News and Muses

December 7, 2006 - Where does time go?

I was telling folks that I last entered a note in August and that no longer having "business building" energy, I was thinking of shutting my web site down; that along the oft-times rocky road I have been traveling I had released such aspirations, much like unnecessary and weighty baggage. The web site, therefore, was not needed. That was before October when my web designer and faithful friend, Kate Gombos sent me stats showing how many had checked my journal page. That gave me pause and the thought that perhaps there was reason to keep it. I may have more to share.

Now, at 3:30 am on a sleepless night two months later, I finally return to write and find that the faithful have continued and I have not. That there was no August entry; that only the "A" of April was right! Where does time go?

Where does time go in the busyness of day to day life? I am beginning to feel like the many retired persons I hear say, "I do not know how I had time to work before!" I asked my husband last week if he felt that everything taking longer was a part of aging. If so, the zipping by of days with much less accomplished than I recall in my 40's, has come upon me. I may be officially old!

My heart still feels young, however, and my spirit strong. My mind, despite my inability to recall April - magically turning it into August, is improving post chemo. My husband loves to say he is worried about me when I forget things, which I do. But then, so does he! (And most of my friends of my age) I am learning to be consistent with checking my appointment book, a habit I have always had trouble with. My body is clearly becoming stronger with almost all my blood counts finally back in pre-cancer ranges. And as we prepare to move from this house of many stairs and many, many trips from attic to basement all day long, I am getting physically stronger. I no longer crash at 3 pm, lying on the bed, acutely aware of my body's struggle. Best of all, I have worked with a few people and done what I have felt is some of my best work. What a thrill! I have been told it can take a year to recover from chemo and radiation. That feels right to me. By my first year anniversary on February 7th, I should be back to work and consistently functioning. This past week is the first in a year that I have had fully productive days. Oh Happy Days!

Speaking of my work, I stopped seeing clients at Forest Massage and Wellness Center. That was a hard decision as every time I sat in the space with Donna Berringer- Neighbors, a seasoned, talented and professional massage therapist, and her younger, enthusiastic staff, a space infused with the energy of loving persons with knowledge and knowledgeable hands, I filled with joy. But a flu-like illness a couple of months ago broke the momentum. Concurrently a decision to move our residence and relocate here in Lynchburg was made. Thanks-be to my husband, I am blessed with the ability to have a gentle life, a life I have become evermore grateful to have. And I made that decision - to lead a gentle life months ago; that I would no longer "market" myself and "Nurse's Touch". I would serve and allow what would happen to evolve as it would. And it is. My phone is ringing and people are seeking my service. And I am eager to set up my new space once we are settled. I am eager to both do my work and facilitate others' learning, so the web site stays! I hope to continue to share in this medium and perhaps develop a newsletter as once planned. Along that vein, I would like you to know that a group is forming to study Quantum Touch together, starting in February. If you are interested in learning about this easily learned energy based healing facilitation method, visit www.quantumtouch.com I have the intention of creating a free clinic for those who cannot afford this form of complementary care.

If you have concerns about the body burden that is created by the chemicals and heavy metals that are increasingly found in our bodies and want to unburden your self, visit www.zeoliteinfo.com and www.amazingandtrue.com I am taking this chelating product and having tests on what is being excreted. My hope is that taking the body burden of heavy metals and perhaps other chemicals out of my body, I can prevent a recurrence of my breast cancer. If you are interested in this product, feel free to e-mail me and I will get you in touch with a distributor or retail source for this network marketed product.

For those of you who want to start the New Year with mindfulness, visit the Mind Body web site for their schedule of classes. And for those of you who enjoy intellectually challenging and spiritually rich Sunday school, watch for the new schedule of offerings at First Christian Church (Full disclosure here! I am a member there and my husband is serving as their interim pastor). I have enjoyed facilitating a session on Christian spirituality which ends this Sunday.

December 11 post script

Vespers at FCC was phenomenal last night. The choir began singing in the hall outside the sanctuary which intensified their voices. Then they spread out among the congregation and sang from their scattered spaces, infusing a wonderful spirit in a new (for me) way. They then moved to the front. Their singing was interlaced with the "First Stringers" and the bell ringers, and a couple of hymns that we all sang. The men were in tuxes; the women all in black. Both adults and teens participated. It was beautiful. I was told they began a few years ago with 35 attendees. There were over 165 last night.

I picked up an alternative giving guide while there by the way. Charlie and I are going to buy each other a goat for Christmas. Read more at www.heiferproject.org.

I wish you peace, love, joy and faith, now and through-out the coming year.

Ethlyne

May 3, 2007 - I am frightened folks!

Dear Friends,

I am very distressed by the number of current legislative bills that I feel will threaten my health if passed. I learned long ago that the pharmaceutical approach was mostly ineffective for me, and often created intolerable side effects as well. (And given the more than 100,000 deaths per year from properly prescribed pharmaceuticals, I may not be alone in this.) I am clear that I was able to get through chemo therapy and radiation only because I was supported by vitamins and herbs. Thankfully, I had the skilled guidance of well educated naturopaths at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in developing this part of my integrative health plan. My local physicians were sympathetic to what they viewed as my special needs for the most part, however one shook her finger in my face in apparent heart felt concern that I was defeating my treatment by taking them. I strongly disagree. And although my sensitivities may make me a person who should take the risk of treatment failure, I function from an equally scientifically defendable paradigm that views supporting the body while delivery highly toxic therapies as essential for everyone.

My position is known to many of you already, but today I would like you to hear from Dr Jonathan Wright, a medical doctor who has much experience in the field of "Functional Medicine". If you scroll down, you will find a link to his easily readable interview. I have known about Dr Wright for many years and rely on his advice for many health matters. Unfortunately, physicians knowledgeable in the use of vitamins and minerals are very few. The closest I know of in this area is an hour and a half away. So, like many others, I have educated myself, using the many books available to me and then purchase what I need from the health food store. I have found, for instance, a homeopathic that helps me with my seasonal allergies, an immune system booster that has successfully handled any sore throat or impending cold quickly, herbs to detoxify my liver - which reduces my reactions to perfumes and other chemical inhalants, and a product which removes the heavy metals from my body safely. I had my urine tested by the way, and I am getting rid of many metals, one of which is a known carcinogen which allegedly is in the blood stream of over 30 % of Americans. That's pretty close to our current cancer levels. I am frightened folks. If my ability to purchase these products is taken away from me, I will surely suffer. It would be one thing if there were enough knowledgeable persons to prescribe, but there are clearly not. I am also clear that if these the pharmaceutical industry gains control of these products, the prices will go much higher. The issue here is not consumer safety, given the lack of data supporting any concern regarding the safety of consumers using self prescribed vitamins and herbs, but our freedom to choose what kind of care is best for us.

I therefore respectfully ask you to take the time to educate yourself regarding these issues and to let your thoughts be known where it matters. To that end, read Dr Wright's interview at http://downloads.truthpublishing.com/DrWright.pdf and visit http://www.lef.org for more information as well. It is an excellent health resource as well. For health freedom issues information, go to http://www.citizens.org.

On a personal note, I am 15 months out from my cancer treatment and feeling great. I am facilitating a Quantum Touch class and finding opportunities to grow in the work I love through my part-time practice and volunteer work. My community of friends is ever growing. Life is good!

Thank you for your interest. E.

June 6, 2007 - A Little Pre-occupied These Days

I am a little pre-occupied these days given my breast cancer recurrence, but I wanted to share some news and muses, nonetheless. Inescapably, my focus has been on myself and I was drawn back to the internet. I was glad to see that Web MD had an article on Integrative Cancer Care. Although Sloane Kettering is cited in the article, I see CTCA is heavily represented in the ads. www.webmd.com/solutions/complementary-care?ecd=wnl_brc_060507 I will be there soon for my mastectomy. I get the Web MD Breast Cancer internet newsletter. I do not know how many different types of newsletters Web MD has, but if you have a health concern, it is one place to start. For detailed information I have returned to the previously mentioned government sites, but now also to www.oncolink.com for information geared both for the general public and healthcare professionals as well. www.cure.com has a lot of information, but I was frustrated by how often I was led into drug ads. I do appreciate their magazine which they send free of charge to cancer patients. The last issue had a summary of recent breast cancer information.

At any major life point - and this, a second recurrence of breast cancer is one for me, we often find ourselves asking where best to put our energy. I hope I am right by restarting my blog ; that by voicing my "stuff", I become someone else's voice - or better yet, assist another in finding her own voice. In that way I can serve. More and more, I am convinced that we must take responsibility for our health. We must at the very least know our treatment plans and check to see whether they are being followed as ordered. Better yet - know what the accepted plans of treatment are and all their implications such as side effects, potential late effects, and possible interactions. For me, knowing how to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy was very important. The use of anti-oxidants while getting chemo is a controversial issue I felt I needed to explore. I decided that using them was the best choice for me. Most of all, I feel it is important find ways to reduce stress and to support one's immune system and to live each day as it comes. The Web MD article talks more the body/mind connection. My personal affirmation is "I know I am going to die, but not today." And that brings a smile to my face.

PS: Bringing a very big smile is the well referenced article on massage for cancer patients I just found. The link follows: www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13461

Thank you for your interest. E.

July 14, 2007 - A Time Of Little Energy And Decision Making

In this waiting time, this time of little energy and decision making, I continue to focus on cancer and how to best support myself. I have, therefore, little to say this month. I am researching, but today I will share a link to what I am reading now. I cannot verify this information or suggest you follow it. I am not even sure as yet who has compiled it. I do, however, recognize much of this information from previous reading as information that I resonated with. I had Insulin Potentiated Therapy after I was first diagnosed and I went on an alkaline diet. It was after I fell off the wagon and restarted eating refined carbohydrates and other foods I knew were not good, that my cancer returned. I am highly suspicious that my falling off the wagon with my ice cream addiction triggered my latest recurrence. The summary in the link that follows is the best I have seen of what is out there, so I will share it with you. My practice is to consult a medical professional versed in Naturopathy before I use something, especially if I am taking any medications at all. Above all, be safe in your choices.

Thank you for your interest. E.

December 14, 2007 - I returned from the Optimum Health Institute Revitalized

I returned from the Optimum Health Institute (www.optimumhealth.org) revitalized and barely able to palpate the lymph nodes which I could clearly feel when I left home. When I returned, I began taking XanGo mangosteen juice, and they disappeared totally. Today, I was forwarded the link to a site that relates even more amazing stories. I am convinced that this juice is a vital addition to my integrative care plan, and I am eager to share my excitement about it. If you are struggling with any health or energy challenges, you may wish to explore this option. I will gladly help you.

I am also eager to spread the word that I am once again in practice. I will update my web site in the next few weeks - blogging my experiences and some of my process over the past few months of silence. I am working on refining who I am as a nurse massage therapist - of what I have to offer at this time, but I am clear that my emphasis will be on stress reduction and support in dealing with health, chronic pain or emotional challenges which are preventing a person from meeting his or her health related goals. I have gained much experience in creating my own "Integrative" health plan and, honestly, work daily to stay on track with my own goals for supporting my body, mind and spirit. Massage will continue to be a part of most treatment plans as I believe we all have needs for the caring and integration that knowlegeable touch can bring to the healing process, but education, body focused awareness and guided imagery will play a larger role.

I am wishing you the Peace and Joy that I currently feel, now and throughout this coming year.

For more information: www.supportyourhealthnow.com

January 1, 2008 - What a wonderful New Year this is!

As usual, this New Year's Eve was preceded by much reflection. Where am I? Where do I want to be? How can I help myself get there? What is my "growing edge`"? That said, do I really want or need to go anywhere or work to change anything? This last question leads to another - what is right about my life?

The first thing that comes to my mind, having settled into a place which could be called "Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer with no sign of disease", is the fact that I have life at all. There is no greater blessing from this vantage point, and a list of the many reasons I have to be grateful pops into my mind.

I am grateful to Bernadette of the Tutto Bene coffee shop in the Bank of the James building on Main St. for telling me about the Optimum Health Institute (www.optimumhealth.org) where I spent three weeks detoxifying my body and learning a multitude of ways to support my body, mind and spirit. I am grateful for the many friends who came to my "Treasure Sale" and helped me raise the funds to pay for my trip. I am grateful for the board of OHI for awarding me with a one week scholarship, which helped me afford the seeds and supplies to continue my detox program at home. I am grateful for my husband who stands by me, supporting me whether I am here or away, compliant with what we know will help me or falling into nutritional lapses and inactivity, bright spirited or morose; no matter what, he holds the space for me. And I am most grateful, as is he, that a sense of peacefulness - of being infused with the Holy Spirit graces most of my time, defusing any "down" times into almost non-events.

So, where do I want to be? More than anything, I want to be doing my work. And because I do not see myself having anything but a very limited practice, I want to do what I am best at, fully utilizing all my training and skills. In an area that has many excellent bodyworkers, it seems especially important to be able to define my practice. Deciding where I shine took some reflection and is taking a little courage to declare outright, but here it is: My work is for clients who have decided they want to learn how to be truly present with themselves. They recognize that being present in the moment is essential to stress reduction and that reducing stress is key to health maintenance. Even more important to me, however, is that these clients desire an authentic life and they have a sense that this form of bodywork is the starting place. They realize authenticity requires self knowledge, and that self knowledge requires being present with what is within. Being present with what is within can be difficult, however. It requires slowing down, and frequently, a sense of safety or even sacred space. (Most bodyworkers consider their work spaces sacred, by the way.) How is this different from what I have always done? Not too much, except for the increased use of guided imagery. I still see myself as a nurse massage therapist providing "bodywork, education and support". What I see as being different is the intention set by my clients. It is transformational work. To quote Rev. Frederick Buechner, "the vocation for you is the one in which your deep gladness and the world's deep need meet„something that not only makes you happy, but the world needs to have done." Increasingly, we all need to be present - with ourselves, with each other and with the world.

How will I get there? Having decided that I will live - must live, a gentle life, I see no marketing efforts, just daily study and service wherever the opportunity arises. I envision a free clinic for stress reduction. I am confident that service will lead to the relatively few clients I anticipate working with.

What is my growing edge? Clearing, my growing edge is using guided imagery and even the hypnosis I was trained in years ago. Increasing my expertise in hypnosis is my biggest growing edge. I will begin working with smokers soon. Lung cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer. Helping others quit would be a great service. I received this newsletter featuring lung cancer in my e-mail box yesterday

Do I need to work to change anything? Yes! Most certainly! To not change or grow is to stagnate. To not perform work, whether paid or volunteer, that one is passionate about permits the soul to suffer.

February 5, 2008 - I am in a very serious mood this week. It is hard not to be.

I am in a very serious mood this week. It is hard not to be. There is some joy to be found, however in what has been known or suspected for years coming into the light of day.

The following link is to a very disturbing article. It seems that we are finally seeing many revelations regarding our government on many levels. The following article is about vaccines. It seems the dangers of thimerosol can no longer be denied. READ MORE!

Earlier this week CSPAN featured Devra Davis's book, The Secret History of the War against Cancer. I first saw this book featured on the the Silent Spring website (http://www.silentspring.org).

"Silent Spring Institute is a non-profit scientific research organization dedicated to identifying the links between the environment and women's health, especially breast cancer. We are a groundbreaking collaboration of scientists, physicians, health advocates, and community activists, and a leading edge research institution using multi-disciplinary, state-of-the-art approaches." (From the Silent Spring website)

I also note with interest that Ralph Moss has done an updated report on the use of antioxidants during radiation therapy. Those of you facing that discussion with your radiation oncologist might consider purchasing his report. You may find it at his web site http://www.cancerdecisions.com/order.html

Another resource worth mentioning - or perhaps repeating, is the web site of the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org ) there you can research many products for their toxicity. Do you know what is in your shampoo? In your babies bath soap?

As always, we must assume responsibility for being proactive for own health and being knowledgeable in the decision making process with our physicians.

As for me, I am seeking help in adopting a lifestyle of fresh, raw foods which have the vital energy and enzymes that will support my health. Thankfully, my experience at OHI has given me the measure of how I want to feel - every day! To that end, there will be a raw food workshop here in Lynchburg on Saturday, February 16th . We will learn, prepare, and joyfully eat what nature has provided in fellowship with each other. Please contact me in the next two days if you want to join us. ethlynedavidson@hotmail.com