It is ten days before my surgery…and I am pondering why God has put this gift and growing opportunity in front of me…I have done just about everything possible to avoid this surgery, and yet the path ahead still seems that it has to be surgery.
When the surgeon told me they have to remove an entire quarter of my jaw including five teeth starting with the front left one all the way back…and remove the jaw bone and then replace the void with a metal which is molded exactly after my jaw…I nearly passed out. Then I immediately remembered that God always sends you challenges because they will become learnings and gifts for other people to learn from…I immediately remembered all the other wonderful things I have to be thankful for.
This is a very rare tumor which is considered benign and not cancerous. However, there is no treatment which could reduce it or remove it rather than a very invasive surgery. Chemotherapy doesn’t work, radiation doesn’t work, and all the conventional doctors directed me to this invasive three-surgery process. Then I went to the holistic doctor network, saw some of the best holistic doctors in the world, including one who was partners with Tony Robbins. However the issue is that most holistic doctors that have helped many of my friends get rid of cancer, could not help me either because the tumor is not made up of toxicity (which is what cancer is), instead it is an organ tumor which was born out of wisdom tooth cells that were supposed to grow into wisdom teeth but never did. So it’s not made up of outside factors that came into my body, instead it was made with my own cells and created a type of an organ growth, which the conventional and holistic treatments can not get rid of. Believe me, when we say we tried everything and talked to everyone who’s anyone in the healing and conventional and alternative treatment world, we did. Every call made to us, every recommendation, every Doctor has been a part of our journey.
The tumor is fairly aggressive and grew in 18 months, since we have been able to track it. My previous dentist missed seeing it in the xrays and we could have avoided a lot of this had she detected it 18 months ago. Good news is that we were able to contain the tumor in the last three months, possibly even shrink it 1 to 2 mm (we have three different reports from doctors: one says it stayed the same, another says the xray sometimes shows different angle, the other says it shrank by 1 mm). Unfortunately, not enough to continue the holistic treatment.
We thought about just trying to contain the tumor the way we have the last 3 months. Even a world-famous Doctor that people travel from all over the world to see told us that we could probably contain but not reduce the tumor. But the treatment and follow up is not sustainable. I haven’t worked in three months, have been on a strict strict dietary guideline, all alkaline, veggies, etc, my Ph balance has been over 8.0 (cancer can not grow in an alkaline environment), and yet — the tumor did not shrink or if it did it was a very small amount (in every other case it would have shrunk.)
Maybe part of my journey is to go through the surgery…use the holistic methods I have learned to heal quicker, and help all those people who are going through something similar and don’t have the tools I have been blessed with, such as personal growth, a positive mindset, the right attitude, which I’m sure it can speed up the healing time in half.
I have been on calls to my health insurance and different parts of the equation all day today. I’ve talked to about 16 different people trying to get this thing approved, running into all types of issues such as network, non network, deductibles, traveling out of town for surgery, moving places in Texas and much much more. I’m embracing this controlled chaos. It’s all for a reson, and I’m sure in six months I’ll be blogging about it.
So here is the details of my surgery for those of you who have a strong stomach.
January 31st: To in at 9 am, expect a 4-8 hour surgery. It’s a one or two day stay in hospital. They will remove a quarter of my jaw including the jaw bone and five teeth, starting with the center one in my bottom jaw, going backwards five teeth to the left. This tumor is very aggressive so if a cell is left behind, it would come back, and I’m on chats and forums for ameloblastoma and there are people on their fifth re-ocurrence. The reason why I picked my surgeon in Utah is because in his 20 plus years of practice, because of the way he does the surgery he has never had a reocurrence. After doing what they call a jaw resection (by the way this surgery will probably cost around $30,000 bulk park for the first one, two more after this), they will place a nice metal rod which has been created from a perfect model of my jaw
Ameloblastoma treatment and surgery
The pink horizontal line you see is my actual nerve which we are going to try to save yipee! I may lose 30% feeling but hopefully we can save the nerve so no feeling is lost. The reason there is a possibility is because the nerve ends where the tumor starts and there are possibly some aggressive cells around it that may need to be removed. In the conventional ways, isn’t it weird that chemo or radiation can’t kill this type of tumor? Likewise, alkalinity and healthy nutrition (I’m on day 85 of no flour, no sugar, no this, no that) did not reduce the tumor size and inflamation because it’s not toxic.
So what is the lesson and the gift God is giving me through this? So many already. Here are a couple I can think of:
1. Given me a journey to share with people to empower others who are in pain or don’t think they have hope.
2. Helped me discover that I had mercury in my body (through this process my holistic doctor discovered this and I am mercury free now) – Big note: Dave and I have been talking about possibly bringing a baby into this world – if God wants to give us that gift. Not sure if you know, but they have found that vaccinations have mercury and there is now proof that autism is linked to mercury. Fillings have mercury too and fillings can leak and poison the body. Both Dave and I had a lot of mercury because our dentist did not remove it correctly (see my blog on mercury.)
3. Blessing # 3 – So…my doctor said I might be able to speak probably in about 3-4 weeks after the surgery (boo hoooooo) if you guys know me, I love to talk lol. But the gift in that is that I will become a social media queen and cultivate my crafts in other areas of my life such as blogging and my new book which will be out soon, Power of Attraction.
I will be missing a quarter of my jaw for some time. But I will have gained this: strength, love, vitality, and also a new chapter for my life, one of inspiration, one of hope.
Xray of the ameloblastoma tumor before treatment
Metal rod to hold jaw together until bone regrafting
PART 2: The second surgery should happen 4-6 months after the healing has moved forward, and this one is called the bone grafting. Since I have this beautiful new metal in my mouth (I always wanted bling, but not really this one lol), it will hold me together until we can reinsert some bone into the jaw bone. All perfectly aligned with my jaw bone structure, based on my own model made out of a the cat scan I did three months ago. So the second surgery will include two separate surgeries in one day:
1. Go into my hipbone (we will draw out my bikini first lol so it’s in a hidden spot cause i plan to be in the best shape of my life after this!) and remove bone from the front or the back of my hip based on how much bone we need. Note, some doctors remove some of the bone from the lower part of the leg, some doctors do cadaver bone implants. I don’t think so! My hip has plenty of bone from my Latina curves so I have enough to share :-). Now we are seeing if we can try a new type of stem cell implant where they would just remove part of my bone marrow from the hip and implant it into my jaw. Heard a little bottle is $8,000 (thank goodness I have an amazing business with residual income that pays me whether I go to work or not and will pay for the bulk of my surgery.) If we are able to do this, then the 2nd part of the surgery we can implant my bone marrow into my jaw and let the bone regrow! If not, my hip bone will be somehow grafted into my jaw and I don’t understand what will happen afterwards cause it’s a lot to take (but my hipbone will regrow so don’t worry my party people I will still have my hips to dance :-).
Finally, after it all heals fine and dandy and I’m able to walk, eat, dance and do whatever else, three or four months later we are going to implant titanium implants for the teeth in that area of the jaw.
It has taken me almost four months to accept, embrace and decide surgery is an option. I talked to the big conventional doctors, and also many underground doctors who create miracles in people with outside treatments. I was blown away that a very famous holistic clinic in Mexico who has an entire biological holistic dentistry dept. that was recommended by a wonderful couple friends of mine who have helped many heal from cancer and heart-disease, etc, they told me that ameloblastomas can not be removed holistically, that they just have to be removed surgically, and then I could use the holistic treatment to prepare for and also heal faster after the surgery.
I had a dream the other day that God wanted me to follow this path for a very important reason. The reason was not given to me yet…although I have some thoughts about it. I’m embracing the process, can’t wait to blog about it…and share with others this amazing journey God has put in my path.
10 days go by fast…and tick-tock……the year will go by even faster. Can’t wait til we celebrate the end of my three surgeries – I may want to have a shake-down for a birthday party and dance to Shakira all night long!
Related articles
- Mercury Removal Dentist: Beware! (healing-blog.com)
- Watch the movie “A Beautiful Truth” for healing the holistic way and much more!
- Get the book by Kevin Trudeau “Cures they don’t want you to know about”
My prayers will be going out to you as you face this challenge but knowing the strong person you are and your faith this is just a little bump in your life…You and Dave are AMAZING!!!!!
Yvette, I have not had a chance to really ever get to know you, but I felt the need to reply to this wonderful blog. I’m Donny’s neighbor, Lori, and I found this to be most inspirational and moving… you are a fabulous writer and have such a beautiful way of expressing and sharing yourself. I admire your faith and strength! You seem very grounded and ready to conquer it all. Good for you… follow your God given dreams and keep your eyes open to Him. I believe He has shown you ‘the way’ as you seem so content in your words.
I will think of you and say prayers for you. 🙂
Your sister in Christ ~
Yvette, you are such a wonderful and giving person—clearly God has a supreme thing in mind for you through this process. You are suffering for so many around the world—we pray that you are lifted and held strong by God’s angels here on earth and that your adversity will help thousands around the world to hope and heal better. Love Jim & Donna
What an amazing attitude, go girl. Our prayers are with you.
Yvette, the clarity through which your insights are shared always amazes me! You are so right that God has gifted you in so many ways, most of which we probably haven’t ever seen or heard from your mouth. Nonetheless, thank you so much for sharing your journey with so many of us – your honesty is so real.
We stand in the gaps for you with song & prayer -esp. on the 31st- and most certainly will share your story with our prayer-warrior friends. My sister, you are covered by the blood of Jesus and the healing will amaze even the most seasoned of your doctors! God is with you, Lady!
John and I are on our way to the airport for Las Vegas I have read ur whole blog to John. We are amazed by you and very blessed to have you as a Spiritual guide. You will never know the true Inspiration you are for so many. Your love viabrates through your words. As I read your Blog to John he too was impressed by your journel and the concern to share with others. Your journey gives us all time to reflect.Life is a precious gift that God has blessed all of us with..He also gave us choice…YOU have used both wisely and Thank you for blessing us with your words and sharing. God Speed and Bless you…you are in our daily prayers.. we look forward to being with you on the beaches of the world… Cindy and John
Dear Yvette,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you now & always for a full & speedy recovery. Your positive mental outlook is amazing and so inspirational in facing challenges of life that come upon us at any given moment in time. Your journey and the gifts you are gleaning and sharing with people now & in the future will continue to clarify themselves over time. Always know that you have an incredible number of friends worldwide who are with you, Dave, your family & loved ones to provide love, support, strength, faith & hope. We are always here for you & Dave.
Always,
Gail, Bob & Andy Stevens
Dallas/Plano
Hi Yvette!
Thank you for your courage to bring yourself to share this journey…. may you be at peace with this next year and know that it is already done and perfect in God’s eye.
<3 Wendy
Yvette, we don’t know each other but I’ve read your Blog and I’m touched by your plight, all I can say is lend your body to your maker for a short period and he will return it to you all mended. My thoughts are with you for a successful operation and improved body and soul.
Positive thoughts beat the negative ones every time, God Bless – Steve…
Yvette – I *know* you have been an inspiration to me. A few days ago, after more “bad days” in a row than I had cared for and researching ‘Fibro-fog’ blogs, the thought BRIEFLY entered my mind that ‘this is hopeless’…Alone, I said aloud – WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?? It’s not hopeless!! And I’m going to do EVERYTHING I can to try to get past my condition and return to a “normal” life. My unfortunate health experiences however, led me to Gaby, and ultimately to you. I needn’t say another word beyond that. God led me to y’all, and THAT is the first blessing of my ailment. You are an inspiration to soooooo many people and this is another step in Your Journey! As for the inability to talk for a lonnnnnnggg time – I suggest you pick up sign language!! We ALL know you talk with your hands anyway!! It’s pretty easy to pick up, and will help you express yourself!!! Dave better watch out!! LOL I’ll pray for you sweet friend, for the wisdom of your surgeon. God bless.
Love you!!
Stacey Schroeder
Wylie, TX
Yvette,
Your strength and courage shine through these words you have written and are SO inspiring. I send prayers of health, patience, and love to you and Dave who must be going through as many emotions as you.
Thank you for sharing your gift with us and for being such an incredible human being.
Mina
Dear Yvette
It is well. Your inner strength and faith is unparalleled. You would be forgiven for wallowing in self pity and questioning why. But not you, you maintain your clarity and purpose and focus on all the Blessings in your life.
May the Good Lord continue to richly Bless you and Dave.
Very best wishes and continued prayers for a very succesful surgery.
Looking forward to reading about how well it all went.
Lots of love
Bertha
Sorry, you are having to go through this but you know and I know there is a reason for it and you are going to be able to use this for God’s glory. HE is in charge and HE will see you through. Hugs! Be praying for you. Would so much like to get together with you and Dave someday and just share our experiences since Leadership Academy when we finished up and had some mexican food after the event. Still remember that.
You two were still working in California at the time. Look back now and say, WOW. God is good all the time. Love you two!!
Yvette,
I did not realize you are going through all that. When I saw you on stage at the Momentum event last wknd in Vegas, you looked good. Your healing will be done in no time since you are in tip top health and fully prepared. Here’s wishing you a very speedy recovery.
Nancy Ravindra
Yvette, you are an inspiration to us and I will pray for you that God watches over you and guides the hands of all the doctors that will participate in your surgery. We love you and admire you for your strong faith and the hope you transpire to others.
Hi Sweet Pea,
I’m so happy that you’re sharing your journey in this public format. I know it’s keeping your thoughts and words carefully chosen and along with your extraordinary physiology is absolutely going to help you moving forward and everyone who reads this blog to reach for their best selves. Paul and I love you very much and are so proud to call you our friend. Keep turning to God and to Dave for all the love and faith you need to keep moving forward. & Bula Bula!!
Father of all mercy, You never fail to help those who call on Your for help.
Give strength and confidence to Yvette in her time of great need that
she may know that You are near and that You uphold her with Your everlasting
arms. Grant that, resting on Your protection, she may fear no evil, for You
are with her to comfort and deliver her; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Wow,Yvette! I had no idea! You are absolutely right that through this experience you will be able to help and relate to so many people. Thank you for your transparency!
If I understood correctly from fb, maybe no surgery? Will keep you in prayers! And either way, anxiously awaiting the book!
yes! very likely there will be no surgery!! praying praying praying…this break-through new treatment is being used in europe very successfully and i have the best team of doctors by my side!
Yvette, Thank you so much for this blog!
Regarding this comment:
this break-through new treatment is being used in europe very successfully and i have the best team of doctors by my side!
I seem to have missed the thread. Is this an alternative treatment for an ameloblastoma? Or did it refer to something else. I hate the thought of another surgery. I’ve had 3 major ones so far. If there’s another way…I’d love to hear it! I like you spent 10s of thousands of dollars flying around the country consulting with alternative healers. I was raw for years and even went one 6mo. stint eating nothing but hideous & noxious wheat grass juice. It all made no difference. I’ll never have another wheatgrass if I live to be 1000! Please let me know whether this remark referred to an alternative (to surgery) for ameloblastoma.
Yvette,
Sharing your journey will us will help others with their personal journey’s through their trials and tribulations. God has a plan for all of us. the need to know basis is oftentimes difficult. Your faith and patience is inspiring. I will place you on the prayer chain. God Bless
Yvette,
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I will keep you in my prayers.
Your consistent positive attitude and faith is what will bring you through all of this.
You’re are a strong person, with a strong faith and that is 3/4 of the battle.
I know you made a note that you have sought out some of the finest holistic practioners for their opinions. Have you inquired about the Macrobiotic diet.
That is what saved my life 9 years ago when the best Cancer doctors at Sloan Kettering Cance center told me I had a 15% chance of living a year. I had Stage IV Kidney Cancer and they had no cure. I also sought out Holistic approaches and for the grace of God was put in from of a Macrobiotic Counselor who saved my life.
If you have not gotten an opinion from one yet, I would be happy to locate a good one in your area for you. Please don’t hesitate to call if I can be of assistance.
God Bless and keep you.
Bob Mikell
Yvette, you are an inspiration to all of us!
Will be thinking of and praying for you from our little corner in Africa…
Colette
Please email me Yvette I too was diagnosed with ameloblastoma about 18 months ago. I dont want to have surgery but your blog has been so helpful. At first I wanted to ignore it but I know that it is there and attacking my mouth.
Gee, I don’t know how I found this site. I wrote on a previous blog where you were going to try the holistic approach. I sort of knew that wouldn’t work. I’ve done a lot of research and know surgery is the only cure. I hope everything went well for you. I’ve had ameloblastoma recurrence for 29 years. After 6 conservative surgeries, I’m going to face what you have faced this summer. Please let us know how everything worked out. Have you had your 2nd surgery yet? Best of luck.
I am so glad I found this information,I am having the same surgery october 26 2012.First I could not believe it was happening with me, I had just lost my husband with cancer.After reading your story I’ll be ok,Something better is coming for me. thank for telling me what I needed to know.
Would love to hear how your surgery turned out. I am facing jaw surgery next month. I have that same tumor that has destroyed most of my mandible.
Hi Janet, I’ve been really blessed that I found an alternative treatment that has at least stopped the growth, and we are waiting to see if it’s reversing it. It’s been stopped for at least 18 months now, so I never had to do the surgery. Lots of love and contact me at yvette@yvetteulloa.com if I can support you in any way. Love Yvette
Yvette. I had the same done with four mandible replacements. I can say since my first surgery in 1978, technology and pain management have made a quantum leap. My most recent replacement (I broke the other implants) was created with CAD/CAM. They took an image of my left normal mandible and did a reversal of the image to cut a metal replacement for my right mandible (with condile). It has made an immense improvment in my appearance (even though I am 63, I still have a little vanity). So far so good.
Yvette,Your an inspiration to us! i had the same it was 3 years ago but my surgery not yet done due to financial assistance. I suffered a lot since when i was 12 years old and im turning 24 now and i dont know when my last operation coz we have no enaugh money . 3 years ago My doctor told me to undergo last surgery but still dont know how and when ..Please help me.. yvette …
Hi Yvette
How are you know?
God bless you his healing power is awesome.
I’m getting ready to go through this same thing.
I’m very cincerncerd and I’m amazed.
I know that I will be ok. If you feel like sharing please help
Share
Thanks
Hi dear Tracy, I admire and respect you so much…how are you doing? I love your beautiful attitude, despite the hardship of ameloblastoma. Yes I would love to share…contact me on FB messenger at http://www.facebook.com/yvetteulloafan and i’ll share a little more on my journey there…sending you so much loveF!
I found out that i have melablastor Bt irelly have no money for the procedure. An Soo afraid.
So am trying to pray while working harder
Soo what did you do cos irelly find it hard to talk to people for along time. I stopped going to church cos where icome from they say you have bad luck
My sweet sister, let the talkers talk…they are nothing but negative. You have a very special soul as you have endured so much. You stay close to your faith and you BELIEVE. Contact me on FB I’ll tell you a little more about my journey love…www.facebook.com/yvetteulloafan
My face has really changed after I got married that’s when I found out. Bt I was pregnant sooo I had to wait