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This is my 13th year of my cancer journey and I wish that I had been as astute back then as I am today. Over the years I have learnt to conquer my fear, live more in the present because I can’t change the past, live with no regrets, and be more proactive with my health, mindset, and future.
I’ve trusted that my specialists have been giving me the best advice and looking after me but now I feel as though I am in charge and while my cancer journey has changed I have a bright and happy future full of love and care from my closest team members. They all help me and have my back when the going gets tough.
From my experience – I have listed the 10 tips that have been my go-to when I need to remind myself to keep on the path of healing:
Take your time to make big decisions on your treatment. It’s rare to have to make a snap decision once you have learnt your diagnosis. Ask lots of questions from your doctors and ask how much time you have, before you can make an educated decision on your proposed treatment plan. That will give you time to think clearly and discuss it with those who love and support you.
Do your own research. Do you have any friends or family going through something similar? In my case, it was my thyroid which had a cancerous tumour in it. I didn’t really know what my thyroid did in my body. Start increasing your knowledge of what you are facing. Having that knowledge takes away some of the fear associated with your diagnosis.
Collect your own “A” team of people to help you. Obviously, your specialist, your general practitioner, your partner, your friends, your family, your yoga teacher, a naturopath, a health coach, and there are many more people I can think of. Whoever they are – they must love you, be honest with you, hold your hand when the going gets tough, and give you a kick up the bum when you need it. The more the merrier. I have 12 people in my “A” team including my business coach and neighbour – who bless his heart mows my lawn for me when I am not well.
Keep a journal. I have a health journal, a prayer journal, and a gratitude journal. The health journal is my brain's trust. It is a great reference when I need to look it up to discuss something with my doctor or specialists. I have the dates, symptoms, and daily feelings easy to access when I need it. With my treatments giving me massive brain fog and causing a series of mini TIA’s (transient ischemic attacks) I often lost track of days during my treatments. It was great to have health issues documented to refer to.
Eat well! Look at how you can improve what you eat and how you eat. Fighting cancer is a tough gig and you need to fuel your body with what it needs to keep you well and healthy. I’ll mention that more in future blogs but my strategy was to go organic and detox my body from the inside out.
Sleep well! Get those 8 hours in every night. Your body needs them to help heal itself. It needs to rest and rejuvenate to fight another day. Don’t deprive it of what it needs.
Breathe! Big breaths help when the going gets tough. Make it a daily habit to take time out to give your body some serious oxygen therapy.
Exercise out in the fresh air every day! Make it part of your daily routine. It takes your mind to another place and getting out and about is good for your soul. I walk every day with my dog, swim twice a week, and do a daily chair yoga program. Any that you like is better for you.
Meditate – yes this was new to me but I love my meditation sessions now. It puts me in a better place to conquer the world.
Ground yourself once a day to take advantage of what the earth can give you to help you heal. Kick off your shoes, stand on the earth, and connect with it. I do this every night before bed. Standing outside and looking up at the stars is very healing. Give it a try.
My cancer journey is a long one and I’m proud of the way I have walked it with grace and humility. I hope that this will help you on yours.
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