STAYING STRONG DURING YOUR CANCER JOURNEY!
LIFE CHANGING MOMENT
"I am so sorry to inform you, but your test results confirm you have cancer!"
A single moment can change our lives in ways we cannot imagine. Hearing my doctor give me the diagnosis I had cancer was a moment in my life that is seared into my memory forever! It was a chilly day in April 2019 and when I heard I had cancer I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. I had no idea what to expect or how to cope with the diagnosis. After working through the initial shock I began to research treatments and lifestyle changes that I could make to help my body fight the cancer. My journey had begun!
FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND!
It was during this time of adjusting to my new reality of having cancer that I heard my pastor teach on the importance of never giving up. He told a story of a man named Gentleman Jim Corbet. On September 7, 1892, Corbett won the World Heavyweight Championship by knocking out John Sullivan in the 21st round. A reporter asked Corbett what it took to become a champion and his response became my battle cry. Corbett responded.
“Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round – remembering that the man who always fights one more round is never whipped.”
― James Corbett
After hearing this story it was then that I realized I had a choice. I could let the fear of the unknown control me or I could take charge of my cancer journey by leaning on my faith in God and make the decision every day to FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND!
THE JOURNEY!
The journey to beating cancer is a long one, but it's important to take it one day at a time. It's essential to have a positive attitude and to focus on what you can do today to help you reach your goal of beating cancer. It's important to focus on the small victories, like completing a treatment or getting through a tough day. When dealing with a difficult moment in treatment, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, it is important to remember that every day is a new opportunity to fight one more round.
HELPFUL TIPS
Staying positive can be a challenge during a cancer journey, but it is possible. Here are a few tips to help you remain positive:
1. GET PLENTY of REST: Make sure to get enough sleep and rest whenever possible.
2. EAT HEALTHY: Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help you stay strong throughout treatment.
3. EXERCISE: Regular exercise can help boost your mood and energy levels.
4. STAY CONNECTED: Reach out to family and friends for support or join a support group for people with cancer.
5. ASK FOR HELP: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s from your doctor, family, or friends.
6. STAY POSITIVE: Positive thinking and maintaining a hopeful outlook can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery.
7. TAKE CONTROL - take control of your treatment plan and make decisions that are best for you.
8. FIND POSITIVE DISTRACTIONS - make time for activities that bring you joy and help you take your mind off of your diagnosis.
9. SEEK OUT RESOURCES - take advantage of support groups, online forums, and counseling to help you through the process.
10. LEARN - explore new opportunities and learn something new during your journey.
CONCLUSION: WHAT A JOURNEY!
As a two-time Head and Neck Cancer Survivor, I know firsthand the physical and emotional side effects of fighting the disease. During eighteen months, I had two major surgeries, sixty radiation treatments, and several cycles of chemotherapy. There were days when it seemed the journey and pain of treatment would never end. At times, it was overwhelming!
Going through cancer twice was grueling! However, I learned to deal with the demands of treatment and the challenges of recovery through faith and fitness! I have found no greater peace than leaning on Jesus and, the daily challenges of cancer side effects are a lot easier to cope with after a good workout! No matter the challenges I face I have made it my mission to answer the bell each day and FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND!
Fighting cancer can be a long and difficult journey, but it is important to never give up. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, never give up and remain positive. Find strength and courage in the people who love and support you and use that to fuel your fight. Believe in yourself and never give up, even when it seems like there's nothing left to fight for. Remind yourself that you are stronger than cancer and that you can fight one more round. With faith and determination, you can beat this journey.