CURRICULUM WRITING, EDITING and CONSULTING
My Cancer Journey - It Wasn't ALL About Me
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BELIEVE ME - LIFE Happens!
With its ups and oops moments, complete with starts without finishes, unfulfilled dreams, and outright undefinable experiences, LIFE Happens. Cancer became my undefinable experience. This journey took me to the Book of Ruth. I invite you, my audience, to follow me on my journey.
My Cancer Journey - Nonscripted
From the Beginning
Cancer DOES NOT Care
The disease, cancer, strikes at any time of the day and is not deterred by gender, age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. In some cases, a cancer patient is found to be asymptomatic, which was my situation. Cancer was discovered during a laparoscopic procedure.
Cancer DOES NOT Care
Cancer DOES NOT Care
All the education, training, and career experiences are no match for CANCER. There is no degree of immunity.
Before Surgery
Before scheduled surgery, I underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, scheduled every 21 days. Lab studies preceded every session. An injection three days following each session to encourage the rebuilding of white blood cells took place following sessions 2 - 6. During three sessions, I received magnesium to raise levels that had decreased due to chemo.
My Chemo Team
Managing the rigors of treatments is a TEAM effort. Don't ever believe you can make this journey alone.
After Surgery
Surgery took place on February 13, 2025, followed by two nights in the hospital. I received support from my family and church members. A prayer vigil with my family, my church family, and close friends had begun on February 10, 2025. My Pastor had a prayer with me in the staging area on the day of surgery.
Living Victoriously - Cancer does not Define You
My mission is to thrive, not just survive, a battle with cancer. How is that done? I keep a positive attitude with a smile while living victoriously through physical challenges associated with recovery, maintaining an active lifestyle, eating healthy, and with setbacks from side effects caused by cancer-fighting drugs. I remain transparen
My mission is to thrive, not just survive, a battle with cancer. How is that done? I keep a positive attitude with a smile while living victoriously through physical challenges associated with recovery, maintaining an active lifestyle, eating healthy, and with setbacks from side effects caused by cancer-fighting drugs. I remain transparent about my feelings, seeking opportunities to share to encourage others.
Life Changes
Post-Surgery
Healthy eating is key to a journey with cancer. A cancer patient is encouraged to eat a diet integrated with protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fiber, and water. Snacking is allowed. Yes, you can still enjoy that Snickers candy bar or chocolate chip cookies. However, the practice called moderation is key when snacking. I had to learn that sugar and salt are NOT actual food groups.
Post-Surgery
Post-Surgery
The decision was made to resume chemo sessions and post-chemo injections following surgery that confirmed each organ removed contained cancerous cells.
An Attitude of Gratitude
An Attitude of Gratitude
During this journey, I wanted to stay in touch with my feelings. I maintained a journal and developed a podcast, My Cancer Journey told through Scripture- It Wasn't ALL about Me.
My "Tones"
An Attitude of Gratitude
Side effects accompany some cancer treatments that everyone will not experience. My journey includes hearing loss, which sometimes makes it difficult to understand spoken words with clarity. Chemicals used to kill cancer cells also kill hair. Hair is found in the inner ear. Hair in the ear converts sound, sending signals to the brain, giv
Side effects accompany some cancer treatments that everyone will not experience. My journey includes hearing loss, which sometimes makes it difficult to understand spoken words with clarity. Chemicals used to kill cancer cells also kill hair. Hair is found in the inner ear. Hair in the ear converts sound, sending signals to the brain, giving us the ability to hear. No worries; I get help with My Tones.
The JOURNEY, my life with CANCER Continues
What is next is less critical than embracing the idea that cancer cells are still present and, through prescriptive methods, are still being fought. I have not lost hope and find strength in knowing that God remains in control of the outcome.
THE GOAL
Ringing the bell following completion of chemo sessions was fulfilling. However, focusing more on thriving is the ultimate goal. My journey has not ended. Finishing the assignment that God gave me to encourage others is part of the goal. Another podcast is planned and will begin in the fall.
Residual Treatment Phase - My Story's Next Chapter
Therapy for emotional health through transparency and regular journaling
Therapy for spiritual (seeking a guaranteed source of strength)
Monitoring weight & BP, taking prescribed medications, listening to my body, maintaining healthy eating habits
Food for brain health
Keeping scheduled appointments (there are many)
Weekly blood draw for decisions about treatment
Infusion of fluid to improve kidney function (side effect from medication)
Staying active physically
Regular exercise
Focusing on others, less on the condition