Today is June 6th, 2019, meaning it was 13 years ago that I was sitting in the doctor’s office, being told the three words that no one should have to hear, “You have cancer.”

I cannot believe that it has been 13 years since that whirlwind of a day. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember I had to miss my 1st and 2nd period class, and that I was wearing my favorite teal graphic tee with a My Little Pony on it, and I had on my favorite velcro strapped vans. I remember going back to school after that doctor visit, knowing I was NOT the same as ANY kid at that school from that moment forward. I was in a cloud or fog, feeling like I was not really me. I watched the kids pass by me, chatting about the lunch and prom and stupid gossip, as I was just told I had cancer, and that is all I knew. I had SO many questions racing in my brain. SO much confusion, worry, and concern. I would do anything to go back 13 years and give that girl a hug hug, and tell her it will all be okay.

My dream is for the future is that no one has to ever feel that way about a cancer diagnosis. I don’t want anyone to fear that they are going to die, or feel stressed because they don’t have answers, or feel like they are impaired or disabled or unable to achieve great things because they are” less-than” or “sick.”

I hope we get to the day when we can say it’s “just cancer.” I’ve had it for so long now…. (This thyroid cancer for 5 years and counting….) that I refer to it as just that.

Just cancer.

I am not in fear of it. Sure- it changed my outlook and made me discover that life is fragile and precious and all that mumbo jumbo….. But on a day to day, I live quite a normal life. It’s my friend. My annoying friend that I feed veggies and give love to, and kindly tell it- “So yeah… I know you are taking your sweet time here, but this is not your home! You’ve kinda overstayed your welcome!”

I have a new obsession with Grey’s Anatomy… and I cannot help but laugh every time they give a cancer diagnosis to a patient. The music gets all dramatic and sad, and their eyes well up with tears, and then they say “It’s cancer.” They give it power. They dramaticize it. They make it equal death.

Don’t get me wrong, cancer is no walk in the park. It sucks. But we as a culture need to stop making it into a “Your Life Is OVER” diagnosis.

This recent journey to healing (#ProjectGetToZero) has really opened my eyes to a new ways to healing. There are SO MANY ways to heal and recover from cancer. So many less toxic and extreme things to be done. I hope to join the wave of so many non-coventional nutritional experts, coaches, and practitioners that believe in this integrative and holistic way of healing. So that some day… we can say, “Okay… yeah… it’s just cancer.”

Here’s to year 13! I have so much gratitude for this life I live and all the beautiful humans who have helped me along the way.

All my love,

Brianna

I went to see my doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering for the update on my test results, and I am excited to announce that:

MY CANCER IS SHRINKING!!!!

The thyroglobulin (what we use to track my cancer’s growth) has shrunk to 4.5 ng/mL!

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A screen shot of my past thyroglobulin results.

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Snapshot of my Medical Report.
Basically… EVERYTHING IS SHRINKING!!! WITHOUT THE USE OF TOXIC THERAPIES! WAHOOOO!!!! TAKE THAT, MODERN MEDICINE!!!!

Here’s the breakdown:
In May 2018, it was at 7.1 ng/mL.
In July 2018 I made a giant diet/lifestyle change.
In August 2018 it was at 5.1 ng/mL.
And today, we are at 4.5 ng/mL.

So we are on a decline, which is so so so so exciting to see…

Even more exciting news:
The MRI and ultrasound of my neck both revealed that nothing is growing or spreading. There are still some small suspicious nodules/tumor thingies in my neck, spine, and lungs, but ALL OF THEM have completely shrunk in size.

I told my doctor that I have been on the ketogenic diet— she was impressed and said I should keep doing it as long as I feel good and we see positive results!

I AM SO PROUD

of myself and what I have accomplished. I don’t think I have ever felt this proud and empowered. I put in a heck of a lot of work, effort, time, and research into the past 6 months, so it is really satisfying and encouraging to get these positive results.

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“But Brianna- its called Project Get To Zero… Not Project Get To 4.5!
What happened? Can you get to ZERO?!?!”

I’m not going to lie… when I first saw the results, I was actually a little disappointed when my thyroglobulin wasn’t at zero. I laugh now seeing how much of a go-getter and dreamer I am. When I set my mind to something, I make it a point to win at that game and achieve it no matter what. My goal was to COMPLETELY eradicate my cancer… and there is still some left. So now what?

I reflected on my results for a while, and then I started thinking… Hmmm… the cancer cells that are left must be the evil juggernauts of them all. They are the leaders, commanding the little scrawny ones what to do, where to spread, etc... They are probably the nastiest and strongest of them all. And it’s not their fault! Conventional medicine (specifically the radioactive iodine and chemotherapy I received) has only strengthened them— given them armor and weapons, and has trained them how to battle and wage wars. THEREFORE… it would make sense that even more time, effort, love, care, and avocados, are required for them to figure out that THIS BODY is not their home. (I am thinking visually in terms of what I call “Osmosis Jones Metaphor Logic.” It makes sense, though… right?) Also… its only been 6 months. Great things take time.

So to these evil scary juggernaut cancer cells, I say:

“Thanks for coming, but this is not your home! Now come on, you Little Suckers, I’m going for a walk to the farmers market to get you some VEGGIESSSS!!”

And to that, they probably scream with terror. “No, No! Anything but that! Feed us sugar! What are you doing to us?!?! AHHHHH!!!” hahaha

I have to be patient. I know someday, they will learn…

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When I asked my doctor if zero is possible, she replied, “Yeah… I wouldn’t bet on it,” which is the realistic and doctor-like phrase she is probably required say. And I respect her for that. She reinforced that for me, there is no “ultimate cure,” and that getting to zero is “highly unlikely.”

I plan to change her mind about that.

My mission is still to get to zero. It may not be possible, but so what?! I’d rather die trying than not go for it at all. I want to live a life of possibility, not a life of doctor opinions.

I plan to continue keeping my daily actions strict and in line with getting to zero. And I am ready for this journey that may quite literally last a lifetime. For the first time in a while, I don’t feel intimidated or exhausted knowing there is a really really long road ahead. Instead, I feel like I am a seasoned marathon runner, and I am so so so so determined to win this race, even if it takes me until I’m old and grey. This journey so far has been a gift of discovery- to learn more about cancer, the ketogenic diet, and how to optimize one’s health. HOW AMAZING it is for me to discover the key and crack the code on how to heal myself… WITHOUT the use of toxic therapies and treatments. DREAM. COME. TRUE.

I have what I call “The 3 Pilars of BriPositive” — basically 3 ways I want to move through life. And they are POWER, PURPOSE, and POSITIVITY. Since receiving these results, I am making an update, and adding two more: PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE… as BOTH of those will serve me now on this epically long yet magical journey of healing myself.

I am beyond thankful for all of the support I have received along the way from friends and family. This is news I feel I cannot just celebrate on my own, for it has been such a communal effort. I couldn't have done it without you guys!

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just a couple of special THANK YOU shoutouts...

To Nicole- for your guidance, mentorship, friendship, and inspiration always and forever!
To Sabrina- for joining me alongside for the crazy adventure since day 1 and connecting me to Nicole!
To Dru- for your love and support and being my master chef and fasting buddy.
To my parents- for believing in me even when you thought I was crazy.
To Juliet- for being my best friend fur-ever!
To Quinny- for being my awesome roomie and trying my crazy Keto creations.
To Elodie- for being my biggest listener and a light in my life.
To my Peridance Students - for inspiring and motivating me through your movement and dedication!
To Ali - for encouraging me all day everyday.
To Dancers Give Back - for your energy and love, giving me momentum on my journey!
To Vivo- for sending love and light when I needed it most. Yay staycations.
To Aunt Terry- for bringing me peace of mind.
To Meg- for dropping the Buddhist wisdom and knowledge and encouragement!
To Lauren - giving me hope and peace of mind.
To Maria & Dave & doggies - giving Juju and I so much love and support!
To Monet- for sending the best animated emojis and words of encouragment.
To Susan & David & Dylan - for providing an oasis of healing and love.

Let the countdown begin. 36 hours until my next follow blood tests and scans to see where my cancer is at. Results to come a few days later...

I feel like I’ve almost made it to the top of a gigantic mountain, and now I get to finally SEE what is on the other side. There may be more mountains to climb,m... or there might be an EPIC fiesta. Either way, very soon... I get to celebrate the 6 month milestone of Project Get To Zero and reflect on how far I have come. 🙌🏼 Looking ahead, 1 of 3 things could happen with these results: 

1. The best case dream scenario/my ultimate goal: the cancer is at ZERO, because I have completely starved it of what it feeds on. (Hint: An addictive and highly toxic substance that starts with S and rhymes with booger 🤧.)

2. The “Meh” - but ALSO REALLY GREAT scenario: The cancer shrunk and I just gotta keep going. 😕🙃👊🏼

3. Worst scenario: It completely spread all ova the place. 😲

I have taken time and made my peace with all of the possible scenarios. Whatever happens, happens. Getting to zero would be a COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUSLY INSANE MIRACLE... and it is totally possible. I also know that good things take time and lots of effort, so I am ready to keep going- keep fighting harder if need be. It’s also totally okay to find out that I need to change my path and start from the beginning.

The more I read and journal, the more I have this feeling in my gut that I was put on this planet with a strong purpose to heal myself and learn to heal others... 

Stay tuned for what happens! 🤞🏻

Still can't believe this happened… see if you can spot me!