What I believe

As we are all aware cancer hits young and old, fit or unfit.

Words: Michelle Satchell
I don’t say healthy or unhealthy because I thought I was healthy and I found myself sitting in an oncology ward. Dates, times, process and actions become very significant in the battle against cancer. One significant date for me is 25 November, 2008, when I was diagnosed with aggressive inflammatory Stage 3C breast cancer at the age of 33, and it just had to be a rare cancer.
When I was told I had cancer, my first thought was ‘I’ve got a performance (Te Matatini - National Kapa Haka Festival - February, 2009), so that became my first question, “Will I be able to perform?” The answer was “No” because I would be sick from the chemo, etc. My reply, “Pardon!” ‘No’ was not the answer I expected or accepted. I then made the decision - “I’m going to beat this, it’s not going to beat me. I am too young to die, and I will be performing.” Nothing was going to hold me back. Kapa Haka was a drive for me. I totally put my trust in God, no matter what I felt, heard, saw or the circumstance.
On 14 January, 2009, I met my natural therapist and began lymphatic therapy and other healthy stuff to help whilst on chemo, the best decision I ever made.
I believe lymphatic therapy played a very vital role in, during and around my treatment. I believe it minimised, in my case nullified (with God’s help of course), the horrendous side effects of chemo and I continue to have lymphatic therapy today. It’s amazing and a God send.
I undertook three different types of chemo and Herceptin at different times and stages. Over a period of 17 months I had 12 months of chemo beginning on 3 December, 2008 and finishing on 21 February, 2010, the Herceptin finished mid-March 2010.
I declined surgery on 27 February, 2009 after my first phase of chemo. I chose to go totally natural for three months - I only asked for three months and I was told that may be all I had. When I declined the surgery, was I scared? Definitely! I cried for four days and when I made my decision I had to put my FAITH into action and BELIEVE and be positive. My oncologist was, and still is, so awesome. She didn’t agree with my decision but she supported me, against her will of course.
I tried 16-20 natural remedies from Maori remedies to others I researched. I did these remedies religiously nearly five times a day for three months. Because I chose this path I knew I had to work hard to survive. I knew this was a risk, but either way to me was a risk, i.e., no surgery, spread [of cancer] and die; or surgery, spread and die and then a 60% chance it would work along with major side effects, then catch a cold and die. One thing was definite I was going back to my oncologist after my three months.
Three months later my oncologist contacted me straight away. I was in her office on 21 April, 2009 and on 1 May, 2009, back on chemo and paclitaxel. Amazingly, the cancer had not spread but was still evident in my left breast.
I had very few side effects throughout all my chemo - baldness (which didn’t bother me at all), infected nails (from the paclitaxel) and dry hands and feet. Otherwise I didn’t get sick at all. I worked fulltime throughout my entire journey. I was truly blessed and protected, a true miracle I believe.
I had my operation on 18 November, 2009. I was at peace this time to undergo surgery and suffered no pain afterwards.
On 3 December, 2009 I received the results from the mastectomy, “NO CANCER IN THE TISSUE OR LYMPH NODES”. Wow, this was awesome, they couldn’t find anything. Thank you Lord. I was told this is uncommon with the type of cancer I had. The statistics for the cancer I had are generally not very positive.
I began radiation on 21 March, 2010, which ended on 26 April, 2010.
For a cancer patient these are our choices - ‘to live or to die’ or ‘to live dying’ or to ‘die fighting’. You call these choices and everything you do aligns under either of these headings. Simply, you can be ‘positive and fight all the way and never give up’ or you can be ‘negative and give up’ and for some they get stuck between both, until they choose.
Personally, I believe the power lies in your thoughts, words, choices and actions. What you believe will play a major role in the outcome and your journey. I chose to live. I was willing to give anything a try. I kept all my options open. Some people thought I was in denial, but I wasn’t. I had made my decision - I was going to beat this, there was no other option. I knew I had to be strong, I knew I had to make serious lifestyle changes fast and be consistent. I knew everything required 100% absolute faith, positive belief and action. So I continuously practiced the following in all areas of my life, ‘Proper preparation prevents poor performance’. I prepped myself for the worst (after hearing the stories of those who suffered through chemo, etc).
Now I await the process of reconstruction, yeah, ‘pimp my titty’, ha ha ha.
Please accept and take all the help you can get no matter what, fight and don’t give up - fight, fight, fight - just a little hint, it’s much easier to fight with God on your side. The key is you must believe; create with your mind what you presently cannot see with your eyes.
I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for all their prayers, thoughts and support. May God truly bless you all. Special thanks to my pastors, John & Ali Ferris (Senior Pastors, Destiny Church Hamilton), my cousins, Mavis & Rangiiria, Uncle Charlie and Nani, my family, my natural therapist, Desiree, my Kapa Haka group Te Whanau a Apanui and last, but not least, my oncologist and the Waikato Hospital team that dealt with me (sorry for stressing you all out at times).
I’m blessed to be alive to share my story. May you have God’s peace, like I did. Be blessed.
Please remember ‘all things are possible to those who believe’.
For further information on lymphatic therapy visit: www.aetiology.co.nz

Michelle Satchell