Where are You Now?

Greetings, friends, and family! My goodness how time has gotten away from me. I intended to give an update in January, but I got sick on my birthday and had a miserable rest of January as a result. I was even hospitalized for a couple of nights due to low sodium levels. But I'm pleased to report that I am doing much better now and have really, really good news to share.

Back in early January, I had a PET CT and breast MRI and both scans showed that there are no active tumors in my body. So technically, I'm in remission? This is very surreal place to be. And it happens so subtly, so quickly, it seemed rather anti-climactic. Probably because I had the scan the day after treatment and then I didn't go back for three weeks to see a provider following the scan. Somehow I neglected to tell Fred and he didn't find out for over a month!

I had seven of the eight doses of Enhertu and may have suffered some toxic effect, a buildup from the chemotherapy. I will never know if I have food poisoning or if getting sick was a result of my treatment. Or maybe both? But the last dose of that drug was on January 2 so now my body can regenerate and repair.

I'm back on the maintenance drugs for my type of breast cancer, Herceptin and Perjeta, in an injectable form that goes under the skin on the thigh. The drug is called Phesgo and theoretically I could potentially give myself the medication, especially if I was out of town. I had my first dose of this on February 1, and all was well. I also got my flu shot and Covid vaccine for the season on that day so I did need a day of rest afterward.

And I have even bigger news. On February 19th I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy. This is like a week away and I have been keeping this card close to my chest because I've been trying to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare for this surgery. Freddy and I may need a little help. Feel free to reach out if you're interested in helping us during that first couple weeks.

I have more good news! Freddy started his new job the same week I got really sick, which was three weeks ago. And his new work is going really well! We are so thrilled. He has landed his dream job, working at a design firm in Fridley. It's looking like it's going to be a great year!

Happy lunar new year! This is also linked to the Chinese new year that is celebrated in China, Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian communities. It marks the end of year and the start of spring.

February 10, 2024 marks the year of the dragon. The dragon represents vigor, strength and good fortune, as well as other powerful attributes. Timed to the new moon, the Chinese new year began on

Saturday, February 10, and typically last 15 days, although it can occasionally last up to 17 days.

According to Columbia University, this holiday dates back centuries and coincides with the end of China's agricultural season, allowing farmers a break from fieldwork and time to spend with family. Even though the new year technically begins on January, observing the lunar new year continues to be integral in Asian cultures and has gradually evolved into a seasonal celebration known as spring festival. Because Freddy does business with China, we have become aware of the Chinese new year, over the years. Business literally stops and work cannot get done for a few weeks because of the holiday. But that's good, right? I think we all need a break sometimes.

So I think for the most part, I am doing pretty well. I do struggle with chemo related fatigue some days, OK let's face it, most days. But I anticipate that this will pass in time, especially if I continue to be active, and push to be active.

To help manage the side effects, I've been doing acupuncture on a regular basis and continue to eat relatively low-carb, although I've had to loosen that restriction to keep my weight stable. I'm not eating much dairy except for grass fed butter. But I've been eating eggs, lots of vegetables, greens, beans and clean protein. And that variety does make a difference. When I balance the carbs with the protein and the vegetables just right, I don't get a lot of brain fog or bloating, which is nice. But it's tricky. I feel like I struggle to stay hydrated even though I drink a lot of water and tea, so I think electrolyte packets or drinks do have value because they help the body more effectively than plain water. When I got really sick in January I discovered that you can actually drink too much water and that can cause problems and upset the electrolyte balance even more.

Chemotherapy also disturbs the electrolyte balance in the body and that is another reason to drink electrolytes in addition to water.

I seem to have a commitment to studying and education. I'm studying with Thomas Hubl on a spiritual healing journey to address individual, ancestral and collective trauma. It's really powerful work and dovetails nicely with the energy medicine studies that I finished in August. Here's a link to the site if you're interested to learn more: https://spiritualhealingjourneycourse.com.

In April or May of this year, I am anticipating to be recovered from surgery and plan to start my energy medicine practice. I'm really excited to be thinking about returning to work, but in a whole different way. Self-care will not come last. It will be my first order of business because I will not be able to be of service without it.

Have you heard of HeartMath? I have found a lot of benefit in being heart centered and grounded, feeling connected to the earth and feeling the support of my community. It really does take a village to thrive! We can be a lot more balanced, centered and coherent when we operate from this heart centered place. They have a lot of science about this, too Here's a link to the HeartMath website: https://www.heartmath.com.

Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment and let me know how You are.

May you be happy

May you be healthy

May you be safe

May you be free from suffering

May you be loved

All the best,

Annette