( Continued from PART 1 - LINK here )
Nothing comes close to 'LIFE' in its fascinating fusion of shapes, form, shades and sense. The experience it offers is truly enriching, nurturing, and genuinely more authentic than anything one has seen, heard and read. As much as we long for the pure exhilarated feeling that life brings; similarly so, we wish to evade the pain and grief that also comes with it. Unfortunately, this 'part and parcel' co-existence of extreme emotions do not necessarily present itself in the balance, order, nor timing that we prefer. #ThisIsLife as the phrase goes
Crystal definitely had her share of life's struggles and pain but emerged a strong victor from those very trying times; so now, she eagerly seizes every opportunity for joy and pleasure. Her Facebook sharing of the scenic countries visited and delectable dining experiences has always been a norm, given that travelling was her passion. It was the first week of Jan 2019, and she had just returned from one of her many Europe trips. With a hectic travel itinerary of long walks and hilly climbs, accompanying body aches and shortness of breath are nothing deserving of second thoughts. Thinking it was overall fatigue, she arranged for a couple of relaxation massages on her return home, hoping to feel well and rested before her next trip out again in 2 weeks with a visitor from Hong Kong. Thinking it was overall fatigue, she arranged for a couple of relaxation massages hoping to feel better before her next trip out in 2 weeks with a visitor from Hong Kong. However, despite the massages and rest therapy, her body still felt unwell and achy with persisting symptoms of dyspnea which became worryingly apparent on a day trip up a cold, hilly local resort. The signs worsened when multiple raised lumps appeared on her upper chest area, which to the touch, felt like 'superficial irregular bumps above skin'. Now with over 5 days of irritating cough, bumps and breathing issues, Crystal quickly consulted her regular GP who upon checking, discovered there was no air (Oxygen) entering her left lung.
With a preliminary diagnosis and referral letter from her GP, she wasted no time and sought medical attention at the nearest hospital where an X-ray was done. The imaging revealed a suspicious 'shadow' in her left lung. With a troubled and concerned expression on his face, the radiologist suggested for her to consult a chest physician, but coincidently, none were available for the day! Sensing the urgency, and (already in much discomfort) she returned to the hospital that treated her breast Cancer in 2016... a trip filled with reluctance but one that was absolutely necessary. On seeing her distressing condition, the ER team immediately acted to relieve the fluid buildup (Pleural effusion) in her lungs /chest cavity and almost in an instant, the tightening in her chest eased up. A total of 3.5litres of fluid was drained over 3 days which she vividly described to be 'like red cranberry juice'! Crystal's breathing was easier, and her lung congestion cleared, however, the same cannot be said for her thoughts... She was told to undergo a lung biopsy and PET-CT scan
(Crystal's vivid description of the drained fluid - 'red like cranberry juice' , she said to me. For most people, these are very private details but she has SO BRAVELY shared it with us)
Throughout the ordeal, she psyched up her mind, blocking all negativity and possibility of confronting her past foe once again. She prayed and repeated positive affirmations, denying the diseases' existence; 'IT WILL NOT bring my life to a halt again; period' - she told herself firmly. But then a familiar face from her past marred her morale when he (the same Oncologist) broke the news on the biopsy and scan results. It was confirmed; there is no denying now... the Cancer is back. Her condition this time around presented a more 'favourable prognosis' as the Cancer cells are shown to be 'hotpots' in areas of her body but has not advanced (mutated) to stages requiring radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. However, there are still challenges ahead with needed treatment and medications to keep the disease from progressing, and not drive her health to a decline. As relentless as the Cancer was, Crystal was even more tenacious and determined to fight it! With her 'Rock and Pillar' support system, both her spouse and older sister had always been there for her and were pivotal in her recovery and mental optimism. This time was no different.
Based on past history and recent test results, it was evident in her case that the disease (and its relapse) was related to oestrogen and the cancer cells were triggered (dependent) to grow. She was once again prescribed Tamoxifen for 30-days, then followed by an anti-Oestrogen Letrozole (aromatase inhibitor) to decrease its production and hopefully aid in halting the cancer. However, she had to first receive a series of hormonal injections (usually on the abdomen) of Lucrin (leuprorelin) to shut-down the ovaries and induce a state of menopause. It has been 9 months now since the start of her treatment and Crystal has been maintaining on LETARA (brand name) as hormonal therapy and Leuprolein until a point when she decides on a hysterectomy (removal of ovaries). She passed her PET-scan test in September with flying colours as the disease was in remission; the hotspots were lesser, and some were no longer traceable. This nature's spirited child is once again taking on life with an optimistic, unperturbed outlook of living in the moment as she resumed her favourite activity - travelling! These days, her life is still very much a regimented ritual of eating and living well, but it's one that is 'richer with meaningful experiences; significant no matter how minute'.
As she addresses the health and medical needs of her physical self, she also firmly believes in the healing of mind and spirit thus, seeks various forms of alternative healing (for physical and emotional cleansing):
-Meditation
-Crystals
-Essential oils (she custom orders under the brand name 'LOVE & QI')
-TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
-Iridology (detecting impaired organs through mapped sections of the iris)
The interview session with Crystal for this blog was a very informative and enlightening one as she was very forthcoming and brave in her sharing. We both hope that the content and material will help others in a similar journey. THANK YOU CRYSTAL FOR YOUR GENEROUS SHARING AND BEARING THE LIGHT OF OPTIMISM FOR THE WARRIORS OF BREAST CANCER.
RESOURCE:
How is a PET scan different from a CT or MRI scan?
Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET/CT) https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet
Letrozole for Infertility Treatment https://www.ivf1.com/letrozole-femara-infertility/
Letrozole (LETARA) Anti0estrogen https://medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/l/letara.htm
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