Mistletoe and Me

At the time of writing, I am a 42 year old nurse of 20 years, who’s life definitely did not begin at 40. Here I am almost 3 years later, having just been diagnosed with incurable metastatic breast cancer, which has reportedly spread to my lymph nodes and onto my clavicle.

Before we begin, I would like to state clearly that the word “incurable” refers to the belief of the Oncologist whom devised my first treatment pathway. It does not in any way refer to any personal beliefs I have of my own about this cancer. Despite moments of doubt and moments of fear I believe this cancer is curable. I have known from day 1 that I am not dying and can assure you that I will be getting better, and furthermore since the day I was diagnosed “getting better” is all I think about. I just need a little help … well actually quite a lot as it goes.

In the interests of transparency, I decided to go live on Social Media and Crowd Fund for the following reasons

1. I started this journey with the attitude “I am not taking money from anyone outside of what my family and I can afford, for anything”. However, it soon became very clear that I needed to devise my own treatment pathway, as the options available to me were at best limited. I did not believe in chemotherapy and some of the conventional treatment pathways, and I knew that “my plan” would not, and could not, be conventional. I was later informed that that treatment pathway I needed alongside some conventional medicine would cost me approx. 10,000.

Folks let me tell you …when you hear “incurable and £10,000” in the same couple of months, and you have limited funds financially … YOUR PRIDE KINDA JUST SLOWLY DISINTERGRATES in front of you, like a puff of smoke! Almost like it had never been there to begin with……

I knew I had to find a way to be able to afford the treatment I needed, and social media and sponsorship is where I decided to begin with a little encouragement from the very unexpected Legendary John Lawless, co-workers and friends and also HUGE shout to Julie Preston whom is instrumental in the setting up of this face book page and ongoing support.

2. When I had begun to research treatment options available, which is all I did alongside trying to decorate my house, sell my car and and sort my whole life out in the space of 2 weeks .. as you do

I soon realized that I was completely alone on this journey with treatment options. We are not as fortunate as those in the US who can actually access “integrated care”.

Therefore, I wanted to share my story with others, in the hope that others, at least in Hull, don’t feel as alone. I also wanted to share my story in the hope that it might help or inspire others to take charge of their own lives and treatment pathways, illness is debilitating enough without giving your power away. (However, this journey refers to my journey to recovery and actions taken by me for me in order to recover, please see disclaimer).

If there is money left over from fundraising and sponsorship in whatever form it plays out – I will donate that money to the Mistletoe Centre that treated me, listened to me, and cared for me when I had no-one else professionally. I would also like to undertake training to be able to consult as a Western Herbalist and help others maintain health and prevent illness.

I would be grateful for any support

Thanks and warm regards

Rachel x