Here I am, five weeks later, alive, alert awake and more than enthusiastic! Six nights in the hospital, a two-unit blood transfusion (common but still it was me and nothing I had ever experienced before) and a fifteen-pound weight loss gives me plenty to share in this blog. I've learned a lot over these past weeks and months. This blog will serve as me sharing my insights and more as I venture forward into my new normal. If my words resonate, please share it as I'm here to help anyone going through similar experiences. There are a lot of us on this same journey, and I’ve joined several online groups for advice and support.
I will never take my health for granted again. I always thought I was infallible, in tip top shape, a healthy “35-year-old” and frankly Wonder Woman. Folks, obviously this was not me, but my ego didn't want to accept it as aging with grace was not yet in my mantra. Looking back, I've had this problem for at least eighteen months but perhaps even longer if I had paid more attention. The tumor and cyst were huge, and how these monsters were fitting in such a small space anyone's guess. Just the fact that they're gone is a relief to me and I am finally comfortable again. My lesson learned is do not take anything for granted, especially at this age. One needs to address the issue immediately without seeming like a hypochondriac! Grow old with grace but understand we are no longer 35!
The doctors assured me the tumor was located in one area, self-contained and had not spread! This was and truly is a hallelujah moment for yours truly. Thankfully my cancer was only in Stage Two, however there was still a lot of discussion about chemo. Doctors only see one side of the issue, I've seen both and have elected not to take chemo and treat myself instead. I'm in good health, fit and still have all my marbles, so why destroy all of that if it's not necessary. Chemo rots the brain and causes nothing but havoc in one's body. In a couple of years, I may need to start it all over again, and this I would not do so therefore no chemo for me. I'm pursuing the holistic route now and investigating various therapies and options. I'm on the journey to better health and better living.
A holistic doctor I found on-line has set up a good plan for those of us who have opted out of the traditional methods. Many people over 70, in good health elect not to pursue it. Why at this point? It seems unnecessary to be perfectly honest. Therefore, I'm taking his advice and I'm laying the plan out here for the world to see:
- Eat only clean and nutritious food. Cut out all sugar, wheat/flour products, sodas (I never touch them anyway) and any bio-engineered food (another food I don't get near). Drink filtered water and once a day put a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in the water as cancer does not live in an alkaline environment. It doesn't taste bad but if a squeeze of lemon juice is added, it makes it a bit better.
- Movement is a necessity! I will be returning to the gym in another two weeks and will be adding a 20 minute or longer walk on the treadmill to my routine. When it finally cools off, I'll walk my neighborhood but it's too darn hot right now and frankly I have trouble with the humidity.
- Sunlight is a good thing, in moderation of course. Twenty minutes in the sun daily, is what's needed in order to allow the vitamin D to work efficiently. I take a D supplement and living in Florida affords me plenty of sunshine and fresh air so out I will be in my yard, with my boys. I love to garden so my pots will have plenty of attention!
- Rest is essential. I'm an early riser so early to bed is also my new normal. I'm not a napper so a good night of uninterrupted sleep is essential. I want to be rested and feel at peace in order to start a new day.
- Healthy relationships are a must! I'm open to new friendships and experiences but please leave anything with negative energy and toxicity at home as I'm not interested. Surrounding oneself with healthy, grounded, self-assured people can only bring peace and harmony into one's life. Toxic, immature, mean people should never be welcomed by anyone as they will make us physically and mentally ill.
- Faith is the last and most important item on this list. Without faith we have no purpose, without faith, we have only an empty, meaningless existence. I've returned to the faith of my youth, and I am using Jesus as my compass, sounding board and my rock. He's with us if we call on him. He never left me; he just sat on idle until I woke up again. His patience with me and his calm presence is what will be making this next chapter easier and more fulfilling.
