Health update Oct 2025 Never say never

Loved Ones,

I have been putting this off, waiting for further information but many of you have been asking. 
The last few weeks have been very dark, having to face certain things no one wants to look at.

Initially, after the mastectomy I felt great. Finally free from this burdensome 'cricket ball' inside my breast. However, it was soon clear that our original concerns about cutting into any cancer were right. The cancer is no longer encapsulated and is now roaming freely about my body, and sadly with great speed. Recent scans showed spots on the liver and lungs. Before disturbing the tumour, I managed to keep it isolated, away from vital organs, for over three years. 

The rapid spread has prompted me to very heavy-heartedly agree to chemotherapy. Something which goes against every fibre of my being. Something I vowed I would NEVER EVER do for reasons I will spare you today. I am the having the hardest time emotionally getting my head around my own beliefs about this. Any treatment they offer me is palliative, as was the mastectomy.

Another thing I never thought I would have to do is plan my own funeral. But I don't want to put that burden on the boys or their dad, especially if the unthinkable does become a reality. I would be more at peace knowing all was sorted out. It’s all very surreal.
And the truth is, none of us know when our number is up. Anything could happen to anyone at any time, and it does! I am just more aware of it than most. 

The treatment starts on the 16th of Oct. I have been booked in for six rounds initially. It's every three weeks. After two rounds we should already be able to tell if it will have an effect or if we need a new plan. I will continue doing my holistic practices alongside it such as fasting, RSO and tai chi.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. I know it can feel  hard to know what to say (I have no words for it either and life is very surreal at the moment). I know no one can take this burden off me but thank you for your interest and support. It means a lot!!

Love and chi,

Jose

Health Update July 2025

Some news from the other side… The surgery lasted a couple of hours and I was able to return home the same day. (Someone get me some of that oxygen!!)
Ten days on from the surgery, I am able to report they have removed the entire left breast and all the tumour(s) in it. (Strange thought my boob is now lying in some lab in Maidstone and I am sitting here writing this). The collection of lymphs also affected in the armpit has been looked at but couldn’t be removed due it being attached to a bloodvessel and deemed too risky. We knew this in advance. This is also the reason the won’t consider a reconstruction until I am cancer free.

Nervous giggles just before surgery.

I was naturally very emotional after the operation but seemed to cope reasonably well over the weekend, probably due to residues of the anesthetic and adrenaline. However, the following few days were continuous cycles of weeping and sleeping. Much grief had to move through, and out of my system. Then, from Wednesday onwards I had temperatures which came and went. Also, the liquid in my drain was no longer clear but milky. The Nurse At Home Team, which check in with me every day to see how much fluid I secrete, were not happy with the situation by Saturday so they sent me to A&E. I spent 6 hrs+ in A&E and SAU in Pembury to establish I needed to be on antibiotics. So have been on that. As they were still concerned, I had to return to Maidstone this morning where I saw the assistant surgeon who operated on me. She took the steri strips off to have good look. Most of the wound is now closed but I still need a bit of cover on it. I was quite a difficult experience to see my chest in this state… It is going to take me a while to get my head around my new body.

She said she didn't think it was an infection but that the milky stuff came from the lymph (we are confused at this point) yet she could see the antibiotics were doing well and wants me to be on them for 10 rather than 5 days. I do feel they are working. I had no temperature this morning and the fluid is reducing greatly and improving in clarity. She also managed to get a small bit of fluid out the wound to get tested. She told me to take it easy on the exercises also.

Painwise it hasn’t been awful, apart from when the fluid was building up before I had the antibiotics. Since then I haven’t needed to take any pain meds. It was far more painful on a daily basis with the large tumour. It is strange though, I get the occasional itch or twinge ‘in my boob’ and I go to touch it and it isn’t there!

I could have done without all the trips to hospitals though in terms of my energy levels. I definitely need the rest to heal. Overall all the staff and nurses have been lovely but it is painfully obvious the system is beyond broken… The journey continues.

Walking out of the hospital minus left boob.

Update June 2025

Hi All,

Finally a message and update as so many of you have asked. I am still so grateful for all the support you've all shown me over the past few months. 
The rollercoaster ride continues! 

So, late last year I was refused a mastectomy on the basis that the tumour was too large and a collection of lymph nodes had stuck onto some bloodvessels. 

I was put on systemic treatment (Ribociclib, an oral form of chemo) and hormonal treatment (Zoladex and Letrazol) to try and reduce the tumour enough to be able to operate on. This unfortunately, in the words of the oncologists, 'spectacularly didn't catch on'. 
The most recent CT scan showed that it has remained local to those locations and has done so for three years now so that is good news. 
However, the tumour is still growing at a rapid pace. So they now have apprehensively come full circle on a mastectomy, simply to stop the pain, mess and further growth. There is no guarantee that it will stop growing if any cells are left or from the lymph but we'll have to take it one step at a time. I feel optimistic. 

Aside from the painful, weeping tumour in/on the breast, I have been fine in myself and as said before, the rest of my body is strong which I attribute to all the holistic and integrative treatments I have been doing.

Long story short, a mastectory is booked for Friday 27th of June. I feel a mixture of relief, fear and nerves at this point. But over the last few years I have had to learn to trust the bigger plan. 

Say a little prayer for me on the 27th, would you?
See you on the other side...

Much love,
José

Another update; day to day

Hello! And once again thank you for contributing to my cause and for sharing it. It all helps!

I am still on the integrative approach with both conventional (hormonal and targeted oral) medication, integrated with the added resources such as many specific supplements, IVs, mitachondrial therapy, energy/frequency medicine and other holistic therapies. I feel the conventional medicine starting to take its toll a bit, as my immune system is noticeably weakened, tiredness, low moods, heart palpatations and my sleep is affected. This does not please me one little bit but I feel my back is against the wall at this point.

I miss not being able to go for my runs anymore; since the tumour broke through the skin back in September this has been very difficult and movement is very painful to the breast. The exercise I was doing previously really helped with detoxification and oxigination which is paramount to healing the body. It also means some glucose in the body will initially go to the used muscle groups and not to feeding the cancer cells, thus slowing the growth.

The diagnosis of the main tumour is that it’s inoperable and the main purpose of the oral treatment is to shrink the masses, so as to hopefully be able to remove much of it at a later date. The treatment itself is not curative states the oncologist. Same goes for the enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit as they are currently too attached to bloodvessels, therefore inoperable, for now. A few lymph nodes under the left collarbone are also slightly enlarged, however I think the lymphatic system is doing its job well by draining excess toxins from the area and would expect this swelling to occur. 
There are masses throughout the left breast but the main tumour is still tennis ball sized (9x10cm) with a third above skin level. This means it's constantly weeping and often bleeding. I have to change the dressing twice a day due to it getting so wet. Daily discomfort and pain has become the norm.
The latest PET/CT scan, and the encouraging news, is that in the three years plus that the cancer has been there, it has remained local to the breast and some surrounding lymph nodes; it has not travelled to organs or bones, and I am convinced all the holistic treatments are to thank for that. Therefore, I am super grateful for any and all of your support with the crowdfunder, so I can maintain this extra boost for my immune system, body and overall wellbeing.

The hardest part is simply waking up and facing it day after day. Physically and mentally. I have a busy schedule with many hospital and clinic appointments to attend on a very regular basis. It’s like a full time job!
I am grateful to have my boys to keep my busy and distracted. It's all about carrying on as normal as possible. At least trying to… Not just for me, for them as well. They are my everything.

That’s it for me, for now. Please keep sharing my crowdfunder for me, it really helps. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joses-journey?utm_term=Dp2yKrKkW Thank you.
Until next time, much love,

Jose

Update

Dearest friends,

I want to start by thanking you so much for sharing and donating to my cause. I cannot begin to explain how much of a difference it makes. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Apologies for not always bring able to reply to the many personal messages as my energy reserves don't stretch to that currently. I hope this update will suffice. I do really appreciate your support. Please do keep sharing as it really helps us!!

Next, I want to update you on some of the developments that have occured.
Despite finally getting my head fully around to the idea of a mastectomy and the grief that comes with that, the oncology team have now decided that my tumour(s) are too large to operate. They want to start me on a hormonal treatment asap to see if shrinkage is possible. If this is successful, months down the line, they may reconsider. I have been in resistance to these types of treatment so far but I have very little choice now. These treatments are not without risk; reduced red blood cells and bone density, as well as being put in a forced state of menopause with all its accompanying perils.

I am also beyond gutted to have to continue on with this disturbing and painful tumour, which stops me from doing many things I was able to do previously. I will of course continue with the other treatments that have kept me free from colds, flus and infection for the past four years and hopefully this integrative approach will have positive results.

Anyway, hope have informed you and will keep you posted when there is any further news. 
Thank you again and please keep sharing my fundraiser
Until next time, much love,
José 

Asking for help

It has been a while since I have put fingers to keyboard on here. Lots has happened which need my intense focus. This should explain more.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read.
I am raising funds to alleviate my breast cancer journey. I am a 50 year old woman and a dedicated mother to two fantastic boys. We have kept this mostly to ourselves for the last few years, out of protection for our beautiful boys and for their privacy at what is a very sensitive time for them also. We felt they had been through enough in the last five years. However, we have come up against it now and are humbly asking for your help.
Since discovering a tumour in my left breast, in 2022, the focus has obviously been on treatment and healing, which has impacted all members of the family in different ways. Most of the treatment options chosen are not NHS funded and so along with the usual financial burden illness has, with time off work for appointments and recuperation, we have been self-funding the majority of treatment so far.
Early 2025 is set to start with a mastectomy, followed by recuperation and most likely a reconstruction (NHS funded) but above all ongoing, non NHS-funded long-term treatment to make sure no further c-cells develop in the rest of the body (at time of writing, it's stage 3).
The emotional, physical and financial impact that this diagnosis, as well as the last 5 years, have had on our family has been devastating and so we are raising money to ease this burden in some small way. The whole journey so far has been an utter rollercoaster. We would love to be able to raise enough to recover some of the funds spent on treatment so far. (for frame of reference it's cost us on average £1000 p/m so far! It's practically a second mortgage.)
We hope you might find it in your hearts to donate. We know times are hard, so even just £2 from lots of people could make a difference and help us reach our goal. Even if you're not donating, kindly share this with as many people as you can think of. Thank you so much.
I am already blown away by the kindness, generosity and support received from the few people who have been on this harrowing journey with us thus far. Not least the supportive father of the boys, and our gorgeous, delightful and boys; I am doing this for them; for us: they are my driving force.
To my boys who keep me going each day; I deeply love you with all my heart and soul.

My Fundraiser

Frequency Immersions Autumn Winter Newsletter

Hello there Lovely Luminous Beings!

If you have been to any of my recent sessions, a big thank you for your support!

I hope you have all had a wonderful summer and hope you have been able to manage some relaxation and sunshine. I survived the summer weeks with my lively boys.We visited their Italian Nonna in Wales and we also managed the wonderful festival of Into the Wild at the end of August, plus some wonderful bonus days at the seaside during the very recent wave of blessed sunshine for which I am very very grateful. I have certainly happily been topping up on vitamin sea and D this summer!

Can you help?

I am looking for further venues to hold more Frequency Immersions. In Edenbridge in particular but if you do know of any area where there are good halls and/or plenty of interest in this, please get in touch. 

Sessions in October, November and December

Mon Oct 2nd - WI Hall Crowborough

Sun Oct 8th - Rotherfield Village Hall

Fri Oct 20th - Fairwarp Village Hall

Mon Nov 6th - WI Hall Crowborough

Wed Nov 8th - Scout Hut Mayfield

Friday Nov 24th - Fairwarp Village Hall

Mon Dec 4th - WI Hall Crowborough

Wed Dec 6th - Scout Hut Mayfield

Friday Dec 15th - Fairwarp Village Hall

You can book sessions in advance and guarantee a space by sending payment via Paypal ( blowuptulip@yahoo.co.uk - using the friends/family option) Don't forget to state which date you're attending. As always, please spread the word and bring a friend.

Keep an eye out on www.lumiartexpression.com/new-events for any changes or updates in case events are added or cancelled.

I will have pockets of availability for private appointments. Just check in with me for availability. Save the dates and I hope to see you soon.

For more information about the power of frequency healing: https://www.lumiartexpression.com/frequencyimmersion

Don't hestitate to get in touch if you have any queries. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Remember to be kind to yourself. Self care is not selfish and will be of benefit to all those around us.

Much Love,

Jose

Summer Newsletter (Sound baths)

Hello there!

I don't know about you but the days just seem to evaporate right in front of my eyes. It's all going so fast! I have been feeling very grateful for the blessings of the abundance of beautiful sunshine lately. I have certainly happily been topping up on vitamin D!

Here is a list of my bookings over the summer. August will be mostly spent entertaining the offspring as they are off school so no group events planned (as yet). I will have pockets of availability for private appointments. Just check in with me for availability. Save the dates and I hope to see you soon.

Sessions in July and Sept
Mon July 3rd - WI Hall Crowborough
Sun July 9th - Rotherfield Village Hall
Fri July 21st - Fairwarp Village Hall
Mon Sept 4th - WI Hall Crowborough
Wed Sept 6th - Scout Hut Mayfield
Sun Sept 10th - Rotherfield Village Hall
Friday Sept 22nd - Fairwarp Village Hall (Autumn Equinox Frequency Immersion)

You can book sessions in advance and guarantee a space by sending payment via Paypal )blowuptulip@yahoo.co.uk - using the friends/family option) Don't forget to state which date you're attending.

Please spread the word and bring a friend.

Keep an eye out on www.lumiartexpression.com/new-events for any changes or updates in case events are added or cancelled.

Also, on Sept 1st I will be doing a soundbath at the Uprise and Shine Conference at Hope in Sussex. Here is a link to the conference https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uprise-and-shine-10th-conference-at-hope-sussex-nr-battle-tickets-644292314657

How to get the most out of your session

Want to know how to prepare your mind and body prior to a sound therapy/frequency immersion session to maximise your healing process? Here are some tips that can help you.

○ Spend some time relaxing and resting before your sound bath. It’ll help you be more mindful in anticipation of the session.

○ Keep yourself hydrated before the healing session. You’ll want to be well hydrated because sound waves travel better through water.

○ Try to eat light. Keeping your stomach empty and your body filled with energy from healthy food is a great way to enjoy a better healing experience.

○ Wear comfortable and loose clothing during the session. You want your body to be able to breathe and relax when those frequencies are passing through.

○ Take a few minutes to calm the mind before starting your sound bath session. This will help you to focus, relax and reduce any distracting mind chatter.

○ Come prepared with an intention. The attunement you may seek through frequencies will be so much more profound when accompanied by a set intention. This can be anything from healing a physical or emotional issue, healing a relationship, or simply restoring the balance of the body and tranquility of mind.

For more information about the power of frequency healing: https://www.lumiartexpression.com/frequencyimmersion

Don't hestitate to get in touch if you have any queries. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

I wish you all wonderful summer blessings with plenty of sunshine, blooms, joy an adventures.

Remember to be kind to yourself. Self care is not selfish and will be of benefit to all those around us.

Much Love,
Jose 💜
www.lumiartexpression.com

Contact:  call/txt 07708 175212 or email  lumiartexpression@gmail.com

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A shift

Whilst I am still a keen artist I have shifted or rather, expanded my focus temporarily to get a few new skills under my belt. As of September 2021, I achieved a Sound Therapy Diploma with a distinction! I have spent a good year since then practicing and planning and am now embarking on sessions with groups and individuals. The response has been immense and I am so grateful to be able to help those who come to my sessions. For me, it isn’t a very far cry from the painting, for as far as I am concerned, I am still creating frequencies to help people on their journey of healing, whether through sound or colour.

Painting the town...

I am a member of a local arts group and we have just finished some posters for our station platform. Today they went up and one of them is mine. The final image below is the original artwork, which can be viewed at my exhibition at Crowborough community centre from June 21st till July 20th.

Since I wrote the above, Mayor Greg Rose has been to visit the station to view the artwork.

The station posters are available to purchase at the following link. http://www.crowborough-arts.org.uk/station-posters-project-2019.html Proceeds go to Crowborough Arts. Postcards of the poster are also available in various local shops as well as the library.

Official Press Release

New Crowborough Arts Poster Designs brighten up Crowborough Station. Mayor Greg Rose came along to meet the artists from Crowborough Arts who designed the new set of posters that welcome passengers off the train on Platform One at Crowborough Station. The colourful and varied designs by members of Crowborough Arts show different aspects of the town and local surroundings and make the station a more cheerful place for visitors and commuters alike.

These posters in new more secure frames replace the earlier set of different designs, which had become faded and been vandalised.

(Photo with Mayor Greg Rose, Left to right: Doron Lichtmann, Susannah Petszaft, Mayor Greg Rose, Caroline Hobbs, Angela Vernon Bates - Chair of Crowborough Arts, Susie Rotberg and Jose Planken.)

New exhibition date!

I will be exhibiting at the Crowborough Community Centre, June 21st - July 20th. Come and have a look!

Anything is possible

Hey there!
It’s been a while! I have predominantly been busy with my children, seasonal festivities and some of home decorating too.

What’s new? I have managed to get some of my art printed on items such as mugs and coasters etc to show you that anything is possible. If there is any art you see on this website which you’d like on anything other than canvas, let me know and I am sure I can make it happen!

Exhibit

I am currently exhibiting at The Courtyard in Rotherfield. Hope you can make it to a viewing over a delicious lunch of coffee.
http://www.thecourtyardrotherfield.co.uk/

Click on the images below to see more

Inspiration

Inspiration. What is it? Where does it come from?
I guess we would have to start by looking at what our passions are. What makes us happy? What makes our heart beat faster? What gets us really excited and moves us to start or create something new? I happen to love colour, always have. Strong, bold and bright colours as well as the more muted tones. I love how colour can make you feel things; set or change a mood. Colour excites me and I love playing with it in my work. And it will always be there as golden thread linking all that I do together. I am grateful for the gift of sight; I cannot imaging not being able to see colour. This also means I would love to be able to see the human energy field, the aura, around peoples bodies. I can't think of anything more exciting to be able to see these glowing beings of colourful light moving around. I have seen them only a handful of times and it's been an amazing experience. We all have the ability of course, we just need practice... Anyway, I digress, I wanted to speak about inspiration.
 

"When I'm writing, some days the pen just goes. I'm not in charge and I'm almost listening outside of it. That's when I realise that we all have to start looking at life as a gift." - Prince, 1958-2016

Often, once I have finished a piece, I look at it with surprise and wonder where that came from. I have a starting point but never know where it might lead. But along the way I get taken on a path. I try to follow as best I can and collect lessons on the way. The lessons can be of practical nature but sometimes they can lead to deeper more profound findings. Much of the time when we reach a meditative state or flow state, I think we are closest to the source of our inspiration (in spirit), our highest version of our self, meeting our physical being effortlessly to help guide and moves us to create. This state does not only come to artists but to you may find yourself in a flow state whilst on a run or during a yoga class. It could be anything. You will find you will lose all track of time and forget who or what you are. You find you are truly in the moment, just being; existing; creating. Pure enjoyment.

In the beginning...

Hello.
I am so excited to share my first website with you. Of course there has been some sharing of my work on social media, but this feels more real, more official. Over the last few years people have been asking me what type of art I do or such questions so I felt it was time to put it all together and create this site, a showcase, if you like. 

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." -E.E.Cummings

This is me stepping into this role publicly and saying, Yes! I am an artist! This is more than a hobby. It is a passion and I am having a good go at it. I am exploring another aspect of myself and my abilities. (Incidentally, this is also my first ever blog.) We are all artists in our own way, we simply have to start creating when we hear the call! I certainly am glad I did as I feel lots better for it! I hope you enjoy my work and this site.

Until next time, stay colourful!
Jose