Recent Blog Posts
Dr. Angela's Healing Journey
Balanced Body Vet Clinic
A Journey of Healing, Faith, and Purpose
How blessed I have been!
Having fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, and after several years honing my professional skills, I am now the proud owner of my own veterinary clinic. Since October of ’23, I have provided medical care, preventive care, and surgeries for domestic animals, as well as acupuncture and chiropractic procedures for both horses and family pets, at Balanced Body Vet Clinic in Frankfort, IL.
My journey, however, has not been easy. In the fall of 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer, which was accompanied by a Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma tumor ten centimeters (roughly four inches) in length. Additionally, the disease had invaded multiple lymph nodes under my right arm and above my right clavicle. I immediately sought relief by visiting numerous hospitals and universities in metropolitan Chicago, as well as the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Medical experts at each location were in agreement: the prognosis was gloomy. Each emphatically concurred that the only course of action must include surgery (which carried an astronomically high probability of permanent paralysis to my right arm), aggressive chemotherapy (never a pleasant option), hormone therapy, and radiation therapy.
Armed with extensive research and the gracious intervention of a more majestic Authority, I was led in a different direction. The path given to me headed south, to Centro Hospitalario Internacional Pacífico (CHIPSA) in Northern Mexico. There, I received numerous types of cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments unavailable in the United States, such as cryoablation (freezing of the tumor), Coley’s therapy (injecting bacteria into the tumor to stimulate white cell growth), and extremely low-dose, short-term sessions of chemotherapy. My healing pilgrimage continued as I received further groundbreaking, state-of-the-art treatment at Northwestern University’s proton radiation facility in Warrenville, IL.
In the course of my wellness campaign, I also altered my dietary regimen significantly, to such an extent that some have described me as “a walking encyclopedia” with respect to dietary requirements for cancer patients.
As a result of my care at CHIPSA, coupled with God’s unceasing intervention, I was beyond ecstatic to learn in July of 2023 that my first year of remission had been reached! Since that time, I have assiduously continued to monitor my health and dietary requirements, all the while enjoying each day with my seven-year-old son, Alexander, and my menagerie of four-legged creatures, including my horses (Pops and Diva), dogs (Snoopy and Oscar), and cats (S’mores and Mistletoe; Ash and Binx).
I hope to share my voyage with other women who are battling this disease.
My story can be found at https://myhealingjourney.online.
Dr. Angela Riffice
https://balancedbodyvetclinic.com
Get Your Trusted Boarding Referrals From Balanced Body Vet Clinic Today
Since our hospital does not offer boarding, we have researched several places for you. We encourage you to visit each facility before you make the decision to have your pet boarded or groomed there. Please remember to notify us if you will be having your pet boarded or groomed so that we can provide you with proper proof of vaccinations and ensure that your pet meets all necessary vaccination requirements. We always appreciate your feedback, good or bad, about the facility you choose so we can keep our list updated.
It is important to check what vaccines are required for boarding and with what frequency. Vaccines are typically most effective when given at least two weeks before being boarded. Many boarding facilities will require up to date Rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus), Bordetella, and a negative fecal test for dogs. Some will require that the fecal and bordetella have been done within the last six months. For cats an up to date Rabies, DRC (distemper, rhinotracheitis, calici virus), and negative fecal are most commonly required. Check with the boarding facility of your choice before planning your stay. You may also want to consider the influenza vaccine (H3N2 and H3N8) for your dog.
Contact us
today to speak with a staff member to see if this vaccine is right for your dog.
K-9 Tailshakers
9204 Gulfstream Road
Frankfort, Illinois 60423
(815) 464-8245
www.k9tailshakers.com
K-9 Tailshakers is on Facebook
Springbrook Kennels
15661 West Peotone Road
Wilmington, Illinois 60481
(815) 478-7877
www.springbrookkennels.net
Springbrook Kennels is on Facebook
Petsmart PetsHotel
(Located in the Orland Hills Petsmart)
9277 West 159th Street
Orland Hills, Illinois 60487
(708) 460-1116
www.petsmart.com/petshotel
