Calypso with a Cause - My awareness journey – Michelle shares her Breast Cancer Story

Written by Michelle Starling | Edited by Janine Magree

Looking back, I’d say finding out I had breast cancer was an unexpected “watershed” period. It was a time of learning, growth, uncomfortable change, inner strength, and unwavering faith.

During a routine mammogram and ultrasound, a lump was found in my left breast. A subsequent biopsy confirmed it was cancerous.

Besides my wonderful friends, I was blessed to have my son, Jordan, and daughter, Gaby, with me on this challenging walk. They offered the most incredible love and support through all the highs and lows – the initial shock and fear, the weekly chemo treatments, giving mom a number four buzz cut and musing over what new green items might be added to smoothies each day.  

I was initially told by both my surgeon and oncologist that the lump was small, early-stage and easy to remove with good margin. They thought radiation treatments might be necessary, but not chemo. I breathed a huge sigh of relief over that, and the surgery went smoothly.

My genetic MammaPrint results arrived from Europe, about six weeks later. Shock number two hit me like a ton of bricks! After analysing the cells from my lump, the report revealed I was “borderline” for a potential cancer recurrence in years to come. “Better to wear a belt and braces, to keep up your pants”, my GP and friend advised me. 

Initially I was against chemo, leaning towards more holistic, alternative treatment options instead. I fervently researched every scrap of information I could, and being anti-big pharma, it took some internal wrangling to reluctantly agree to the suggested chemo and radiation regime.

For three months, in addition to pre-mixes of high-dose cortisone and anti-inflammatories, every Thursday for 4-6 hours at a time, chemo treatments were infused into my body. It was during these long hours, with what we referred to as “margarita cocktails” coursing through our veins, that I met my beautiful and brave friend Ella, who had recently undergone a double mastectomy.

 
We swapped stories, lamented, and laughed together as we navigated our way through that rough territory. Our meeting and the friendship we share is an amazing highlight of that difficult period.

For a month afterwards, fifteen minutes of daily radiation was administered on my left breast. It was relatively painless, but thank goodness for Aloe Vera gel, which helped soothe and heal the targeted area.

My unrelenting research and thirst for understanding led me on an inward journey, one of self-discovery. Chemo whacks you for a couple of days afterwards, so it forced me to take pause. I embarked on a healing journey of the “mind, body and spirit” as I firmly believe that if we pay attention, our bodies are their own best doctor. I also know that emotional unease, when suppressed, will at some point manifest at a cellular level as “dis-ease’.

I recognised that the trauma from a “life shock” I had experienced had been the trigger for my breast cancer. My oncologist and surgeon independently confirmed my suspicions with their own matching estimations of when the lump had begun growing. 

Determined to heal and nurture my body from the inside out, I learned that most physical diseases stem from inflammation in the cell tissues and that the key to reducing inflammation is correcting diet and keeping the body’s pH and alkaline levels consistent. 

Disease generally thrives in an acidic environment. Aside from my nightly CBD drops to naturally induce sleep and diminish any rogue C cells, I began a protocol of bicarb and fresh lemon twice daily, monitoring my pH to an alkaline state. I consumed litres of water, countless green smoothies, fresh ginger, turmeric, wheatgrass and other natural plant-based concoctions. My kids probably thought I had moved in with the fairies!

 

I started art classes which I had wanted to do since I last painted in matric. I went for my first Reiki treatment and attended an introductory course on Life Alignment, followed by the first module workshop – Body Spin, which confirmed my understanding that if we pay attention to our body, it does not lie. Looking back on and understanding the “blanks” in my early years, was an uncomfortable, but liberating and healing process.

Ultimately, it all starts with awareness. After that it is up to us to choose if we really want to heal, by addressing and treating the possible causes at every level.

What helped me get through it? Aside from my faith, I am blessed to have met many incredible humans over the past four years following my initial diagnosis. These awesome souls have both inspired and strengthened me. They have prompted questions, and fuelled my search for answers, often without them even realising their positive influence.

Today, I am cancer-free and feeling blessed. I am still learning, understanding and growing daily. On reflection, I think I like the “post-breast cancer me” more, than the “me from 5 years ago”. I know I’m heading in the right direction… and looking forward… I hope to be an inspiration to other women along their journey.