the backstory - a cancer diagnosis

    Since last summer (2011), I’ve experienced a very intense and wild ride, and it continues...  A year ago in July, I landed in the emergency room with a massive and painful spasm in my left hip.  In short order, the doctors discovered that I had a fracture in my femur which had been precipitated by a tumor that had been weakening the bone.  This, in turn, lead them to a breast cancer diagnosis.   As you can imagine, that was a large blow.

    So much has happened since then.  It’s difficult to sum it up in a few words.   My hip is healing well - major surgery was performed by an excellent surgeon in nyc where the tumor in the femur was removed and a long metal rod and screws were inserted in order to stabilize it.  Fortunately, the joint is still fully mine which means the prognosis is for a return to full range of movement.  I’ve already experienced a dramatic shift in that direction.  I’ve moved from bed rest to walker to crutches and now, a cane, all the while working with a physical therapist, walking outside, yoga, chi gong, and exercising daily.  My hip is much improved.   Update (February 2013):  There's been something of a setback in my healing here.  I've been back on crutches since mid-December, and at the moment, I'm moving very slowly as various aches and pains move around my back, hips and legs.  Naturally, I'm hoping that this is just one of those "one step backs" in order to then advance two steps. 

    As for the cancer, I’ve crafted a healing path that includes both conventional and alternative/complementary treatments, and a team of health care practitioners ranging from naturopathic doctor to kinesiologist to shamanic healer to oncologist and more in between.      I feel very fortunate to have this team of practitioners working with me, to feel the support and love of so many friends and family in my community near and far, and also to know the support from other entities and energies and spirits less tangible but equally vital and strong.  I’ve also discovered and re-discovered amazing resources within myself - that’s very reassuring and LIFE affirming.

    This is the most powerful and challenging journey of my life.  It’s a delicate balance - to keep clear on my path and light in my mind and heart and on my feet, while at the same time acknowledging and honoring all of my very real needs at this time.  It asks both serious work and play,  and imagination and invention and re-invention.  It is not for the faint of heart.  The long haul that I’m now into demands real stamina and as much support as ever, of all kinds.

    Part of the work-play:  I’m focusing on, visualizing, inhabiting not only healing, but healed - as in, I am already healed.  Not so much on the way to, but already there.  You can support me in that effort.  Imagine and, more, feel me Healed.