I understand that, typically, another close person writes these pages on one’s behalf, however; I feel that my story is incredibly personal and that I would be able to explain and share my story more intimately. I have always been a private person, and asking for help was never a strong suit of mine, but I have learned that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength.

In 2016, I had to leave my career as a registered nurse due to an autoimmune with a genetic component diagnosis.

In mid-2017, at the age of 42, I received my initial breast cancer diagnosis, followed by surgery (lumpectomy) and treatment, which took many months to recover from.

In late 2019, I received my second breast cancer recurrence diagnosis, again followed by surgery (lumpectomy). I suffered a severe infection and a large open wound causing severe pain, leaving me bed, couch and housebound for many weeks. It took about five months to recover, and I still have manageable issues related to this.

In late 2020, I received my third breast cancer recurrence diagnosis. I had asked my initial surgeon for a double mastectomy the second time, and he thought that was very extreme and declined to do it; hence, just doing a second lumpectomy. At a follow-up with this surgeon after my third recurrence, he advised he could not do surgery again. I trusted him. My initial oncologist also informed me that conventional treatments would not benefit me. At this point, I was not sure where to turn next.

I did not tell anyone about my third recurrence aside from Kevin (husband), Suzanna (sister), and a select few other people: I needed a bit of time to consider next steps, and I did not want to concern people unnecessarily. I tried a hormone blocker that caused severe side effects just after two doses and had to discontinue the medication.

I was hospitalized twice, in January and February of 2022, for sepsis due to several open tumours. At this time, I again asked my initial oncology team at the hospital for a referral to a new surgeon and was advised no one would be able to help me.

In early 2021, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and I could not bear to tell her about my third recurrence. I wanted her to focus on her healing and be there on any level I possibly could to support her through her journey. I also had not told my father or my mother-in-law. My Mom and I had a remarkably close bond, and she loved my sister and me immensely, as we did her. She was always there for us with great love to help and protect us in any way she could. She had already lost three children, one to cancer, and I felt that my news would have broken her heart. My Mom transitioned Aug 18, 2022, from cancer, and it was after this I started to share openly about my situation.

Shortly after my mom transitioned, my dad was hospitalized and diagnosed with a severe illness and requires a very high-risk surgery scheduled for December 2, 2022.

Over the years, I have spent incredible time researching cancer and alternative treatments.

In 2020, I found an integrative cancer physician in Toronto who primarily focuses on natural/holistic treatments: he has helped immensely. My mother also became a patient there in 2021, and helped her on many levels, not only with cancer. I have done many things geared toward healing cancer using different natural/holistic modalities. Spiritual, emotional, and mental healing also became a fundamental focus for me. At that time, natural/holistic healing was my path forward.

Healing is not linear, and I have had many setbacks due to everything that has and still is happening in my life. There is no right, wrong, good, or bad in how we do things; they are experiences. Though my path has not been easy, and I am still grieving my mom’s transition, I have been able to refocus on what is required to heal cancer.

While the natural/holistic treatments at the clinic in Toronto are incredibly beneficial, they became financially burdensome as it is private pay, and we have spent thousands of dollars to date. I plan to continue this as part of my integrative healing path.

THE GOOD NEWS. A NEW PLAN!

Shortly prior to my mother transitioning, my integrative cancer physician referred me to a new surgeon in Toronto that can help me. He also referred me to a private pay cancer physician outside of Canada, who can also help me. So, with my new team, I continue my healing journey.

MY CURRENT TREATMENT PLAN.

I must travel outside of Canada to get this statistically, highly effective, and science-based treatment to get cancer under control so that when I return, I can have the necessary surgery in Toronto. I plan to leave in the middle of December, as it is urgent.

The cost of this treatment is about $8,500 CAD per treatment. I will require about 6-8 in total, depending on how my body responds. It may be necessary to have a few treatments before surgery and then some afterwards.

Raising money will allow me to have this treatment and continue with my natural/holistic therapies. Since the treatment is outside Canada, we will also require financial assistance with travel, accommodation, and food.

I fully believe in being able to heal since the body is designed to do exactly that. This journey has allowed for incredible spiritual, emotional, and mental healing and growth, which I possibly may not have gained without having to experience all of this. I have come from a place of everything in my life happening “to” me to a place of it happening “for” me. The practice of letting go of fear, living in the now, love and forgiveness of self and others, along with other things, have greatly helped me focus and heal. It is a conscious and continuous daily exercise. I see so much love, beauty and greatness in people and this world. I am truly grateful for ALL that I have experienced. We cannot see the light without the dark.

My initial surgeon and oncology team had given up; however, I never have, and my new team and plan are empowering.

This is not a “poor me” or “victimhood” story. As succinct as I could make it at this time, my story is about many levels of growth, empowerment, knowing, helping others, belief in healing, and finding my truth. I intend to share more in the future in more detail to further help others.

My goal is to heal so I can help others from my personal experiences and knowledge. And, of course, be here for my family, fur-babies Eli and Ruby, and friends.

This journey has also greatly impacted my husband, Kevin, and I realize it has not been easy for him, but he has been my rock. It has also greatly impacted my sister Suzanna, father Jack, and mother-in-law Marie, who are also incredibly supportive. My Mom was also incredibly loving and supportive in all ways; she just did not know about my third recurrence. Also, I have had the support of close friends, acquaintances, and strangers. I could not have come this far without all my cheerleaders. I am incredibly grateful for all the love and support.

We all have a path, and God/source is with me every step of the way; we are never alone.

I welcome healing prayers, love, and light. I appreciate any support you can provide in any way you feel called to. Also, please share if you feel called to do so.

With love and gratitude, I thank you all for your support and love.

Much love to you all.

Nita