team fortifies my determination to show up (Every. Single. Day.) with energy, focus, resolve and commitment to thrive.

For more tweaks, check out this post's progress report.

Quotes of the Day:

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.  

            ~Dan Millman  (from "Way of the Peaceful Warrior")

The strength of the team is each individual member, the strength of the individual is the team.

                     ~Phil Jackson (former NBA player, coach and executive)


Progress Report:

• Treatment #17 (week 1). 
• Scan and new marker test are scheduled in two weeks (hopefully marker and scan results match this time -- and both show NOTHING!)
• Dr. Rixe began steps to screen me for a new clinical trial focusing on cancer and the microbiome (more and more research indicates a strong microbiome-cancer connection).  This is a back-up plan only.  If we have success with the current protocol, it may never be employed.  Still, I love that my oncologist doesn't sit back on anything in my treatment.
• Mistletoe therapy begins in nine days.
• I've switched to a Ketogenic nutrition plan designed specifically for cancer patients -- suggested by my new doctor on the team.
• I've converted the "Triple T" training plan into a high intensity interval training (HIIT) plan -- also upon the advice of my integrative medicine doc, who pointed out endurance exercise is actually recognized as increasing inflammation in the body (another metabolic factor in cancer).  You know, I read about this when I was training for my IronMan a decade ago.  I decided then to dismiss the research.  Oh, how a change in vantage point can open the mind!
• I've been in the pool most days for the last two weeks.  It is great exercise and super therapeutic -- especially since Cliff joins me each day layering the water with kindness and compassion.  
• The apricot seedlings now are busy growing into samplings in new, larger pots.
• I'm putting the finishing touches on the next-to-last of the warrior princesses sewing projects.
• And yes, I'm still feeling good -- and super positive, strong and determined. 

Orchid blossom number seven opened this week!

Twentieth flower arrangement from the amazing Barton's Flowers in Santa Fe (Thank you, Steve, Ruth and Melinda for your care in designing and providing the most fabulous (and fabulously fresh) arrangements.)

 

VIA FRANCIGENA!!