Healing and Moving On
MY BODY IS HEALING
Cancer has been an opportunity for me to evaluate my life, make some changes, learn to enjoy life, and make the remaining moments of my life count. For two years, I had to monitor my thoughts and actions to identify what it would take to heal, and it all came down to de-stressing. I stood back and watched myself in third person; every day, month after month. I needed to see who I was and how I handled things. Each day I had to stop unhealthy thoughts and actions in their tracks and implement healthier ones. Unfortunately, I needed an up-close look at death to have the motivation to change; yet I am proud of the progress I have made. I don’t think I ever would have been able to observe myself had it not been for a cancer diagnosis.
Ultimately, I realized where I have been on the right track and where I needed to tweak things to be more focused on the purpose God has for my remaining days on this earth. I have learned not to look back, except to be grateful for the things I have learned up to this point. I can use those experiences to make a difference in my life and in the lives of others.
I am so encouraged by the positive changes in my physical health, which have no doubt positively affected my emotional and mental health as well. Of course I keep a list, and every time I add another positive item to the list, I smile and thank the Lord. I am so confident about my path forward.
Blood pressure is normal for the first time (it was always extremely low).
Body composition is optimal.
Body temperature is normal (it was always low).
Chronic hip and back pain are gone.
Digestive health is optimal.
Energy is more steady throughout the day, but I manage this unlimited energy correctly.
Hair is healthier, not falling out, and is not turning grey as fast. :)
Hunger is back, and I'm eating several times a day.
Mood is joyful and calm.
Muscular strength has increased.
Nodules on both my neck and thyroid shrunk over time and are now not visible on ultrasounds.
Sleep is deep and restful.
Weight is healthy and sustained.
Stress is truly being managed for the first time in my life. I'm removing unhealthy stressors, giving myself permission to rest, and I practice de-stressing in a number of other ways.
LEARNING TO ENJOY LIFE
I love this quote shared by Jeanne Wallace, Ph.D., C.N.C., in the book Hope Never Dies, about her mom's journey with cancer. "Don't let cancer take over your life. A wise woman with invasive bladder cancer, my mom, shared with our Facebook community her unique strategy for effectively managing the stress: 'I am only going to have cancer before noon. It is too exhausting to be a cancer patient all day. Therefore, all cancer business must be accomplished before noon, and will have to be squeezed in before or after my hike.’”
Figuring out how NOT to live like a cancer patient and make it my identity was very hard at first because I’m an all or nothing person. I am also a very proactive person, so I was afraid to let my guard down — in regard to my own health or taking care of my family. Ultimately, I realized I needed to give this daily overwhelm to the Lord and let Him fill my days with peace, joy, and laughter.
YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. ”
Joel and I reached a point where we were burned out on medical appointments. For over a year, we went to holistic CAM treatments three days a week, and we were worn out! Our veins were collapsing after so many IV therapies. We decided to stop, work on our non-negotiables (I also refer to these as the basics of my health routine), and enjoy life. It was the best decision for us. We go to our oncology appointments and pick and choose anything extra that we want to add in, like acupuncture. But life is more simple, fun, and focused on a few simple disciplines practiced every day like a healthy diet and exercise.
What are your strengths (the things that are easy for you), and what are your areas of weakness? For me, eating and exercising are easier than drinking water, de-stressing, and sleeping enough. I believe identifying your weaknesses is step one; then you know what areas need work and which habits need to be formed.
Write down the things you want to focus on (your health routine), and practice until it becomes habit. Set reminders on your phone for the important tasks that need to get done throughout the day. If you are struggling with forming a strong health routine, then figure out what will help you adhere to lifestyle habits. For instance, hire a personal trainer to motivate you with exercise, or hire a friend to come and help you chop vegetables, etc. As a former personal trainer, I know how to exercise on my own, but I wanted and needed motivation to challenge myself with strength training, so I hired a professional and it was one of the best investments I made in my health.
Whatever you choose to incorporate into your daily routine, be sure you are approaching it positively. Eliminate things from your schedule that cause stress, especially if they aren’t imperative and if they are negatively impacting your health. Remember that your new routine needs to include the non-negotiable habits. There are a lot of negotiables habits, and you can decide which of those are most important to you.
MY DAILY NON-NEGOTIABLES
Bible study and prayer
Diet
Hydration
De-stressing
Deep breathing
Laughter
Relaxation
Sunlight
Exercise
Sleep