Month: March 2018

When you first receive a cancer diagnosis, there is so much that goes through your mind: Am I going to die, how long will I suffer, what about my family, who do I tell first, how I tell my family, etc. Everyone does not have the same feelings, and everyone does not handle it the same way, but these were my first thoughts. Would I live to see my son graduate high school, college? Will I see Christmas? My mind was so cluttered with negative thoughts. This was all while still on the phone with my doctor, who I am sure said more to me than I heard! When I came to, we began talking about possible treatments, not in detail, but enough to think about. We would meet in a week to discuss options and next steps. I was overwhelmed with too many thoughts, so I just put it in the back of my mind like old shoes in the back of the closet! What next…

What next? After school, I went to the internet…WRONG THING TO DO! If I wasn’t already overwhelmed enough, I surely pushed myself over the edge! I started with mortality rates, life span of cancer patients, everything negative. I moved to various treatments, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery. Then I researched the various types of breast cancer, treatment centers in Georgia and in other states, testimonies of women with cancer and those in remission, and so on and so forth. It was a battle beyond my brain’s capacity!  

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, here are some ways to increase your knowledge without increasing your stress:

1. Before you go to your doctor/oncologist for the first time, write a list of honest questions you would like answered. Don’t be afraid to ask anything you want. At this point, the doctor is there for you.

2. Ask for information about everything the doctor discusses with you. Brochures, literature about medications, treatments, etc.

3. Make sure you know how often and how long treatments will last. Make sure you continue to live and enjoy life as much as you can. Treatments will make you tired and sometimes sick. I scheduled my treatments on a Friday, so I would have time to rest and honestly, not miss so many days of work (I’m a teacher!). For me, the first two days after treatments were fine, however, the third day was a charm! The weekends kept me stress free!

4. Do not look at mortality rates, or other patients and their progress or demise. Everyone responds to treatment differently depending on age, prior health, family health history, and so many other factors.
5. If you must go to Google, try to stick with what your doctor has provided you with. For example, when you know your diagnosis, research that type of breast cancer and the treatment options. When you know the medicine you will have to take, research the side effects, etc.

6. Finally, relax! A breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. Continue to live, love, laugh and do the best you can to be positive.
My Cancer Wisdom to You: Begin with the link below about breast cancer. There are a few tidbits to start you on your search for answers and information. But still remember…do not get overwhelmed! When in doubt, ask your doctor.

https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/breast_cancer.pdf

 Today is a personal milestone for me.  Most celebrate 21years, 30 or 40 years, 50, etc.  Well, at the age of 47, I am still standing and think that’s something to celebrate.  It’s my birthday, I’m alive and I’m stronger than I’ve been in years.  The sun shines behind me as if the Angels from Heaven are giving me light, the spotlight, allowing me to shine despite my trials and tribulations.

I looked in the mirror today, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like myself, like Michele.  Although my hair has transitioned from natural to braids and natural again and I have scars upon my chest and abdomen like tattoos on a sailor, I felt like myself.  I looked in that mirror and thought, I made it through and I’m getting back to my real self.  Now the real work begins!  Healthy eating, exercising, and taking better care of myself.  Accepting my new normal and helping others do the same. I’m going to smell the roses while I can and “…take a little time to enjoy the view!”

I don’t make New Year Resolutions any more.  Two years ago, at 45, I decided to make commitments as I am able to celebrate another year of life.  This year, I am committed to educate our community.  Educating young women about self-care and breast health, educating parents about nutrition and how it relates to achievement and good health for the future of their children, educating parents and students of the importance of education from beginning to career, college and beyond.  I am committed to raising awareness of the various types of breast cancer and how we can be vigilant women, know our numbers, and our family health history.  I’m committed to stretch, be a better person, woman, wife, mother, family member and friend.  I am committed to giving my all!  My ultimate commitment is to inspire others through the work I do, the moves I make and the words I choose to speak.

My Cancer Wisdom to You: