My Healing Journey: Reclaiming Health After Cancer, Autoimmune Struggles, and Loss

Prior to my cancer diagnosis after just turning 40 years old in 2013, I had never had a broken bone or even a cavity in my mouth. I had never gotten a flu shot and felt there was no need since I had never been sick with the flu. Since the end of my cancer treatment, I live with daily ailments like sore throat, extreme fatigue, stomach issues, migraines and undiagnosed autoimmune issues.
Fast forward to 2023 and the added stress of my dog’s passing, living alone, and the financial strain of maintaining independence pushed my body into survival mode. This allowed my autoimmune condition to spiral out of control.
Fast forward 2 more years to 2024 and now my quality of life has significantly diminished. I can’t make commitments outside my home because unpredictable swelling in my ankles or hip joints often leaves me unable to walk or drive. Activities I once loved, like kayaking or taking walks, are now impossible due to the Florida humidity, which triggers immediate swelling. Living alone in a paradise I can’t fully enjoy feels like a nightmare, especially as someone who has always thrived on social interaction. The isolation of living like a hermit has been deeply uncomfortable for me.
To reclaim my health, I’ve decided to take a break from the stress of my current situation and head back to Michigan for a peaceful, restorative winter.
This is the start of my Toxin Detox Journey!
Surrounded by family who can offer support, I’m focusing on rest and beginning my detox from toxins journey. My goal is to embrace the healthiest lifestyle possible and work toward healing my body, one step at a time.
By early November I was settling into life in Michigan. No one wants to leave their home, their friends and their warm palm tree paradise at the start of winter and head north but I am going to make this the most positive health journey possible. Focusing on all the good I can find and not sit in sorrow over what's no longer in my view. (like dolphins at my seawall or grounding at the beach during sunset).
Today is January 14th. I have had my 3rd dentist visit and my 2nd psychiatrist visit since being in Michigan. It critical to get this long overdue dental work taken care of and then I will move onto the autoimmune condition.
I want to share the good news of the day and then I will give you insights into what I think helped make today a success.
Today's good news:
I lived through a visit at the dentist (if you know me, you have fallen out of your chair in shock hearing this)
I have zero joints in pain due to inflammation
I shoveled snow today and it felt great to breathe the fresh air and get the exercise without repercussion of immediate swelling or joint pain
I have no headache
I visited my deer and cardinals in the snow filled yard which brings me so much happiness
I was able to get several hours of work done - all in one day!
What helped me today:
Morning meditation
Saying 'today is going to be a great day' before stepping out of bed
A warm shower, a made bed, a clean house, a few hours of client work
Being able to talk about the anxiety of going to the dentist and Lucia going with me for the appointment
Being able to afford to get my health and dental taken care of because health is my main priority right now
Sorry to say 'valium' ... but only because of my dentist severe PTSD (almost died from sepsis years ago from a dental infection but that's another story)
MEDITATION HELPERS: (I struggle to get my mind to calm down so I need helpers)
A white noise sound machine can be a powerful tool for meditation by creating a consistent auditory environment that helps the mind focus and block out distractions. The steady, soothing sound masks background noises, such as traffic, conversations, or household activities, which might otherwise pull attention away from the meditation practice. This creates a calming atmosphere, allowing the brain to settle into a relaxed state more easily. For individuals who find silence overwhelming or distracting, white noise provides a gentle auditory anchor, making it easier to focus on breathing or other meditation techniques.
Additionally, white noise can promote a sense of safety and comfort, which is essential for deep relaxation during meditation. The continuous, unobtrusive sound can help quiet an overactive mind, reducing stress and promoting a meditative state. Over time, using a white noise sound machine during meditation can condition the brain to associate the sound with calmness and mindfulness, deepening the practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, incorporating white noise into your routine can enhance focus, reduce distractions, and help you achieve a more profound sense of inner peace.
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