Wed, 24 Apr 2019 03:54:46 -0700WeeblyWed, 28 Feb 2018 00:07:02 GMThttp://www.kerrymarshall.com.au/blog/ovarian-cancer-awareness-the-cancer-that-shook-my-world-and-took-my-auntMany of us have heard of, or know someone, who got cancer but was otherwise really healthy; the last person in the world you would expect to ring with the ‘C’ news.  Well that’s what shook my world two years ago. My dear Aunt Gabbi who was 62 at the time was diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer.  I was shattered but she calmly said to me at the time: “I am not afraid of dying’. She made me feel better, a gift she always had, and so I replied: “ Ok, count me in, I’m along for the ride.” That ride was profoundly life changing and heartbreaking for me, as two months ago she passed away.

Gabbi was a healthy organic vegetarian, yogi and healer by profession.  She never went to a GP or even took a Panadol. She was that sort of healthy.  In hindsight she did have early symptoms of bloating for a few years, something she addressed with diet and never thought to get investigated; who knows if her cancer may have been treatable if she had been checked out earlier. It wasn’t until she had irregular bleeding that she went for investigations. Her diagnoses and treatment started immediately: first a hysterectomy and then chemotherapy.  

I was able to give her weekly acupuncture through her chemo, and she said it made her feel strong.  The week following her treatment she would feel ordinary but managed ok with less nausea than expected and a regaining of energy after 7 days. Along with lots of foot and leg massages and cuddles with my daughter she continued her life as she knew it. Walks in nature, meeting up with friends, lots of healing treatments and even work after a few months.  She researched all the healthy advice and followed even healthier diets.  I believe that her organic lifestyle and love of food was fundamental to how she received the medicine and later to how she died.  

My Aunt followed her own heart with healing treatments. After months of wellness she had a relapse that required more chemo.  In the end she chose not to have more and continued with what she believed in her heart to be the best path for her.  The last few months of her life were spent in her home. She needed no pain relief, knew when to call her nearest and dearest to surround her with love and goodbyes, and consciously passed away peacefully. It was a blessing being able to share quality time with her and say words of parting.

Waiting for the unknown inevitability and holding back grief was an emotional stretch for me.  I bounced between vulnerability and strength and somehow coexisted in both spaces to function in other areas of my life.  I had such a sense of peace and relief when my cousin called and said she had gone but the next day the grief swarmed me like I had never known.  Such an emotion that deserves and demands respect, I consumed myself in the pain and healed a little each day.
I have learnt so much on this ride both personally and professionally.  How my treatment expectations changed and were received along the way from the chemo days to palliative care.  How to juggle hope and realism, respect and acceptance.  How to be a niece and a carer and to keep love flowing whilst watching a human body and mind expire.   I am so proud of how my Aunt kept her heart open and flowed into death as she lived her life.   A humbling experience and reminder to get on with what you want in life.
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Early common symptoms of ovarian cancer are also similar to other health issues; abdominal bloating or pain, feeling full after a small meal and frequently urinating.  If these symptoms persist or cannot be related to another illness further investigation is required.  In my consults I am always looking for red flags; symptoms that need a western medical review.  I believe there is a place for acupuncture and science to exist together so we can really understand the cause of our health issues and heal in the most efficient way of our choosing.


]]>Sun, 11 Jun 2017 05:07:22 GMThttp://www.kerrymarshall.com.au/blog/why-pre-conception-health-is-not-just-about-those-two-blue-linesThere is so much information on what to do and what not to do to make a baby. I get that it can overwhelming and stressful and this as we know is counter productive to trying to conceive.  What if I told you pre conception health was not just for conceiving but for a healthy pregnancy, healthy baby and healthy life, would this make a difference?

My patients are often very compliant with making changes when trying for a baby, willing to do what it takes. Extra things to do and fit in with an existing busy life or taking pleasures away if it means achieving the goal, pregnancy. 
When another period comes the hands go up the wine comes out and I hear the words 'but I am doing everything'. 
I know you are.
The time before conceiving is an opportunity to address your health issues, improve your monthly cycle, adjust your food choices to suit your digestion, find happiness in your life right now and live in optimum health.  It is about creating abundance and being ready to receive.  Your egg released this month was recruited three months ago, how you have lived in this time will effect the quality of your egg and if met with willing sperm will have an impact on the health of that embryo and baby's health.

Why I love supporting women during this time is that the acupuncture and changes made now are not only impacting immediate health benefits but creating foundations for a future pregnancy and labour, setting you up to grow a healthy baby and avoid complications and interventions as much as possible.  Once baby has arrived you will be grateful for your health and have the knowledge and resources to get back on track to keep your body strong for your family.

Getting healthy for fertility is really being fit and healthy for life but adding folic acid and sex at the right time! There is some advice that suits all but mostly every woman and couple trying to conceive will have a unique health picture that requires a plan of treatment and lifestyle changes best for them.

Acupuncture is great for trying to conceive because it helps with:

• balancing hormones
• improving blood flow to the uterus
• reducing stress &
• calming inflammation

If you feel you need to review your health and fertility please book in and make a start. It doesn't always mean a big overhaul sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

Contact me on www.kerrymarshall.com.au/contact  I am always happy to chat before you book in .


 


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