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 Journey (nonscripted)
Cancer DOES NOT Care
All the education, training, and career experiences together are no match for CANCER.
There is no degree of immunity.
From the Beginning
The disease, cancer, strikes at any time of the day, unfettered by gender, age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. In some cases, a cancer patient is asymptomatic, which was my case. Cancer was discovered during a laparoscopic procedure.
Before Surgery
Chemotherapy is scheduled every 21 days, with Lab studies preceding every session. An injection was administered three days later to help rebuild white blood cells. Magnesium was administered intravenously 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.
Post 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, church family, and close friends had begun on February 10, 2025. My Pastor prayed with me in the staging area the day of surgery.
The Goal
Ringing the bell 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.
Thriving over striving
My mission is to thrive, not just survive. 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.
An Attitude of Gratitude
I wanted to stay in touch with my feelings by maintaining a journal and developing a podcast.
"My Cancer Journey told through Scripture- It Wasn't ALL about Me."
Life Changes
Healthy eating is key. 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 candy bars and chocolate chip cookies.
However, the practice of moderation is key when snacking. I had to learn that sugar and salt are NOT actual food groups.
Emotional, physical, and spiritual Health
Emotional, physical, and spiritual Health
The inconvenience of cancer drains me emotionally, spiritually, and physically. But I find peace staying in the Word of God. I exercise my mind through puzzles. Physically, I maintain an exercise routine.
Self monitoring
Emotional, physical, and spiritual Health
Recognizing Side Effects from Treatment
Monitoring includes BP readings, weight management, taking prescribed medicine and supplements, and, of course drinking plenty of water.
Recognizing Side Effects from Treatment
Emotional, physical, and spiritual Health
Recognizing Side Effects from Treatment
Side effects, not necessarily a part of everyone's experience, accompany some cancer treatments. My journey includes hearing loss, at times making 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.