MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2024 - 37

FINDING STRENGTH Becoming Empowered
I did not give to myself. I neglected
myself in the process of providing
an ideal life for my family. After my
first diagnosis, I asked my oncology
team how I should change my
lifestyle. I was met with " you did
not cause your cancer. " Naively, I
moved on without implementing
a plan to conquer survivorship.
I later learned that perhaps my
oncology team was not the correct
team to advise on my wellness
moving forward. They are there
to rid my body of cancer. They are
there to help manage my treatment induced
side-effects. They are there to monitor the
cancer. The frustration weighed heavily that
there wasn't a guide to help me navigate my
future. However, I didn't take the initiative
to research on my own. I allowed myself to
become incredibly overwhelmed with the
extensive amount of information. Instead
of embracing more knowledge, I shied
away from it. After the second diagnosis,
I left the appointment with my oncologist
with a prescription for exercise and weight
loss. Calling it a prescription made it feel as
though it was non-negotiable. I wish I was
given this prescription after my first diagnosis.
After the first diagnosis, I knew that
revising my diet, adding in movement, and
losing weight were all opportunities for me
to live a healthier life. However, receiving it
from my oncology team would have poked
the bear a little harder.
I felt empowered to share with my oncology
team how I felt when I was dismissed
after inquiring about lifestyle changes after
my initial diagnosis. I explained how overwhelming
life after cancer treatment is for
a survivor. Additionally, I suggested they
provide a compiled resource list so that all
stage survivors have a pathway forward. A
pathway that includes nutrition, exercise,
mental and sexual health, as well as holistic
healing modalities. I'm proud to share
that soon after having that conversation,
my oncologist created a survey study to
further determine how this critical need
could be met. I participated and loved my
voice being heard.
As I began my wellness journey, I felt
lost and had an unhealthy relationship
with food. " No ultra-processed food, no
meat, no sugar, no dairy, no alcohol, no
LIFE! " I repeated to myself as I prepared
my morning smoothie. I never ate horribly
or drank excessively, but to think I
was poisoning my body if I did, created a
tortuous mindset. Then, I quickly realized
that food was not the enemy, it is a vital
part of my healthcare regimen. I worked
through the anxiety of certain foods making
it a healthy environment versus foods
that make an unhealthy environment for
cancer to live. As a result, I eliminated
some foods, reduced some, and increased
others. This is often called the 80/20 rule,
although I stick closer to the 90/10 since I
live with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
I personally don't believe that foods " cure "
cancer. However, I do believe that feeding
my body plant-based whole foods, reducing
inflammation, controlling my weight,
and intentionally moving my body is vital
for my overall wellness.
" UGH!!! This is so HARD!! You CAN'T
do this!!! " I muttered to myself as I hit minute
43 on the treadmill. I decided to invest
in a treadmill for my home to workout. I
knew that getting to a gym for my fitness
journey was not ideal for my family's
routine. It was wintertime in Colorado.
Outdoor walks as frequently as I needed
were challenging. So, I spent my first few
months getting intimate with my treadmill.
We'd argue and fight, but she listened to
me and showed up for me each day. Shout
out to SOLE Sista! Then, the pandemic
began and learning to workout at home
was golden. " Mom, I see YOU! " my middle
son often said as he peeked in during my
workout sessions. The power within grew
as I demonstrated to my sons the importance
of taking good care of yourself, and
its significance became evident.
Finally, I built up the courage to share
the devastating news with my tribe. I am
stubborn and it is uncomfortable for
me to ask for help. I indeed needed
support from those who loved and
cared for me. I needed all the prayers,
good vibes, and love. I created an
Amazon Wish List: " Warrior Queen's
Cancer Fighting Care. " I added items
that would help me on my wellness
journey. I shared it on my platform
and my doorstep was full of boxes
for an entire week. I received exercise
gear, food appliances, supplements,
gift cards, and so much more. I'm
incredibly grateful for my tribe as
they are an integral part of my healing.
I AM THE POWER!!!
" You CAN do this!!! You are absolutely
doing this!!! " I spoke out loud as the speed
began to get a bit faster and the incline
increased over time. The weight began to
fall off and I began to feel stronger as I built
up my endurance. I didn't lose 50+ pounds
for a round of applause or to look " better " in
my clothes. Honestly, I preferred my fuller
figure. I changed my lifestyle to increase
goodness and decrease harmful habits. The
cancer metastasizing to my bones can cause
frequent bone fractures. The treatment plan
causes achy bones and joints. Therefore, it
was vital for me to lessen the load to avoid
these adverse events.
I would have never thought I'd stick to a
wellness plan. I would have never thought
I'd give myself enough credit to research
nutrition, fitness, and implement my own
pathway to healing. I would have never
thought I'd use my voice to notify my oncology
team when I'm troubled. I've been
able to maintain my improved lifestyle
for nearly four years. You couldn't have
paid me to bet on my previous self. But,
this new Queen, I'd bet on her a thousand
times over. You are undoubtedly the most
important piece to this complex cancer
puzzle. When all the pieces are put together,
there's still a few on the floor, but
the one that makes the picture clearer, is
YOU! I constantly tell my sons, " No one
cares about your LIFE more than you! Ask
the questions, do your research, know your
normal, because YOU are the POWER!!! "
To conclude, while life's bombs explode,
know that the devastation and ashes could
indeed be beautiful intricate snowflakes.
Be blessed. Be well. l
MY LIFE MATTERS
EMPOWERED | SPRING 2024
37
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2024

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