It has been far too long since I last wrote a blog for Essential Herbal Products. 5 months to be exact. When I noticed this, I realized how my health has kept me wrapped up in a world of learning to live within the new boundaries imposed by my body. Let me explain…
I was transported by ambulance to Addington Hospital at 6.00am on the 12 April 2017. I had a compression fracture to my L3 vertebra. I was given a brace and after 12 long days in hospital I was discharged with the understanding that I would go to the Spine Clinic at King Dinizulu Hospital for further tests.
I went to the appointment on 10 May 2017 and the doctor who saw me never examined me properly. In fact I never even got out of the wheel chair nor did he get out of his chair. He asked me if I could feel anything in my legs and when I said yes. He said “You need a MRI go back to Addington.”
We went back to Addington that same day and they said they could give me an appointment for February 2019. When we said that was too long they said they could give me one for June 2018. That was still too long.
After this delay of over a month, I went to my GP. She referred me to get a bone density scan. She also tried to get me onto medication for Osteoporosis, as this was what was now presumed was my medical issue. (Osteopenia). Medical Aid refused this treatment and so I took up a regimen of vitamins and exercise. I was also attending weekly physiotherapy to deal with the pain. Although this helped me with pain control, I did not get any better. As a matter of fact, I only got worse. By year end I could only stand for 4 hours before my legs refused to move properly.
Eventually, in January 2018, I had another x-ray via my private doctor. My L3 vertebra had now totally collapsed and was compromising my spinal cord. I was referred to an Orthopedic surgeon who said that it looked like I had fallen from a ten story building. He referred me for an MRI. This revealed that not only had my L3 totally collapsed, but that there was a tumour (possible malignancy) on my spine. I was also told to get blood tests done which pointed out a monoclonal gammopathy (Possible myeloma). The surgeon emphasized that if the operation had not been done, I would have been permanently in a wheelchair. The operation is called an L3 corpectomy and anterior spinal fusion.
The operation was eventually performed on 7th March and it was confirmed that I do indeed have myeloma. For those wondering what this is, myeloma is form of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow. Normal plasma cells transform into malignant myeloma cells and produce large quantities of an abnormal immunoglobulin called monoclonal protein or M protein.
So Sue…you believe in natural therapies…what did you do?
When I received this news, Christine (The one half of Essential Herbal Products) and I got together to work out a healing protocol. Something that would work together with the necessary surgery and any other therapies I may need. This regimen may change after I’ve seen the oncologist which is happening on 8th May 2018. Nothing can be set in stone (As Chris says).
We have learned enough to know that any healing protocol has to be inclusive of all areas of our lives:
- The first and most obvious one that we looked at was my food. What was I eating and drinking? What needed to be added and what needed to be removed? After much reading, discussion with our herbalist and knowledge we had received from an Integrative Therapist, we chose what would be most relevant for me and for dealing specifically with a cancer of the blood. Adding vegetable juices was an important part of the food protocol. I am so grateful to my mother who makes up 7 large bottles of juice (It includes carrot, beetroot, turmeric, garlic, ginger and a variety of other vegetables.) These are then frozen and I drink 1 a day. (If you are interested in this we are happy to share with you.
- The second area we looked at was vitamins and minerals. I must admit that I have been terrible at taking supplements. I always felt confused by the conflicting information and so basically stayed away. When my back first broke, the doctor put me on Calcium, magnesium, Omega 3 and zinc. So that was already in place. When I received the myeloma diagnosis, we learned that I must stay off calcium as the disease was already breaking down my bone and putting too much calcium in body. Now I am on a protocol of high vitamin C, a variety of minerals, multivitamins and extra vitamin B. (If you are interested in more of this, we are happy to share).
- Herbs, of course, are an important part of my everyday protocol. Our herbalist gave us a lot of information regarding Essiac Tea. She then made some up for us and I have this twice a day. Essiac is an excellent detox, moving the toxins out of my blood while supporting the liver and kidneys. If you are not familiar with this herbal blend, here is a link with a lot of important information. (http://essiacfacts.com/). The other herb that I take daily is Astragalus It is one of the most powerful immune-building plants on the planet. It is an adaptogen herb which helps beat stress while fighting disease at the same time. In addition to pumping up my immune system, studies show it’s vital for cardiovascular health and can even fight off tumors and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy. We also decided that I needed to do a parasite cleanse.
- Essential oils also play an important role. I use lavender to help me have a restful sleep. Since my diagnosis, sleep has been elusive. Waking up at all hours of the night wondering how things are going to pan out, worrying about worrying. Lavender is the aroma therapeutic distress that I need. The other oil is Frankincense which I have added to Grapeseed oil and this is massaged into my hands and behind my ears. (I haven’t been able to reach the soles of my feet to massage there, hence my hands and pulse points.
What about a holistic approach…surely you don’t leave it up to nutrition only?
No healing protocol is complete without spiritual, emotional, mental and physical practices.
These may change as time goes on, but for now these things are helping to keep me grounded and in the now.
Spiritual protocol: This includes spiritual reading (A spiritual author). At the moment it is Richard Rohr, but it could be Rumi, Kahlil Gibran or Joanna Macy (To name a few).
Writing down my dreams and doing dream work. This helps me to get in touch with that part of me that is intuitive. For example, the one dream showed me how angry I am with myself. This anger is destructive and needs to be heard. What is making me angry?
Speaking with a Spiritual Director who calls me out on my nonsense (What I like to call my Drama Queen).
Guided meditations, centring prayer and inspirational podcasts are all part of this protocol too.
Emotional protocol: This includes journaling on my daily feelings, thoughts, emotions, and so on.
I also do a daily zendala or mandala. This helps me get out of my head and into my heart. I have found this a very gentle emotional healing tool.
Mental protocol: I have taken this time to study up on myeloma as well as various people’s experience of healing the natural way. I realise that my fear of the unknown loses its power when I study up as much as I can of the issue that is causing the fear in the first place.
I am also getting back into work-doing the social media for the business as well as doing the online orders and answering questions on social media. This all brings a sense of normality back to my world and keeps me from worrying obsessively.
Physical protocol: Exercise is extremely important. I am so grateful for the daily walking |I did before the op. Even though it was painful, my muscles remained strong and helped me post-op.
A friend has been coming on a weekly basis to give me reflexology. This has been helping and healing me on all levels.
These are becoming a daily routine. They help me to remain calm, grounded and ready to love my body back to health.
Prayer flags from dear friends.
Family, friends, prayer and support: This is one of the most important parts of my healing protocol. The way that my friends and family have surrounded me with love has been overwhelmingly special. Visiting, praying, bringing food, messaging, buying me groceries, supplying my weekly juices, supplying me with the vitamins and minerals needed, coming to read with me, being prepared to face the scary C word with me head on, talking until it lost it power. I have seen my tribe and it is beautiful and big. I am forever grateful and know that there is no way to repay them, except by paying this forward when I am well enough to do that.
All being well, I look forward to being back at Shongweni Farmers Market on Saturday 5th May 2018.
Lots of love, light and laughter
Sue