My Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The day we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. On Sept. 20th, we had an appointment with the surgeon to go over the “autopsy” results. They did the pathology and biopsy on the removed breast tissue and Wednesday, they delivered the results in a neatly typed 8 x 10 envelope.
Honestly, we were hoping for better results. Up until this point, we had no idea whether or not the cancer had invaded my lymph nodes, and we were praying that it hadn’t and that it had been caught in time. We weren’t really prepared for any other news.
So, the reality of how far this cancer had gone really hit us rather hard. We’re still reeling from it.
We are blessed to have an amazing doctor on our side. He has been kind, gentle and very caring throughout all of this. As he delivered the information, he did his best to explain the complicated medical terms to us. He also did his best to avoid scaring the crap out of us. But as wonderful as he is, the reality of what he was saying started to sink in and we realized what a battle we were facing in the coming year.
The news wasn’t great. In fact, I would need to think pretty hard to come up with a scenario that would be more challenging.
Essentially, the cancer had already spread to the lymph nodes prior to the surgery. They discovered this when they removed 17 of the 30 lymph nodes and tested them. Out of the 17 lymph nodes, 5 were invaded by cancer cells, which means that the cancer has traveled to other parts of my body already.
Lymph nodes are glands, and when cancer strikes that area of the body, it’s “out of control,” if you will. It’s in “spreading” mode, is another way to say it.
Bottom line? Pretty aggressive therapy is ABSOLUTELY required to prevent the cancer from spreading. This means chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The whole freakin’ ball o’ wax.
It was a bit difficult to understand all the medical jargon, and I realized how helpful it would be to have a medical translator along with us when the doctor was going over the test results. When contemplating how I was going to make this entry to my diary, I wondered how I could possibly explain the meaning behind the medical lingo, what it meant to us emotionally as it was read to us, how each line meant something huge for us. As the doctor went through each page (six pages in all), and explained what each item on the list meant, I found myself trying to see past to the next line, terrified that the next line meant I was going to die. I was struggling with my own internal dialogue, trying to simplify it so I could absorb it without losing my sanity.
I looked over at Michel’s face, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. The look on his face immediately stopped my tears. His expression was stoic, fierce, and determined. I’ve never seen a look like that on his face before. I knew he needed me more than ever in that moment. He needed to know, to be certain, that we could do this, and that he wasn’t alone. I gripped his hand in mine and held it tightly, taking comfort from his strength, and giving comfort in turn. He couldn’t look at me in that moment. He was desperately trying to maintain his composure, for my sake. If he looked at me in that moment, he would have burst into tears, and he didn’t want to take any attention away from hearing it all, hearing the harsh reality that was being delivered in an 8 x 10 envelope.
And I wondered how on earth I could possibly explain the results to others. My friends, my family, my children. Oh My God! How can I possibly explain it to my children?
Sure, I could probably just explain it in medical terms, deliver it without emotion, distance myself from the words. But delivering the facts like a doctor explaining it to medical students wouldn’t do it justice. It wouldn’t help anyone understand the deeper meaning behind each fact. And I need to do this right. I need to do this so I can delve into my own emotions and understand and face the reality of what it all means.
So, I’ve decided to translate the medical jargon into real world language. At least, translate it into what each of the pieces of information mean to me and to my family in the coming months.
Here is the doctor’s report, stated in the language of the internal dialogue I had with myself while I was hearing it.
SURGICAL PATHOLOGY REPORT
————
The Specimen
My breast. The breast that first made its appearance when I was 13 years old, and was with me for 23 years of my life. The breast that betrayed me and let cancer destroy it. MY breast. I once loved that breast, and now it is sitting in a jar and is referred to as The Specimen. (Please tell me this didn’t spread to my lymph nodes)
Multicentric Central Carcinoma
Three little words that mean it’s pretty bad, right. Multicentric means it was all over the place. If it had only been in one or two places, it would have been pretty easy to deal with. But because it was multicentric, it means that it wanted to take over my whole body. That’s bad, isn’t it doc? (Please tell me this didn’t spread to my lymph nodes)
Tumor Dimensions: 7.0 x 5.0 x 3.5 cm
Holy crap! Are you seriously telling me that this lump I felt was that big? How the heck did it grow so fast? When I first felt this in June, it felt like a tiny little pea. And you’re telling me that in less than 3 months, it grew that fast? Does this mean it spread to the rest of my body by now? (Please tell me this didn’t spread to my lymph nodes)
Modified Scarff Bloom Richardson Grade: 3/3 with a Total Score of 8/9
OK, this doesn’t sound good at all. So, let me understand this correctly. You’re saying that out of all the types of breast cancers, mine is the worst it can get? I have to look this up when I get home to see what this really means. (Please tell me this didn’t spread to my lymph nodes)
(update: I did look it up when I got home. It means I have a 50% chance of surviving another 5 years.)
Lymphatic/vascular invasion: Extensive
Oh crap! It spread to my lymph nodes! Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! OK, now what? What does this mean? Does this mean I’m going to die? Is that what this means? (Please tell me you can fix me!)
Invasive Tumor Necrosis: Absent
OK, so this means that the cancer didn’t use up its entire supply of oxygen, and that means that there’s hope? Really? OK, it’s a teeny, tiny spot of hope, but it’s hope nonetheless. I don’t care what the statistics are, I’m going to make it dammit! (Please tell me you can fix me!)
Complete Diagnosis:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma with extensive lymphatic invasion
- Extensive Ductal carcinoma in situ, comedo type
- Fibroadenoma
- 5 of 17 lymph nodes positive for malignancy
Recommended Treatment Protocols:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy (minimum of 8 monthly treatments)
- Hormone therapy (to be determined)
OK, so there it is. The reality of what I’ve got. I have cancer. Harsh reality, but I need to face it so I can get through this.
Hell, with a 50% survival rate, I can look at it either way, right? I could look at it that I have a 50% chance of dying within 5 years, or I could look at it that I have a 50% chance of surviving to a ripe old age.
If I was playing the lottery, I would gladly put down a LOT of money for a 50% chance of winning a few million, right?
So, I’m going to look at this as my own personal lottery. Every time I think positive thoughts, it will be like buying a ticket to increase my chances. Every time I laugh, I’m buying a ticket. Every time I help someone else who’s going through this, I’m buying a ticket. Every time I say something that makes someone else feel good, I’m buying a ticket. Every time I perform a random act of kindness, I’m buying a ticket. Every time I feel a wash of love come over me, I’m buying another ticket.
And I plan to buy a LOT of tickets to this particular lottery.
After all, with a 50/50 chance of winning, those are amazing odds!
abdellah said on:
September 23, 2006 at 6:35 pm
take care, I am sure that you are going to make it.
you and your family are always in my thougth.
Joel Comm said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:03 pm
Michel and Sylvie,
My heart just breaks to read this latest news.
Yet, I see the courageous and heroic way in which you are both facing this enemy, and I too believe that you can make it through to complete healing.
I am so glad you have each other so you don’t have to walk through this alone.
And for what it’s worth, I believe in a God who knows exactly what you are going through, and who wants you to depend completely on Him to be all-sufficient to meet your needs. My prayer is that you will find His strength and love abundantly sufficient to make it through the difficult trial that has invaded your lives.
With much love and prayer,
Joel
Lawton Chiles said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Sylvie, I am saddened that you are going through this difficult time, but God has a plan for all of us.
I know that sometimes, the hard things in my life, when they are happening, I’m like ,”what the heck!”. I don’t know what’s going on.
But…God does. You are in my thoughts and prayers and even though I don’t really know you guys, just through Michel’s work, I admire your strength, courage and faith.
Lawton Chiles
Barry Densa said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Ask your doctor, and investigate for yourself, the suceess rate and the applicability of massive doeses of vitamind C delivered thorugh an IV.
I’ve read that it’s worked for others in the fight against cancer.
Also, and I’m not advocating alternative medice as a superior methodology, but you might want to investigate certain and specific herbal supplemental applications.
Again, I’ve read that it’s worked for others.
I’m sure you’re doing your research…but nothing will aid you more — in more ways than you know — than a storng and determined attitude.
Dig deep, be strong…and I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Life is and has always been a fight for survival.
–Barry
Alvin said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel
Both of you are in my heart. I know how difficult the situation is right now because I have gone through something of similar nature before with my wife.
Having said that, I’d also know that both of you will go through this together as a loving couple and come out even stronger.
You have our blessing and do keep all of us posted whenever possible.
Alvin Poh (from Singapore)
Allan Gardyne said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Hi Sylvie, I had chemotherapy three years ago. I won’t try to kid you that it’s easy. However, you’ll find that writing about it and sharing your fight with friends will help you get through the bad times.
Joe Barton said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:24 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Put your trust in the Lord, and He will comfort you.
Psalm 23 - Those who follow the Good Shepherd fear no evil.
May God truly bless you and HEAL you,
Joe
Michelle MacPhearson said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:24 pm
Sylvie (and family),
My thoughts are with you. I am so deeply sorry you’re faced with this challenge, and send all my strength to you for your swift and complete recovery.
-Michelle MacPhearson
Steve Brown said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel,
My Heart Is With Both of You in this very difficult time.
You are two truly amazing human beings.
All My Love,
Steve
Eric Graham said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:27 pm
Sylvie,
I’m so sorry the news was not more encouraging. But your attitude about this set back is outstanding as usual.
Stay strong, stay positive.
You WILL make it through this challenge.
And, knowing what awesome people you and Michel are, I’m sure you are going to use this temporary situation as the catalyist for something great.
Happy healing… You are both still in our prayers.
Eric Graham
Michael Fiala said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:29 pm
Sylvie,
Your attitude is great. Attitude is everything in this fight. Fight to win and you’ll win. There’s no other way to approach the situation.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
All the best!
Yoke Wong said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Dear Sylvie And Michel,
I am so sorry about the news. It is so hard to go through the time of trial..My heart broke when I read the blog.
Would like to share with you a favorite hymn of mine:
I know who holds tomorrow:
I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
And I don’t borrow from its sunshine
‘Cause the skies might turn to grey.
And I don’t worry about the future,
‘Cause I know what Jesus said,
And today I’m gonna walk right beside him
‘Cause he’s the one who knows what is ahead.
There are things about tomorrow
That I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
And each step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb.
And every burden is getting lighter
And all the clouds are silver lined.
And, over there the sun is always shining
And no tears will ever dim the eye
And the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains, they touch the sky.
There are many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
Yes I know who holds my hand.
We love you! You will be in my prayer!
Yoke Wong
Marketing Mark Sinaguglia said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Dear Sylvie,
I’m so sorry to hear the results of your biopsy.
You and Michel will be in my prayers and those of many who know you and love you.
You both have taught many of us so much and I’m sure everyone is going to buy into the lottery on your side.
Stay focused and stay positive. You can beat this thing because you have good doctors, hundreds if not thousands of people keeping you in their prayers and good thoughts.
Most of all you have a loving husband in Michel who will be fighting right with you all the way.
God Bless you both during this difficult time.
Marketing Mark
Tammy Ames said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:32 pm
Sylvie, Your strength, courage and positive attitude will carry you far. Together you and Michel will learn to keep moving despite the trials. I’m sorry the news wasn’t as good as we all hoped but you have each other and we are praying for you both through this. Your sharing will help you and others going through such trials - making you a blessing to all of us.
Tammy
Ruth said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:33 pm
Dear Sylvie and Michael,
I’m so saddened to hear of this. I believe that we have the power to heal ourselves and our body. At 54 I recently had congestive heart failure then learned I have 3 arteries 100% blocked and not enough good heart to have bypass surgery. I’ve done the medical model and am integrating it with the alternative model. I’m an enigma to the heart transplant clinic that says I should be much sicker than I am. I have lots of people of all flavors of belief praying for me. One show I’ve seen on public television about cancer alternative treatments is the Gerson Institute at http://www.gerson.org/ There’s good and bad said this many year clinic based on the findindings of Charlotte Gerson’s father. I believe Charlotte is in her 70s or 80s. In any case my prayers and thoughts are there with you.
Blessings,
Ruth
Robert Lehrer said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:33 pm
Sylvie, Michel,
I know the two of you only through your blogs, but my heart and thoughts go out to both of you. Couples like you deserve (and will ultimately receive) a better prognosis. Good reading: “Anatomy of an Illness” by Norman Cousins about the power of humor in the face of a serious illness.
Warmly,
Robert Lehrer
Joanne Robbins said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:37 pm
Dear Michael and Silvie,
My husband and I went through this 3 years ago. It was him who had the cancer, though….not me. He underwent the surgery and subsequent treatments. Today, he is just fine. It was difficult to go through, but with the help of the Almighty, we made it. We both know that more hardships will face us in the future, especially as we become old, but we can look back and know how we came through this major problem and realize we can face tomorrow with joy.
I pray for you to have strength, courage, hope, and faith that no matter what happens, you will be in the center of God’s will. Just knowing this will give you peace and the ability to face your difficulties.
God bless you both,
Joanne
Tom O'Brien said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:41 pm
Sylvie & Michel,
You have my support and best wishes in these trying times. The glass is indeed half full and long may you crack out this blog
All the best,
Tom
Anthony said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:41 pm
Just wanted to buy a lottery ticket for Sylvie and one for Michel.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers
Good luck and God bless
Anthony
Murtaza said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:42 pm
Come On Sylvie,
You Have to Come out with Better Health….
You WILLPOWER will recover you soon. So, Never Loose Hope..Get Going!
Murtaza Ali.
Mable-Jane Mark said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:50 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel
Geez ,I wish I had something funny to say at this time but this one has Mable speechless.
I can still see the two of you sitting at a table,
late at night in Phoenix, and the love in your eyes
which I know will get the two of you through this together.
You are in Phil and my thoughts and when I can think of something to make you laugh, I will send it on.
For now just know that we treasured the time
we spent getting to know you and that you will and you must get through this.
Love and Love
Jane
Roberta Rosenberg said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:51 pm
50% chance at a long, happy life? Sounds like a number worth playing! Sending you strong, healing thoughts as you prepare for the battle ahead.
Jeanette Cates said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:52 pm
Sylvie
What a challenge! I can’t help but think you are sharing so much with others who may be facing the same challenges that your going through it is helping so many others. But I know that doesn’t make it any easier!!
You and Michel epitomize the loving relationship that many others want. And by sharing that love and your bravery you are giving others a true hope to shoot for. If ever there was a woman determined to beat this thing and get on with her life it is YOU! You are inspiration to many - and a women truly to be admired.
I want to buy some of those winning lottery tickets for you - I think we ALL can help! You *will* win!!
Play to Win -
Jeanette
Katherine Ly said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Sylvie and Michel,
I am so sorry to hear the bad news. I know you can fight it and beat it. Just keep that determination and strong spirit you have Sylvie. And with Michel by your side, I know you can do it. Hang in there and stay tough.
Best wishes and Prayers,
Katherine
(from Michel’s board)
J said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:55 pm
As you recover over the next few years…
…the years to come will be some of the most beautiful years of your life.
The meals you eat…
The friends you talk to…
The laughs you have…
The contributions you make to peoples lives…
…all of it will taste, feel, and sound better than anything anyone without your situation will ever have experienced.
J
Frank Welzig said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:55 pm
You don’t know me and I only know Michel from a video and lots of good things I have read about him. I do remember his excitement over getting married to you Sylvie.
My story for you: Our neighbor, Janice, lost both breasts, went through aggressive chemo, etc. It was rough but she now has all her hair back, is absolutely radiant again and is a true inspiration for my wife and I and everyone she knows. She beat it - and you’ll beat it!!
Love to both of you,
Frank
Frank
Maria Madeira said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:55 pm
My Dear Friend Sylvie
I am “giving” you a very special “ticket”.
Thanks With All My Heart
Maria Madeira -”The Angel Of Distance Loving Help”
Shannon said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:56 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you both!
You will beat this and you attitude proves it. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. You bring hope to a world that needs hope.
You bring happiness to the person who needs happiness.
You bring tears to the person who needs compassion.
Last but not least you bring strength to the women who are battling this war beside you.
God Bless,
Shannon
David Phillips said on:
September 23, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Sylvie,
Wishing you success in your battle. I believe that you
will make it. Love and prayers always.
David
Anthony Tomei said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:03 pm
Michael & Sylvie,
God Bless you both. My mother has cancer so I know what you must be going through… It’s real uplifting to see someone keep a positive outlook regardless of the situation because that is what will be your catalyst to a full recovery. Hundreds of people have beat cancer, they’ve overcome because they held a belief system above and beyond the norm.
Keep your thoughts outside of the box and accept nothing less.
YOU WILL TRIUMPH!
Warmly,
Anthony Tomei
Scott Gingrich said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Sylvie,
As I tell my 10 year old daughter when she’s set her sight on a goal…”YOU GO GIRL!”
You have a whole community sending you positive energy…for every one post here, there’s probably 50 people or more who are keeping tabs.
Mr. Subtle said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:05 pm
I’m not a religious person so I can’t pray for you, but I hope wishing you good fortune in your battle helps just a teeny tiny bit.
Mr. Subtle
Kelvin Parker said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:07 pm
Hello Sylvie, hello Michel,
Every day of life is a precious gift … and you, Michel, and your children deserve the gift of your heart, your soul, your life for more days yet than you can count.
Sylvie, we do not know each other… and Michel, we have never had the pleasure of meeting (yet) — though I feel to at least a small extent I know you from your professional work and our common pursuits in that area.
What you face now, and what you are about to soldier through with supreme confidence of victory is not exactly new to more than a few members of my own family, and some friends also.
Yet I know that you Sylvie, and with Michel by your side will have more than enough reserves of spiritual strength to get you through.
My wife and I, our family and our friends will pray for you every day — and look forward to your victory message.
Warmest wishes,
Kelvin Parker
Dr. Mike said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:12 pm
Sylvie you are a very strong woman, and with Michel’s love you will get through this. My prayers are with you for a strong recovery. YOU WILL BEAT THIS.
Dr. Mike
Michelle said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Hi Sylvie,
I won’t ask you how you are feeling b/c I can imagine.
In our brief meeting we never talked about personal stuff, but I’ll tell you how I feel about this now & I’ll be my blunt self with no harm intended. I come from a place of wanting to help, but I feel strongly about what I do & don’t know.
I don’t believe in conventional medicine, not unless it’s a car accident & I need a surgeon to sew me up & at that point I’m already in a state of disrepair, so cutting me open won’t matter much, but the trauma the body & emotional self feels when they go thru surgery is quite debilitating.
I stopped taking drugs a long time ago. I don’t believe they can cure you & from what I know, doing all this stuff only makes things worse, not better.
Kevin Trudeau (no relation, as he’s in the States) wrote a book on the whole subject & while he’s too long winded for my tastes & I already knew most of this stuff prior, it’s a good first book for newbies to educate themselves on.
I understand this is the path you wish to take, but if you ever decide to try other methods to heal yourself, I’m here to help you find the way for you if you want to take me up on my offer. I will find the time amongst my very busy/hectic schedule.
Cancer has been curable for years, that’s why I won’t give to any cancer societies.
I’m not knowledgeable enough in this area to give any advice b/c I’ve never had cancer, so there’s been no need for me to research this, but I’ve been into alternative health for years.
What I know from my education of holistic approaches, is that cancer is curable, but of course the best approach is to look after ourselves prior to it becoming an issue. That’s a moot point of course.
Of course all of the info depends on what stage you are at. You will start on your journey to understanding your body. It’s an exciting journey : )
There’s a beautiful yet painful story about the cancer nurse who lived in Ontario back in the 40’s (I think it was) & helped to heal TONS of humans from all over the world who had cancer & traveled to see her.
Of course the government tried to do whatever they could to bring her down & this is why this information is not known to the majority of society, but I won’t go there : ) b/c I don’t want to start spewing LOL
Also, just so you know, I have an appt. with a channler who trained himself to channel like Edgar Cayce (if you know who he is, his bio is truly interesting & emotionally moving) on the 30th not just for my own health problems, but to ask questions of varying spiriutal degrees.
If you want to know how the session goes, you can e-mail me after that date. He can do this via the phone & he’s also here in ON (believe it or not), a couple of hours away from Toronto.
He does have a waiting list though, so I already booked my other appt. b/c if all goes well, I don’t want to be waiting 30 days.
He’s coming to Toronto on the 21st, he comes in once a month & does weekend sessions in a hotel.
I also took several consegrity sessions in the last 2 yrs. & whenever I had a session, I did feel better, I just stopped b/c I had issues with the practioner & the money was just adding up.
Of course you may have different experiences & she is a nice person.
The last thing I just recently heard was something about the water cure & cancer. My brother knows way more about it than I do, but I’m going to be looking into it in the next week or so for myself.
So, I hope you still have hope, & wish you a pain-free day, taking it one day at a time : )
Michelle
Peace & Serenity & loving energy to ya
Paul Colligan said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Prayers go with you. Heart bleeds for you.
Paul
Chris said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Dearest Sylvie,
Know this, the mind controls the entire body.
Make your mind, every bit of your mind, the conscious and the subconscious mind-heal your body and kill the cancer. Determine this minute that the 50% is not 50% but 110% POSITIVE for survival.
Determine this truth into every cell of your brain, force it to bend to your will.
You’ll be around for a very long time, and you and Michel will live to be a very old couple, white haired, laughing, happy, and still very much in love.
Don’t fear…trust that your brain will heal you.
God bless and keep you both.
Bob said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:30 pm
Sylvie,
You indeed face a challenge as you move forward….however it may give you comfort to know that thousands have faced a similar challenge and come through victorious. Modern medicine has made a great many advances in the area of cancer treatment in just the past few years.You have good reason to have faith and sincere belief that each step that you take and each day that passes will bring you closer to your own victory. Remember, looking forward will help to pull you forward.
You might also take comfort in knowing that each day that passes, during this difficult time, will not only bring you closer to victory but is a challenging day that you’ve put behind you on your journey to victory.
Bob
Gary Gil said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:30 pm
Sylvie my thoughts and prayers are with you. Although I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you, you sound like an amazingly strong and positive woman. We are all pulling for you. I’m confident you will win this battle!
Eric Louviere said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:32 pm
My prayers are with you both! You can do this. Every thought must be positive!
Eric
Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:32 pm
What a nightmare. Thank GOD you have each other to lean on. You WILL make it Sylvie. And you’ll tell the stories of how you conquered cancer to your grandbabies. Just an inconvenient set-back. This time next year we will be celebrating the next stage of your charmed life.
Love,
Lo
Ken Jarvin said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:37 pm
Sylvie,
You said you were going to work at “Mastering the art of doing nothing”…
Do that… spend more time just appreciating time.
You’ve already been declared a winner…
Kenny J
vincent gagliardi said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:43 pm
Michel & Sylvie,
I am so sorry at your news. But you seem so strong and determined and your love for each other just resonates through your words.
A story: a friend of mine at work had extensive colon cancer some years ago; everyone gave up, but not her. She entered an experimental program at Sloane-Kettering and had a plastic pump surgically inserted into her abdomen which continually dripped meds into her system. Basically, she was on chemotherapy 24/7 for several years. She’s cancer free now, and her doctors had to figure out how to remove the pump because no one before had ever survived that treatment all the way to being cured! She refused to be beaten, and your words sound so much like her!
You are in my prayers, God bless you both.
Best wishes,
Vincent
Daniel Russell said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:47 pm
Hello Sylvie; No words to what my heart is saying? May the universe grants you all your tickets you deserve. May it also had 75% of mine to your list.
Michel; you have married the Universes most amazing woman, with all she is facing…..she is thinking of others and their needs.
May the Angels of East and West, North and South stand by you in these times you’re about to face and facing?
I want to let you know too that I am here standing by you as a friend of and of Sylvie’s
Stay strong; your faith in her will carry you both through this?
I will continue to send love and energy to her each day….she is also on my world healing list.
By the way she changes things….things do not changes her.
Daneil
RagSac
Solutions Architects Consultants
Corena said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:48 pm
I have read of everyone prayers and thoughts..advice and an out pour of love to you..it is beautiful.
You can and will survive.
I know of two survivors of breast cancer. SURVIVORS
My friends. One lost both of her breasts and went with traditional therapies and also took massive doses of vitamin C
The other went on a special diet to rid herself of all toxins that she believe the cancer fed on.. She ate alot of grapes.
But both had one treatment they shared and I see you are taking that treatment also.
Determination.
Keep up your strength and accept my thoughts and prayers..you can do this.
.
~Corena
Phil Basten (Joe) said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:52 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel
The love you have for each other will win the day. No power on earth is as strong as love. I am inspired by your courage, your determination, and your commitment to each other. Thank you
for sharing this with us. It helps us to remember how critical each moment we have on earth is.
You already know, deep inside, what I am about to share, I have this hanging on a wall in our office.
Possibility Thinker’s Creed.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won, had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worse,
that you must not quit.
I encourage you to hang it on a wall in your office, so it stays in your mind and heart everyday.
You are in my prayers and I will keep you both before the throne of God untill victory is assured.
Phil Basten
from the Joe and Mable Show
1 John 4:18
PS: If you need someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on email me and I’ll shoot you our phone number.
Jozsef Pal said on:
September 23, 2006 at 8:52 pm
Dear Sylvie and Michael,
I have just read the email about the bad news. I am so sorry to hear that.
I would like to help - may be I could. (I hope)
I have a very good friend here in Europe, in Hungary where I live. He is a wonder healer, heals only with his energy / touch.
I met him about 5 years ago, when my wife needed urgent help (she had another disease) - she was healed within a few days.
Since then we are very good friends - and he helped our whole family and my friends too, who recommend him to their friends… because he is a real wonder.
His name is Leslie Kallos. To make it short, he makes unbelievable things / healings, even doctors come to him to learn, because he does not only heal the
people, but he can teach them to make the same to be able to heal others.
I know, that it sounds unbelievable - but it is true. He healed so many people who had very serious illnesses (cancer, tumor, etc).
In some cases the tumors disappear in only a few days, sometimes in weeks. He can help almost everybody, there were only a very few cases, when he couldn”t
help.
I would never make a joke about your illness -i would like to help you, If I can.
Leslie is the best healer I ever met. I am so thankful to him, that I personally send him more 100s clients, the most were my family members and friends. He
is the only man in the world now, that I can recommend without the fear, that I can blame my truthfulness.
At the other side, Leslie is the worst “businessman” I ever met. He is a healer, who received his talent from a bigger authority as we people are - and
therefore he is afraid of to lose it. That is the reason, that he heals for almost nothing, more times for free, too. (That is the reaon, that he lives in an
average life level)
He can even heal more 100s - 1000s people at once, too.
Earlier I had never imagined, that it was possible - but since I know him, I know, that everything is possible.
He does not speak english (he is hungarian), but if you - or somebody in your neighborhood - need his help, I help you to contact him.
You can fly to Hungary to meet him personally - or he can fly to you, if you wish.
If you have questions, write me (Michael has my email address.)
Once again, I really beleive in Leslie. He heals our whole family, my wife, my children, everyone I really love. I know, what he really can, that is the
reason, that I am not afraid of to lose my credibility recommending him to anyone.
I wish you all the best
your friend
Jozsef Pal
A Friend said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:00 pm
Hello Sylvie,
I don’t know you or Michel personally.
I was diagnosed in 1990.
I’m still here.
In 16 years you will be too.
Blessings to you both.
Mike Sigers said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:00 pm
We’re praying for you and for the strength that you’ll need to defeat this evil monster of a disease.
You can do it and I believe you will do it.
Life’s precious - FIGHT HARD !
Cartess Ross said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:06 pm
I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through.
You and the family will be in our prayers daily!
Cartess
Jason Cain said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Aloha Sylvie And Michel,
Well now we (you two and all of us — your friends and family) now what we are dealing with. We now know how fierce we are going to have to fight.
This is beatable!
My best friend is a breast cancer survivor and many of the people leaving comments know survivors too.
Fight, fight, fight.
I am proud of you both,
You are lucky to have married a French-Canadian, they fight quite well!
Love to you both,
Jason Cain
Jim Furr said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:14 pm
This is intended as guidence in a time of need
and I have stated it as clearly as I know how:
————
Just a word about peace.
Peace is not natually within us - but can be.
Peace - True Peace, is peace with God.
You are at War with God because of your sin.
Sin = Breaking God’s law (even once)
God is Holy and will not tolerate even the smallest sin.
You Cannot make up for a sin - it is done and that is that.
We must die because of sin.
We are lost (separated from God) and bound to an Eternity in Hell without God’s Love.
We Must have an Advocate. Someone who can mediate between us and God,
Someone Who can be a Righteous Sacrifice for sin to satisfy
God’s demand for Justice.
That person must be sinless.
Who is sinless except God Himself?
That brings us to the fact that God loves us (even though we break His Law in our innermost being (down to the bone)), and He made a way for us to be right with Himself.
Christ Jesus came to earth as the sinless God/Man, He died for sinners by dying in our place and shed His Blood for the washing away of our sins. He took our sin and punishment
on the torturous Roman Cross. He arose from the Grave.
He was Cursed and Judged for us and we receive His righteousness and right standing with God - IF we Receive Jesus the Christ (Savior) as Our LORD and Savior by Faith and not by any Works we do to try to Earn the favor of God.
The Works Were Accomplished by Jesus dying on His Cross. He laid down His Life for sinners, willingly.
Jesus the Christ (Prophet, Priest and King) Rose, in a Physical Body, from Death and the Grave. It was God’s Power that accomplished this, through the Holy Spirit, proving that this is Truly the God/Man Christ Jesus.
His Sacrifice was Acceptable to God the Father as 100% Payment for Our Sin.
If we are Saved, we are now Children of God and our Home is in Heaven.
We are Free to Serve God and not the world, the flesh and the devil.
We are Freed by Faith alone, Given by Grace alone, through Christ alone.
Written by one who truly Knows Freedom and is at Peace,
jim furr
Mike said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Hi guys,
This blog and your journey will help you keep your mind, body, and soul in the right frame needed to get thru this. Thanks for allowing your friends to be part of your journey. We are here to help and theese replies can only put in the best energy back for you.
With Love,
Mike Filsaime and family and staff
Ted and Kim said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:17 pm
Sylvie,
First of all, please smile, just for the moment. we will never send you a sad or sympathetic communication. Since we first made contact, there has been some pretty uncanny parallels between the two of you and the two of us. Thus, from the day this was announced, it wasn’t very hard for us to see ourselves in your shoes. We have been hanging on your every word and we’re not going to lie, quite a few tears have been shed on this end, from both of us.
Our wonderful new friends are going through a rough time and we can’t help, all we can do is sit here frustrated and wait for blog posts.
But we can tell you. Michel and Ted would have reacted the exact same way to this most recent news. No NO NO this is NOT going to happen. And it most certainly will not!
You have a boatload of people sending healing energy to you and all of us will beat this with you!
50/50 MY ASS!
We love you sweetie!
Ted and Kim
Ministerene said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:18 pm
I admire your strength and courage. My encouragement to you is with these scriptures:
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Phl 4:7
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. ~ Numbers 6:24-26
Jose Molina said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Sylvie and Michel,
My prayers are with you both!
May the love of God Almighty be with you.
Best wishes in you hour of need.
Love and prayers for both.
Jose Molina
John Evans [Australia] said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:21 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel
Hang in there - a positive approach is incredibly powerful.
I’m now 75 - between the ages of 65 and 70 I’ve had prostate cancer, a melanoma and bowel cancer. In each case I’ve believed that this was just a minor hiccup along the way and that I’d soon be OK - and I am ! Totally successful treatments for all of them
I’m now as fit as I was at 50 - go to gym three times/week, play golf and run a home based webdesign/internet marketing business.
I believe that my utter belief that I would get successfully though each of these ‘incidents’ was a major part of my successful recovery in each case.
You have that attitude - hang on to it - never doubt it - you’ll be OK - and an even better person when you’re through all this because you’ll understand, and appreciate your inner strength.
My love and thoughts to you both
John
Tom & Barb Saunders said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:22 pm
Hello Sylvie and Michel
May God Bless you both!
Tom & Barb
Willie Crawford said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:22 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel,
Our prayers and love are with you. I’m sure that you realize the importance of your thoughts and attitude. This is a fight that many win and it’s one that you’ll win.
Willie
Kevin Newman said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:24 pm
Michael and Slyvie,
The two of you are always in my prayers. I am confident you will make it through this.
We’ll light another candle for you tonite.
Kevin
Ann said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Hi Silvie:
Yes this is a challenging time. Yet there are so many people in your court and on your side rooting for you and praying for you.
People here have mentioned alternative treatments and healers. There is much good stuff out there. Please also look into meditation and relaxation music. Visualization exercises are also very very good.
I can recommend Dr Simonton http://www.simontoncenter.com/ who is an expert on cancer and its treatment. His relaxation and mental imagery cd’s are very good and relaxing.
May people posting here come up with a good inspiration for you to try out and may it help guide you at this time.
Thankfully there is lots of help and lots of hope.
Ann
Shawn Casey said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:38 pm
Sylvie,
I am certain that you will be fine. There is no question that the attitude you’re bringing to this situation has already determined the positive outcome.
Michel’s strength, commitment and determination will give you the firm support on which you’ll build an incredible future together.
And this story you have to tell will be all the sweeter when you’re sharing it with your grandchildren… and great grandchildren!
Shawn and Patricia Casey
Dr.Mani said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:40 pm
(Please take what I’m saying below as the opinion of a NON-specialist - my knowledge about breast cancer is at least 12 years old, and is in no way intended to be, nor should it be construed as, medical advice - more as data to be reconfirmed by your doctor/specialist)
Sylvie, this is not good news, but it could be worse. Smile
The way we understand breast cancer today is different from the 1980’s - now we consider it a ’systemic’ disease from the very beginning. Its spread beyond the breast tissue already happened when the cancer was a few millimeters in size - or smaller.
In other words, while the spread to your lymph nodes has some ‘prognostic’ value (impact on mode of adjuvant treatment to be used and a ‘predictive’ statistical value about disease-free survival), it does not, per se, indicate spread of the condition beyond the breast. Ditto for ‘multi-centricity’, though the behavior of these tumors has certain unique features.
That’s also the reason surgery has moved from extensively radical and mutilating super-radical mastectomies to a more limited, breast-conserving cosmetic approach - along with more aggressive supportive treatment (chemo, immuno and hormone therapy) to destroy the micro-colonies of cells in different parts of the body.
And systemic spread is not always as bad as it first sounds. If you haven’t read Lance Armstrong’s “It’s Not About The Bike”, you should do it BEFORE chemo begins. It is an incredible - even scary - insight into how things can get… and how you WILL overcome it, and thrive. Lance describes his chest xray as looking at a SNOWSTORM - it was so filled with cancer cells, he couldn’t breathe comfortably!
With chemo, it ALL disappeared. He has been cancer free for years now. He had an aggressive form called choriocarcinoma - at age 28. Doctors gave him a 40% chance of survival. He survived. And won the Tour de France - 4 more times!
On a related note, I’m pretty good at putting medical jargon into layperson lingo. Have done it for various complex surgical procedures that help parents understand what their kids are going through. Even did one for Allan Gardyne’s readers when he went through Bone Marrow Transplantation some years back.
If you would like me to do one for you, either for your personal use or to share with your readers, please email me a copy of the medical report and I’ll work on it.
It’s ok to feel depressed and nervous about the report you got, Sylvie. But breast cancer at a younger age is expected to be more aggressive. The report only confirms that. My earlier belief still holds - you will fight it and WIN. Many of us are with you, cheering you along.
Through it all, you will be supported by our hopes and prayers. Each of our wishes for you buys an extra ticket in your ‘lottery’ - which means there’s no doubt who is going to win the prize, right?
All success
Dr.Mani
Kim said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:47 pm
Silvie,
Statistics are just that - statistics. And you are from from being a statistical norm in a book.
In 1997 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. It carries a life expectancy of 70% dying within 5 years of diagnosis. Its nine years later and with the help of an implanted defibrilator, lots of drugs and a caring cardiologist or two - I’m still here.
Your life expectancy after a diagnosis has more to do with your attitude, your support line and your care than statistics.
Fight, fight, fight. Don’t give up and take excellent care of yourself.
You will survive.
Pamela said on:
September 23, 2006 at 9:59 pm
With no personal experiences to share, I can only give you my prayers - they are heartfelt.
Elaine said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:00 pm
Dear Sylvie and Michel,
I joined the copywritersboard.com last year when I wanted to learn the trades of being a freelance copywriter. Well, it was from the very same board that gave me inspirations and lessons that I got the news of your condition.
You are a very strong woman, Sylvie, at least stronger than me because as soon as i read the way you describe Michel’s expression while the doctor read and explain your report, I just broke down. Tears started streaming down my cheeks.
I will always have both of you in my thoughts. I’ll wish that you, Sylvie, will win each of the lottery tickets and I hope that you will hit the jackpot of life very, very soon. And I’ll also wish Michel to have faith and strenght to cope for any hurdles that may come in the future.
I may not know you two personally but my heart aches when I see two beautiful people who are in love being thrown a hurdle that threatens to separate them. Can life be more tragic?
Well, with your optimism and faith, i bet you’re more stubborn than those cancer cells, and you will smack them down, girl! Here is all the love and support a stranger could ever give.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu…
———————————————
Love yourself and be awake -
today, tomorrow, always.
First establish yourself in the way,
then teach others,
and so defeat sorrow.
To straighten the crooked
you must first do a harder thing -
straighten yourself.
You are the only master. Who else?
Subdue yourself,
and discover your master.
~ Buddha
————————————————-
From,
Elaine
Sarah Hurty said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:03 pm
Dear Sylvie and Michael,
I teared up as I read the news. Our family has been through this recently.
My husband, a cardiologist, is not an expert in cancer either. But we just went through all this with his brother’s wife. Everything that Dr. Mani wrote is what we learned also.
The cancer probably spread quite early, whether you find it elsewhere or not, and chemo “mops up” those bits.
Really strong nutritional support can only help. As much as you can, eat well to care for yourself :-).
The road ahead is a challenge and the emotional impact cannot be imagined by anyone who has not been through it.
But 50% chance is great! And the days will be sweeter while you live through to discover that you made it.
We will be praying with you.
Sarah
Neill Neill said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:04 pm
Dear Sylvie,
No one knows why you are having to go through this, but please never lose hope.
I know from my daughter’s experience that it is possible to survive and thrive far beyond what conventional wisdom dictates. She has stayed positve through surgeries for skin cancer as a teen, multiple deep muscle cancers over the next 15 years, bone cancer, breast cancer, lymph node cancer and others. She was also diagnosed with leukemia part way through. Multiple courses of radiation therapy and chemo-therapywre required. She’s now 46, remarried again, still positive and cancer free for a few years. She has never stopped working. She’s a fighter.
I don’t know you personally, but I would urge you use whatever means and whatever people you can find to help keep you looking forward and staying in charge of your life.
Love and blessings,
Neill
Daniel Levis said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel,
Our thoughts and love are with you. Your determination and positive outlook will see you through.
Daniel Levis
Perry D said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Sylvie and Michel,
You have each other and that is very strengthening. Whatever you do, don’t give up. I don’t know either of you personally but sometimes I feel like I do. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep up the good fight. There are plenty of nutritional supplements that can help the traditional medical treatments work even better.
Perry Droast
Susann Arber said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:24 pm
Sylvie and Michel,
Without a doubt in the world, YOU WILL BEAT THIS!
My prayers are with you!
Susann
Rick Driscoll said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:25 pm
I saw Michel and you for the first time last April, on stage, sharing your insights while displaying your love for one another. I thought you two must share a unique bond, for your love shown through.
While you are on this journey remember: The mode in which the inevitable comes to pass is through effort.
Gary Cogley said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:26 pm
Sylvie,
Dittos on looking into Vitamin C intervenous therapy and herbal therapy. I have read that it helps without destroying your immune system. Also, as Robert Mailer did when he was diagnosed - lock yourself up with a comedy marathon. Laughter helps the immune system stave off bugs.
Hang in there and stay positive - I know it is hard to do - but it really does help.
My best and positive thoughts to you and Michael.
Gary C.
Patrick Patten said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Dear Sylvie and Michael:
When I still worked in the medical field, had an opportunity to spend a lot
of time with mastectopmy patients and their spouses.
One thing stood out more so then anything else I remember. The absolute courage of these women in dealing with what they termed “a very real enemy”. We taught them to view each invasive cell as an “enemy ship”, that could be destroyed by the toxic missles of chemotherapy and the land mines of their own natural immunity. They taught us that they could not only refine the methods, but give us real results by visualizing the destruction of those cells, one by one. Was it just the positive outlook that they had a certain amount of control over what the destiny of their lives and bodies would be? Perhaps. But one thing is certain. Their outlook about what the results “should be” had just as much to do with their health, as did all the medical attention we could give.
If there is one thing that wisdom teaches us, it is that with every answer we recieve, it is only another step toward 12 new questions. Except one answer that has always remained consistent. Life is our right, and there is no finer gift to fight for. You and Michael now have your battleground and your war, well defined. It is not the “generals” that will determine the battle play in the end, it will be you two. It is your heritage, it is your gift. In so much as this is your gift, you, also, are one of our gifts. For this reason, please know that you two have additional “warriors” on your side. You will be in my prayers, you will be in my heart. And when you feel your lonliest and most vulnerable, simply let go, and know that your are not ever ALONE.
Your personal warrior,
Patrick
Kim said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:33 pm
You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
-Kim
Beth Ferree said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:33 pm
Slyvie,
I’m very sorry to hear the news. I am going to send by a couple of friends who had the same agressive type. One is nearly at her five year mark now I believe. I hope they are able to make a connection with you.
God bless,
Beth
Tatyana said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Hi Michel and Sylvie
I shall pray for your recovery! Please take what I say here seriously.
Read about http://www.enagic.com water. It is Kangen Water. The water that helps to fight cancer and other diseases.
Tatyana
George Butler said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:38 pm
HI Michel and Sylvie,
I am on Michel’s newletter list and thats how I learned of your problem. As I read your blog I had tears rolling down my face. And as I got near the bottom at the “Lottery” metafor section I realized that this lady has the right attitude. This life we are engaged in is nothing but one Giant Possibility and having the right attitude is a part of that Giant Possibility.
You guys have my prayers for that 50/50 lottery ticket.
With my prayers George Butler
Peter Chai said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:40 pm
Hi Sylvie & Michel
I sent an email to michel@successdoctor.com
in reply to Michel’s Subject: Re: [Michel Fortin] Cancer: The Results Are In — September 23, 2006
… with a personal sharing
I hope you get the email
Peter
ps: my email address starts with “genevie ….
Andria said on:
September 23, 2006 at 10:58 pm
My thoughts and prayers with you, your husband and your kids…You are not alone, a lot of people will be with you! Receive the LOVE, your are giving, you will receive! My mom is a survivor- three and a half years, still on some therapy as a preventive measure for five years, chimiotherapy was hard ’cause inmune system is hit bad…support received from AMGEN biotechnology, it was very important for her blood…
Andria
Amy Stanton said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:08 pm
The bible teaches us as long as there is breath there’s hope. Grab that hope with both hands. Hold onto it. You remember we are all pulling for you, praying for you, and behind you 100% with our love. I will say a special prayer for you every day Sylvie. We love you very much.
Nell Taliercio said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:13 pm
I’m not sure what to say. I just know my heart aches for you, but at the same time is very hopeful. You have a strong support system, strong spirit, and many people praying for you. I wish I could offer better words of support or a simple hug. I’m pulling for you Sylvie.
Jackie Alarie said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:16 pm
Sylvie,
I know there is incredible power in the mind, body, spirit connection. The western world is only beginning to recognize this. I believe it is far more than we can even imagine. I have seen it so clearly in my life and in loved ones.
Be strong, be positive. Nourish your body with the healthiest of foods. You’ll make it. You have an enormous body of people praying for your return to good health. That is mighty powerful.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Michel,
Jackie
Thorsten Happel said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:16 pm
Sylvie - My thoughts are with you and your amzing family. I wish you all the best for the tough times you have ahead of you. I know you will be fine and you will get back to all you love and enjoy in no time.
-Thorsten
Kenny Handelman said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:26 pm
Hi Sylvie,
My prayers are with you.
I want to thank you for being so brave as to share your experience on this blog.
I know that it takes a lot of courage to share your fears and vulnerabilities with anyone, let alone posting them on a blog.
As you know, my wife is going through the same thing. She has had chemo, mastectomy and we are waiting to hear about radiation and hormone therapy.
I find this blog so helpful because I can relate very personally to the struggles, hopes and fears. I also know how hard it can be on the husband, Michel.
I commend you on shaving your head. I offered to do that but my wife refused, saying she didn’t want me to look bad (and under my curls, I do have a really big head
Using your analogy, Sylvie, you are buying a lottery ticket (or many) by sharing this info with me. You are an outstanding person.
My original offer to discuss any aspect of this treatment with you still stands. Not only are you bright, but you are fully capable of finding the resources you need to get the answers that are important to you. If you want me to be a resource (to the extent that I can), just let me know.
Keep strong, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Mike Humphreys said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:28 pm
Sylvie and Michel,
My prayers are with both of you. You have the inner strength to win this battle. On behalf of the entire Humphreys family, we are pulling (and praying) for you!
Mike Humphreys
Phil Ballard said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:35 pm
Sylvie & Michael ~
First let me say how sorry I feel about the news. I have been following the two of you and have been so happy to see and read about the LOVE you two have for each other. ” It does us all good.” We can feel it!
I don’t know what God’s plans are but I see above in other copy that they mentioned the ~ 23rd Psalm. I know you believe in that because of the strength you show through your Blogs.
You are one strong lady and I know for sure ~ You will be just fine in time.
What a MAN to have by your side ~ Michael will help the two of you be together for ever.
Silvie, Please go to the website I gave above and read & listen to some of the most talented doctors on the planet and people who have and are going through what you are ~ I think it will help you !
I do know what this all natural juice has done for the sons of two friends of mine and there was little or no hope.
One thing is for sure ~ It will give you strength and help your white count and with the chemo.
I am writing too much but ~ PLEASE YOU & MICHAEL ~ Check out the site and listen to ~ Dr. John Edwards and Dr. Amod Tootla ~
This is all Natural, researched for years and you can check that out too at PUB MED on the bottom of the same site.
I am not mentioning the name because I care about helping you ~ not advertising this all natural juice that I believe has been touched from above,
although I should because everyone on the planet should know about it.
Sylvie, I hope to GOD that this WILL HELP YOU as it has SO MANY OTHERS .
I have prayed for you and for Michael and I will be watching for your letters.
You are so uplifting for so many people ~ God love YOU & GOOD LUCK!
I hope I have helped you two with my site and advice to listen.to these doctors & hear about what this is doing!
If I can be of help with anything or can answer questions ~ Please let me know.
I care about you two as do many, many others!
Phil,
Phil Ballard ~ 813-936-0215 ~ My E-Mail is above:
Amy said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:39 pm
I’m a stranger passing through, but I wanted to let you know that you gave me a “lottery ticket” of blessing with your wonderful, strong attitude. Keep your chin up and hold on to faith in God.
Rob Palmer said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:39 pm
Sylvie and Michel,
Best wishes and fingers crossed to the both of you…our thoughts are with you.
Peter and Mathew Frank said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Hi Sylvie and Michel,
I understand the pain and maybe even confusion you are both going through. My wife of 35 years, Antonia, was just diagnosed with a brain tumour after years of unexplained illness.
The good thing (you must look for the good and positive) is that now we know what we are fighting… just as you do. Remember, anything is possible when you work at it.
So our prayers are with you both as you face this journey.
Love from Peter, Antonia and Mathew
Stephen Voight said on:
September 23, 2006 at 11:58 pm
Sylvie,
As a survivor of devastation and despair I can relate to you both in so many ways and I only know you through products and services I have gotten from you or the many times I have seen articles and read your advice or your stories.
I know it hurts in ways where there are no words to even describe it.
I came to believe this:
Despair leads to pain, pain leads to fear, fear leads to energy, energy leads to hope, hope leads to love, love leads to healing.
The truth is that it starts with where you are at now but ALL is possible.
You have to believe beyond every doubt that you can make this the best part of your life and you will find that it will become that for you.
Bless you,
Stephen Voight
Carol said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:01 am
I definately believe in miracles both by only God and also God using medical people. I had my miracle when someone gave me the “gift of life” about 5 1/2 years ago.
I know anything is possible with God and will join in the voices lifted to God for your miracle of healing and strength.
Sometimes we need to take each day minute by minute; may you find strength, joy and peace to take those minutes with.
Carol
Mark Krusch said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:04 am
Hi Sylvie (and Michel),
I’m sorry to learn of your cancer predicament. I lost my first wife when she was 34 to breast cancer. It was an 18 month battle for her and she never gave up even at the end. She was a Christian and fully believed that God would heal her. We had a 3 year old son whom she just knew she would be around to see grow up. But God did have other plans for her and she left us in June of 1994.
After she passed, I was at a retreat and I heard of a man named George Malkmus. He is a (now) retired Baptist Pastor who beat colon cancer by using a “Hallelujah Diet”. It is a diet that basically uses whole fresh vegetables and fresh fruits - the type of food that Adam and Eve ate. Anyway, I often wish that we had heard about this before my wonderful wife passed. It seems that very often these natural food diets will help a person to beat cancer. If you’re interested in reading about the diet or just getting some uplifting reading, you can read about it here: http://www.hacres.com
I’m praying for the two of you and sincerely hope that you are able to beat this disease! Keep up your spirits - a positive attitude truly helps! God bless you both. If there’s anything I can do to help in any way, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Mark Krusch
Tom said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:17 am
Sylvie and Michel,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
May God grant you healing.
Tom
Shaun O'Reilly said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:24 am
Dear Sylvie and Michael,
Although I’ve never met you I was touched by the excitement of your wedding and the genuine site you had set up there. I am now saddened to learn about the latest turn of events.
Let me first say that I have no idea what you are going through at the moment nor do I pretend to do so.
What I can offer is an example from my own life and some observations too - which you are free to do with as you wish.
Firstly, about 3 years ago I received the shocking news that an Aunt on my Mother’s side was diagnosed with a advanced stage cancer and had to have a strong course of chemotherapy too. The cancer had spread to her lymphnodes too so naturally I was worried and concerned for her.
Thankfully she has pulled through and now has the all clear and we all hope it stays that way.
I’m an advocate of positive thinking and complimentary approaches to cancer (e.g. the work of Dr. Deepak Chopra at the Chopra Centre). However, once my Auntie was diagnosed suddenly the alternative approaches seemed a bit too simplistic - especially amidst the turmoil of the time from diagnosis through treatment.
At that time, I didn’t quite know whose approach to trust from the doctors through to the alternative practitioners.
My observation is that conventional medicine (and parts of this blog) are overly focusing on the disease (the cancer cells, the chemo, etc). If I were in the same situation I’d most likely do the same too so.
That said, I’m of the belief that you get in life what you focus on. What you focus on expands.
Therefore, spend the majority of your time, energy and focus thinking about your improving health, your loving relationship with Michael and many of the other gifts that life has given you and that you are grateful for.
Remember the law of attraction and that what you think about comes about. If you haven’t already seen it you may want to watch The Secret movie.
I’m certainly not saying that if you just think positive everything will be OK - that’s way too simplistic. What I am saying is be careful of your words, actions and focus and keep them on what you DO WANT to create in your life more often than the times you may think about the disease.
I hope that the above story and my observations are useful for you Sylvie and Michael. I cannot pretend to understand one ounce of what you’re going through right now but do know that I send you my best wishes and love from the UK.
With very best wishes,
Shaun
Tim Warren said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:29 am
Hi Sylvie and Michel,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both and with your family.
In a past life, I worked for many years as a research engineer, and one thing I can tell you about statistics is that they don’t mean a thing. The statistics the doctor is quoting includes young people, old people, people in good health, people in bad health, people with good attitudes (like yours), and people with terrible attitudes.
You can’t compare all those people to you. You are an individual. You’re young, in good health, have a great attitude, and have a ton of people praying for you. How can you miss?
Stay positive, and know that life will be just that much sweeter when you get through this.
God Bless,
Tim
Shariq said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:33 am
you guys inspire me!!
wat courage!! man you both gonna rock..!
God bless!
Mikki said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:45 am
Hi Sylvie,
I don’t know if you remember me. You personally emailed me after reading my first post to your cancer site (Mastectomy Tomorrow and How I’ve Prepared For It). I was supposed to be having surgery a few days after that post. It was postponed because a second biopsy found still more cancer in my left breast. Instead of having a lumpectomy, I too am to have a mastectomy. Of course, the lymphnodes will also be explored.
My surgery is set for Monday, September 25th at 1:30pm. I am having the surgery at Sloane-Kettering Memorial Hospital in Manhattan, NY. I am to arrive at 11:30am so that they can do the mapping (of lymphnodes) procedure.
Your blog has been enormously helpful to me as I enter into the journey you have already begun. It has been an “eye-opener”. Slowly but surely, the information that I need to know & understand is seeping in. That’s how it has been for me since finding out my diagnosis. My belief is that this is Gods way of preparing & protecting me mentally & emotionally from information overload.
Today I went to mass & afterwards I asked the priest for an annointing. He prayed over me & annointed me with holy oil asking God to guide the doctors as they do what needs to be done to heal my body. We prayed together & he hugged me & wished me all good luck & asked me to let him know how I am doing when I am able. It was both uplifting & calming at the same time.
God & good people like yourself & Michel are what is going to get me through this. I just know it.
And I know that you are going to make it too. You are too strong & too much of a blessing to others to loose this fight.
You & your family are in my prayers as God & His angels watch over you.
God Bless,
Mikki-NY
Michael Koenigs said on:
September 24, 2006 at 12:52 am
Hi Sylvie (and Michael),
Just received your message from your e-mail tonight. Sorry to hear the news of your cancer.
I have something to share with you — perhaps it will be helpful in your quest to increase your odds of recovery.
I’ll provide a disclaimer now and later in this document: I do have a business relationship with the organization I’m about to tell you about. Hopefully after reading this message, you’ll feel as though this information is being provided to you with integrity.
Over the past 4 years, I’ve interviewed dozens of cancer “guests” (more on this soon) and survivors who have gone through the challenges you are experiencing right now. Each has gone through what appeared to be insurmountable odds in attempting to beat cancer.
In hindsight, the #1 thing every interviewee has said is the thing that has made the biggest difference in their survival has been hope.
I just returned from a trip and interviewed ten more remarkable people who have beat the odds of a variety of “terminal” diseases including cancer.
They’ve all been “guests” (instead of patients) at a remarkable healing hospital called Sanoviv. It’s a facility that provides treatments to patients suffering from cancer and all kinds of other degenerative diseases with substantive, real results.
Although they provide “traditional” treatments including chemotherapy, the primary focus is on treating the cause of the disease instead of the symptoms. They employ complementary therapies and detoxification.
They frequently work with their guests primary care providers so as to not interfere with allopathic treatments.
The founder of the hospital is Dr. Myron Wentz, a world-renouned immunologist who has developed over a dozen gold-standard tests for detecting a variety of diseases including fibromyalgia and others.
He’s spent the better part of his lifetime studying human cells; learning how to best heal the body and eliminate or reverse degenerative diseases including cancer by providing proper nutrition and eliminating toxins.
He set out to create a facility that treats the whole body (body, mind, spirit) with dignity and respect in as non-toxic of an environment as possible.
Of the over 140 people I’ve interviewed on video, nearly every one of them says in addition to the care and treatments they received, they were filled with HOPE by the staff and guests.
I can’t say that every person I’ve interviewed has experienced full recovery. Some are no longer alive. But every one of them improved the quality of their lives and most increased the time they were with their families.
He’s also the founder of the publicly-traded nutritional company, USANA. One of his goals has been to create a laboratory-quality facility for treating people suffering from “incurable” or degenerative diseases in addition to those who want to improve the quality of their health.
The facility is located in Mexico, 45 minutes south of the San Diego border. Dr. Wentz chose this location for a variety of reasons. One of the primary ones is that some of the treatments and medical devices they use are not FDA approved but are utliized in much of Eastern and Western Europe. Some of the drugs cannot be patented and therefore are not given attention by US drug companies.
In the seven years they’ve been open, they’ve never had one instance of staph infection. The place is remarkably clean and was built using no toxic products, paints, fabrics or chemicals.
Disclaimer: My wife and I have provided marketing services for Sanoviv for nearly four years. We’ve both personally witnessed dozens of “medical miracles” from people who have reversed or substantially slowed the growth of cancer and other degenerative diseases after being treated at the facility.
Please take some time to visit the web site:
http://www.Sanoviv.com
Watch the video — I produced and edited it and can tell you that absolutely everything you see is real. Nothing is hyped or exagerated in any way. Dr. Wentz isn’t in this for the money – he has plenty. Instead, it’s his way of giving back and providing a new paradigm for health care.
And if you research him, you’ll find that he’s also established a clinic in Uganda to treat children and adults on a purely humanitarian basis.
I’d be happy to make the necessary calls if you would like to speak to a doctor there and can make certain the two of you get full VIP treatment if you should desire to check it out and see if it would increase your odds of recovery.
My very best to you, your health and your family,
Mike Koenigs
Tina Lorenz said on:
September 24, 2006 at 1:06 am
Hi Sylvie and Michel,
Sylvie, my mother was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in
her early 80’s. There was lymph node involvement. There wasn’t
any particular treatment offered other than surgery, due to her
advanced age.
Guess what? She just celebrated her 92nd birthday.
Your mind and spirit are powerful allies. You’ve already experienced
one of life’s miracles in finding each other. Onward to your complete
healing and the rest of your blessed life.
Ron and I are sending out lots of positive thoughts and prayers
for you, and Rusty the Wonderdog sends a sloppy kiss on the nose.
Wishing you strength, peace, and healing,
Tina, Ron, and Rusty the Wonderdog
Ralph F. Wilson said on:
September 24, 2006 at 1:07 am
Dear Sylvia and Michael,
I’ve been praying for you through this and will continue to do so. The wonderful thing is that you not only have Michael and some friends, but God himself, will be walking through this time with you. You have friends and a Friend. My prayers are with you both.
Ralph
Jay Aaron said on:
September 24, 2006 at 1:11 am
Sylvie and Michel,
Although you may not know me very well, I have admired both of you for your contributions to people’s business and personal lives for a long time.
I, myself, am someone who was diagnosed with cancer in July, 1996. Although I had no outward symptoms, Squamous Cell Carcinoma had swollen my tonsil to the size of a plum, and invaded my lymph system. The doctors who diagnosed me sat me down to tell me that I had 2 months to live.
Suffice it to say: They were wrong.
Like you, Sylvie, I chose a Western medicine course of intervention - 8 weeks of twice daily surgery, followed by a radical neck dissection which left me without my sternoclaidomastoid muscle and a severed major nerve - both lost to the knife when the surgeon removed vestiges of tumorous material.
In addition, I turned to Eastern traditions of accupuncture and herbs to help me through the difficult radiation treatments and surgery.
And I also turned to friends and family, and did a lot of journal writing, meditation, spending time in nature, listening to wonderful healing guided imagery CDs, making and listening to music, reading anything uplifting that I could find, and watching plenty of comedic movies.
i share this with you in order to remind you that none of us has any way of knowing how long we have here in our physical being. At the time of my diagnosis, I didn’t know if I would live for two months, or less, or more. I had no control over the quantity of my life - any more than anyone else has, even if we are well.
But I WAS in charge of the QUALITY of my life, and I did everything to acknowledge and enhance my connection to myself, to others, to the world in which we live, and to that Universal Force to which I feel so connected.
I’m glad I’ve had all this time since my diagnosis, and I hope you, too, can be here as long as you’d like. But if I have any encouragement beyond that, it’s to let you know that whatever time you have - however difficult the journey of cancer and chemotherapy - can be full of peace, joy and love, and whatever else you want to experience, if you choose.
I’d also like to share with you about my dear friend Jan Adrian and her organization: http://www.HealingJourneys.org. Healing Journeys offers free workshops for anyone who has any relationship to cancer. (Don’t we all, given how prevalent it is these days, whether ourselves or someone we know?)
They’ve just held their most recent conference in San Francisco, and they record the presentations from their conferences and make them available as CDs for purchase at their Web site. I encourage you to visit the site, and to get a copy of the audio presentations to listen to yourselves. So much love and so much joy, in addition to all the great information and inspiration to be found there.
You are both inspirations to me, and I know to many others as well.
Along with all of them, I will be keeping you in my thoughts and in my heart.
Jay Aaron
Dave Brogan said on:
September 24, 2006 at 1:25 am
Dear Sylvie and Michel,
I would shave my head too if I thought it would help. My family and I will pray for your complete recovery.
I lost my mother to breast cancer in 1981 but not before she gave the enemy one hell of a battle.
We are all unique and we all need special care. Surgical techniques and medicines have improved dramatically over the last 25 years. My mother’s fate need not be yours.
Life is very precious and you are at war now! Fight like hell with every fiber of your being.
If you’ve ever seen the campy Tim Allen movie “Galaxy Quest” you know the Captain’s motto was “Never Give Up, Never Surrender”!
If you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it. Some really good laughs in there! (Laughter, the best medicine.)
Strangely enough, for a while today, I though I had lost my dad too. I received a call from my brother-in-law informing me that my dad had collapsed at the super market and they were unable to revive him.
Hours passed and I finally learned that his blood sugar was low and that he’s going to be fine. For a while there I feared the worst. Your mind tends to do that in the absence of solid intelligence.
Don’t let that happen to you. You have to be your own advocate. Read, learn, research…………….get second, third and fourth opinions. Make sure you have an oncologist whom you trust implicitly and who is willing to be more aggressive than your enemy.
Sylvie, we have never met, but I did met Michel at the Big Seminar in Atlanta in April last year. He’s a very good man, so you both hold on very tightly to each other and see how far your love can take you. Only God knows how much time any of us has.
Wishing you only the very best and brightest days ahead.
Dave
Peter said on:
September 24, 2006 at 1:33 am
Hi Sylvie,
I’ve thought about it and the perfect costume for you at The Big, is a cape with an “S” for Superhero.
-Peter
Vish said on:
September 24, 2006 at 1:48 am
Hi Sylvie and Micheal,
THe coming months would obviously be very challenging for both of you and would enable you to look at your own life from a different perspective and i am very sure that both of you are mentally strong enough to handle this. I pray to God that He helps you to manifest your inner strength in a way that would make the whole world stand and applaud you guys
Here is wishing you all the very best for the future.
The pain that you are going thru will bring more clarity into your life so dont feel bad about it. I know it hurts but let it hurt so that when the pain goes away all that will be left is the element of goodness within you
You will do very well i can forsee that . So despair not , The Lord is taking care of you every day. Not to worry
take care and good day
Vish
Ray Edwards said on:
September 24, 2006 at 2:16 am
Sylvie and Michel,
My heart aches for you both. I know you’re holding on to each other, and I pray for you each day; you deserve healing and wellness.
You are so loved.
You know what strikes me about the two of you? Every memory I have of being with you both is of you smiling, laughing, and touching the hearts of the people you meet. You’ve built up a big ol’ “love bank” — and now it’s being poured out for you.
I wish I could write the perfect words that would bring a smile to your face, and lift your heart for a moment. It’ll have to be enough to say that I care, and that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Glenn Coleman said on:
September 24, 2006 at 2:23 am
Hi Sylvie,
I read a book — the name escapes me — about a heart surgeon’s
personal experience in watching patients who were diagnosed
with life critical illness and the pattern he noticed was shocking.
What he noticed was that as soon as the doctor told a patient
that they only had a short time to live, if the patient accepted
it, usually they would pass away soon after. If a doctor told a
patient they will likely live, then they did.
What really stood out was that some patients were told they
only had a short time to live, but they beat the odds and kept
on living. He interviewed those people and discovered that it
was their own belief that they would survive that made the
difference. End of story…
Another interesting tid-bit — there is a doctor in Vancouver at
the University of British Columbia named Dr. Lee Pulos. He
is famous for his hypnotism and in alternative methods of healing.
He works directly with patients suffering from cancer, and walks
them back in time through hypnosis to a time when the cancer
wasn’t present. He brings that vibrant cancer-free energy back
to the present, and uses it to heal the body.
Dr. Pulos said the most powerful thing you can do to cause healing is
to say “I send love from my heart to my body”. He said
the heart is our most powerful healer.
Dr. Pulos has spent his life travelling the world studying all forms of
alternative healing, and uses this knowledge to provide these unique
solutions.
I know in buddhism the central practice with medicine buddha
centers around sending vibrant rays of light of all colors of the spectrum
from your heart to those you want to heal, including yourself. So it makes
sense what Dr. Pulos is saying.