How mw. Bruins dealt with her illness.
Daily supplements that I used and still use (editors note: an orthomolecular treatment changes with current developments and personal so do please not this list own copy for your situation, but consult a good orthomolecular doctor. Names and addresses see page useful addresses) : Happy The summer was fantastic! We had breakfast in the garden (Budwig paste), and were as much as possible outside, it felt like vacation. There was also much to be comfortable! After a slight depression (I walked like an old lady), it went better. After six months had shrunk lymphomas, the internist noted. Hooray! Valstar said: "But they have completely gone". That kept me in the ring. I felt myself growing stronger, could stay longer, began to cycling and walking. The metabolism was improved. A striking feature was the closing up of a split nail, for over 10 years there, despite treatment from a dermatologist. All signs of overall recovery. November 2000 was another CT scan. I felt very good and thought the result was not so positive, I love this feeling and let me not be discouraged! But the results were "unexpectedly good", said the internist. The radiologist did not believe his eyes, but all lymphomas were gone. What a party! Also important: I had sensed it right. Your body know sounds like a cliché, but what is important. When you have such a disease you do differently with your body to: you register the smallest signals and changes.
The mental side is important. I got in touch with the Contact Group (non-) Hodgkin and was greatly encouraged by the woman, a fellow, whom I spoke, and immediately became a member of the Contact Group. Four times a year I receive a contact sheet and read both the medical supplies and patients recover. One story struck me most: one man told his case history: already 21 years he had the same kind of non-Hodgkin's like me, but not only that his internist had after the diagnosis said: "Now you do not immediately panic because if there are no emergencies occur you are eighty years ", and there was this man (now 71 years) has all these years to establish. Incidentally, this patient, when he was in the hospital (his first recording) of a fellow patient heard about the Moerman therapy, it immediately started! Now I tried to hold on to it too! Surely a better starting point than mine: a median of 10 years to live.
Furthermore, I consulted an oncologist, the same as non-Hodgkin's and if I had it for over 10 years. He told me his life story and mine. A sentence has stayed with me most: "Laughter is good for the cells'! I told him it bothered me that I (say) as slow cycling, which he argued that people who work and have everything in a hurry, but we have all the time! A positive spin on these kinds of things! He advised to contact the Helen Dowling Institute. I sent a medical / psychological counselor at the synthesis, which gave me more insight into myself. We had a dozen special interviews. There was more rest in me. Also I realized that I more "to myself to stay". My credo was: "First my own shop", actually an odd phrase, but it works. Together with my husband I had some conversations with a therapist about our relationship and my illness ("you have cancer together"), also enlightening!
To talk about my illness to my (adult) children, I was too careful, it turned out. I wanted them first save, it was about "bad cells", he also noted that the situation was serious, but not mentioned the word "cancer". These intimate, really fine moments together, I forget - even - ever.
In September I went to yoga, taught by a dear friend. At first I was cautious, but I was getting stronger and could compete back to normal over time. Moreover, I found a piano teacher, close to home, one year long wish. Until I got sick I did not begrudge the time nor the rest for something so part of me. I play piano from my 8th year, but wanted to know how I played and more structuring. I still teach and enjoy it. I have experienced the importance of doing what you inspire and likes.
My husband, children, family and friends have surrounded me with love, otherwise I can not say. I could tell you as a patient must be open, some guidance to give to the people around you. It is difficult for healthypeople "normal" with a sick deal. I mean, sometimes you get the feeling "sad" to be found and I did not like. Responsiveness is fine, but less patronizing! When I came across distant neighbors or acquaintances, I explained what I had and told briefly how it went because I felt that everything we thought but not expressed, which is a feeling isolated and that's really hard! Even if cancer can be easily accessed, but I've found that people there to help you.
With close friends I had nice conversations with many emotions, but we laughed too, and strangely enough, I was often grateful and happy. Like you get extra strength. I thought very much, about my whole life long, and sometimes came to new insights. I realized that I've been too hard living had led, and that I was now different - lighter - than against it wanted to watch during those years that I, unknowingly, was ill. I read inspirational, uplifting books and mostly I listened to a lot of music that first period of illness.
Internist at the last visit in June, discussed my condition. I can not compete with women my age in terms of energy. The internist advised what to do to get fit, after many years of rest. I was very happy. It felt like a license, when I felt tired until then I had the idea to have nothing. Since I bike pretty hard, I have more pace in walking and household chores. I do it again!
Hanneke Bruins
July2001
