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Every survivor has a story and every story is unique.
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Three little birds
Bob Marley’s song was my inspiration and my hope, symbolizing my 3 children I needed to live for…
In 2008, the unthinkable happened, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. I was a single mother of 3 children ranging in age from 9 to 20. By some miracle, lots of support and great doctors, I am alive today to talk about my journey. Or as my youngest diagnosed, I how the lucky cancer.
I hope my story is an inspiration to all of you who are battling or are cleaning up the mess cancer treatment left behind. This is referred to us survivors as our “new normal”.
This is not just about survivors…
Many people are still in the trenches fighting. Everything you do today can help to bring the best possible outcome. The goal is to win and worry about the rest later. Our stories can inspire and inform others about the most productive course of action.
How do I know where to start?
Every cancer has a different type of treatment and many alternatives and places who can offer us care.
90% of the battle is positive attitude
Don’t underestimate the power of believing. The cancer ultimately decides, but your conviction of a win can work miracles.
Advocate, advocate, advocate
If something doesn’t feel right, always question. You know your body and can usually tell if something doesn’t feel right. Advocate.
Act with urgency
Cancer doesn’t take breaks. If you sense something’s wrong, don’t rest until you have an answer. Cancer cells are working overtime in your body. Some grow faster than others, but they will take over eventually. Mine was a small cell carcinoma which is an aggressive little bugger. This one will dominate all other cells around it, and will win. Your life depends on acting with urgency.
As I waited in a coffee shop for results, I called my doctor until she had an answer. I was poised to pounce. I didn’t know what I was going to do next, but I was near the hospital and planned to do something. What followed is my story.
Wellness resources
For those of you that went through treatment and survived, there are many complications that you have to face. A very important consideration is where you will receive after cancer care. Traditional doctors aren’t familiar with some of our new health conditions post cancer. The oncologists and specialists who saved us are saving new lives. We are left stranded without the comprehensive after care needed for each of our unique conditions. It’s difficult to know what kind of medical care we need and are left to addressing each next crisis as they develop.
Explore Our Blog
5 Essential Post-Cancer Care Resources for Survivors
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Navigating Life After Cancer: Inspiring Survivor Stories
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Ask the Experts: Your Post-Cancer Questions Answered
Have questions about post-cancer care? Our team of experts is here[…]
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My insights are not a one-size-fits-all, but my hope is to build a community where others may have experiences to share that can help.
Three things that I know to be true are that a positive attitude can only help, advocating is imperative, and urgency brings the best possible outcomes.