Breast Cancer Survivor and Oncology Research Nurse Shares What She Knows
This I Know For Sure
by Stephanie Mesaric
As a breast cancer survivor, oncology research nurse and holistic health practitioner, I would like to share things that I have learned along the way.
- We are spiritual beings on a physical journey. The source of our strength and power lies deep withineach of us. No matter what your religious persuasion may be, or your ideas for or against a higher being, spirituality, in my mind, is equal to energy. The vast energy that is present at the birth of a newborn baby, the feeling you get when gazing at a snow covered landscape, or the awe you experience when your childhugs you with a fierceness that brings tears to your eyes. We are all walking a journey which teaches us the power of love.
- Victim mentality never serves us well. My first thoughts after hearing the words “You have cancer”, were, why me, and I am going to die. The worst thing we can do is to think we are powerless. Yes, a cancer diagnosis gives you a new reality.Yes, the side effects from chemo quite frankly “suck”. But you can take control of the foods you put in your body to assist you in your healing, the positive people you surroundyourself with, and honoring the little voice inside yourself that tells you to rest, regroupand carry on.
- Knowledge is power. Learn all you can about your type of cancer. If you don’tunderstand the terminology, find someone whom you trust to bring it down to your level.Your doctor should take time to explain things until you feel comfortable with the information and the answers to your questions. Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know. Seek out support networks like breast cancer.org or the foundation for cancer research and wellness. Ask friends who are in the medical profession whom you trust and value. Walk away from energy suckers and those who try to convince you that cancer is a death sentence. Empower yourself to seek second opinions. Acknowledge what you do know and what you don’t know. Believe in yourself and your ability to “own” your “dis” ease and its treatment.
- The mind is not separated from the body. Each thought produces a chemical reaction within our bodies. Fearful thoughts cause our bodies to produce cortisol and other chemicals that can cause an inflammatory response. Inflammation provides the medium for cancer cells to proliferate. You are in control of your thoughts. Choose them wisely.
- Medical professionals do not have all the answers. The field of oncology is rapidly gathering new information on treatment and prevention. It is virtually impossible to know all there is to know about all types and classifications of cancer. And yes, egos can have a deleterious effect on your health. It’s o.k. to question something you don’t understand or to seek a second opinion, if only to confirm the first. Gather information from as many sources as possible in order to make informed decisions.
- Deep breathing is highly under rated. Most of us continue to work full time and care for our families during the course of our treatments. Stress is an inherent result of daily living, but stop right now as you are reading this and take a deep breath. Really suck in the oxygen through your nose, while sticking out your belly. Release a deep “Ahhhhh”through your mouth as you exhale. Don’t you feel better? Put a sticky note on your computer with the words “Just breathe”. Remind yourself that a deep breath costs nothing, you are breathing anyway, and the oxygen provides a rich environment for healthy cells to exist.
- Our bodies were designed with an innate ability to heal and balance themselves. According to Andrew Weil, M.D., every level of biological organization, from DNA up, mechanisms of self-diagnosis, self-repair, and regeneration exist in us, always ready to become active when the need arises. Our bodies heal best when we sleep. If we pay attention to the foods that we use to nourish our bodies, and not overtax the body by overeating, the body’s healing mechanisms will not need to compete with the digestive function.
- Cancer is a cellular disease. Currently underway at NIH is The Cancer Genome Atlas Project. Hundreds of Thousands of tumor samples are being mapped in an attempt to understand which genetic mutations are responsible for specific cancers. Learn more by visiting http://cancergenome.nih.gov/abouttcga/overview
- Balance is the key to health. We have all heard about the importance of nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. I knew the effects of animal protein, sugars and hormone fed chicken on the body. And yet it took me 10 years to become a vegetarian. The take home message is, make one small change per week or even per month. Don’t beat yourself up if you have one cup of ice cream or a sugary soda. Holistically speaking, one change in body, mind or spirit causes a shift in all areas. Continue to incorporate positive changes every day. Become mindful of your actions and love yourself for your efforts.
- Life is to be lived in the present. This I know to be true. If you live in the past, or think too far into the future, life becomes unreal. Own your present. Own your “dis” ease. Own your journey of caring, nurturing, and loving yourself today. Then, ladies and gentlemen, get up tomorrow and do it again. Your journey began with a single step. Continue to focus on that which is currently in front of you. And when you find your mind wandering to the what ifs, refer to the sticky note on your computer, and breathe.
Stephanie Mesaric is a registered nurse with over 38 years of experience in various fields within the healthcare system. Most recently she worked as an oncology research nurse for a major pharmaceutical company. In December, 2010, she obtained a Master of Science degree in Holistic Health from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. She is a 15 year breast cancer survivor.
