Hi Everyone
A little update for you … actually it’s not little. It’s a big update. I have bad news.
I have been diagnosed with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (a form of breast cancer).
Fuck.
In mid-January I was sitting on the sofa watching a movie with Gerry when I suddenly felt like someone stabbed me in the right boob with a knife.
I sat up and grabbed my breast “what the???”
I felt my breast in the area where the pain was coming from and there was a giant weird square-ish lump under the skin and a good sized dimple that wasn’t there before.
This is what the dimple looks like.
A little back-story. I have thick/dense breasts (yeah I do…). They have always been lumpy and thick and that’s why I’m religious about checking my breasts after my period as well as going for regular mammograms.
This pain/lump happened during the week of my period so I decided to wait a week before going to the doctor. After a week the lump didn’t go away so I made an appointment to see my GP. He felt the lump and he felt my other breast and didn’t think it felt like anything other than an inflammation in that area from my period but he scheduled me for a mammogram and a ultrasound just in case.
Gerry and I went to the UK. We had a blast and I came home and did the mammogram/ultrasound.
During the mammogram the technician commented on how dense my breasts are. Yes. I know. 🙂
During the ultrasound the technician commented on how dense my breasts are. Yes I know. 🙂
Then she said “I found a hazy spot in this swollen area but your breasts are so dense I’m going to call the doctor in.”
He did a quick exam with his hands and the ultrasound “Wow. You have dense breasts” Yes. I know. 🙂
He then said “There IS something. I can’t see it in the ultrasound but I can feel it. We need to do a needle biopsy.” and started to get everything ready. Oh. Now?? Oh wow … ok … wasn’t expecting this to happen so quickly.
He did the needle biopsy. He froze my breast with lidocaine and took two core samples. He was great. He showed me how the machine that takes the biopsy works before he even touched my breast. It looks like a giant ear piercing gun and makes that same snap sound when it takes a sample.
I didn’t feel a thing (other than anxiety) and he talked me through the whole thing. “Now I’m doing this. Now I’m doing that.” It went great …
Once he was done he grabbed my hand and held it while he explained things “The sample will go to the lab. It should take about 5 days. Your doctor will call you with the results. It was really nice to meet you and I wish you lots of luck with this.”
As he was talking to me all I could think is “Fuck. Why is he holding my hand for so long …This seems a little intimate.”
I had to wear a bandage for 2 days and I was a little sore but nothing major. When I pulled the band-aid off I was worried there would be a giant hole in my breast but it was a tiny little spot but a GIANT bruise.
I got a call from the doctor about 2 days later. I was happy to hear the results came in so quickly and in my naivety I figured they just got the results sooner then they expected. I think that’s called denial. Ha ha.
Gerry and I went together to the doctors office. After some idle chit-chat with the Doctor he said “There is a very good chance it’s cancer…”
It was so weird to hear him say that. I kind of feel like I’ve been waiting for the cancer hammer to drop my whole life. My Mum passed away suddenly from Ovarian cancer at 39 and losing her at such a young age I have always felt like the same fate was going to happen to me … it was just a matter of when. So I’ve thought a lot about this moment.
But in 2008 when I turned 40 and passed her in age I felt like a weight had been lifted. I lived past her death age. Wahooo! I felt like now I had a “get out of cancer” free card.
When the doctor said “it’s cancer” … all I could think was “Of course it fucking is…”
It was just like in the movies actually. My doctors voice turned all muffled like the Charlie Brown teacher and I felt like I was out of my body and watching everything from up above. My bra got really tight and all I wanted to do was get out of that stuffy room and go home and take off all my clothes and climb into bed.
Thank goodness Gerry (my beloved wonderful husband) was there with me because I was only able to grasp about 1/2 of what my doctor was saying. What I was able to grasp was that my doctor didn’t have the pathology report yet. This indicates what kind of cancer I have, etc but that wouldn’t be available for a few more days. Gerry and I went home stunned.
We told our family and a few close friends and all of them said “is it or isn’t it”. It was kind of confusing. The way the doctor told us didn’t seem to actually confirm yes or no. I started to get mad. “Why the fuck would he call me in if he didn’t have any conclusive information?”
It was a very long 5 days of sleepless nights but all this rage I had building up towards my doctor kept me going. I was pissed off at him and was going to tell him how pissed I was that he called me in to the office when he had no real info.
Early Monday morning I called the clinic and asked if my pathology report had arrive. It had but they couldn’t give me an appointment with him until 3:45pm.
No. Sorry. That’s not acceptable. I needed to know everything immediately so I asked if I could come and just find out through the walk-in clinic doctor (that’s attached to my doctors office).
BTW. This doctor who broke the news to me is not my usual doctor. Mine is on holiday so I’ve really only seen him twice. It’s not like I have a relationship with him … I told them I was coming in to the clinic and I didn’t care who gave me the report.
We arrived at about 11am and sat in the clinic for about an hour before they called my name and we walked into the office to find the doctor we saw last time. I guess maybe they called him in? Who knows… but I was actually glad to see him so I could give him a piece of my mind for making us so upset all week.
We sat down and he said “It’s Infiltrating Ductual Carcinoma. It’s a type of breast cancer.” … and then we started to talk about what happens next.
What I realized during this conversation was that he had done me a favour telling me to be prepared for cancer. Even though he didn’t have all the information at our last appointment it gave me time to absorb what was happening. So when he gave me the “official” diagnosis I was actually able to take it in and have a normal conversation about what happens next.
So I have cancer. It’s official.
My next appointment is March 20th where I go talk to a surgeon about the pathology report and this is the appointment where I will find what we’re dealing with.
We’re doing ok. I mean. There’s been a few tears but mostly Gerry and I are holding on to each other and hoping that the surgeon on the 20th has positive news like “take this magic unicorn and have him live in your bra and then you’re cured.”
I broke the news to my family and a few close friends but I have so many friends (like you) in my network that live far and wide and on the internet and it’s difficult for me to reach individually to everyone and write a personal note. So I am using my blog to reach out.
It’s not the ideal way to communicate something so serious but it affords me the ability to say what’s going on and all of you can keep up on your own time.
I plan on blogging about this. Why? Because I want you to get serious about your breast health. I go for regular mammograms and I do self-breast exams after my period every month. If it wasn’t for the regular montly self-exams I wouldn’t know how lumpy my thick breasts normally felt and that this particular lump felt different then the rest.
So do me a favour and go into the bathroom and feel yourself up. Get to know your breasts because the better you know them – the sooner you can recognize if something is different and set a timer on your phone to remind you to do a monthly self-exam.
If you don’t know how to do a breast exam properly then ask your GP or a local clinic and they will show you how. You know what?? Get on the phone right now and make an appointment to do that today. Will you do that for me?
This news sucks and all this not knowing and waiting for results is horrible torture.
But what I do know is that I am surrounded by a loving family. I have an amazing network of friends who are like family. I also have all of you out there in internet-land who have been with me through everything I write about in my blog.
So no matter what happens … I know you all have my back and that makes me the luckiest woman in the world. I wish everyone could have this much love and support.
A friend recently asked me if I was going to continue to blog/tweet/facebook and be public or keep this quiet and to myself. Her question kind of threw me. I didn’t even dawn on me not to blog about it.
Maya Angelou says “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” and this is my way of unburdening myself and connecting with all of you.
As for what’s going to happen with the store? I don’t know yet. I’ll know more on the 20th and we’ll make a plan based on that news. But in the meantime the store (retail and online) is still open! I’m at the store everyday hanging out and selling vegan stuff. I feel fine. I don’t feel sick. Please don’t feel weird about coming in. Just come in and give me a hug and buy some stuff. Ok? 🙂
I have pulled out of a few commitments I had this year. The big one is that I have decided not to do the Victoria Vegan Festival so I can focus on me. The rest of the organizers had a meeting last night and decided that they are moving forward and I wish them well. 😉
Now where are my punk rock boots so I can kick some cancer ass?
Love you guys.
xoxo
SARAH
Oh my Sarah. That is awful news. I’m sending you all the healing thoughts and love that I can. I hope you have a speedy recovery. How brave of you to share it all but you’re right, it will helps others. It has encouraged me to get checked and check myself too. Hugs!
Sarah!! I am stunned and so sorry to hear the news. Please – Have you heard about macrobiotics? It really is only one step further from veganism and many turn to macrobiotics to cure their cancers. Please consider the book Macrobiotic Approach to Cancer and consider reaching out to the Kushi Institute. Whether you choose conventional surgeries etc. or not, dietary adjustments depending on if your cancer is more yin or more yan, etc., can make all the difference.
I’m sorry that you had to hear that bad news.. I hope everything goes better for you soon, just focus on you and don’t let cancer stop you from what you are doing.. Keep it up! Much love and wishes.. Jaime @ashleihsarah
You are a strong and powerful woman and if anyone can overcome this it will be you!!
Take time for you. Take care of you.
Hope your road to wellness is a journey of discovery ending in a healthier version of your amazing self.
Take care! We all love you too!
Paris xx
I’m so sorry to hear this, Sarah! I have heard that if u must have surgery that a lumpectomy is the way to go. The Dr John MCDougall website is one that will really fill u in on illness and how important a vegan diet without oils and nuts is. He has counseled a lot of cancer survivors. Can’t hurt to check him out online.
In the meantime, I’m sending lots of Reiki and love.
Linda Brown
*hug*
Fucking hell, Sarah…You go kick some cancer ass! Thank you for intelligently and articulately sharing your bad news with us, your friends “out there” in the wider circle who admire you and care about you and are cheering for you and sending you good wishes.
And yes, since you are now the third (!!) friend of mine in a year to have a breast cancer diagnosis and tell all her friends, including Deep in Denial me, to go get a mammogram, I’m gonna do it!
Lots of love,
xx
Sue @ APP
Sue. Get on it. Do your mammogram for me!! Love you.
Thanks! Just booked it! http://www.smpbc.ca/Bookingyourappointment.htm
GOOD!! 🙂 So happy.
I know it’s been a while since this entry,but I was moved by your story and I really hope you’ve left all that behind and life has treated you nice…
Take care!
Love,Rou,Greece
Thank you. 🙂
Sarah, your post brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry you have to endure this. I have thyroid cancer at 38 and the radiation last year did not work, so I know the fear, anger, and shock that hits pretty hard when you are told the “C” word.
We shall overcome, right?
You are in my thoughts and I wish you a total and complete recovery. You have done so much for the Veg community, you are an amazing person. I have faith that love can cure and we all love you, so heal fast! We are fighting the good fight. Let’s win.
Thank you for sharing this personal experience with us.
P.S. if I see that unicorn, I will send him your way, asap.
Wow, that’s incredible news, Sarah and I am so glad that you chose to share it with me, us, everyone. I’ll keep thinking of you and your awesome thick breasts and send you as much positive healing vibes and strength that I can muster. Hang int here and know your back up is deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep;) xoxoxxo
I’m so sorry to hear your bad news. I’ve been following you since I went vegetarian and then vegan in 2002. I’ve been getting my mammos since I turned 40 and keep tabs on my boobs otherwise.
I wish you a speedy recovery and that you can kick cancer’s ass with your vegan DMs.
Sarah!
You are still my gorgeous silver sister. We are all with you, please take care of yourself and do the things you love – that will be the most important part of healing. You don’t have to be brave or strong, just be you.
evelyn
Sarah –
THIS. SUCKS.
If there was anyone who I would put my money on in a fight, it’s you. I know you will wrestle this thing to the ground and stomp on its head until it’s begging for mercy.
Lots of positive thoughts and energy from your fan in Vancity…keep us all updated please.
Danielle (and Curriecat)
I am so sorry to hear this. I have been following you and your cookbooks for years and I look forward to MANY more years. You will beat this. Sending lots of positive energy your way.
I am sorry to hear this but thanks for sharing. It is really important that you are sharing this. I wish you all the best, hopefully in the future we will see “I have great news” email from you and we will know that you got this beat.
Marcia
So sorry to hear this shocking news, Sarah. I know you are a strong woman and will do all in your power to kick cancer’s ass! I am sending you virtual hugs from the Arctic!!!
Damn. Things like this just should *not* happen. Please do whatever you need to do to stomp all over this cancer thing, and know that you’ve got legions of people sending love and healing thoughts your way. Love to you, Gerry, and Fergus!
Oh Sarah….
I don’t know what to say, other than gushing about how awesome you are, and what a HUGE PART you have played (although you had no idea!) in my vegan transformation over the past five years. You are a constant source of inspiration, hilarity, cuteness, love, and sweet dog pics. I know you know (because you said so up there^), but you DO have a HUGE network of people who adore you, and I pledge to take a moment every day to send you as much love, support, luck, and good kharma as the universe will transport from me to you. Oh, and to be sure to feel up my girls every month after Aunt Ruby visits. Take excellent care, tell Gerry he’s a lucky son’bitch, and I will eagerly await good news (of the cancer-kicking variety).
All my love!
Alana Vegan-Rican Danois
Much love to you. And yes! Kick that shit to the
curb!!
Rooting for your full recovery, Sarah.
Sarah, as crappy as the situation is, we all know what a GREAT attitude you have about life, and I truly believe that’s a huge part of the battle. My mom died from breast cancer too, so I know exactly how you felt when you wrote you were waiting for “the hammer to drop.”
Technology has come really far since our moms had breast cancer, so I have faith that things will work out.
Don’t forget that everyone’s pulling for you, and we need for you to write more cookbooks, so I know you aren’t going to let us down. 🙂
Sending positive and healing energy your way!
Val @ FoA
My Mum died of cancer at 52 and her Dad died of cancer at the same age, my Aunt who is in her late 50s currently has terminal cancer, I’m only 22 but I have the same feeling of thinking that cancer is going to come and get me at some point, it causes me a lot of anxiety.
I wish you all the very best with this, much love xx
Hugs from Virginia, Sarah! Sorry to hear the news, but we’re all here to help you throughout the fight!
Take care–sending healing vibes to you!
Sarah, I’m so sorry. What sad and shocking news. Yours was the first (and the coolest) vegan cookbook we bought. (La Dolce Vegan) Recipes and crafts. So unique and fun, just like you.
Praying for you and Gerry both.
Firstly; big hugs to you…I know you can kick some cancer ass! My co-worker, the wonderful Miss Kitty as we call her had breast cancer too. She kicked it to the curb 🙂
Stay strong Sarah. I have followed you for the better part of a decade and even had one of my recipes published in your mini travelling vegan cookbook. You truly are an inspiring person.
xo
Thinking and praying for you.
Holding you (and Gerry!) in a HUGE orb of light and Love…
Thank you for writing about this Sara… You have always inspired strength, stay with it!
All kinds of Love your way…
TO’G
I hope you recover soon – please take good care of yourself.
I spend a lot of time researching health issues. One thing I know is that we all have mutated (cancer) cells in our bodies at all times. When our immune system is weak we get sick. Your body has the ability to heal itself. There are a lot of natural things you can do. Green Juicing and Qi Gong are 2 that come quickly to mind. The answers are within you, follow your gut instincts and get well – love you! 🙂
You are in my heart. Sending positivity your way, Sarah! You can beat this. Stay strong.
This has been my first visit to your blog and I don’t know why because yours was the first vegan cookbook I bought (Where it All Vegan) at a Safeway in Alberta many moons ago, so I’ve been following you for a long time. **big sigh** I’m so sad to hear your news and I’m sending you lots of imaginary, magical, bra unicorns. Lots of love and light J
Oh, Sarah…. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Please do keep us posted… xoxoxoxo
Lou
P.S. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a unicorn for you.
Hi Sarah! Im sorry that you are having to deal with all of this. cancer is something i am way too familiar with, and i know this is a scary time for you. But you are a healthy vegan lady and you will for sure kick its ass! Sending you all my positives!
xoxox
if anyone can kick some cancer ass its you doll.
it has no idea who its dealing with 🙂
xoxox
Sending you thoughts of health and love.
: (
I wish you all the best, and really hope this will get solved in the best possible way
Leaving some virtual love for you here <3 *hugs*
Dear Sarah, We’ve never met but I feel like I kind of know you and I introduce my friends to you through your cookbooks. I’m sending love and healing thoughts from Ontario (actually from Costa Erica for now)Cheers,Louise
Sarah, I don’t even know what to say. Like Annie, yours was the first vegan cookbook I ever purchased 13 years ago, and I’ve kept up with your books, blogs, twitter feeds, & shops ever since. You are *amazing* and a complete inspiration to so many. I am sending hugs, love, and warm thoughts your way. Hugs, Candyce
Hey Sarah,
It’s very brave and honourable for you to let this out into the world through your blog. It’s very important for people to hear real life stories like these. Have you ever read anything by Kris Carr or know her story at all? She’s AMAZING and brilliant and has been promoting natural alternatives to cancer for around 10 years. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer which was in her liver and lungs. She’s been in remission for at least 7-8 years. Amazing story – she recorded the whole journey and now its a documentary “Crazy Sexy Cancer.” Raw vegan, meditation, yoga, alternative medicine, etc. – were all of her remedies. Amazing… 🙂
http://kriscarr.com/
There’s so much out there! Dr. Gabriel Cousens would be another amazing reference.
http://treeoflife.nu
Lots of love being sent your way!! xoxo
Harsh. Crap. Bummer. Please kick cancer’s ass. *love* xoxoxo
Sarah, a friend posted this on our vegan group on Facebook. I am so sorry to hear about this. I love your recipe books and use them very often. Most of our favourites come from them. I wish you all the very best and hope that this will soon all be behind you and you can get on with your life, free from this awful thing.
Wishing you all the very best, Sarah.
I know we don’t know each other, but from one vegan animal advocate to another, I feel for you and I’m impressed with your choice to blog it. That shows a lot of punk rockedness (new word!) and will hopefully encourage others to keep an eye on the health of their boobs. Sometimes, I think we (vegans) feel a little immune to health debacles as a group. I had a nasty surprise diagnosis of a genetic spine disease I never knew I had just a few years ago which ended up changing my life dramatically. I was lucky, my diagnosis is not life threatening, it just means I’ll be in constant, unrelenting pain for the rest of my life. It takes balls to face a diagnosis of cancer with all its question marks. From what I’ve seen, you’ve got those balls. 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck and a unicorn-laden diagnosis, or at least one that’s cured with a quick and minor surgery and a short healing period. Thanks for being so open with your readers. We’ll be reading and hoping the story of this diagnosis ends with a big, “Whew! Dodged a bullet!” 🙂
Sarah- sending you a great big hug. You’re ahead of most people in terms of knowing how to take great care of your body. I have no doubt at all that this is just one more opportunity for you to reach more people with your bright and beautiful influence. You will come through this shining.
Keep us posted, another hug….
Hi Sarah, So sorry to hear this news…I am sure you will kick cancer butt, no doubt! Hang in there. Stay positive…you will beat this! And thanks for all that you do:-) Sending you big hugs!
Hi, Sarah. I feel like I know you on somewhat of a personal level from playing draw something with you, and of course reading/using/enjoying your books. I feel very strongly that you will win this battle with ease. You’ve taken good care of yourself, and your strength as a person is a great asset. I wish I could come visit you at your store and BS for a while.
Dear Sarah, I’m so sorry and I do hope the treatment you decide to have goes smoothly and perfectly. Very best wishes to you and your husband. My family and I will be thinking of you. xxx
So sorry to hear the news, but you WILL KICK CANCER’S ASS! I know it! Keep us posted and thank you for sharing your story.
xoxo
Hugs to you, Sarah. Wishing you peace, strength, smiles, and good fortune. You’re a beautiful person!
Thanks for this, you who are so brave. Thank you for caring enough about your fellow woman to share this. Bernie Dexter, your dear friend had mentioned similar advice on her facebook page and because of it I had my first mammogram and ultra sound and they caught a cyst which I have to go back and have checked in six months. What if I had never gone? I will be thinking good thoughts for you and sending the sunshine Vegan vibes you way. You are a heroine. xoxox
So sorry to hear your news. As has been said already you are such a strong woman who has inspired so many of us through all your fabulous vegan ideas, recipes and advice, I have every faith you will totally kick some cancer ass and inspire so many more people doing so. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and vegan hugs from the UK. You will beat this and we are all right behind you x
You’re an inspiration.
Thinking of you, hope you get well soon *hugs*
Lizy X
I hope the magic unicorn is the answer for you! I am very inspired by your concern for others while you are going through this. So much so that I may do a self-exam myself! I am hoping that this is just a bump in the road for you. I wish you a speedy recovery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First, I have to commend you for being brave and strong enough to share your story with us. That’s incredibly. Second, I want you to know that you’re in my thoughts. You’re a strong person and you will pull through this. <3
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Sarah. I am sending positive thoughts and virtual hugs your way. I’m a huge fan of your books, you’ve been a source of inspiration, strength, and positivity in my life–I believe in you and I know you can beat this!!
Oh, Sarah.
I’m sorry, and stunned….wow.
Love and light to you from ON. You are certainly the ass-kicking kind, so we expect no less. Thank you for letting all of your many fans and supporters follow along and send you all our love. Inspiring us….as per usual….
Sorry, Sarah. But stay strong. You can fight this. Good luck and good health.
Hey Sarah, I am send lots of healing love, light, prayer and magic unicorns your way!
Warm and Fluffy Hugs!!
Taylor
Sarah,
Please go and see Dr Joel Fuhrman immediately before you do anything else.
With healing thoughts.
Paul
I don’t really ever post, but feel I need to here…
I’m a vegan woman, just a couple of years younger than you. You’ve been such and inspiration to me –
It started with your first cookbook – finally, vegan food that’s easy and healthy and tasty! As a working mom this made life infinitely easier – why didn’t I have more books like this???
Then you really started to shine as a vegan business person – how amazing that you can take something you love and believe in and turn it into businesses that supports you, but doesn’t water down your values – inspriational!
And now you share this news with all of us which is so brave, and all I can think is now you get to show all of us how you can use your amazing spark and can do attitude to kick cancer in the ass!
Thank you so much for letting us all be part of your journey and I wish you all the strength and luck in the world.
Kind of speechless right now, which isn’t at all like me! At work and doing my best not to cry, and it is very hard 🙁 I can only imagine how you and Gerry are feeling! Hoping that little unicorn makes his magical appearance soon! I know you are a strong gal and will come through this just fine, but for sure a shock for you and everyone right now! Feel bad that I was worrying about locating my gift certificate not knowing you were going through all this right now!! But I did find it and will be in really soon to spend it and give you a big hug!!! xoxo
Dearest Sarah ~
Much love & light to you as you prepare for a successful battle against this bastard of a health issue. You’re in my thoughts & meditations.
XO
*hugs*
Sweet Sarah,
it’s very brave of you writing about your cancer so openly! You are a fantastic role model for all the women out there! My mom got breast cancer last year but after the surgerya and some radiation she is doing pretty well now. I ‘m sending you lots of unicorns and positive vibes to heal you! Hugs and kisses from Germany
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis! That sucks so bad! Not to be blunt, but it does 🙁 You are such a strong woman, though, and I will pray for you that you are able to kick cancers butt! About a year ago a friend of mine was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer and now she is doing great and in remission. So I hope the same for you. On the bright side, at least you already eat amazingly good and have given your body the fighting chance it needs to get over cancer! You rock! Take it one day at a time. My friends grandpa has this saying which I quote all the time, it is “Do what you can do and go from there.” Take it step by step and day by day.
With lots of love from Tennessee!
You got this sister. And you’re a giant step ahead of everyone who has to confront their diet when they get a cancer diagnosis. You’re already an expert at giving your body the best possible fuel. !!!!
A dear friend of mine got a similar diagnosis in September and has been blogging about her experience. She is a sassy badass just like you and I immediately thought to send you her blog. bstothebc.blogspot.com
Thanks for your badassery and your courageous honesty. People are rooting for you all over the world, and raising an extra toast to you when they cook dinners out of your beautiful cookbooks. We know you got this, woman.
Sarah and family.
I am SO sorry to hear of the news Sarah! I wish you a speedy and full recovery from this!!
*HUGS* and love for you, your friends and family!!
Alanna
Yup. Agree with everyone on here; YOU WILL KICK CANCER IN THE BOOTY!
Sarah and Gerry
P.M.A. is the answer. Someone mentioned that you should get the second opinion – get it. More to gain. Sometimes(?) doctors are a pain in the thick breast. I wish they would eliminate the word “INCONCLUSIVE!” Damn it, who are these people – doctors or ?
Good thoughts are heading your way. Hang onto Gerry a little tighter, he can handle it.
And above all else, you are not alone.
Woof Garry Woof
Sending you so much love Sarah. The whole vegan community are sending you healing vibes and loving vibes!
Big Hugs,
Kayleigh XXXX
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Thank goodness you are a healthy vegan. I know you will have a speedy recovery! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything.
Sincerely,
Holly Stockton (Phoenix, Arizona USA)
Hi sarah..
I am sorry to hear that kind of news from you..
I think it is a good idea to share your story that way, because a lot of friends believe it can not happen to them one day.
stay strong and if you need some more friends to kick bad cancer`s ass.. let us know …
we will come over and help.
all the best positive wishes from here for your speedy recovery from ze germans.
Love you guys so much!!
Sarah, I am sending you my support and love, and truly believe you will find the help and guidance and inner *kickass* to get back to the best of health. Please be in touch if I can help in any way from the other side of the pond here. Thank you for sharing with all of us, and we are bringing together many healing vibes for you.
xx’s and oo’s!
-Dreena
Here’s hoping the doctor will have the next best thing to a magical unicorn. And a magic lollipop. 🙂 Wishing you all the best.
Hey Sarah!
This is the first post I’ve read on your blog. I heard of you from the post Hannah Banana Bakery posted.
Firstly, I wanted to say that you sound amazing. Also how sorry I am that you’ve received this news.
I saw this quote earlier on a Daily Mail article “The hormone oestrogen found in milk and other dairy foods encourages tumour growth, according to research from the Kaiser Permanente research centre in California.” So- yes you can be a smug vegan! 🙂 Here’s the article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2293426/Breast-cancer-patients-eat-cheese-yogurts-ice-cream-HALVE-chances-survival.html
Secondly, you sound so positive and amazing. I’m sure you can kill this thing with your spirit alone! Keep it up!
Thirdly- what is a thick breast!? Does it mean big? Haha.
Thank you for writing this brave and encouraging post. I just had a long grope of my boobs to check for anything.
Best wishes!
Issi xxxxx
Pretty sure by thick she means dense breast tissue which can make it more difficult to detect any lumps. So yes everyone check your breasts no matter what their size and do it regularly so you can notice when anything changes. Or get your partner to check you out regularly! Very important!!
Sarah,
Wow just wow. I have a friend who not only had breast cancer but, she also had a brain tumor. The brain tumor was first and then the breast cancer. She has beaten both while raising 2 kids, having a job, and a husband. So if she can kick not one but two cancers butt totty then you can too. I know it is awful news. Those of us who follow your blog have your back and heck no matter what treatment(s) you have to endure we are all here for you even if we cant physically hold your hand.
Sarah,
I’m so very sorry to hear this news! Like others have already said, we – your many fans and friends around the world – all have your back and will be rooting for you all the way. Sending you lots of love and positive and healing thoughts!
Jamie
Sending you hugs and good wishes. Coincidentally I am off to have dinner with some friends tonight, two of which are sisters and breast cancer survivors. Caring is all around you, whether you are aware of it or not.
Sarah, I wish you all the support, love, and healing energy on the planet. Lee H.
Hi Sarah!
You can beat this shit, just sayin’. I know you can. Cancer is scary (I’ve had three melanomas, so I’ve been on the receiving end of the telephone call–that’s how I learned about my first one, while at work!) but you are still young and strong and have technologies of 2013 on your side. I am thinking about you.
xo
kittee
Drop kick that BS to the curb! You have an amazing galaxy of support around you and you will be the victor in this battle…plus you have the best snuggly fur-baby to keep your spirits up! We are all holding your hand and standing with you in spirit 🙂
Sarah,
Thanks SO much for sharing this with us. You are always in my thoughts, and such an inspiration to me. If I had not seen your beautiful La Dolce Vegan cookbook on the shelf at Borders, where would I be today!!!! But enough about me. You are a blessing to ALL of the lives you touch. We all love you and support you, Gerry, Fergus, and your family and close friends in this journey.
XOXO and lots of <3, Tracey
Sending you the biggest, most hugest, most positive, healing vibes your way.
Hey Sarah,
There is no doubt you will beat this and then you can write a book about it. Watch your back Kris Carr! Your situation will also serve as a kick in the butt to other complacement vegans like myself. After reading “The China Study” I guess I thought we all lived in a cancer-free bubble, but clearly that is not the case. Please continue blogging about your experiences, if for no other reason than to educate the other vegan ostriches like me. Love you!
You have me just bawling. I want to jump on a plane and fly to Canada and give you a big hug! Sending happy thoughts your way and I’m going to check mine tonight! You will never know how many lives you will save by sharing your story!
Sarah
My thoughts and positive energy are being sent your way!!!
*big hugs* from all of us. If you need help in the store or at home or whatever let me know. Sending you good thoughts and glad for those punk rock boots 😉
I’ve never commented before but I want you to know I love you. The Garden of Vegan was my first vegan cookbook and without you, I wouldn’t have been able to make the switch. You are a wonderful person and an inspiration to so many. Thank you so much. If anyone can kick cancer’s ass, it’s you.
I am so sorry you are going through this. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you healing thoughts, Sarah!
Dear Sarah,
I’m really sorry to hear you are going through this. I’ll be thinking about you on the 20th. My sister n law found out she had breast cancer a couple of years ago, when she was only 34. She has been cancer free for a couple of years now. My aunt also is a recent breast cancer survivor. I will be keeping you in my thoughts. I love that you have a sense of humor in your blog… keep your spirits up!! 🙂
XO,
DeDe
I forgot to add in my previous comment that your reference to Maya Angelou’s wonderful quote also reminds me of this one by Isak Dinesen,
“All sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story or tell a story about them.â€
Thanks for choosing to share your story with us… xoxo
Positive thoughts I am sending to you! Its gonna be ok, its gonna be ok!!!!!
Hi Sarah,
It’s been 7 months since I got my dimple checked out – mine also turned out to be cancer. I was 34 at the time of diagnosis. I’ve had surgery, radiation and am now on tamoxifen and doing better than ever. A cancer diagnosis can be challenging and frightening, but it also gives you an excuse to clear out all the clutter in your life that’s not worth thinking about.
I will give you my two favourite bits of wisdom:
1. Fom a friend-of-a-friend who’s a radiologist: “Finding out you have breast cancer is not the worst thing that can happen to you, but NOT finding out you have breast cancer is.” You’re in the system now, and will have doctors checking up on you regularly.
2. I needed something crafty to do after surgery. So I made this: http://shop.subversivecrossstitch.com/products/fuck-cancer
I really think it helped.
Wishing you the best of luck, Erin
thanks so much for sharing your story. i was diagnosed in april 2011 and your story reads the same as mine. i was diagnosed as stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. from the time of diagnosis to start of treatment was about 5 days. went through chemo. surgery. radiation then surgery again. i was 36 at the time.
this is a game changer. a different journey. think positive. see the change in front of you. feel the love from friends and family.
my thoughts are with you.
deanna
Man, Sarah– if you had Fergus AND a tiny bra unicorn, you’d totally have the cute market cornered. Sending you and Gerry happy thoughts and love from DC!
You’ve got this Sarah! And until then we’ve got you. All the love and support in the world. Take care of yourself because you’re important to all of us, and we want you to live for 200 years. 🙂
Love, love, love you Ms. Sarah Kramer.
I was directed here by your cousin. So sorry about your bad news, but want to thank you for being willing to share the details and photos, so that the rest of us have a sense of what to look for. Also, we are lucky here in Vic there happens to be a Naturopathic Oncologist here that used to work for the Canadian Cancer research institute. He helped my friend beat cancer (not breast) without chemo. His name is Dr. McKinney, maybe you already know of him. http://drneilmckinney.ca/ Best of luck and wishing good health and full boob recovery, happy cancer ass kicking.
Thank you. You’re the third person to mention him to me. I’m falling him tomorrow!!!! 😉
Lotsa love. You’re an inspiration to us all. Let us know if you need anything. *Hug*
Sarah – you are one awesome lady. Tonight when I am thanking the spirits that watch over my family I will ask some of them to head on over to Canada. You are in my thoughts!
Sarah, I am so sorry. I will keep you in my thoughts. You have done so much for so many – introducing tasty plant-based foods has probably saved so many from cancer. My only consolations are that you will leverage this to educate others and, more importantly, your fortitude and knowledge will work as strong warriors on your behalf.
You may know that I teach PCRM Food for Life classes, including ones on cancer. Beyond plant-based, we recommend low-fat diets with no added fats. I’m happy to share with you, but you probably already know what’s important. I’m here if you need me for anything.
Sorry but looking forward to good progress news from you, Dilip
Hi Dilip
Thanks for writing. Yes. Please send me info: sarah@govegan.net
Hang in there gal. You have a lifetime of good karma on your side so go and kick some cancer ass!
You’ve got this. And you’ve GOT this. I <3 you and I hope you know that I'm here for you…whatever you need!
Remember: You put the SUPERSTAR in sarahkramersuperstar!
Leah xo
Sarah – I can tell you are a strong woman my prayer are with you and your husband! Get well I know you are a fighter!!! Hugs and Kisses xoxo <3
Sarah, I’m sorry you’re going through this. I believe that someone as determined and with such a positive focus as you has a great chance of coming out the other side healed and stronger than ever. (And I recall a friend once telling me that research supports that view.) We’d all take this burden from you if we could, but instead we’ll be there with you every step of the way. Love, energy and strength to you x
I’m so sorry.
Oh Sarah, I don’t know what to say that will inspire hope or make it any easier. Cancer is a fucking bitch. I think the news calls for you getting your mouth wrapped around something that has plenty of oil, wheat and sugar in it.
Thank you so much for letting us in on what is going on. I’ve never inspected my boobs before but I am going to head off to my bathroom now and have a right auld fondle of my melons.
Wishing you all the best xxxxx
Sending you happy healing thoughts!! <3
We haven’t interacted much online, but I wanted to send some more support your way. You are such a positive and upbeat vegan role model, I know you’re going to beat the shit out of cancer with a smile on your face. <3
I am so sorry, Sarah. I am vegan because of you!! You are such an inspiration and will continue to be so. Thank you for your bravery and honesty. I also have lumpy boobs so I know how important it is to really become familiar with your body.
As vegans, we tend to look towards natural sources of healing. Please check out Kris Carr, Louise Hay (she has a whole book on healing affirmations that have to do with various illnesses. Very helpful!) and 30 Bananas A Day (I know you tried banana island before. Raw foods and lots of greens!!)
I, along with many others are sending out healing prayers! You will beat this!!
With love,
Amanda
Hi Sarah,
It’s the first time I read your blog. You write beautifully. I’m sad to know about your news. Keep positive as much as you can. I wish you well. You’ll be in my prayers.
Sending you lots of love and healing energy! There are people all over the world who care about you!
Hi Sarah, I stopped by your site after a long time and saw this post 🙁
I’ve been a fan of your books since How It All Vegan (I even got to meet you once in LA) and can’t wait to visit your shop whenever I get enough money to visit Canada! I wanted to thank you for sharing your story with us; your attitude is incredibly inspiring and I know I could learn a thing or two from the seeing way you handle even the heaviest of news. Like many, many others, I have you in my thoughts, awesome lady. And definitely a thank you on the checkup reminder; it’s crazy how a blog post has the potential of saving lives.
Much love to you Sarah.
Dear Sarah,
I wish you so much support, good luck and hugs battling this. I am so glad you were so diligent in doing self checks. I need to be better about it and am going to call for my second mammogram today (I am 41 and had one when I turned 40). I had my own scare with bad cancer cells that got removed and have been a-ok since. I am so glad you have such a good support system with your husband, friends and family, and the online community that you have inspired for so many years. I have been thinking of you since I read this last night. You will beat this! You are a super amazing awesome strong woman and will kick cancer’s ass!
xoxo
Thank you for sharing, and best wishes for your treatment and recovery. And thank you for the self-check reminder, I’ll be feeling myself up after I finish typing this!
You sound upbeat and amazing in this post, but no matter what you decide to do, remember you don’t always have to be upbeat and amazing. Cancer sucks. It’s okay to be mad, sad, or any of those things too. Just take care of yourself, and let others take care of you too. 🙂
I think you’re awesome, and will be thinking good thoughts your way.
Big hugs Sarah. Sending healing vibes and lots of vegan love your way from Toronto.
Sarah,
My 10-year vegan anniversary is next week. 10 years ago, I picked up a copy of How It All Vegan, made a couple recipes, and thought, “huh, this is really a lot easier than I thought it would be.” I’ve been vegan ever since.
I’m sorry that what is a happy occasion for me comes during a trying time for you, one of the people who helped to make my 10 years of veganism possible. That said, I am sure you are going to kick breast cancer in the ass, and will be celebrating your own happy anniversaries before you know it.
Thanks for being awesome, and sincere best wishes. <3
Hi Sarah,
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, that is a heavy few weeks you went through. I know you may not be particularly fond of me but I just want you to know that if you want to talk it have questions I am here. I work on the oncology ward at RJH and have met a lot of amazing people who have kicked cancers ass by keeping a positive outlook and having all the strength and support that you do.
Marilise
Kick cancer’s arse! (Well, you just returned from the UK, right? ^_^) You totes got this.
Lots of love and support,
Violet
xo
P.S. Mmmm, tiny magic bra unicorn. Let’s work on that one. Might be a little pointy though?
Sarah,
Love and light are going your way with mountains of prayers and positive energy. You have a ton of support in your corner and we’re here for you! One step at a time and we’ll kick ass and get the right treatment!
xoxo
Linda
My thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s really not as scary as it sounds. Everyone has cancer cells, it’s what you feed them that makes them develop or not and they can come and go without you ever knowing you had them. Getting your immune system to kick in and stop feeding them the foods they (the cancer cells) thrive on. Eating and juicing a lot of alkaline veggies and laying off of sugars and processed carbs will be a great start. Here is the place I would go to if someone dropped the big C word on me: http://www.hippocratesinst.org/ . Here’s also a few great videos to help ease your mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPaNJYLuV1M, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD3LOtt4gKA , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLCi2DzY8_8 , http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Here’s also some info on our North American Medical system and how they treat women with breast cancer: http://www.naturalnews.com/Report_Breast_Cancer_Deception_0.html . Unfortunately to the pharmaceutical industry cancer is a big money maker with very little success in the healing. In my studies for Certification in Plant-Based Nutrition we learned that the medical treatments had less than a 10% “cure†rate and that natural treatments had over a 90% chance for complete healing, but there’s no money for the medical industry for natural treatments. I hope you’ll feel comfortable looking into natural non-invasive treatments when considering how you want to heal.
Love and blessing to you,
Kim
P.S. If you’d like to talk to me, here’s our store number here in Vegas 702-366-9297.
Fantastic comment! Thank you so much for disseminating this information, Kim. I have IDC as well and have turned to alternative therapies instead of conventional treatment. I’m living the life I want to live, and am doing well. 🙂
Gabrielle,
I have seen so much suffering and immune system depletion from conventional treatment, it’s truly hard for me not to want to shout on a street corner to help people when I hear news like this. It’s not fair that all treatments aren’t shared with the patients that have received what is perceived as devastating news. Our bodies are amazing…it just wants to heal itself with all the right tools – nutrition, detoxification & emotional healing. Because we live in a time where there are so many environmental toxins from all the chemicals that surround us as well as electromagnetic waves, GMO foods, pesticides and just plain overload of stress, it’s no wonder we see so much break down in our health. Look at how much our world has change in the past 100 years. It’s definitely a time to turn back to what we’ve known for centuries…natural is best! I’m so happy to hear how well you’re doing! Continued health and happiness!
Thank you! I hope Sarah finds her way through this as well, and all the women who get sucked into the “system”.
Bad news, but you are one of the strongest people I know.
if anyone can beat this it’s you.
stay strong! stay positive!
james spankie
So sorry you’re having to go through this. One in eight women are currently being diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s rather epidemic, and I would wager due to all the BPA and other horribly altering chemicals in our environment and food supply (not to mention the products we use on our bodies). Then there’s that whole school of thought which actually blames the mammograms themselves (radiation on sensitive and compromised breast tissue?). Either way, once you have it, you do, until it goes away. Conventional treatments suck, but there are alternative therapies, and some say cures. Cannabis oil, Essiac Tea, green tea, walnuts, blueberries, pomegranate seed oil (?!), and the list goes on and on.
I went so far as buying pH test strips so I could test my body’s alkalinity. Stay alkaline, eat anti-inflammatory foods, see a Naturopath, maybe a healer, maybe all you need is a lumpectomy and radiation, maybe you’re good with that, maybe you won’t even read this, but I’m one of those one in eight, and I could tell you some stories. You have choices. It’s YOUR body. Do what YOU want. You and your husband decide, even if you love your doctor. Make up your own mind, and please do not be intimidated by the men/women in white coats. Seriously. I wish you nothing but the best, Sarah. Cancer is cells gone mad, because of something wrong in our bodies. We have to listen and fix what’s wrong (conventional medicine will not do this).
Gabrielle
🙂 Awesome comment, Gabrielle!!!
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Wow Sarah, like everyone else here I am so very sorry to hear this. We met a couple of years ago at the Boston Veg Fest and, although there’s no reason you’ll remember me, I became a big fan, have all your books etc etc. There’s little I can do but send best wishes your way, so that’s what I am doing. Be well.
one last note: i joined Inspire Health in Vancouver. they are about holistic cancer care.
http://www.inspirehealth.ca
revisited how my diet. how and what i eat. started acupuncture for chemo pains, counsellors, group support, over all health and wellness. they also allow for your support partner to join as they are also going through their own struggles.
please take a look at their site.
take care
deanna
I say bullshit to your doctor. You know your body better than anyone. I didn’t have this lump in Dec. I found it in Jan. imagine if I waited a year to have him check it??
Be an advocate for your health. You are in charge. 🙂
Sarah, you are a lovely person. This post made me sad and happy. I’m saddened at the news of your diagnosis but I’m happy because of your positive and honest attitude. I know you’re strong enough to get through this emotionally and physically. You are such a lovely person, it’s not something you deserve. I guess these things just happen. You’re lucky to have your wonderful husband with you.
Sending lots of love and hugs to you from Ireland.
Well done guurrl.
<3<333<3<3<3<3<3333
xxx
Dear Sarah: I hadn’t opened your e-mail untl today. I had assumed that it ws another cheery note about the store and kale and the carrots. And then tonight, I noted the “bad news” caution. You are a woman of amazing courage! You’ll fight this and win because you are you and because there IS justice in this world. And you have a Gerry by your side.
Be cool, Sarah. Be tough! Take it easy on the celery. If you need something, call, write, scream. Gerry (Sperling)
Love you Gerry.
Sending you all the best wishes in the world, Sarah. Reading this blog post really got to me and I am glad you are sharing and facing it with such positive and aggressive spirit. Only good can come out of that.
Sarah,
Please check out http://www.learninggnm.com
You will be pleasantly surprised at the information you find there regarding cancer and dis-ease in general. It has been life-changing information for me. All the best.
J.
You are a hero! This story really got to me <3. Even now you managed to put humor in your story and you made me laugh and cry. I send you love and support from Holland.
Thanks for sharing. It’s good to hear about it first hand in a very realistic way. You will beat the fucker. Sending you well wishes and all the determination in the world.
Kamey. xxx
<3 Thinking of you every step of the way! <3
xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxo
((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))
Your strength is amazing, Sarah. I am so sorry you have to go through this, and at the same time I am glad you don’t have to face it alone. Much love and healthy vibes to you. Stay strong!
Cancer is a sly nasty little bitch ( 10 rounds fight club style is what’s needed ). Your seriously an inspiring beautiful women. Kick the cancer into oblivion. I wish you all the luck in whatever path your treatment takes. Keep your chin up and your hands tightly bound together. My thoughts and love go with you x
I have not commented before, but wanted to offer cyber support… I can only imagine the range of emotions you are feeling and how hard this is… and thank you for sharing this… it is so important for women to be in touch with their bodies.
I don’t know anything about cancer but I know that knowledge is powerful, check out Dr Joel Furhman, may have some good advice. All the best!!
http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/cancer_flax.aspx
Sarah,
Thank you so much for sharing your news. Carrie and I will be thinking of you during your ordeal. Keep us posted and keep your chin up.
Love ya,
Paul
This fucker can indeed be beaten. My sister-in-law had a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. Diagnosis was in October 2011. Yes, it was a long, hard haul sometimes. February 2013: all clear. There are good news stories and good news endings all around you. Because of the way you live your life and your commitment to healthy practices and by sharing everything, you are attracting love and positive energies and love and you are giving yourself every possible advantage. You go. Don’t know you but I sure do love you.
Hi Sarah I’m a nurse in Australia and I know there has been heaps of research done on breast cancer and treatments, they have come such a long way with chemo if you go that way ,they have refined it so they treat cancers with specific chemos to kill that cancer, think of the chemo as little pac men eating the baddies.I wish you well, you will meet some wonderful people and make life long buddies out of this journey. xx
Hi Sarah, Wow there have been a zillion responses to your blog post. I only hope you get mine. I read your blog through the Arsenal Pulp Press, facebook page. It is great you are sharing your experience for the sake of other women who may face the same. My mom and sister both battled breast cancer. My mom first got it when she was 41, then got bone cancer nearly five years later. It basically worked the same way with my sister. My mom passed away at age 52, my sister at age 53, the same age that I am now. My mom relied on conventional strategies when she first got it, but learned of natural strategies after she got it the second time, when she was given only 2 months to live; she lived 5 years after that (she mainly took laetrile and vitamin therapy). I don’t recall how my sister first dealt with it but she also had a full natural regime to face the battle after the second diagnosis. I’ve realized through battling my own health conditions that I have been dealing with thyroid dysfunction, and that I’ve needed a solution. I learned about iodine, how it is needed for thyroid function, and also how this can help breast cancer. I only wish I had learned this much sooner. I wish I could go back in time to tell them. I tried to share this info with my other sister but she had been taken by dementia, at a very young age (another condition impacted by thyroid dysfunction). Her daughter is trying to help her. The good thing, is that I can share this info with people like you. I will soon be taking iodine therapy. Google the breast cancer and iodine connection, particularly a book by Dr Derry, “Breast Cancer and Iodine: How to Prevent and How to Survive Breast Cancer.”
Thank u!!! 😉
I hope everything will be ok! Crazy thing is, my roomie is going through this exact thing right now. She just had her biopsy and waiting for the results. xo
Sarah!!! I love you and wish you a long and happy life. This will happen! I just checked my breasts because of you, and will continue to do this regularly. Thank you for sharing this news, scary as it is. Be well!!
Lots of love. Stay strong <3
Dearest Sarah,
We’ve been HUMONGOUS fans of yours for years and years. You’ve been like an imaginary sister and this news brought us to tears. We hope you’re surrounded by lots of love, hope, and strength throughout your cancer-kicking journey. <3s
Kiss kiss 🙂
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Hi Sarah, I’m a huge fan of you and hate cancer with a passion. It runs in my family, big time. I’ve passed the age when my mother died by nearly a decade but I’ll never feel safe. I’m so glad you have loving and supportive people around you and I support you in your blog project. I think it’s a great idea, for however long you want to do it. I hope you outlive the damn cancer by decades. It’s definitely possible. Waiting is horrid. I hope the surgeon gives good news and helps you make whatever decisions you will make. Thinking of you. Lisa
Have you checked out thermography yet? I am south of you in Washington State and I know you can find it down this way. It is kind of like an ultrasound for your breast. It might be helpful for you just to see if it has spread anywhere.
One of my midwives told me a great way to examine. When ever you are taking a shower you soap up really well and examine your breasts making sure to examine up into the armpits. If you have a partners, they can learn too. Plus, it is a nice bonus :).
I am so sorry to hear you are going down this road. The first thing I thought was about your own mother. You are strong. You are going to kick cancer’s butt.
HI Sarah,
Not to fear, as they say everyone’s is different. Hugs and hoping for the very best for you. I got my diagnosis in Sept 2012. I chose to just have my 1 cm+ lump removed. Now I am getting 33 treatments of radiation; after that it is 5 years of pills. I was very “lucky”. All my tests came back to my advantage. So far I have noticed very little difference in my breast. Just a little red, so I put pure Aloe on it.
Not to fear, it’s not all death and horrible stuff. Just do what you are doing, put one foot in front of the other and pretty soon it will be behind you.
I have been researching a low inflammation diet. There is something to be said about lowering inflammation that makes sense. Also I am back to exercising regularly & added lifting weights. The weights are because the pills are known to possibly reduce bone density and I am past menopause. (barely)
Wishing you all the best.
Thank you Cynthia
Mine is 4cm. I’m hoping my treatment is as “lucky” as yours was. Fingers crossed.
Sending wishes for healing and comfort. {{hugs}}
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I wish you a speedy recovery and will send positive, healing thoughts your way.
When you are having a bad moment, or a bad day, just remember all of us out here thinking of you and praying for you.
Good luck with the whole experience, Sarah. You – and the shop – looked GREAT this morning. You have many friends and moral-supporters, and we’re all rooting for you.
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On the upside, you’ve got an amazingly shaped head. You’re going to look frickin’ incredible bald.
Sending tonnes of healthy, happy vibes your way.
~Angela
Oh Sarah, people all over the world are holding you in their hearts, me and my family included.
Thank you, Sarah, for having the courage to get personal with us and to highlight the importance of self-exam and knowing your own body. It is a message too many women ignore. I lost my soul-sister to breast cancer. Had we known earlier (she waited too long and was diagnosed at stage 4) the outcome would have been so different. I wrote a piece called Free of Cancer (in dedication to her) which highlights myriad successful treatment options not commonly shared. If you feel inclined you can view it here: http://mykitchenapothecary.com/2011/07/12/free-of-cancer/.
Regardless of the path you choose, know that from all corners of the world, your vegan family is holding you up in our thoughts and prayers. All love…
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Thank you for being so open about this. I’m so sad to hear your news; it’s something all of us women fear in the back of our minds. I have no doubt in my mind that with your kick ass attitude you will beat this. Thanks for encouraging others to get comfortable with breast exams. I’m not the best about this myself (I do it once in a blue moon), but I’m going to commit to doing it every month. Thank God you already knew the density of your breasts…I wouldn’t be able to even tell you if mine are dense normal or not. I have no idea. Keep on kicking ass out there…we’re rooting for you.
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Dear Sarah
Fuck Cancer! Get those punk rock boots to work! We are all cheering for you!
Much love to you, Sarah. You have incredible strength and have motivated many; all of which are now here to motivate you. Even if they don’t you personally (like me!) they are pulling for you.
I am really sorry to hear that, Sarah. I wish you the best of luck and some more vegan power to get you through this!
Sarah I was so shocked to hear your news, you see I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Nov 2011, same diagnoses as yours. After my mastectomy I was recovery at home when my husband gave me a book from his boss for me to read, The China Study, I could not put the book down, I read it several times, then went plant base that night. I stopped eating meat, dairy, and reduced sugar( now all refined sugars), It took about 3 months for my other tumors to shrink. Then 7 months for my cancer to disappear, this is without chemo, radiation, or drugs, I ate all the cancer fighting foods, detoxed my liver, and exercised. I had stage IV breast cancer. I did the research on my own, read tons of books, went to plant base seminars, and of course the internet. I have FB friends that did the same as me and are telling their story too. The more I read about dairy I felt that was the cancer cause for me, being a runner I read the more milk you drank the better muscle recovery, WRONG, it just my cancer to grow. I know you will come out a winner, and I will follow your journey with cheers.
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More healing thoughts and love coming your way….you’re awesome, you’ve always been awesome, you will continue to be awesome ! Thanks for sharing and supporting US … now we will send all the support you need your way !!
Sarah, I am wishing you the very best. My oldest sister is a 20-year breast cancer survivor. She said the way she got through it was “one day at a time.” You will, too. You have so many people behind you, cheering you on to sunnier days.
Hugs and health,
Dynise
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Hi Sarah
Firstly, I wanted to tell you how much I love your work. You are my hero! I bought your book years ago when it first came out and its been my fave ever since!
I normally don’t comment in blogs, but I felt compelled to do so here. I have no doubt you will beat it. You’ll throw everything you have in this- that is the person you are 🙂
There is so much you can do in addition to standard cancer care. Here are few places to start your research: Gershon Therapy, Physicians for Responsible Medicine and http://www.tamarastjohn.com to start with. Read ‘China Study’ and the ‘Knockout’ (I know..but its good 😉 Follow the links provided and make your own healing journey.
Much love <3
Xoxo
Hey Sarah, I am sorry to hear or read about this bad news..but the good news is you will kick cancer’s ass and soo succeed beyond this. I am grateful to have learned about you over 10 yrs. ago… I am still veg! I will support you endlessly, you are such an inspiration. *big bear hugs*
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Hi Sarah, so sorry to hear the news. I don’t know if it’s our age, but, everytime I turn around it seems another woman I know that has breast cancer. It makes a person wonder what’s going on. Fortunately, women survive breast cancer wonderfully these days. You, of course, will power through this and burn through to the other side. I just watched my cousin go through this and she is presently having a celebratory shopping trip in Paris. She is all better now. I know you will be too soon. xo Greta
Hi Sarah,
a kiss from Italy, I am with you
ariella
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Have you checked this out: Gerson Therapy. Also, ‘Forks over Knives’ documentary and ‘The Beautiful Truth’. Interesting take on treatments available outside of the box but I have limited knowledge of this disease medically, but as a woman I know that is an epidemic rampaging through our lives. Stand up and fight. Love from the UK xxx
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Any update on how things are going Sarah? I’ve just come across your blog now and was sad to hear about this news but wondering how you are almost a year later.
Hi Jordan
I blog almost weekly so you can read about my experience this year…
Hey Sarah, I was going to write to ask how come the matzoh balls in How It All… need to be boiled in water and not in the soup. That got me wondering if making regular matzoh balls should be one the “cheats” I allow myself from time to time. Would these vegan matzoh balls be fluffy enough, I wondered? (I hate those little sinkers…) Maybe I should compromise and use just 1 egg instead of two per batch but THEN I saw your post. I was diagnosed with a terminal blood disease 8 years ago and was told I had a 50% chance of dying within 5-7 years and a 50% chance of living longer. I became vegan 8 months ago as part of the regimen offered by a naturopathic but board certified oncologist I went to in Chicago. (I didn’t like him though. Huge ego. Made me wait 4 hours. Chewed him out by telling him that he of all people should know that terminally ill people do not like to sit around wasting their lives. I won’t go back.) Still though, the path he set me on brought me to you. Breast cancer is one they can cure. Do what they tell you. Stay fierce. Look for the joy in every day, because it is there. Hang in there. Do not feel guilty about canceling gigs. You’ve gotta take care of Mama. Stay positive. The research shows that people who maintain positive attitudes have better outcomes. Also I’ve been told to find ways to destress–meditate, chant, listening to Buddhist monks chanting and focus on the microtones. All of this stuff seems to help. There is no known cause or cure for what I have. Only 2 in a million people get it so there is little research being done on it either. I have learned a lot from the disease–about joy, about love, about living every second to its fullest. My life never would have turned out this rich if I hadn’t gotten sick. Keep writing. We will keep reading. We are all here for you. Healing energy is coming your way… Best, Lisa from Vermont
On April 18, 2013 I was diagnosed with stage three IDC breast cancer that had been missed on mammograms due to dense breast tissue. Here in British Columbia, Canada we have no requirement for women to be told if there breasts are dense. I have learned the hard way, let me tell you! I lost my daughter in the adoption process due to diagnosis and with the high risk of recurrence am unlikely to be able to return to it! I know there are 14 states that have such legislation to inform women and that more states are joining. Please help me by signing my petition to save other women everything I have gone through.
http://doyouhavedensebreasts.blogspot.ca
On April 18, 2013 I was diagnosed with stage three IDC breast cancer that had been missed on mammograms due to dense breast tissue. Here in British Columbia, Canada we have no requirement for women to be told if there breasts are dense. I have learned the hard way, let me tell you! I lost my daughter in the adoption process due to diagnosis and with the high risk of recurrence am unlikely to be able to return to it! I know there are 14 states that have such legislation to inform women and that more states are joining. Please help me by signing my petition to save other women everything I have gone through.
http://doyouhavedensebreasts.blogspot.ca
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