A short piece from Vivian Alfonso who I had the pleasure of meeting through one of the online cancer pages back in 2018. A fellow warrior, this is her story.
I will start by saying that it has been quite a journey with my diagnosis. My story is as follows. On June 30, 2014, I received a telephone call from my Primary Physicians’ office letting me know that I had to go to the emergency room immediately. The reason, my white blood count was very high, a sign of infection. At the time, I had zero symptoms. The only thing bothering me was what I thought at the time was my lower back. Later, I found out that it was a kidney infection. During my hospital stay, my numbers continued to skyrocket. Testing was started and a Leukemia workup was ordered. On July 7, 2014, I was officially discharged with a pending diagnosis of Leukemia? On July 14, 2014, I saw an Oncologist, who wanted to confirm what was suspected and so another Leukemia workup was done. On July 29, 2014, it was official and I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. My heart sunk and I cried all the way home. In denial for about a good six months, I could not even fathom that I actually had cancer me, NO WAY. NOT ME! IT WAS WRONG, THAT COULD NOT BE ME?
One December morning, I was sitting out back under my Tiki Hut which I refer to as my sanctuary. It is here, that I pray, speak to God, scream if I must etc. Suddenly, out of nowhere I screeched and screamed at the top of my lungs I have this shit FOR REAL I cried, screamed, and pouted for a good long while, followed by a panic attack shortly thereafter. One year in and on chemotherapy and I started having intestinal issues (oral chemotherapy). I have always been a cannabis user and in 2017, I joined a support group by Dee Mani Mitchell, author of ‘My Way Following The Cancer Brick Road’. Here in this group, I met Toni Riddick. A beautiful and very insightful lady. She is full of knowledge and follows the holistic approach very well. I myself am in process of stopping chemotherapy, and I consume RSO oils and have made some positive changes, supplements, eating healthier diet changes in the making. I have managed to wean myself off of some chemo. I am a work in progress. Blessed and grateful for Toni and her very supportive techniques and advice. She is awesome and living proof that I can heal holistically, and without any chemotherapy. Every day, I make it a point to live my day to the fullest. Like everyone, there are good days, better days, and not so great days, but I am blessed to have a support group and people who actually educate others in order to survive this battle that I am winning.
Thank you,
Vivian
