Jo with secondary breast cancer

As this page will be closing shortly I wanted to give you all an idea of what you have allowed me to do each day to heal.

Firstly I had my second round of chemo on Thursday June 23rd and am now on day five. I have had no major side effects, I am eating well, my whole system is working well and I have been able to carry on my gentle exercise, although I am not sure how I will be as my white blood cells drop over the next few days. Putting off Chemo an extra week and getting stronger was definitely a good idea for this round. I still have four rounds of chemo to go and will not know how this will effect me going forward but for now this is an idea of how I am using my days to heal.

Building my immune system and strength with good nutrition. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners all based on whole foods with the most nutritional value and balance, followed by time to relax and digest.

Brett is always on hand preparing food, cleaning up, looking after me, making sure I'm not over doing it. He's taken up all those jobs that I would usually do. Busy days for him too! He has been able to get back to work most days now that I am stronger, but starts later and has longer at lunch to cook and look after me when needed. He comes to all my Chemo and doctors visits and is generally just the most amazing support.

In the mornings Zoe and I have some cuddles and time together before she gets her breakfast and dressed. We have "funny time" play and just try to have quality time before she heads off to school.

Shower, dressed, ready for the day. Affirmations and a prayer to start my day, then a meditation followed by half an hour of just rest. Now I am stronger I have been able to go for a walk and some very light weights.

Brett comes home and we enjoy lunch together.

Reading and research. The chemotherapy will only ever be a part of my recovery so I am doing a lot of research into how I will be able to support my body once we have reduced the damaged cells and my liver is stronger. Building a strong and healthy immune system is the first priority based on good nutrition, low stress and mental health. Then there are all the amazing natural plants and remedies being used to cure cancers around the world. Once my liver is stronger I will introduce some of these and additional supplements that Brett and I have been investigating. We will consult with two Integrative Medical Practitioners one a blood analysis specialist in Dunedin, Tarlton Fraser the other is Dr Tim Ewer of the Mapua Health Centre. I have also made email contact with a clinic in America but it is still early days so I may not need advice from them yet. I have a lot of information to get through from a recently released documentary called "The Truth About Cancer". Luckily for me a lot of the alternative cures for cancer are covered in this documentary. As I have been doing up till now I will use my intuition to help me make the decisions that will be best for me.

I have a Reiki treatment once a week and also see a Physio for my exercise programme and an acupuncturist to assist the healing work I am doing myself.

I give myself a little time everyday just to potter around the house, preferably on a creative project. There is always that life administration that doesn't go away too. Depending on my energy I'll try to do some light jobs around the house to take the load of Brett.

If there is time I'll do another meditation, Chakra clearing or Qi Gong before Zoe and Brett are home.. We try to enjoy some fun time together before and after dinner. Everyday is about finding joy and happiness in everything I do. No more stress, no more need for everything to be done yesterday, just acceptance and love in the now.

I believe I will survive and you have given me the opportunity to heal. Thank you all again.

I send you all my love and gratitude.

Jo