Archives

It’s a Beautiful Day!

As my journey fighting cancer continues, I find myself more conscious of God’s grace in waking me up each day. The gift that I’ve been given from this challenge is the opportunity to appreciate, enjoy and live each day with purpose and without fear. Fear is a thief. It robs us of the opportunity to stand in the moment and forces us to focus on the past and future instead of the now.

I tell my family that going through this is really God’s love. He loves me so much that he wants me to go to the next level of awareness. To stretch and fully treasure my life and those in it.

I haven’t seen or heard this powerful song from the Broadway play and film “Rent” in numerous years and was caught off guard when listening as the tears began to stream down my face. The words still ring true and my emotion is still very real.

Tomorrow is not promised so there is – “No Day But Today.”

Emotions – The Joy of Sadness

A common denominator for us all? – Emotions. I’ve learned over time to respect all my feelings. We have them for a reason and it’s okay to not have a perpetual smile on your face. It’s all about degrees. Without sadness, we wouldn’t appreciate the joy in our lives. I saw the Pixar movie “Inside Out” and loved it! It’s not just for kids, adults as well can learn a lot about how emotions affect us.

My heart went out to Sadness. For her, situations always seemed to go wrong. I’ve always felt that we’re conditioned to believe the only acceptable feeling is joy and the others, anger, fear and disgust are to be avoided. Even in the movie, Sadness tends to get a bad rap, but we need her. Plus, she’s so darn adorable!

I always try to remember that it’s okay to be sad sometimes. Just don’t forget to get back up again and celebrate joy!

Your Book is Still Unwritten👣

Music can be so therapeutic. It can lift your spirit or feed your melancholy. It creates a mood and can affect your state of mind.

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield reminds me that I’m still a work in progress and I get to write my own story!

Pure Imagination

One of my favorite films from childhood is “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I’m inspired by his belief that all things are possible, and with imagination whatever you dream can be. What a great philosophy and attitude to keep joy and a positive spirit in your life.

The next step in my journey is chemotherapy for colon cancer. I just completed radiation therapy for my breast cancer and that was a breeze. Twice a day for five days. Five and a half minutes of actual radiation. All I did was lay there on my side hooked up to the machine and listen to classic 70’s music. A little “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Croft, yes! The staff was great, especially Rachel who set me up and took care of me. No side effects. A little fatigue but that was it. Outstanding!

Now, time to take care of the colon cancer. Has to be chemo, no way around it, however, I’ve already claimed that I won’t have any side effects. Fatigue is all I will accept. Faith has gotten me this far, and I know it will deliver me the rest of the way.

Erase all Doubt

Met with my Oncologist today to review what to expect with Chemotherapy. After the meeting, I was given a tour of the Infusion Suite (where all the fun happens) which brings me back to pure imagination. Gonna be needing a lot of that because it’s the least warm space I’ve ever seen. Sure, there are lounge chairs, tvs and snacks but the energy is definitely lacking. I have to spend 8 hours twice a month for 6 months to receive my treatment – which in that room is going to be a challenge.

Cue the pure imagination Wonka! Take me there!

Inspiration – Believe

A mantra that I embrace is that attitude is everything. Living a conscious life with intention and purpose. We reap what we believe. We all have the ability to create the world we wish to live in. What you visualize, you internalize and what you internalize dictates what you realize.

“You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.”

My Journey

My Journey started with a routine Colonoscopy that resulted in a diagnosis of Colon Cancer. I had surgery on July 27, 2015. A month later I received the news that I also had Breast Cancer.

I feel calm, blessed and loved. God is walking with me every step of the way and the Lord is blessing and healing me right now.