Dear All,

As many of you know I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2020 while I was still living in the US. After doing a genetic test it was discovered that I am a carrier of the BRCA2 gene mutation. The BRCA1 and 2 are genes that everyone has that help protect the body against breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. A mutation in one of these genes means greater susceptibility to getting cancer, though it’s not always a given. I was unlucky in some respects, but lucky in others because I didn’t get cancer until I was in my 60’s. Often with the BRCA gene mutations the cancer shows up much earlier.

In 2020 I had a double mastectomy followed by the removal of my ovaries a few months later. Because the cancer was discovered at the very beginning of the tumour growth, my oncologist and I discussed taking the risk to not undergo chemotherapy treatment because of the potential serious side effects, especially to the heart.

I was told at the time there was a 25% chance the cancer would return. I was willing to take that risk despite being warned that if the cancer metastasised it would be inoperable.

I chose to return to heal in the natural surroundings of mid Wales and began working with an Integrative Health Doctor who was recommended to me through consulting with Robin Daly, a friend and the founder of the cancer charity Yes to Life. Over the past three years I have been doing everything I can to take the best care of my body working with Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel, a leader and innovator in Integrative and Functional Medicine and the director of Synthesis Clinic. This has included completely changing my diet, testing different systems in the body and redressing imbalances through a range of supplements and Mistletoe therapy.

Despite feeling healthier than I have ever felt in my life, during a routine check-up in March this year, a suspicious-looking lymph node was discovered. After a biopsy it was clear the cancer had returned. To my great relief the results from a CT scan showed the cancer has not metastasised but instead is contained within a lymph node. This is called a local regional occurrence which I was told is treatable. This seems like a minor miracle, and I see it as a second chance for Life.

Dr. Nina told me that an errant cell must have escaped at the time of my surgery in 2020, and it’s a testament to how well I have been looking after my body that the cancer is contained and has taken three years to show itself. Triple-negative cancer is very aggressive and in the event of a reoccurrence usually comes back within the first year.

I am due to have surgery to remove all lymph nodes in my right arm pit on the 16th of May at the Peony Breast Cancer Clinic in Llanelli. There will be a 3 – 6 week wait to get the results from surgery at which point we can begin discussing appropriate chemotherapy treatment.

Despite being frightened about doing chemotherapy and what this will do to my body, I have decided to make my peace with the treatment this time around. The support and guidance of Dr Nina has been crucial in making this decision.

As much as I am grateful for the treatment available to me here in Wales, it seems very important that I consult with a breast cancer oncologist specialising in BRCA genetic cancers which is sadly not something that’s possible locally.

My plan, once the results from surgery come back, is to temporarily move to Chesham to live with my sister from where I am hoping I can get my chemotherapy treatment with the right oncologists in one of the big London cancer centres, where they will have cutting edge treatments and research.

I also hope to get a second opinion from the Royal Marsden Hospital, one of the most highly regarded cancer hospitals in the world, so I can find out the best course of treatment. 


There are a lot of uncertainties ahead. I have learned from my improvisation dance practice how to focus on simplicity no matter how complex the situation seems to be; taking one step at a time; accepting what comes my way; and trusting in my intuition about which decisions to make to best respond to the situation as far as I am able and in consultation with medical professionals. This invaluable training is serving me well at this time, as well as the crucial support coming from friends and family around the world, for which I am enormously grateful.

All through this decision-making process I have been consulting with Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel. Concurrent with my conventional treatments, she will be treating me with appropriate Integrative therapies to help support my body in the best ways possible. This integrative treatment will enhance my body’s capability to absorb the chemotherapy to best effect in addition to helping mitigate side effects; support my immune system; and help to mop up errant cancer cells post treatment.

I have nothing but HUGE gratitude and respect for the expertise of my Integrative Dr. and the efficacy of the Integrative therapies that I have experienced over the past 3 years. I am indebted to Robin Daly for his council, for the extraordinary learning I have done through the resources Yes to Life offers and am deeply committed to this work as I move forward.

To get through this period and to pay for the various treatments, I am reaching out to those of you who would be willing to contribute any amount to help support me financially at this time. I have had to let go of most teaching and performing work for the foreseeable future in order to focus my attention on treatment and healing.

I am creating this Personal Fundraising Scheme through Yes to Life. The charity will benefit by receiving Gift Aid proportionate to each donation, a win win situation!

I know that many of my friends are artists and not necessarily high earners. I would implore you not to feel you have to give anything more than your healing thoughts and vibrations. I am sensing this as something priceless that is creating a web of support and energy – a bedrock for healing on ALL levels.

The ways that we reach out to each other in times of need feels tangible to me right now, and I sense that together we can create miracles despite whatever challenges we face.

So, thank you all very much and please know how much I deeply appreciate your love and support in all ways.

My dear friend Tilly is going to be helping me manage this page, and together we will be sending regular updates. Our next entry will be post-surgery to let you know how it has gone.

With all my love

Kirstie

Here is a list of the ways in which I foresee using these funds:

Integrative & other therapies including:

• Appointments with Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel at Synthesis Clinic.

• Supplements and Mistletoe therapy that support my quality of life and overall wellbeing

• Physiotherapy with Octavia Hamilton https://www.synthesisclinic.co.uk/octavia-hamilton to ensure full range of movement of my right arm post-surgery, scar work, and work to help mitigate the chance of getting lymphedema.

• Acupuncture with Audley Burnett https://www.acupuncturewestwales.co.uk

• Travel from Wales to London for chemotherapy treatments

• Possible help with initial private chemotherapy treatments at one of the London cancer centres, to get a foot in the door

• Miscellaneous needs that might arise along the way

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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