Healing and Vitamin D

 Words have that stuck with me through the past 8 months.  You cannot heal in the same environment that has made you sick.  Think about that for a moment.  That includes your diet, stress, relationships, thoughts, and especially your daily habits.  MOST cancers don't pop up randomly.  Only 5-10% of cancers are genetic.  Most cancers come from long-term stress, inflammation, toxic exposure, and nutrient depletion.  So, if I kept doing what I've always done - my body would stay a toxic, nutrient depleted environment.

Once your cells have mutated and resulted in cancer, you body and cells are more likely to do that again. So many people who receive the "No Evidence of Disease" label, go back to their previous lifestyles.  Only to find out that the cancer often resurfaces within 5 years.  No, I have not become one of the crazy health nuts that would run away from treatment and only eat seeds.  However, I was blessed to catch my cancer in time.  And now, I need to look at the preventive aspects.  My healing journey.  Will it come back?  I don't know.  However, I do need to strengthen and heal my body.  There will always be a "before cancer" and "after cancer."  

One of the things I had no idea about before all of my health issues.  A small little thing that is easily overlooked and usually not even tested for regularly.  Your Vitamin D level.  It is not just another vitamin.  Your body treats Vitamin D like a hormone that regulates everything from immunity to gene expression. Vitamin D undergoes a two-step conversion in the liver and kidneys to become calcitriol, an active hormone.

Calcitriol binds to Vitamin D receptors inside cells and influences genes by turning them on or off. This is way more than just helping bones absorb calcium.  It plays a role in regulating immune response, inflammation, phosphate balance, and cellular growth and repair. That means lower Vitamin D levels are associated with higher risks of cancer!  Vitamin D is believed to play a role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death), which are all processes involved in cancer development and progression. It may also influence the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. Low levels are also associated with poorer outcomes. Why?  Because affects cells growth and repair.  

I had no idea.  Luckily my doctor did test for this once all of the issues popped up.  But who knows how long it has been low.  It's not on any of the normal blood work that the doctors run.  It's a separate test.  But low levels of  Vitamin D are connected to low energy, depression, frequent illnesses, and even hair loss.  But most important -- it's linked to increased risks of cancer.  So when it is time for your next wellness exam, just ask to have your Vitamin D level checked.  Don't go for years never knowing like I did. 

As for how I'm doing since my surgery.  It is week 3 of recovery from my hysterectomy.  Which is by far, the worst one yet.  In comparison to kidney surgery - this is easy.  But compared to my "normal" - week 3 is rough.  More pain than the previous weeks.  When I looked it up I found that week 3 has more internal healing than previous weeks.  I am praying that week 4 is a lot easier because I start back to work on Monday.  I hade an appointment with doctor this morning to check my incisions.  Everything looks good but he did say I need to take an easy and give my body time to heal.  Which is easier said than done. 

After Another Surgery

 It's been 10 days since my hysterectomy.  The pain hasn't been that bad.  After kidney surgery, this pain feels like a breeze!  Except for one thing.  Last week, I was totally exhausted.  I would take my heavy pain pill in the evening.  Then, wake up hurting because it has been so long, take more meds and then a morning nap.  Awake for a few hours, then an afternoon nap.  Then, sadly, usually one more nap before bed.  And that was without my heavy pills during the day.  My body is just tired.  I was given meds for spasms and didn't use them at all last week.  But those have started this week.   

I don't necessarily think the exhaustion has to do with this surgery.  I believe that having 3 surgeries in 8 months is finally taking it's toll.  And interesting little tidbit that I found. On average, abdominal surgery takes 2 years to recover microscopely, although a majority of the healing happens in the first 6 months.   It went on to explain that once your abdomen wall is cut open, it takes a lot of time to get back to where you were before.  Its been a little less than 5 months since my kidney cancer surgery before I had to have surgery again.

Next week I go in for my first set of lung X-rays and blood work since my cancer surgery.  I am sure that you've slept since my last post - so... kidney cancer has over a 50% chance of traveling through your blood stream and landing in your lungs.  If it lands in my lungs, it is still kidney cancer which is not treatable by chemo or radiation.  Every 3 months for the first year, I have to go in for X-ray's and bloodwork.  After that - I am not sure.  I know that I am not clear of that +50% for several years.  

Through everything this past year, I know that God is protecting me.  I don't understand why or what His plan is.  However, He is keeping me on this earth for His purpose.  My story could have ended very differently.   I am sure the writer of my story has a few surprises that I cannot see. Until then, I will keep loving those around me.  School starts back in a couple weeks and there will be lots of kids that need some hugs and just to be seen or heard. I get that.  My childhood was not easy and school was my favorite part of the day.  We are called to take care of one another.  I am thankful that God has placed me in place where I can make a difference everyday.  I learned a long time ago that I cannot be something to everyone everyday.  But I can be the right someone for one person that needs me that day.  For the next few weeks I will rest and take naps when I need to.  And I'll keep praying for clean scans next week.

One More Surgery

 Well, it's been a few months since my last update.  I went back to work after surgery.  A little more exhausted but I made it through the end of the school year.  Thankfully my mammogram and ultrasound were just cysts on both sides.  I went back to my follow up with the urologist.  He gave me news that I was not expecting.  He told me that I need to have lung x-rays every three months this first year.  He said there is a chance that kidney cancer will travel through your blood stream and go into your lungs.  In my mind -- I am thinking he's being extra cautious.  (which I appreciate!) I definitely want to catch things early.  Then, I go home and hit Google.  

Yeah  - I know.  Everyone just went "nooooo" but if you were in that position, you would want to know the numbers too.  I only go to actual cancer sites.  However, I was not ready for what I found. In my mind, I was expecting 20%.  Or even as high as 30% of kidney cancer metastasis into your lungs.  That would leave me 70% into the clear.  

But that is not what I found.  One site said that RCC (renal cell carcinoma) has a 50 - 60% of spreading to your lungs.  Another site said that it is up to 93% recurrence rate in the lungs within the first five years.  So even if I ignore the last statistic because that is too much to think about.  It's still a 50% chance of it going to my lungs.  A cancer which is not treatable with chemo or radiation.  So I have my first x-ray the end of July and the follow up urologist appointment the beginning of August. 

So the last thing on my list of things wrong way back in November -- were cysts and fibroids on my uterus.  I already had one pelvic ultrasound to look at them but the doctor would not even consider treating anything until after I had my cancer surgery.  I went again for another pelvic ultrasound last week.  She apparently found lots of things that are not supposed to be in there during ultrasound. 

 During my gynecologist appointment, I was told that I still have at least one cyst and several fibroids.  However they are not just in my uterus.  They are also growing on the outside of my uterus and taking it over.  They are so large that they are probably rubbing on other organs around there. Which actually could be part of the pain that I originally went to the doctor for in October.  

So, next month I will be having a hysterectomy.  It will be my third surgery in 8 months.  Unfortunately, the soonest that they could get me in the OR is 2 weeks before I go back to school.  I am on the list and if there is an opening in the OR sooner then they will call me. My pre-op appointment is next week, so I can be called anytime after that.  I am praying that I am able to get in sooner so I have more recovery time before school starts.    

It really has been such a journey the past several months.  I have seen God's hand of protection through it all.  If I would not have had unexplained pain in September and finally went to the doctor in October, I would probably not be here today.  Yes, kidney cancer is slow growing and it would have grown to be untreatable.  But, my gallbladder would have made me septic before then.  I am thankful to God because each of my diagnosis through this process could have been so much worse.  And although I am unsure of the purpose He is saving me for.  I know that He writes my story.  

More Tests

 Today has been one month since my kidney cancer surgery.  I'm doing pretty good.  My energy is still not there and if I do too much my cut muscle will hurt.  My 12 staples going across my side has come out.  Last Thursday was the first time I sneezed in a month.  I thought that was so weird.  But with the muscle getting cut and then being sewn together -- my diaphragm would not expand enough to let me sneeze.  I would would start to sneeze, but when I tried to get the big breath, my sneeze stopped.  Our bodies are weird aren't then?  

Monday I start back to work.  I'm doing half days this first week back to see how it goes.  Doctor recommended 6-8 weeks off, but I'm trying to go back part time after 4 weeks.  Since I get tired, I am sure that I'll be coming home and taking a nap with my ice pack when I get home.  However, I am looking forward to seeing the kids and adults again.  I get my daily amount of hugs from the kids at school because my boys at home are not huggers. 😂  

While I was off, I went ahead and got my mammogram done.  It has been 9 years since my last one.  My mom's mother had breast cancer so it is in the family unfortunately.  So, yes it was past due.  I was of course was hoping for a thanks for getting it done - see you in another couple years.  However, my medical stuff has not been that easy lately.  And neither were these results.  I have two spots - one in each breast.  One is a 10mm and the other spot is 25mm mass.  I have to go back in a couple weeks for ultrasound.  I know a lot of people have to go back for more testing after a mammogram so I'm hoping those spots are nothing.  But, two surgeries in 3 months now, I can't help but worry.  

I go back the first of June for another pelvic ultrasound to look at my spots on my ovaries.  In my mind, I am just planning on surgery so I moved my appointment from the end of June to the beginning of June so I'd have as much time to heal before school starts back up again.  Of course, I have no idea what will happen but I might as well plan for surgery just incase.  

I don't understand why I am going through so many different things with my health right now.  It's definitely been a wake up call to take better care of myself.  Monday I had a birthday and turned 49.  After the past few months -- I am okay with turning 49.  My diagnosis could have been a lot worse and I might not have made it.  I am thankful for where I am.  I am still not out of the valley yet.  There are still some unknowns in the near future.  But, I do know that God has brought me this far.  He will be with me with the next test results as well.  

We are what we eat

A recent study that looks at cancer rates in the United States.  The study concluded that the cancer incidence rates of Gen X (born between 1965 - 1980) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) were 2 to 3 times higher than baby boomers (born 1946-1964).    Not only are they more likely to get cancer, but they are more likely to develop 17 types of cancer.  Okay -- that's crazy!! The researcher's said major contributing factors included environmental toxins, diet, and obesity. 

But what has changed from 1955 to the 1980's? And even more so today?  Our diet.  Things were made from scratch.  Real ingredients.  Then, we had 2 income families, so frozen dinners took off.  Convivence food became a big part of our grocery stores.  Now, fast food is a part of our culture.  I work at a school. Those kids will eat pizza and chicken nuggets daily without thinking twice.  Our diets have changed so much and it allows toxins into our bodies daily.  Which will sooner or later will effect you.  There is SO many fake foods out there.  So many foods with cancer causing agents.  

A friend of mine told me about an app called Yuka.  It's a free app and you scan barcodes on items and it will list the good, bad, and ugly about the item.  I will tell you that there were several things that I was eating regularly that had cancer causing ingredients.  "Good for you" items.  High fiber, low carb. All those key words. Ya'll -- its not real food. It's engineered stuff that your body doesn't know what to do with.  There are some things that will come up "bad" or "poor" on the app.  That's when you can click on the ingredients and make that decision for yourself.  Sometimes it is just because the sodium is too high. But at least you have the power to look and make an educated decision. 

Food has the power to heal.  It also has the power to destroy your health.  The average American diet eats 60% of their calories from processed foods.  In the United States there are over 10,000 substances have found their way into our processed food.  Either from the food itself or the packaging it comes in.  Most of the chemical substances fall in the 2,500-3,000 range that are intentionally added to processed foods for color, shelf life, texture, and cost. 

We will never be able to live a toxic free life here on Earth.  We can only do our best.  Lower some of our risks.  Choose YOU!  Your health is worth the effort.  You are worth it!  Taking prescription medications mess with your whole system.  My husband was on over 10 medications several times a day just to live.  He felt terrible all of the time.  I'm not anti-prescriptions.  Sometimes we have to have them.  But, health starts with the foods that we eat.  Just take a look at what you eat regularly.  What choices can you need to change?

Healing After Surgery

Wednesday was a week today since I left the hospital.  Friday it will be two weeks since my surgery.  I'm home and trying to get my strength back up.  The doctor was not kidding when he said that it is a very painful surgery.  But, I'm finally down to one pain pill a day.  The one pill is usually in the evenings.  It's one thing to have some pain or be uncomfortable during the day, but trying to sleep when your hurting is difficult.  I still get tired easily.  Yesterday I decided to make cookie dough and freeze it for Easter.  Between the breaks that I had to take, the two hour task ended up most of the day.  So, I can see why the doctors have told me not to rush back to work.  My body is still healing and it's a slow process.

I had my PCP appointment yesterday.  What really surprised me was the many questions the nurse asked me about my mental state.  I love how they are looking at the whole body, not just the physical.  So I was curious and looked it up.  Most studies show about 1 in 3 people diagnosed with cancer experience anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress.  I get that.  Watching my dad die of colon cancer is still in the back of my mind when I get tested for something. I will probably always have that anxiety that comes with cancer.  Now that my body has had one cancer tumor, it has become even more real to me.  That's why I'm digging into more books and research articles to help prevent having cancer again.

However,  this point, I am grateful.  My PCP told me that I've had a rough 6 months.  And, I have.  From a gallbladder that was twisted and could have exploded and killed me.  To a cancer tumor that we caught before it spread.  My physical body has had a lot of people digging in there in a short amount of time.  It may not be over yet either.  I still have cyst on one of my ovaries.  I have another ultrasound and gynecologist appointment the first of June to see if it's grown or changed any.  I believe that is the last big thing that was on my list that was handed to me in October after my CT scan. 

Yet, through everything I thank God.  Not everyone's prognosis is as good as mine.  That CT scan has saved my life.  My gallbladder, kidney, or ovary did not show any issues in any bloodwork.  There were no flags.  No high or low numbers to be concerned about.  They were not causing me pain.  There is no reason to look at those organs.  I think that kind of amplifies my anxiety a little bit!  Because according to my bloodwork --- I was fine.  So, for me, I'm going keep putting that anxiety at the feet of Jesus.  Even if I pick it up again to worry and stress.  I know if I keep handing it over to Jesus, the anxiety will get less and less.  I'm going to keep reading and educating myself.  Keep doing what I can do be here a little longer with my family. 

Figuring Out Why

 So many times we just take what doctors tell us without questioning.  Or, when we do question, we just accept their answer as gold.  While, I really don't believe that doctors would intentionally lead us astray.  However, I am the best advocate for my kids and myself.  I've always just had to read books, articles, find doctors, and push, push, push for my kids and my husband.  This time - it's all about me.  

I am just trying to figure out how some one in the mid-forties gets a cancer that doesn't usually hit some one until their sixties or seventies.   I don't fit any of the kidney cancer criteria.  Is there any connection to my other diagnosis?  What the heck is going on in my gut area??  

I know that I can't fully prevent cancer.  One mutated cell going crazy and multiplying is all that it takes.  There have been plenty of health nuts that have gotten cancer.  Marathon runners. Professional athletes. Vegans.  Keto. You can just go through the categories and cancer has touched everyone.  (thankful - because a marathon runner I will never be!!)  But there has to be something that I can do to heal what ever is going on inside me.  That is where my digging began.  I'm just going to explain the top layer of all of the science.  Honestly I start reading some of the medical studies and it goes over my head pretty quickly.  So I will stick to the basics!  :) 

The word that just kept popping up book after book was inflammation.  Acute Inflammation by itself is a good thing.  It is a natural defense in the body.  It helps to heal and repair damaged tissue.  It helps to fight infections. It kills germs. However, as amazing as the human body is -- Chronic Inflammation is when your body keeps sending those cells even when there is no danger.  Those cells end up damaging your body instead of healing.  Chronic inflammation can damage DNA and affect cell growth which can lead to tumors.  

But it isn't just connected to cancer.  Chronic Inflammation can cause plaque buildup which leads to heart disease.  It also damages arteries that supply blood to the heart. The American Heart Association acknowledges how inflammation can play a part in heart disease.  Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by inflammation.  It's not the wear and tear of a joint.  I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands when I was 28.  Recently my CT scan showed arthritis throughout my body. This isn't wear and tear.  It's inflammation.  I wish my doctor would have talked to me about it when I was 28, so I could try to heal my body the past 20 years.  Chronic Inflammation is also connected to Type 2 Diabetes, which I have.  It can disrupt insult signaling pathways which effect glucose metabolism.  It can also lead to weight gain which is connected to Type 2 Diabetes.  Brain inflammation is a large factor in Alzheimer's Disease.  It is connected to beta plaque production which is a characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.  Having a mother with dementia this makes this more real. I am not wanting my final years to be in the fog of dementia.

If Inflammation is connected to so diseases -- why don't the doctors talk about it?  They cannot without a doubt confirm that inflammation is causing your disease.  Research can connect it to all of those diseases and many others.  But as for your specific disease - There is not a way a doctor can say that inflammation caused it.  I do wish I would have know when I was 28 that inflammation could contribute to it.   So for me, I am going to look into an anti-inflammatory diet to try and heal some of the damage that has happened through the years.  It definitely cannot hurt. I changed my diet last year after my diabetic diagnosis.  Let's see what else I can heal from the inside.