Every day I am killing cancer! That is my motto since being told to ‘get my affairs in order’ over nine years ago. I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer with multiple bone mets on a dark December day. I was 26 at the time and my daughter Sydney was 14 months old. Unable to accept that fate, my family helped me find some new doctors and tackle the disease head on. The very next day I found myself on the phone with a doctor who told me; “Start drinking green tea and eating lots of fruits and vegetables and we’ll start killing cancer on Monday.” How’s that for hope? After three rounds of chemo my 5-centimeter tumor was undetectable! I still can't write that without smiling. My treatment was just starting though, I went on to do a double stem cell transplant, a double mastectomy, and radiation.
Equally important to me is the way that I radically changed my life to kill cancer everyday by eating well, exercising, using visualization, and prayer. I focused on the good in my life, my daughter, my husband, my family and friends. We laughed when we could and shared our experience through letters that were distributed across the country. We researched like crazy and sought out experts in both conventional treatment and complimentary medicine. I even scheduled time each day for healing and keeping my body strong. I set up a plan for each phase of my treatment and attacked it.
Initially I set a goal of seeing Sydney go to kindergarten. Since then I have set and achieved many others. In 2002 I celebrated my 30th birthday by walking a 60 mile 3Day event with two friends in Chicago. As we were walking to the finish line I was elated to receive a phone call from our adoption coordinator. She called to tell me that our son Ty was ready to be picked up in India. He could come home to us, his forever family. Ty is cancer’s greatest gift to me.
Just a little background… I am married to Larry, a teacher and head football coach. Our kids, Sydney and Ty are now 10 and 7. I went to college to be an occupational therapist, but I don’t work much as one anymore. We live in a small town in Michigan and enjoy all of the seasons, but I live for the summers. I enjoy gardening, reading, traveling, being with friends and family, and a good game of sand volleyball.
Cancer has changed every aspect of my life. I have been inspired to write about my journey in my book, "Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer" published in 2004. I also write the column “Girl Talk for Survivors” in the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. Finally I am a speaker, encouraging survivors and healthcare providers to go beyond treatment through positive actions and words.
My goal on EmpowHer is to talk about survivorship and living with cancer over time. I am passionate about helping others be actively involved in making a difference in their own journey. I also want to help others see what it can be like to be living with cancer. Every day is different and while most days I feel as though I can take on the world I am also constantly reminded that cancer is scary stuff. I have found over time though that the more I do to keep my body strong and healthy the better I feel about living with cancer.
So come along with me as we explore this crazy journey of breast cancer. Together we can tackle the day to day of surviving and thriving through it all.
More About Heather:
Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at 26, Heather Jose, chose to fight the cancer head on putting together a plan to battle cancer on a daily basis. Nine years later Heather is healthy and using her experiences to reach healthcare providers and patients about how much their actions and words can impact success.
Heather is the author of “Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer” and a contributing writer for the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. Heather also blogs at www.GoBeyondTreatment.com and www.Mlive.com/health. Jose lives in Michigan with her husband, children, and pets.