Life After Cancer: Finding Meaning & Purpose

Photo by Patrick Fore

Now what?

Now that my scars have healed and my hair has grown back, what’s next?

Fighting cancer challenges your body, mind and spirit.

When treatment ends, we often find ourselves picking up the pieces of our lives we put on hold or were too exhausted to manage on top of staying alive.

Adjusting to life post-treatment can be just as challenging for our battle-weary bodies and minds.

One of the hardest parts about remission is learning how to bridge the great divide from patient to survivor.

After my treatment ended, all the emotions and fears I had been suppressing to get to remission seemed to boil over when there was finally space to process everything my body endured.

I wondered, how will I ever trust my body again?

I struggled to remain positive with all the ongoing uncertainty.

Soon the anger, depression, frustration and fear became so loud it was impossible to ignore.

I had to dig deeper into these shadowy aspects of myself and get to the root of these feelings to truly heal.

Now that the cancer left my body, it was time to focus on healing the invisible wounds the cancer left behind.

Therapy was incredibly helpful, but I was still struggling to find a constructive outlet.

I was feeling stuck.

I read several books that provided incredible insights, but something was still missing.

It wasn’t until I joined a support community and started journaling that something finally clicked.

Putting pen to paper helped me make sense of all the chatter in my mind.

Connecting with others in the community on a similar journey helped me identify my limiting beliefs and learn more about the trauma that has kept me stuck.

Instead of fearing what may come next, I’m learning to take back control by doing what I can to stay healthy and surrendering to the fact that the rest is simply in God’s hands.

It’s still a daily struggle, but I refuse to let my future be dictated by the fear of relapse or a new disease.  

Although we aren’t always able to control what happens to us, we can change the way we THINK about the negative events that happened to us.

And that is how we connect with our POWER and our PURPOSE.

I may not always view cancer as a gift, but it certainly has been a catalyst in my life, pushing me to make many necessary changes, from my health and fitness to my finances.  

Cancer will always be part of my story, but I refuse to let it be the whole story.

I get to decide how the rest plays out from here.

And as terrifying as that can be to embrace fully being alive, I’m so thankful I’m still here to watch how the rest of my story unfolds.

Treatment Update

I recently saw my oncologist for a six-month check-up.

It was the longest I went in-between visits since being diagnosed.

Now that I’m over three years in remission, I don’t need to be seen as often.

I still get nervous before every visit, but thankfully my exam and all my counts checked out, so there are no concerns at this time.

I also learned the results for the clinical trial I participated in at Northwestern were recently published. To date, I and all the other patients in the clinical trial continue to show no evidence of disease.

As difficult as treatment was, knowing that I was able to help advance cancer care by taking part in a clinical trial has helped me find purpose and meaning within the pain.

My oncologist continues to reassure me now that I have passed over two years in remission, my risk for relapse is about the same as the general population.

However, due to the risk of secondary cancers, cancer survivors under 40 are urged to get yearly skin cancer screenings because of radiation exposure during treatment and scans.

I had been putting off visiting the dermatologist, but I had a couple of moles that appeared to be changing after treatment, so I decided it was best to get a consult. Fortunately, the dermatologist had no concerns either at this time, so I am feeling very relieved.

Thank you for your ongoing support. As hard as it can be navigating the uncertainty that comes with cancer treatment and remission, I’m so grateful I don’t have to travel this journey alone.

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Join the Hope Warrior Community

Please check out the following resources if you’ve also been feeling stuck, disconnected, or would like some additional encouragement. I’ve found this program and support community incredibly helpful throughout my journey.  

Hope Warrior Academy

A 5-week virtual program, helping you focus on one key area and get to the root of why you’re stuck.   

Learn More

Support Community: Encouragement During Uncertain Times

This is a community of hope warriors who love reminding you of your worth and power to make positive change. In uncertainty, words of encouragement can make all the difference! This page is free to join and strictly for sharing hope, encouragement, and positivity.

Join Group

Climbing Beyond Cancer

Sunrise on top of Doe Mountain Trail in Sedona, Arizona

Surviving cancer is like hiking a mountain.

Your climb begins the day you’re diagnosed.

At first, a giant obstacle is all you see.

The challenge ahead seems impossible.

“How will I make it through this?” you wonder.

You don’t know how, but slowly you start putting one foot in front of the other.

Before long, you hardly recognize your surroundings.

Instead of counting by days and weeks, you start to measure time by the number of treatment cycles.

The life you left when you started this journey seems so distant now.

A series of uphill struggles led you to this point, but there isn’t always a clear-cut path.

Then you start to notice footprints scattered in the rocky dirt of those who came before you.

Although this journey can be lonely, knowing others have been in the same place and survived gives you hope.

You don’t know how you’ll make it to the other side.

The only certainty is you must keep moving.

This journey pushes you to your limits.

Bodily changes.

Emotional challenges.

Debilitating side effects.

You feel every emotion from grief and terror to a deep sense of determination.

You begin to question everything and every relationship in your life— especially your connection to God.

Many times, you feel like giving up.

But you keep showing up regardless of how you feel.

Surviving cancer is like hiking a mountain.

Little by little, you start making headway.

The journey down can be just as challenging as your climb.

Progress isn’t always obvious.

Sometimes, it’s a series of switchbacks that slowly direct you to where you need to be.

With the support of family and friends and knowledgeable doctors, you’ll find strength, courage and surprising beauty along the way.

You gain far more than you lose.

You earn a new perspective and foster a deep sense of knowing— you can face and survive— more than you ever imagined.

Getting Diagnosed with Dystonia

Remission doesn’t stop the effects of cancer.

When treatment ends, the battle turns from physical to mental, as you try to reclaim your health moving forward.

Although I’m now two years in remission, I still struggle with the fears of relapse.

 Each time I feel a sore muscle or unusual bump in my neck, my mind immediately jumps to the worse possible scenarios.

 “Is this cancer back?…this is exactly how you were feeling right before getting diagnosed.”

 One of the first things I noticed while looking in the mirror one day was one side of my neck was raised higher than the other.

For a while, I thought it was just a bad muscle knot. I had spent the last three years carrying my twins around, so some tightness and a few sore muscles were normal, right?

But my symptoms quickly grew worse.

I was extremely fatigued, and my hands and joints were so weak and sore I was losing mobility.

At first, one doctor believed I had early-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

But a few months later, I noticed a large bump near my collar bone.

Soon I learned I had Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma.

I responded well to treatment, but I still struggle with fears my cancer will return.

Thankfully, I have an excellent team of doctors and therapists who have been incredible at helping me cope with the effects of treatment. They patiently help reassure me I am still cancer-free, despite how hard the story in my mind tries to convince me otherwise.

Unfortunately, recent health challenges have made me more on edge.

Since treatment ended two years ago, I’ve dealt with several concerning health issues from irregular heart rate, vision changes, and frequent fainting. After a concussion in June, I’ve also been struggling with leg and hand spasms, chronic headaches, and extreme neck pain.

My neck was one of the main areas of lymphoma in my body, so it’s always been challenging to know if my residual neck pain is muscular, caused by enlarged lymph nodes or a result of my treatment.

Fortunately, recent scans showed I do not have a brain tumor as once feared, and my last scan in mid-September showed no evidence of lymphoma. I still have some enlarged lymph nodes in my neck, but my doctor believes that is most likely due to treatment and should lessen over time.

According to my oncologist, reaching two years in remission is a huge treatment milestone because now my change of relapse is about the same as the general population.

I’ve been doing my best to try to put the fears of relapse behind me, but I haven’t been able to shake the discomfort in my neck and some other troubling symptoms.

Getting diagnosed with dysautonomia and POTs last year helped explain some of my more concerning cardiac symptoms, but my chronic headaches and neck pain haven’t improved despite physical therapy and neuro rehab.

I’ve been unable to break my headache for more than a few hours each day.

I felt pretty discouraged until I came across a long-forgotten part of my family medical history a couple of weeks ago that gave me a clue to a potential cause of my chronic neck pain.

My chronic symptoms along with new family history led me to a related neurological movement disorder called cervical dystonia.

Cervical dystonia is a rare neurological disorder that causes painful neck spasms and abnormal head postures. It can also cause tremors and severe cramps in your hands and feet and impact your ability to speak.

Last week I was fortunate to get evaluated by a neurologist at Northwestern who confirmed I have dystonia. My doctor believes the dystonia was possibly caused by a combination of genetics, medications, and past surgeries in my neck area.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dystonia, and without proper treatment, it can sometimes get progressively worse.

Thankfully, there are several treatment options, and I believe this new diagnosis will help explain many of my troubling symptoms and chronic pain.  

For years I have struggled with a variety of complex medical issues.

Now that pieces of my medical puzzle are coming together, I feel a strange mix of validation and excitement to finally be on the verge of some relief.

Later this week, I am scheduled for my first set of Botox injections to help relieve the painful muscle spasms in my neck.

While the thought of multiple injections to my neck, back and shoulders is pretty terrifying, many patients have reported a lot of relief from a combination of Botox and physical therapy, so I am hoping for the best.

After all, a diagnosis can be a double-edged sword.

The upside is your struggle finally has a name and a possible game plan. The downside is a diagnosis can leave you feeling a bit discouraged, dependent on long-term care or, at worst, stigmatized by a label.

A diagnosis can lead to many possible outcomes. But it does not determine your worth or future success.

I am hopeful this diagnosis is simply the start of better days to come.

Learn more

Cervical Dystonia

Dysautonomia/POTs

Hodgkin Lymphoma Signs & Symptoms

My Treatment

Botulinum Toxin Injections for Dystonia

Hopeful Warrior Project Update  

Thanks to your generous support, I was able to donate 30 warrior bags to Northwestern’s Supportive Oncology Program at the end of September. It was the perfect way to celebrate being two-years cancer free and help support other cancer fighters at Lurie Cancer Center.

Click here to see pictures and learn more about the Hopeful Warrior Project.

Simple Ways to Support Someone During Their Cancer Fight

How do you support someone just diagnosed with cancer?

When someone you love gets diagnosed with cancer, you often wonder what you can do to help support them during such challenging times. The time between getting diagnosed to beginning treatment can range from a few weeks to a month or more. Knowing what to say or do to help support your loved one can be difficult, especially when their diagnosis and treatment plan is still unknown. As a recent cancer survivor, here are some simple and thoughtful ways to help and support someone during their cancer fight.

 1. Show Support on Treatment Days

Find out your friend or loved one’s treatment schedule and then work out a plan with other friends and family members to support them on their treatment days. Once treatment begins, it typically follows a predictable schedule. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles over several months. A series of cycles is called a course of treatment. Understand how many treatments they will require per cycle for their course of treatment. For example, during my chemotherapy, one cycle equaled two treatments. I had two weeks off in between chemo sessions. In total, my course of treatment included three months of immunotherapy, followed by six cycles (or twelve treatments) of AVD chemotherapy. It’s important to note, people respond differently to chemo so they may need extra support for a few days following treatment. For instance, I often felt the worst on day four after a chemo infusion. Work out a plan with other friends and family to help support them during treatment and in between cycles. Can you help with childcare or rides to treatment? Friends and family can also show support at a distance by all wearing the same color shirt or socks on treatment days.  

2. Organize a Meal Train

Websites and apps like Meal Train,  TakeThemaMeal, or Give InKind make it easy to organize a meal train with friends and family members to support someone during their cancer fight. You can enter likes, dislikes, food allergies, make a wish list, fundraise, and list the best times to drop off meals. Shared virtual calendars help you coordinate meal deliveries, and you can also send gift cards to local restaurants or food delivery services like GrubHub, DoorDash or UberEats.

3. Offer House Cleaning Services 

A clean home is of the biggest ways to help support a friend or loved one during their cancer journey. You and other family and friends could take turns cleaning their house or helping with laundry during treatment. If you can’t physically help clean, consider buying a cleaning package or gift certificate from a local cleaning service in their area. Cleaning services like Molly Maid and Merry Maid offer gift certificates and have locations nationwide. Many cleaning services have recently partnered Cleaning For A Reason to provide discounted pricing and services for cancer patients in the United States and Canada.  

4. Help with Grass-Cutting/Yard Clean-Up

Offer to mow your friend or loved one’s grass or help tidy up their yard or garden. Helping out as much as once or twice a month can make a huge difference. If you’re unable to help physically, consider hiring a lawn care service to help them care for their home while they are in treatment. Paying for gutter-cleaning or one-time fall or spring-clean up services through sites like Groupon is another great way to help a friend or loved one with home maintenance during their cancer fight.

5. Decorate Their Home to Show Support

Consider surprising your loved one before they begin treatment or during treatment milestones by decorating their yard or the outside of their home with lights, signs, and balloons to show support. You can find a great assortment of yard signs and lights on Etsy and Amazon.

6. Organize a Drive-by Parade

Drive-by parades are a great way to show support and let your friend or loved one know they aren’t fighting cancer alone. Consider planning a parade to encourage them before their first treatment to celebrate reaching remission or their final treatment.

Supporting Cancer Fighters from a Distance:

 How can you help or support your friend or loved one through their treatment, especially when you’re not able to be with them?

1. Call and Text Regularly 

Knowing what you need when you’re fighting cancer can be difficult. Your feelings and needs often change as you go through treatment. Make sure to call or text your friend or loved one regularly to let them know you are thinking of them and wishing them well. Messaging them throughout their treatment can make a huge impact. Research shows prayer and a strong support system can greatly improve treatment outcomes.

2. Send a Card

Mail your friend or loved one a card or send a virtual greeting card to help brighten their day and lift their spirits. Knowing what to say or write to someone diagnosed with cancer can be difficult, but there are many great sites like Live Better With and Not Another Bunch of Flowers that have the perfect messages to uplift and inspire the fighter in your life. Soul Lite Cards will mail complimentary hand-made art or photo cards to your friend or loved one. You can contact Soul Light Cards through email, Instagram, or Facebook to receive a card or send one to a friend or family member.

3. Grocery Gift Cards & Meal Delivery Services 

One of the last things a cancer fighter should have to worry about is their meals or how they will pay for their family’s grocery bill. Consider sending a gift cards for a local grocery store or gifting a subscription to a grocery delivery service like Shipt, InstaCart, Thrive Market, or Fresh Direct.

4. Send a Care Package

While you can’t change your loved one’s diagnosis or treatment, you can do something to make that process a little more enjoyable, especially when they are facing chemotherapy. Chemo treatments can be long, tiring, and uncomfortable. By putting together a cancer care package, you can stand by your loved one going through treatment. Warm blankets and socks, lip balm, lotions, headwear, and personalized water bottles are wonderful items to include in a cancer care package. Organizations like Battle Cap Project, Warrior Bags, Tenaciously Teal, Lemons of Love, and Chemo Kits offer various care packages you can send a friend or loved one. Click here for a list of organizations currently providing free cancer care packages.   

5. Gift Streaming or Subscription Services

Chemotherapy sessions can typically last for hours. Some of my favorite things to do during treatment were to listen to audiobooks, read, or watch movies. Consider sending an Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, or Audible membership. Audible members can also easily send others books or credits to enjoy free audiobooks, even if the recipient is not a current Audible user.  

Knowing what to say to a friend or loved one diagnosed with cancer can be difficult, but it’s important to remember they will need continual support beyond their initial diagnosis. At the beginning of an illness, there tends to be a flood of support, and then it begins to trickle. It’s important to remember that the help is not just needed when a person is in the hospital or active treatment. The effects of cancer can last well into remission and long after treatment has ended. 

Remember that there are no rules when it comes to supporting your friend or loved one through cancer. Although you may feel uncomfortable or even scared, make sure to treat your friend or loved one the same way you treated them before the diagnosis. No matter how you reach out, whether it’s in person by phone, email, or text, what you say and how you say it—it’s important to reassure your friend or loved one they aren’t in this fight alone. 

Cancer Support & Care Package Organizations Quick Links:

Here are some great charitable organizations to check out for cancer care packages and more.

Cleaning For A Reason

Live Better With

Not Another Bunch of Flowers

Battle Cap Project

Soul Lite Cards

Lemons of Love

Chemo Kits

Tenaciously Teal

Warrior Bags

Give InKind

Learn more about my efforts to help support other cancer fighters through the Hopeful Warrior Project.

Visit my Resources page for more information to help support you or a loved one during their cancer journey.

Looking Back: 7 Lessons I Learned Fighting Cancer

Looking back on things, the view always improves.

Two years ago today, I finished chemo.

 It’s one of those anniversaries you want so much to celebrate but also forget. 

 I’ll always remember the thoughts racing through my head as I feverishly rang the bell I brought from home to help mark the end of my treatment. 

My body was weary from battling cancer for 9 months, but my spirit was ready to reach the finish line and celebrate my hard-won victory. 

Reaching the end of treatment is a huge milestone. 

Although I had reached remission months earlier—now I finally felt like I could take a breath and celebrate beating cancer. 

As treatment went on, I silently wondered how much more I could take.

I worried how much worse the side effects would be as time went on.

Nausea. Pain. Fatigue. 

“What if it gets worse?” kept echoing in my head. 

I thought the feeling of uneasiness would end once I reached remission.

I hoped the dread would dissipate once treatment ended. 

It didn’t.

The worry simply comes out in different ways now.

It’s the anticipation of watching my hair grow back.

It’s the anxiety that proceeds my doctor visits.

It’s the crippling dread that follows any unusual symptoms. 

I’m cancer two-years post-treatment and while I’m now cancer-free—my mind is never free from worry about cancer. 

Although I want to put the memory of my treatment in the past, this cancerversary is an important marker to celebrate because it’s a reminder of just how far I’ve come. 

As much as I want to forget cancer was ever a part of my life, I believe helping other cancer fighters is one the best ways to honor this treatment milestone.

Looking back on these last two years in remission, here are my seven biggest lessons from cancer: 

1.     Think of your illness in terms of waves not war. 

Battling chronic illness is often related to going to war. We are called fighters and warriors. However, while the war-torn feeling and adrenaline from constant fighting resonate with many—life isn’t always about fighting. It’s important to think of your illness in terms of waves not war. There will be ups and downs. Chaos and calm. Uncertain. Unpredictable. Uncomfortable times. But learning to navigate this new life builds resilience. After all, we all may face the same stormy seas in time, but we are not in the same boat. 

2.     Cancer treatment is constantly evolving. 

Cancer treatment has come a long way. Now, new developments like immunotherapy are changing how cancer is treated. Take the time to research your options and available clinical trials. It’s important to remember cancer treatment affects everyone differently. Some people lose all their hair. Others may not. Some people experience many difficult side effects. Others deal with very few. Although I lost my hair and felt extremely weak at times, I was still able to work part-time and care for my three children.

3.     Never be afraid to get a second opinion. 

There is no one-size-fits all approach to health. There is not always one answer to every issue. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for everyone. It’s so important to be your own health advocate. Never be afraid to ask questions. Your diagnosis may not always be correct. You shouldn’t feel rushed to decide about treatment, even when your health challenge is severe. You’ll never regret getting a second opinion. At the very least, it may simply confirm your treatment choices and give you peace of mind.  

4.     Build a support network. 

Being chronically ill or going through cancer treatment can be one of the loneliest experiences in the world. While you may feel alone at times, focus on building a strong support network around you — family, friends, partners, doctors, psychologist etc. Find doctors and other health professionals you can trust and consult with during treatment and beyond. A strong support network is critical because you will continuously have to communicate with them and lean on them during uncertain times. 

5.     Connect with other survivors. 

Social media platforms like Facebook can be a great way to connect with other cancer fighters. One of the best things I did shortly after getting diagnosed was to join an online support group. There, I was able to ask other fighters questions that my doctor couldn’t necessarily answer like how to break the news to friends and family, why I should get a port for treatment and the best way to prepare for my first chemo. Simply type in your health challenge or cancer type in the search bar on Facebook, and you will find different support groups to join. Now, Facebook groups also include the ability to connect with others directly for one-on-one mentoring through the messenger app. Outside of social media, Imerman Angels and I Had Cancer are great ways to connect with others and find additional one-on-one support. Getting connected with other fighters and reading the stories of other survivors gave me the added hope that one day I will reach remission too. 

6.     Focus on what you can control. 

In times of great stress and uncertainty, it’s easy to feel helpless and even hopeless. But it’s important to ask yourself, what’s most likely to affect you? What can you control, and what is impossible to control? Keep asking yourselves these questions. I’ve found the key to coping with anxiety and uncertainty is learning to focus on what you can control. Try to use your thoughts as an anchor. It’s important to be aware of all sides of a situation but only pay attention to the things you can directly control. Feeling overwhelmed? Start by organizing the space around you. Feeling stuck? Move your body. Feeling depressed? Get out in nature. You may not always be able to change your situation, but you can always focus on the things you can control.  

7.     Staying grateful and curious helps you find the silver lining. 

It is normal to think there’s no hope. No better tomorrow. To want the pain to end. It’s understandable to worry if things will keep getting worse. But I’ve found gratitude and curiosity are the best cures for uncertainty. As difficult and challenging battling cancer was, there was always something to be grateful for, even on my worst days. A warm blanket, fuzzy socks, a text from a friend—taking the time to write down 5-10 things you are grateful each day is a great way to stay positive and shift your perspective. Staying mindful of the words you use to describe your situation is also important. When you become aware of the words and phrases you are using, it becomes easier to spot negative thoughts and rephrase them into more positive ones.  

 Two years later, my treatment is starting to feel like a lifetime ago. 

While the worry and dread are still there—things are starting to change. Now, instead of wondering if things will keep getting worse, I’m asking myself if this is simply the start of things getting better. 

Hopeful Warrior Project Update:

I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on the warrior bags I will be delivering to newly diagnosed cancer patients at Northwestern later this month. Thank you to all those who sponsored a bag as part of my Hopeful Warrior Project. Because of your generosity, I was able to put together over 30 warrior bags. Learn more and see more pics here.

Related Posts:

Ringing the Bell: Celebrating Milestones During Treatment

10 Tips for the Newly Diagnosed

Immunotherapy Nearly Cleared My Stage 3 Cancer Before Chemo

Port Side & Leaving My Comfort Zone

My chest port has made treatment, hospital stays, and blood draws easier—but it is also a constant reminder of cancer.

My chest port has been a lifesaver in more ways than one.

It has made treatment, hospital stays, and blood draws easier—but it is also a constant reminder of cancer.

The bump just beneath my collar bone is often strategically covered by my shirt, swimsuit or dress so you can hardly notice it.

But I know it’s there, and so do my kids.

As much as my port has helped me, it still reminds my kids of cancer.

My port makes them cautious to hug me and reminds them of those scary times when mom was too ill to be with them.

I try to put on a brave face and show my kids that cancer—like any challenge—can be an opportunity for growth.

I made a point to not let having a chest port interrupt my ability to have fun or be active.

 Since getting my port, I’ve played volleyball, gone swimming in pools and lakes, and even went on a Slip-N-Slide.

But now that I’m nearing two years since my last treatment, it’s time to get my chest port removed.

It’s a big milestone and a big step forward in my remission.

Before I began treatment in 2017, other cancer fighters urged me to get a chest port to help make my chemotherapy infusions easier on my veins.

It was not an easy decision because it required surgery to place the port-a-catheter in my chest and requires another surgical procedure to remove.

I have a difficult time with medical procedures and tend to pass out giving blood, so I was extremely worried about how I would be able to tolerate the procedure and months of treatment.

I’ll never forget how just reading about the Power Port I was going to have implanted in my chest caused me to pass out.

My body felt so fragile.

I wondered how much more I could take.

I doubted my strength.

I was so scared.

But my chest port ended up being one of the best decisions I made.

I put a numbing cream on before my port gets accessed, so I hardly feel it.

I found my chest port so helpful during treatment that I still have it in over two years into remission.

While my port was once a sign of illness and cancer, it has slowly grown into a vivid reminder of my power to overcome any challenge.

It’s taken me most of my life to become comfortable in my skin.

It took getting cancer for me to realize my strength and see beauty where I once only saw scars.

Since having my three kids and battling cancer, my waistline and appearance have changed so much—at times, I hardly recognize the new me.

It has been a journey learning to love my curves and see my scars as beautiful.
Cancer has helped me see my body in a whole new light.
Pain has an uncanny way of pointing your attention to what truly matters.

Cancer pushed me out of my deeply rooted comfort zone and helped me learn to accept the unknown and be at peace with great uncertainty.

Watching my body rapidly change and become scattered with scars and losing my hair during treatment was the start of my self-acceptance and greater self-love.

After all, feeling beautiful has nothing to do with what you look like.

True beauty radiates from within.

My port may be a sign I had cancer, but in the end, it’s a reminder cancer never really had me.

Learn More

What Is an Implantable Port?

What is a Chemo Port and Why You Will Want One

Knowledge Is Power: Be Your Own Health Advocate

“There is no wealth like knowledge, no poverty like ignorance.” Buddha

Knowledge is power, but information can be a double-edged sword.

After I was diagnosed with cancer, I was told not to dwell on the statistics.

I was told everyone responds differently, and endlessly researching every symptom and potential outcome will only increase my anxiety.

 I believe the same advice applies now too.

When you are dealing with life and death scenarios, information is critical.

Cancer taught me that the right information at the right time can make all the difference.

But can you ever really trust all the information that you read?

Can you ever really be sure you aren’t taking someone else’s opinion as fact?

No, I don’t believe you can.

That’s why you should always trust your gut.

Trusting my gut and constantly pushing for answers is a big reason I believe I am still here.

My cancer journey and numerous health challenges have taught me that we should always respect doctors, nurses, and health professionals, BUT you always have the right to disagree.

Never be afraid to get a second or third opinion.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with questioning a medical professional who offers health advice because it is simply just that—ADVICE. 

No two doctors are necessarily going to give the same advice to a patient.

It’s important to always keep an open mind regarding the information and facts as they are presented.

Health can be subjective.

There is not always one answer to every issue.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health.

What works for one person won’t necessarily work for everyone. 

Medicine requires a lot of trials and errors to get it “right.”

To understand how the information applies to your life, you should always run the “facts” through your body’s other brain: your gut.

Your gut is the final test.

You know your body best.

Does something feel off?

Always trust your instincts.

If I didn’t trust my gut and push for a surgical biopsy as soon as I discovered the swollen lymph node in my neck, I don’t know where I’d be today.

If I didn’t thoroughly read my labs, scan results, and seek out independent consults, you might not be reading this right now. 

Always be your own health advocate.

Now, more than ever, you have all the information you need at your fingertips to empower your health decisions.

Take the time to understand how your immune system works.

Don’t be afraid to read and research your condition or symptoms in medical journals.

You should always be allowed to ask questions.

Any medical professional who encourages you NOT to ask questions, or who criticizes you and tries to discourage you from researching things for yourself, is not being professional.  

You shouldn’t feel rushed to decide about treatment, even when your health problem is severe.

Second opinions are critical:

• When the diagnosis is cancer

• When surgery is recommended

• When the diagnosis or treatment is unclear

• When the patient is your child

• When you want peace of mind

Always remember, your diagnosis is not always correct.

 Many studies show second opinions often result in a completely new diagnosis:

 A 2017 study of over 200 patients by Mayo Clinic found that 88% of patients looking for a second opinion, left with a new or refined diagnosis. 21% of the people left with a “distinctly different” diagnosis.

 Another controversial study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2016 estimated that more than 250,000 Americans die each year from medical errors—making errors the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer.

Be your own advocate. 

You’ll never regret getting a second opinion. 

Staying informed about your diagnosis and the possible treatment options helps ensure you will walk away with the best treatment plan possible.

Sources:

Yale Medicine

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins University

Visit my Resources page for more blogs and other resources to help support you and your loved ones during your cancer treatment and beyond.

 Learn more about The Hopeful Warrior Project.

Scars Are Beautiful Reminders

Scars remind us what hurts us can also lead to what heals us.

It doesn’t take more than a glance in the mirror to let me know how much life has changed.

I’m slowly getting used to the face staring back at me.

No matter how much I try to resist the urge, most days my eyes can help but fixate on the jagged scars on my neck and collarbone.

These scars are a vivid reminder of how far I’ve come on my journey and how far I still have to go.

Scars are a reminder that trauma and transformation can coexist.  

As much as I want to conceal my scars, their presence reminds me imperfection is a natural part of life.

My scars tell an incredible story of survival.  

Each scar scattered across my body is a little signpost, reminding me that the pains of my past will always be with me— yet life goes on.

No matter what odds may be stacked against you, healing is possible.

Our scars remind us that there is more to life than simply surviving.

Our scars remind us there is another side to our pain.

Our scars remind us that our pain has the power to separate and unite us.

Our pain can lead us to discover our purpose and our people.

It’s a matter of how we view our scars.  

What will you discover about yourself when you learn to embrace pain rather than run away from it?

In a strange way, as I learn to embrace the painful events of my past, I’m becoming thankful for my scars.

This May I was blessed to celebrate being two years cancer-free from Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. 

Each year I am blessed to celebrate as a survivor, lets others know they can survive too.

The Power of Growing Slowly

365 days of hair growth in this picture. (May 8, 2019-May 8, 2020)

“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still. ”

— Chinese Proverb

There is power in growing slowly.

Losing my hair to cancer two years ago taught me that moving on and returning to our old ways is not always possible— but moving forward is.

Watching my hair gradually grow back has taught me that growth is not always measurable, but whether we realize it or not…

Each day we are constantly changing.

But it’s how we measure our personal growth that makes all the difference.

Real growth is not always visible.

After my treatment ended, I so desperately wished I could snap my fingers and my life and appearance would return to my “normal” pre-cancer days but watching my slowly grow back has taught me a valuable lesson in patience and self-love.

Transformation takes time and when we focus too much on our end goals, we miss out on the process of growing.

We tend to overlook our tiny successes because we become frustrated, we haven’t achieved our end goal yet.

Life doesn’t always give us want we want; but when we look closely enough, we can see we are always being given opportunities to grow.

And our growth often occurs in darkness.

Just as a tiny seed struggles to reach the light; our challenges often push us out of our comfort zones and require us to adapt, grow or fall behind.

And this growth is hard.

Sometimes it feels like parts of us are dying.

Maybe those parts are dying.

But from the remains of what was, we can start to rebuild our lives.

This last year taught me that the in-between stages are some of the hardest parts of growth.

But when we are being stretched and challenged in a new way and pushed far out of our comfort zones—that’s when the most growth happens.

All of us must continuously grow and adapt throughout our lives.

Slowing down enough to enjoy the process of learning and growing helps us find joy in our individual journeys.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you grow or how long it takes; all that matters is that you are growing.

May we continue to grow in faith and not fear.

May the love in our hearts and for one another continue to expand.

May we continue to move forward; despite all the obstacles in our path.

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On May 1, 2020 I was blessed to be able to celebrate 2 years cancer-free!

Here is a look back at some of the highlights from the last two years of my journey:

Battling Chemo Brain After Treatment

For decades, cancer survivors have experienced problems with memory, attention, and processing information months and even years after treatment. Because many of these survivors had chemotherapy, this has been called "chemo brain" or "chemo fog.” Early researchers assumed that cognitive problems were a result of chemotherapy alone. More recent research has suggested that the combination of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, or even hormonal therapy alone, may cause cognitive change.

Source: National Cancer Institute

What do you do when you’re lost for words?

You know the feeling.

Maybe you’re desperately trying to make a point but can’t find the right word.

Maybe you’re trying to tell someone something but can’t remember an important name.

Maybe you were telling a story but lost your train of thought and now have no idea what you were saying.

Maybe it happens to you once or twice and you shrug it off.

But for those of us with chemo brain this is our daily reality.

Going through cancer affects your brain just as much as the rest of your body.

Maybe more.

Neurological issues are hard to pin down.

It can take years to identify the root cause of your problem.

You wonder is there really a problem with your memory or are you simply too stressed?

Maybe it’s both?

It’s hard to tell.

Cognitive effects of treatment can range from simply forgetting and extreme fatigue to difficultly multi-tasking. and staying organized.

It’s frustrating.

It’s embarrassing.

It’s not something cancer survivors always discuss.

But it’s our reality.

It’s a haunting effect of treatment that lasts years, even decades later.

Sometimes it never goes away.

But I’m here to say it CAN get better.

There is hope that these side effects don’t have to last forever.

The body is an amazing machine.

Our brains keep the engine running.

But just like any system, parts break down and become dysfunctional.

Sometimes things happen that send our systems into overdrive.

Other times, traumatic events happen that paralyze us and take away our ability to react.

So we freeze.

Our bodies go into shock.

Even years later, our bodies can react as if the event has just happened or is currently happening to us.

Traumatic events affect us all differently. 

There is no magic pill for treating trauma. 

You have to do the work to heal. 

Yes, our brains can become sick and break down,

Our bodies can feel so broken that we want to give up.

But I have also witnessed first-hand how they can be healed and rewired.

Functional medicine and neurological rehab helped give me my life back after treatment. 

After just a few months of therapy and lifestyle adjustments, I was amazed by my progress.

The underlying agitation and frustration that comes with constantly forgetting things was gone.

The uncertainty regarding my future was alleviated.

I could finally feel my body starting to heal.

I could visibly see the changes:

My vision improved.

My balance stabilized.

My strength was restored.

My digestion improved.

My anxiety lessened.

It wasn’t easy.

For a long time, I doubted it was even possible.

I thought I would have to get used to living this “new normal.”

Functional medicine, neurological rehab along with lifestyle and diet changes helped me regain a lot of cognitive function I thought I had lost due to my cancer treatment.

It isn't a total panacea for chemo brain.

But it’s a pretty good place to start.

I’ll be sharing tips and other resources in upcoming blogs and posts to help other survivors and their families get access to the same treatment options and resources that helped me. I was fortunate to regain a lot of my cognitive function in the first two years of remission thanks to the therapy I received. I am hoping to help others do the same.

 This is a big reason why I started my Hopeful Warrior Project.

Chemo brain affects up to 75 per cent of patients during treatment with 35 percent reporting symptoms post-treatment.

I am hoping to change that by helping connect local cancer fighters and survivors with the resources that have helped me the most.

Learn more: www.hopefulwarrior.com/project

Donate: www.fundly.com/the-hopeful-warrior-project

Sources:

Chemo Brain- American Cancer Society

A ‘new normal’ with chemo brain- Fiona ME Henderson, University of Derby

Neuro Rehab in the Chicago area: Neurologic Wellness Institute

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System During Cancer Treatment & Beyond

Cancer.

 The BIG C.

It’s our worst nightmare, yet for many people around the world, battling cancer is their daily reality.

I believe whether something is a curse or a catalyst for the better is a matter of perspective.

In late 2017, right before the holidays, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Lymphoma is cancer of the immune system.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are an important part of your body’s immune system.

As terrifying as getting diagnosed with blood cancer can be and as grueling as treating was, cancer brought a level of connection, community and camaraderie to my life I never knew was possible.

Can COVID-19 provide a similar opportunity for our world?

Maybe we have been given this unprecedented opportunity to slow down and come together right now for a bigger reason?

This incredible time is allowing us to connect to each other in ways we have never before.

I believe COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is giving us an incredible chance to learn more about our bodies and the critical role our immune system plays in our overall health.

My journey with cancer and immunotherapy helped me better understand how my immune system works. Over the past two years, I was fortunate to not only take part in some of the latest clinical research into immunotherapy, but I also have tried to learn as much as I can about ways I can naturally boost my immune function so that I can help prevent relapse and ensure my chances of long-term remission. 

I wanted to share some helpful information I’ve come across from experts in the fields of biology, immunology, psychiatry and functional medicine, in the hopes it can help improve your health during these challenging and uncertain times.

A Growing Understanding of How Our Immune System Works

According to the emerging field of microbiology, scientists now say more than half of your body is not human. In fact, Human cells make up only 43% of the body's total cell count. The rest are microscopic colonists.

Therefore, the unsettling reality is, no matter how well you wash, nearly every nook and cranny of our bodies is covered in trillions of microscopic organisms.

As MIT biologist,  Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai explains the modern immune system in this video, viruses and bacteria are a normal, albeit typical part of our human existence and exposure to them actually helps build and strengthen our natural immune response.

There is growing scientific evidence that suggests mammals evolved alongside a complex and biodiverse multi-biome. The interaction between our bodies and this diverse biological ecosystem helps regulate our immunity and overall inflammation levels.

Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai explains in the video, the innate and adaptive two box theory of the immune system that is widely taught in medical schools is over 100 years old. Now, the emerging field of microbiology is changing what we now know about how our immune system functions and how we treat a variety of diseases.  

According to the two-box theory of immunity, when your body is exposed to a pathogen, it mounts an immune response via your T-cells and B-cells. Your bodies’ innate immune system gets triggered by an antigen in the first 72 hours from exposure and once that happens within three or more days, your adaptive immune system then kicks in to create an anti-body to help provide further immunity and stop the spread of disease.

This two-box theory of immunity dating back to the early 1900s supports medical interventions like vaccinations with the belief that it is better to inject a weakened version of the pathogen or virus directly into the adaptive system to help provide immunity instead of being naturally exposed to a disease like the measles or chickenpox.

Are the Microbiome and the Virome the Missing Links to Immunity?

Our immune system is simply amazing. It helps keep us healthy by keeping viruses and bacteria out of our bodies and by attacking foreign invaders and rogue cells. But this is a delicate balancing act because although we want our immune system to vigilantly police our body, we do not want it to attack our own cells. However, when it comes to treating cancer, this is exactly what we need our immune system to do.

Cancer cells are tricky. They fight back by releasing signals to the immune system that tell it to ‘turn off.’ Immunotherapy works by harnessing our own immune system to better target and eliminate cancer by turning on – and sometimes turning off these ‘checkpoints’ that slow or stop immune responses. 

With advances in systems biology and new notions of systems immunology over the last 20 years, scientist are now beginning to understand that our bodies’ interferon system is the missing link between the innate and adaptive parts of our immune system.

The Interferon System Plays a Critical Role in Our Immune Response

The Interferon System was discovered in 1957 by Isaacs and Lindenmann. Their discovery led to them finding several proteins that are produced by the body’s cells in response to viruses. These cell proteins play an important role in our bodies’ immune response. They found that the interferon system creates a feedback loop between the adaptive and innate immune system that regulates inflammation, immunity and overall health. Research conducted in the 1970s also revealed that these substances could not only prevent viral infection but also suppress the growth of cancers in some laboratory animals.

Within the last 20 years, scientists have also discovered another subsystem within our immune system called the microbiome consisting of 10 trillion bacteria in our gut and potentially as much as 100 trillion viruses in our virome. New research shows not only do our microbiome and virome regulate our digestion, they also play an extremely important role in our mental and overall health.

Exciting new research into immunotherapy effectiveness suggests a patient’s microbiome could be a critical factor for immunotherapy success. Two recent studies in Science suggests the microbiome plays an important role in predicting what patients are likely to benefit from immunotherapy and treatment could be made more effective for more people by tailoring treatment to the patient’s unique microbiome.

Helping Dispel the Myth All Viruses and Bacteria Are Deadly

According to  Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai, viruses and bacteria do not kill us. It is our bodies’ reaction and sometimes overreaction to viruses and bacteria that proves fatal. When it comes to COVID-19, the virus becomes fatal when it causes a “cytokine storm” in the patient’s body.

Critically important studies emerging from China suggest that for many patients who die of Covid-19, it may be their own immune system, rather than the virus itself, that deals the fatal blow. This overreaction of the immune system is called a cytokine storm.

During a cytokine storm, an overreactive immune system ravages healthy lung tissue, leading to acute respiratory distress and multi-organ failure. Untreated, cytokine storm syndrome is usually fatal. It is important to note, patients  in other studies who developed cytokine storm syndrome after coming ill from viruses often possessed slight genetic immune defects resulting in the uncontrolled immune response.

Recently, a number of specific anti-cytokine treatments have proven effective in treating a variety of cytokine storm syndromes, including those triggered by viruses. While randomized trials will be needed to confirm which, if any, of these approaches will effectively treat Covid-19-infected patients with cytokine storm syndrome, IL-6 blockade has recently been reported to be in use in China with successful outcomes in some individuals receiving this as part of their treatment.

Early reports also indicate there has been success treating patients with high doses of intravenous Vitamin C, as much as 24,000 mg/day. Another study showed that a dose as low as 200mg.day of Vitamin C has helped reduce the duration of pneumonia in infants and children ages 5 and younger.

Building & Supporting Natural Immunity

Throughout my treatment and during the last two years of being in remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma, I’ve been working on strengthening my immunity through various diet and lifestyle changes and well as through increased supplementation to help increase my chances of long-term remission.

 Here are some of the ways I have been working to build immunity since finishing treatment:

Dietary Changes

I went dairy-free about a year ago to help reduce my inflammation levels. I substitute with almond milk-based alternatives. I also make sure to eat mostly non-GMO/organic foods and stay hydrated by drinking about a half-gallon of water every day. I have also tried to eliminate gluten from my diet as much as possible and cut down on my sugar intake overall.

Getting Enough Rest

I’ve made a habit within the last year to ensure I am getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Also taking time to meditate and have slow down in a quiet place for a few minutes each day has done wonders for my mental health and overall clarity.

Exercise

Since finishing treatment in August of 2018, I’ve been able to resume a pretty active lifestyle. However, having dysautonomia makes it difficult to tolerate certain types of exercise for long so I mostly have been going on long walks and doing yoga at-home. Staying active is an important part of maintaining our health so I make it a habit to try to stay as active as possible.

Supplements

Growing scientific research shows that there is an extensive network of antioxidants and enzymes produced within our body. This antioxidant network of nutrients, enzymes and various proteins help to maintain a state of redox balance within our bodies. 

Having low antioxidant status such as low Vitamin A-D-E-C and low Glutathione level can produce a redox imbalance in our bodies. Our bodies naturally work to maintain a state of redox balance aka homeostasis, through various antioxidant enzymes in the body. However, food-derived antioxidants (what we eat, how much of it, how often and its metabolized by the gut) also play an important role in our health.

Psychological stress, competition, dietary changes, heat stress, infection and trauma are all well proven to alter this important function. Additionally, redox is significantly altered patients suffering from chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity or autoimmune inflammatory diseases, like chronic fatigue syndrome.

The following supplements can help improve cellular function and boost immune health:

Supplements for Boosting Overall Immune Health

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps maintain a proper balance T cell functions within our immune systems and it also helps prevent excessive or prolonged inflammatory reactions. Our body naturally converts beta carotene to vitamin A. Beta carotene helps support healthy tissues and DNA function. Also, your body produces less Vitamin A as you age.

Recommended product: Beta Carotene (with mixed carotenoids) 

Vitamin C

High dose vitamin C has been shown to help boost immune function. IV- Vitamin C has large efficacy of use for immune modulation and boosting effects.

I take 500 mg four times a day and when I’m sick I up my intake to 1000mg 3 times a day.

Similar to IV Vitamin C, Liposomal liquid Vitamin C has been shown to be very effective at boosting immune function because it is more easily absorbed.

Recommended products: Liposomal Vitamin C liquid or PuraThrive Micelle Liposomal Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important micronutrient for our immune systems and when levels drop, the body’s immune system is suppressed. Studies have shown Vitamin D deficiency can cause an increased risk of influenza. High doses of Vitamin D for the first few days of illness (as 10,000-25,000 IU per day for adults) can help boost immune function. However, it is important to not take an increased dosage of Vitamin D for long because it can become toxic.

Recommended product: Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU)

Zinc

There is some clinical evidence that suggests supplementing with zinc can help improve immune function. Supplementing with added zinc as soon as symptom onset occurs, or sucking on zinc lozenges every 2-4 hours may help shorten the duration of colds and the severity of symptoms.

Recommended product: Zinc chelate or citrate

All-in-One Supplement 

Greens First

Greens First is a complete phytonutrient and antioxidant supplement that works synergistically in your body to provide 49 different super foods, extracts and concentrates including super-greens, organic fruits & vegetables, probiotics, soluble and insoluble fibers, herbs, spices, natural flavonoids and digestive enzymes.

Greens First was a lifesaver for me during my first year in remission. I suffered from terrible nausea and chronically low appetite. Supplementing with Greens First helped ensure I was still getting all the vital minerals and nutrients my body needs to stay healthy. This is one of the best overall supplements I’ve tried for overall quality, taste and nutrition.

Recommended product: Greens First or Order on Amazon

Supplements to Help Boost Gut Health

Probiotics

One of the best places to begin to modify inflammatory states in the body, naturally is in the gut.  Housing more than 70% of our immune system, the gut is our interface between the outside and inside world and helps in many critical functions from synthesizing nutrients, digesting food, eliminating modern chemicals, supporting immune signaling, to regulating endocrine function, and brain chemistry.

Martindale Bengmark’s review of Prebiotics and synbiotics in clinical medicine highlights the role of lactobacillus probiotics in the gut microbiota.  According to Dr. Kelly Brogan’s article on how probiotics help improve our microbiome function, the strains that have been demonstrated to influence the immune system, species include  L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. johnsonii,L. fermentum, L. reuteri, L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium animalis. The best studied for anti-inflammatory functions are: Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus pentosaceus.

Recommended products: Probiotic G.I. , Orthobiotic Capsules, Florastor, Culturelle Health & Wellness Probiotic

Magnesium

New scientific research demonstrates the role of magnesium in helping to maintain intestinal health. Dr. Kelly Brogan has written extensively about how magnesium is a critical micronutrient for maintaining our health due to the more than 300 reactions magnesium is involved in, in addition to its role in helping to treat anxiety, especially in women.

I take 120 mg of magnesium glycinate 2 times per day.

Recommended product: Magnesium Glycinate

Immunoglobulin (IgG) 

A large number of studies in infants and adults have shown that supplementing bovine IgG (or colostrum as a rich source thereof) can help prevent gastrointestinal tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, and help reduce overall inflammation.

Recommended product: SBI Protect IgG capsules

Restore/ION Gut Health

RESTORE aka ION Gut Health is a, soil-derived supplement that promotes an optimal gut environment and helps support respiratory health. It is not a probiotic or a prebiotic. Rather, it is a carbon-rich, alkaline liquid, comprised of Terrahydrite™, a proprietary formulation of Aqueous Humic Substances and trace mineral amino acid complexes.

Recommended products: Restore Gut Health or the newly rebranded version ION Gut Health

Extra-Immune Fighting Supplements & Anti-Virals

Elderberry

There are many different kinds of elderberry plants, but the flowers and berries of Sambucus nigra, commonly known as European elder, are the most studied and used in herbal formulas. Elderberry-based supplements — syrups, gummies, lozenges, pills and teas — are believed to work by supplying the body with antioxidants and boosting its natural immune response.

Recommended products: Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry Gummies, Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup. Zarbee’s Naturals

NAC

Consuming adequate cysteine and NAC is important for a variety of health reasons — including replenishing the most powerful antioxidant in your body, glutathione. These amino acids also help with chronic respiratory conditions, fertility and brain health. NAC plays an important role in your body’s detoxification process. It can help prevent side effects of drugs and environmental toxins. NAC helps regulate levels of glutamate — the most important neurotransmitter in your brain and therefore may also help improve the treatment of psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviors. NAC can relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, loosening mucus in your air passageways.

 Recommended products: NAC 600 mg or Now Foods NAC Veg Capsules

Glutathione

Glutathione (or GSH) is the body’s own master antioxidant that was discovered way back in 1889. However, it was only about 30 years ago that the scientists began to understand its functions and discovered how to raise its levels. GSH performs many important cell functions including helping to regulate cell growth and division, DNA synthesis and cellular repair and more. New research shows certain functions, such as the DNA synthetic response, are exquisitely sensitive to levels of the antioxidant glutathione. Scientists have recently discovered the immune system works best lymphoid cells have a delicately balanced intermediate level of glutathione. Even moderate changes in the intracellular glutathione level have profound effects on lymphocyte and overall immune function.

Recommended products: Liposomal Glutathione liquid or Now Glutathione 250 mg

Naturally Reduce Inflammation

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries as an Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment. Turmeric root is often ground into a powder and consumed as a spice. Recently, curcumin has been shown to be a powerful antidepressant and to protect the brain. Generally, curcumin works by counteracting the harmful chronic inflammation promoted by many aspects of modern life. 

I take 500mg twice daily to help reduce my inflammation.

Recommended products: Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine 95% Curcuminoids or Qunol Liquid Turmeric Curcumin

Note:

You should consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement, dietary, or exercise program, especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions or in active treatment. Some supplements may interact with your medications so it advised to always consult your doctor or a licensed health professional first.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

All information, data, and material utilized in this document, presented or provided is for general information purposes only 2 and solely the opinion of the author and presenter. The information contained should not be construed or intended as providing personalized medical or legal advice. The information contained is not considered traditional or mainstream health care. Responsibility is placed upon the patient/ individual to use discretion and judgment when utilizing or determining products, procedures, treatments, tests, and therapies described therein this document for potential or existing clients / patients. Please seek out your Primary Care Doctor for more information.

 Sources

More than half of your body is not human—BBC

MIT PhD Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai Explains the Reality of the Modern Immune System— Dr. V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai 2020 

Interferon System and Immune Health—Encyclopedia Britannica

Psychoneuroimmunology—How Inflammation Affects Your Mental Health—Mercola

Meet Your New Symbionts: Trillions of Viruses—National Geographic

Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)—Healthline

The Microbiome, Is It the Deciding Factor for Immunotherapy Success?—Cancer Health

Microbiome- Let’s Get Into It—Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD

How doctors can potentially significantly reduce the number of deaths from Covid-19—Vox

Don’t Forget the Host: COVID-19 Cytokine Storm—The Rheumatologist

COVID-19 & 5 Ways to Help Boost Your Immune System–-Dr. Trevor Eason DC, DACNB, FACFN, FACSM, CFMP, CSCS

Understanding the science of redox in a high performance environment— Orreco

A Woman’s Friend: Magnesium—Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD



Immunotherapy Just About Cleared My Stage 3 Cancer Before Chemo

Vaccine-Based Immunotherapy from Novel Nanoparticle Systems. Researchers at the Texas Center for Cancer Nanomedicine (TCCN) are creating particle-based vaccines for cancer therapy. The particles carry molecules that stimulate immune cells and cancer antigens (proteins) that direct the immune response. This scanning electron microscope image shows dendritic cells, pseudo-colored in green, interacting with T cells, pseudo-colored in pink. The dendritic cells internalize the particles, process the antigens, and present peptides to T cells to direct immune responses. Source: National Cancer Institute

Why?

How?

Those two words tend to haunt you when you have cancer.

Why me?

How did this happen?

Why now?

How will I survive this?

I often caught myself wondering what would have happened if I caught my cancer earlier. By the time I was diagnosed and staged in late 2017, I was stage 3 and experiencing a lot of severe symptoms.

Where would I be now, if we caught this sooner?

Two years ago, on November 27, 2017, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. Just as the holiday season was kicking off and I was about to celebrate my 32nd birthday, my world was turned upside down.

A month earlier I had found a suspicious swollen lymph node by my collarbone.  I decided to see my primary doctor after monitoring it for a few weeks. A series of bloodwork and CT scans determined I had severely swollen lymph nodes throughout my neck and chest. My primary doctor advised that I follow up with an ENT to schedule a surgery to remove the suspicious lymph node to have it checked for lymphoma.

I was told it could wait until after the holidays, but deep down I knew I was seriously ill, and I knew the chances were high that I had lymphoma. I decided to get it removed and checked right away, rather than wait until the holidays passed. On November, 22 2017, the day before Thanksgiving, I had surgery to remove the lymph node.

 A week later, just days before my 32nd birthday, I received a call from my doctor informing me the biopsy confirmed I had Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

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Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. It affects people of any age, but is most common in 20 and 40 years old and those over 55.

I was reassured by my surgeon that “It’s a highly treatable; even curable cancer.” However, lymphoma is not treatable through surgery. The standard treatment is chemotherapy. Immediately I began researching the standard course of treatment for lymphoma. I am fortunate to live in the Chicago metro area, so I had easy access to some of the nation’s’ top hospitals and leading cancer treatment centers.

As I began to research my treatment options. I was drawn to Northwestern after seeing the success of former Chicago Blackhawk Eddie Olczyk had with his treatment for his Stage 3 colon cancer earlier that year. I was fortunate to get connected to an oncologist at Lurie Cancer Center who has specialized in treating lymphoma for more than 20 years. She immediately put me at ease when she looked me in the eye and said, “my job as your oncologist is not to just treat your lymphoma, but to cure you.”

Northwestern’s Lurie Cancer Center is a nationwide leader in cancer treatment and offers a variety of clinical trials. After reviewing my biopsy results and bloodwork, my oncologist determined I was a good candidate for their new clinical trial for front-line immunotherapy followed by a reduced chemotherapy regimen.   

How Immunotherapy Works

Immunotherapy enhances your immune system’s ability to detect, target and eliminate cancer. According to the Cancer Research Institute, immunotherapy can target cancer cells wherever they are in the body, making it a potential universal cancer treatment.

There are several different types of immunotherapies and each works in a slightly different way to help improve your immune response. The type of immunotherapy I had is called immune checkpoint therapy because it helps strengthen the body’s cancer-fighting T cells’ ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. Many immunotherapy treatments can also be used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies to improve their effectiveness.

Immunotherapy vs. Standard Lymphoma Treatment

The standard approach for treating Hodgkin Lymphoma is ABVD chemo, followed by radiation if necessary. As part of this clinical trial, my treatment would differ from the standard approach to treating lymphoma.

Instead of attacking my cancer right away with four aggressive chemotherapy drugs, I was given three separate infusions of Keytruda (pembrolizumab) immunotherapy over the course of three months before beginning chemotherapy. Because I was starting treatment with immunotherapy, instead of chemotherapy. I was given AVD chemo—omitting the bleomycin chemotherapy drug that is slowly being phased out of treatment due to its pulmonary side effects.

Immunotherapy Results

By my second infusion of Keytruda immunotherapy, I could feel a positive change in my body and a reduction in my symptoms. My chest started to feel more clear and I felt my energy improve. I did not experience any hair loss or other concerning symptoms during my three infusions of Keytruda.

In early March of 2018, before I began chemotherapy, I had a scan to check the effectiveness of the immunotherapy infusions. The scans showed, exactly what I was already feeling and experiencing in my body—my cancer was nearly gone. My PET scan showed I only had a few more spots left in my chest that the chemotherapy would hopefully target.

The scan on the left shows my immunotherapy results as of 3/8/18. The previous scan on the right was taken in late December 2017. In just three months of immunotherapy treatment, you can see a huge difference in my neck region (on left) I also had some cancerous activity in my arm pits and spleen which is also GONE! Just some slight cancerous activity remained in my chest. Very exciting results! After 6 cycles, 12 AVD chemo treatments, I was NED and am currently in remission as of 5/1/2018 .

Combination Immunotherapy-Chemotherapy Results

I began 6 cycles, 12 treatments of AVD chemotherapy in March of 2018. By my 2nd cycle or fourth treatment of chemotherapy, I began experiencing more severe hair loss. I also had a lot of severe nausea and low-appetite during chemo. To help keep my white blood cells up during treatment I did Granix injections at-home after every treatment.

At my midway scan during chemo, my PET showed no evidence of disease. I was officially in remission as of May 1, 2018. However, although I was in remission, I still had to finish all 12 treatments of chemotherapy.

I finished treatment on August 9, 2018 and am still currently in remission.

My next scan is scheduled for mid-March and if that is clear I will be celebrating being two years cancer-free on May 1st, 2020.

Immunotherapy Effectiveness and Side Effects

Immunotherapy is an exciting new treatment because it has the potential to provide long-term control of cancer.

Clinical studies on long-term overall survival have shown that the beneficial responses to cancer immunotherapy treatment can be long-lasting— continuing even long after treatment is completed.

Immunotherapy can “train” the immune system to not only detect but also remember cancer cells. This “immunomemory” may result in longer-lasting and potentially permanent protection against cancer recurrence.

Immunotherapies have been approved in the United States to treat a variety of cancers and are prescribed to patients by oncologists or available via clinical trials.

However, Immunotherapy doesn’t always work for every patient, and certain types of immunotherapy are associated with potentially severe but manageable side effects ranging from minor inflammation and flu-like symptoms, to major, potentially life-threatening conditions similar to autoimmune disorders. Common side effects may include skin reactions, mouth sores, fatigue, nausea, body aches, headaches, and changes in blood pressure.

Sharing My Immunotherapy Success

Just six months after a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, immunotherapy helped me reach remission.

Getting diagnosed with cancer, was one of the worst things to happen to me and my family. But it turns out I was diagnosed at just the right time because it gave me the opportunity to be one of the first patients in my immunotherapy trial.

I hope that by sharing my story of immunotherapy success I can help encourage others to explore their treatment options, and give the newly diagnosed and other cancer fighters hope for remission, no matter where they are in their journey.

More Information

Find out more about how immunotherapy works by watching this video.

To see if immunotherapy is a potential treatment option for your type of cancer, click here.

Click here to search immunotherapy clinical trials.

Sources:

Cancer Research Institute

MD Anderson

Lurie Cancer Center

Cancer Research UK

Keytruda Immunotherapy

American Cancer Society- Treating Hodgkin Lymphoma

Clinical Trials at Northwestern 

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Always remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go.

You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you used to be either.

“We know what’s wrong with you.”

I’ve waited so long to hear those words.

What came next was music to my ears.

“You are going to be just fine.”

“Your heart is stable.”

For the last year, I have been having more frequent fainting episodes and heart rate issues.

After going through cancer, it’s natural to feel the worst.

Today I was reassured I am going to be just fine.

I do not need more tests to confirm.

I do not need more doctor visits to manage my condition.

My cardiologist assured me I can manage my condition better with few lifestyle and diet changes.

My doctor believes the symptoms I’ve been experiencing are being caused by dysautonomia, not due to any underlying issues with my heart.

“You need to work on filling your bucket and keeping it full.”

Salt and water.

Turns out that’s all my body needs right now.

My doctor assured me that increasing my salt intake should help combat many of my current issues.

Going from patient to survivor is an interesting journey.

It’s funny how sometimes we can search for years to find ways to heal, only to discover what we needed was inside us all along.

Laughing Through the Pain: Funny Cancer Memes

If you can laugh in the face of adversity, you’re bullet-proof. - Ricky Gervais

I’m a little under a month away from my next scan.

 It’s a big scan because if it is clear, I will be celebrating being 2 years cancer-free on May 1st, 2020.

 As soon as February began to fly by, I started to notice a shift.

The nagging “scanxiety” is back.

I feel a sudden tightness in my throat as my appointment creeps closer on the calendar.

Countless tests and endless waiting are some of the most difficult and mentally exhausting parts of cancer treatment and remission.

I try to look at my scan as another hurdle I must pass on my journey to long-term remission.

I can’t change the fact it’s coming and I can’t avoid it.

But I’ve learned that it’s best not to focus on my scan until it’s right before me.

Working myself up over the what-ifs and possibilities of relapse won’t help.

I do best mentally when I stay productive and distracted with work, housework and my kid’s activities so that I don’t start to dwell on all the possible outcomes of my next visit.

Trying to find a little humor in the situation always helps too.

One thing I like to do is keep a collection of memes on my phone so that when I’m feeling a little down or anxious, I can quickly scroll through them for a little pick-me-up.

Laughter really is the best medicine!

So, I thought I’d share some funny memes about cancer and chronic illness to hopefully brighten your day as much as they did mine.

Music Has the Power to Heal & Connect Us All

What if hospital bands came with special perks for patients?

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

— Elton John

Getting diagnosed with cancer feels like you were just admitted to a special club you never wanted to join.

But what if that were different?

What if the hospital bands we are given when we are admitted come with special perks like meal discounts, free parking and other local perks?

When you’re going through treatment, you have a lot of time to sit and think while you are getting your infusions. I liked to tell myself during treatment that just because my body may be stuck in this hospital bed or infusion chair, my mind can still grow, and my heart can dream BIG.

One thing I liked to do during this time was to listen to music or podcasts to escape my present reality.

Music has the power to heal and connect us.

Do you remember the days when you used to spend hours waiting for your favorite song to come on the radio, just so you could record it on a tape?

Who else remembers sitting for hours at your computer downloading new music to craft the perfect mixed CD?  

Friends and family that know me well, know that I love sharing my mixed CDs and playlists AND I have a sound track to match just about everything.

So, in honor of Valentine’s Day and to say thanks for all your love and support, please feel free to check out and download my shared playlist on Apple Music, “Love to Heal.”

Click here to play my shared playlist.

Let me know in the comments, what songs you like to listen to during treatment or what song you would add to this mix!

A World Without Cancer is Possible

Your time is up.

You hear your name being called.

Your number’s up.

You’re next.

How did you get here?

This is a mistake.

This HAS to be a mistake.

It can’t be real.

Cancer?

Three words you never thought you’d NEVER hear attached to YOUR name.

But here you sit in the oncologist’s office waiting to learn your fate.

What treatment you should take.

The possible side-effects.

Calculating your odds of survival.

How did this happen?

Why?

It is said that cancer doesn’t have a face until it’s yours or someone you love.

You never think it’s going to be you or your loved one until it unfortunately is.

Cancer knows no borders.

It does not care if you have money to pay for treatment.

It does not care if you were just married.

It could care less that you are pregnant or just had a baby.

It does not matter that you are mother or a father.

It does not care that you are only a child.

Cancer is unfair, untimely, and a great uncertainty we all must face.

2 years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma two weeks before Christmas.

I was fortunate to be able to take part in a clinical trial at Northwestern where I had access to one of the latest cancer treatments: immunotherapy.

To my surprise, just 6 months after a stage 3 cancer diagnosis, I was in remission and I STILL AM today thanks largely to the advanced immunotherapy/chemotherapy treatment I received at Northwestern’s Lurie Cancer Center.

I believe in a world without cancer.

Do you?

February 4th, 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of #WorldCancerDay. Let us help raise awareness so that we can help transform cancer from deadly and treatable to entirely preventable.

Human colorectal cancer cells treated with a specialized drug combination under study for a cancer therapy. Cell nuclei are stained blue; the chromosomal protein histone gamma-H2AX marks DNA damage in red and foci of DNA replication in green.

Created by Yves Pommier, Rozenn Josse, 2014

Source: National Cancer Institute @NCI

Click here to learn more about my treatment and the clinical trial I took part in at Northwestern’s Lurie Cancer Center.

Visit the American Cancer Society to learn more about immunotherapy treatment options.

#IAmAndIWill #cancersurvivor #worldcancerday #lymphoma

Ponying Up: Coping with Hair Loss & Regrowth

“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” - Chinese Proverb

It’s not just a ponytail.

From my roots to my wiry ends,

Each strand on my head has survived to tell quite a tale.

It took two full years to get to this point.

Through many cycles of death and regrowth.

Wispy and wild, to shaved mullet and the ‘mom bob’,

No choice but to make peace with my changing appearance.

The mirror, both friend and foe,

Reflecting just how much everything has changed.

Strands turned into clumps;

Clumps soon became handfuls.

Losing a little bit of myself with each broken strand.

“It’s just hair.”

I tried to reassure myself.

“It will grow back.”

Healthier, thicker, maybe even a different color?

“All this hair loss means the chemo is really working.”

I tried hard to find the silver lining.

Not having to pay to get my hair colored or highlighted.

Not having to spend hours dying, styling and fussing with it.

All the time and money I saved.

My hair is a crowning achievement of womanhood.

Losing my hair meant saying goodbye

To the version of ME

I had known my entire life.

Accepting the painful reality,

The cancer patient in the mirror is really me,

Head wraps, scarves and beanies,

Painting in my eyebrows, ensuring my wig’s always secure.

How I longed to be able to run my fingers through my hair without the fear of falling clumps.

How I missed being able to tie my hair back and let it down after a long day.

How I forgot the feeling of my ponytail swaying with my every move.

 No, it’s not just another ponytail.

Every inch is a marker of progress and a sign of resilience.

From the turmoil of what was; the new me is taking shape.

After unimaginable pain and destruction,

Change has taken root.

It’s not just another ponytail.

Each millimeter of hair growth,

A tangible symbol of healing and progress.

One step closer to long-term remission,

Transforming my treatment into a distant memory.

It’s not just a ponytail.

It’s more than just hair.

It’s a symbol of hope,

Reminding us that our comeback

Will always be greater than our setback.

The Flip Side of Fear

Sometimes you have to do it afraid. But what if the flip side of fear is where we meet our true power?

“It’s just a little bump.” 

“It’s probably nothing.”

Try as you might— you can’t shake the feeling that it could be something more. Something serious. Hands shaking you finally make the appointment. You tell yourself, “Better to be safe than sorry.”

Deep down you know your worst fear could be coming true. 

You could have cancer. 

Whether you are facing it for the first time or meeting it again through a relapse, the fear is always there.  

How do you move past it?

Is constant vigilance the antidote for anxiety? Or does this constant monitoring and worrying merely fueling the fire of disease?

Using Curiosity to Conquer Our Fears

Why is it that the worst things that happen to us often lead us to our greatest gains?

I believe the secret to whether events appear to be working for or against us lies in our mindset. You can’t change the fact that bad things happen. All you can ever really control is your reaction to the situation. 

Sometimes this means weighing your options carefully and having to choose between the lesser evils. Sometimes this means having to endure experimental cocktails of toxic medicines and radical treatments because it is your best odds at survival. Often it is taking on your greatest fears, knowing full well the feelings of uncertainty will only grow stronger over time.

Sometimes you have to do it afraid.

But what if the flip side of fear is where we meet our true power?

Facing Our Fears Like the Buffalo 

Two years ago, I took a giant leap of faith and signed up to be a part of a clinical trial for a combination treatment of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. I had just been diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

I felt like I was running out of time and options. I knew my body was seriously ill. Cancer and chemotherapy were two of my greatest fears. But the thought that I could turn this negative into a positive by helping advance treatment options for myself and others gave me the sliver of hope I desperately needed to hold onto. 

Going into treatment with the mindset that my treatment was helping advance options for others gave me the perspective to embrace chemotherapy rather than to fear it. 

Movies and experiences from other cancer survivors often paint an uncertain picture. During an incredibly uncertain and terrifying time, it is easy to begin to expect the worst to happen. 

But what if approaching treatment with curiosity can be your secret weapon? 

Can an optimistic outlook really increase your chances of survival? Too often, illness leads to a state of powerlessness and the desire to not be a burden, as well as a sense of guilt. However, if we change the way we view our diagnosis and treatment, seeing it as a challenge and opportunity rather than a curse, we can shift into a more empowered state of mind. 

Turns out, the leap of faith I took in signing up for the clinical trial may have been my saving grace. I am now approaching two years in remission and nearly 100% of all patients in the clinical trial have achieved remission. 

Sometimes the quickest way out of the storm is to face it head-on. 

Many times, all hope needs to flourish is a leap of faith. 

Recently I learned about a phenomenon that is often observed throughout the Colorado plains, which are home to a variety of cows and wild buffalo. When a storm approaches, the two animals react in opposite ways. Cows will start moving away from the approaching storm—inevitably traveling in the same direction as the storm. Buffalos, instead, will move toward the storm, rather than away from it.

By running at the storm, the buffalos run straight through it. Minimizing the amount of pain and time and frustration they experience from that storm. While the buffalo experience the pain of the storm sooner because they charge at it, the duration of the storm, however, is much less because they keep moving through it. Compared to the cows, which hope to outrun or run away from the storm, the storm inevitably catches them, and they experience its painful forces for a longer time because they are traveling in the same direction.

It’s such a great metaphor for life because all of us are dealing with the same types of storms. We all have some relationship issues, health battles or financial struggles. And we don’t always get to choose whether or not we have storms. The only choice we get to have is how we respond to those storms.

While we should all aim to be like the buffalo and proactively face the storms of life head-on, dealing with them quickly, experiencing the pain and moving through it. The reality is, most of us are like cows. We see the storm approaching and want to run from it, hoping to put some distance between us and the pain we know is coming.

Sometimes life’s storms are our chance to level up. Perhaps our difficult seasons are meant to reveal our true strength. Maybe our hardest lessons were designed to provide the opportunity for us to take the ashes of what was and transform them into something better. Something that couldn’t possibly exist if it wasn’t for our own unique experience. 

Yes, cancer and tragedy happen. They can also happen for you. 

Often it is our losses, our failures and our setbacks that propel our growth and open new doors and avenues of hope that didn’t exist before.  You could be the game-changer. You could be the patient that gives others unimaginable relief when they hear your story of incredible survival. 

Cancer destroys your sense of self. It demolishes your sense of direction. It can make you question your future. It also reveals profound truths about yourself and others.

Cancer can be a curse, or it can be a catalyst for growth. 

The true challenge isn’t getting cancer. It’s how you react once your greatest fear becomes your reality. 

What can you gain If you view your current setback through the lens of curiosity rather than fear?

Your trust in the healing process. 

Your belief that you can be healed helps miracles take form. 

Your resilience creates a ripple effect. 

Once you show that it is possible to overcome the unimaginable. Anything becomes possible. Just as fear can be contagious, all it takes is for one person to break the mold and change the world for good.

Let it be you. 

10 Tips for the Newly Diagnosed

“Approximately every three minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer.”

Two years ago, I dropped my youngest off at preschool and received a call an hour later that forever changed my family. I don’t remember much more the surgeon said to me besides the words “lymphoma” and “cancer.” After receiving the devastating news, time stood still. Then everything became a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, lab tests and waiting for answers.

When you hear the word cancer, you feel a wide range of emotions from fear, grief and sadness. Even if you thought it might be cancer, the news it still shocking.  Despite the wide range of emotions you are feeling, it’s important to remember you aren’t alone. More than 1.3 million Americans are living with or in remission from a blood cancer. September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor cancer fighters and survivors of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma that affect your bone marrow, blood cells or lymphatic system. Whether you are your loved one was recently diagnosed, here are some tips that may help you on your journey.

1.     Don’t dwell on the statistics. Cancer affects everyone differently. Not everyone loses their hair. Your journey is your own. Get a second opinion or a third. Look into clinical trials and explore new treatment options like immunotherapy. Instead of focusing on the statistics, seek out stories from other cancer survivors who achieved radical remission against all odds. Remember, no matter what the prognosis, there is a first time for everything are you are more than your diagnosis.

2.     Breathe. Hearing you have cancer is a difficult experience and may lead to a range of emotions. Grief, worry and fear are natural responses to such shocking news. Learning how to work through these powerful emotions can help lower your stress and help you heal. Be kind to yourself and try not to judge yourself for how you feel. Your emotions will often fluctuate as you move through treatment. A great practice I learned during treatment was how to use my breathing to calm my anxiety. There are many different breathing techniques that can reduce your anxiety and help you calm down almost instantly. One of my favorites it the 4-7-8 technique, which focuses on the following relaxing breathing pattern: Empty your lungs of air. Breathe in quietly through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds, then exhale for 8 seconds.

3.     Take someone with you. The thought of living with cancer and treatment can be overwhelming. It may be hard for you to hear or remember anything you hear the news. Having an extra set of ears with you at your first appointments can help you understand your treatment options and next steps. It’s also a good idea to record your first appointment. There are many great apps you can use on your phone to record your first appointments to ensure you don’t miss any important details.

4.     Find Support. After a lump or a symptom leads you to the hospital or your doctor, there may be many days or weeks of waiting to have tests done and waiting for test results. This is often one of the most difficult and scary times for cancer patients as it’s when we undergo a battery of tests to stage our cancer and prepare for treatment. After I was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkins Lymphoma, one of the first things I did was join a Facebook group for my type of cancer. Getting connected with other cancer fighters and survivors gave me tremendous hope and helped me better prepare for treatment.

5.     Surround yourself with positivity. Whether it’s your favorite quotes, bible verses, song lyrics, or motivational videos, reading inspirational messages daily can help you cope with treatment. Make a Pinterest board of uplifting quotes or save them to your phone so you can view them during treatment. 

6.     Visualize a positive outcome. Your thoughts and words have the power to heal. Just as the mind’s reactions to stress can impair immunity and create illness, according to psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), it is believed that certain mental processes, like specific images and visualization procedures, can stimulate the immune system to better fight disease. Use your imagination to construct the following scenes in vivid detail: Imagine your immune system as little soldiers fighting and destroying your cancer. You can also imagine a luminescent stream of white light entering through the crown on your forehead radiating from your head to your toes healing you. Next, imagine yourself getting the news you are in remission. Picture yourself surrounded by family and friends ringing a bell to signify the end of your treatment. Repeat these visualizations daily. Remember: Think well, Act well, Feel well, Be well. Research shows that visualization has a calming effect, increasing optimism and giving you more control over your personal situation.

7.     Use mantras and sound to combat negative emotions. Anger, jealousy, fear, anxiety and even depression – all these difficult emotions are caused by over thinking. As Eckhart Tolle says, “It’s never the situation that causes suffering, it is your thoughts about it.” Thoughts come with their own emotional charge that researchers have discovered lasts about 90 seconds. The problem is we keep thinking over things, reigniting the emotional charge until we become sick, weak and drained of our vital energy. Mantras can help disrupt negative thoughts. They are specific sounds or vibrations that when chanted aloud or repeated silently, can create positive effects in any area of your physiology or life—for healing, transformation, and inner awakening. There are many mantras available to help support and increase your balance, harmony, and self-awareness. You can also receive similar effects by listening to mantra music, binaural beats and meditation music on YouTube or other music streaming services.

8.     Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. A great way to pass the time during treatment or when you are anxious about an upcoming test or scan is to distract yourself with laughter. I don’t know about you but America’s Funniest Home Videos and baby videos can always make me smile.  

9.     Make a playlist.  Music has healing power. Sometimes there are no words that can relate to the depth of your feelings, but music can help bridge the divide. Make a playlist of your favorite songs and pump up anthems. You can also curate a special “Cancer Killer Mix” by asking your friends or family to send songs that you will listen to during treatment. Chemotherapy can take hours and what better way to pass the time than listening to your favorite songs and discovering new music.

10.     Look into local resources. Hospitals and cancer societies like the American Cancer Society and other national and international organizations have many resources to help you and your loved ones manage your lives and get the emotional support you need through treatment and recovery. Free wigs, rides to treatment, lodging programs and financial assistance are some of the many local resources that can help you and your loved ones during treatment and beyond.

Sources:

1.     Immunotherapy for All Cancer Types – Cancer Research Institute

2.     Blood Cancer Awareness Statistics- LLS

3.     Radical Remission Case Studies

4.     Calming Breathing Techniques- Healthline

5.     Apps for Voice Recording -Techzilla

6.     PNI Visualization Techniques for Serious Illnesses – Psychology Today

7.     Healing Mantras – Chopra Center

8.     Binaural Beats Health Benefits- Healthline

9.     American Cancer Society Resources

10.  Cancer Patient Resource Websites

11.  International Resources for Cancer Patients & Caregivers

12.  My Treatment for Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma

Ringing the Bell: Celebrating Milestones During Treatment

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.”

— Lao Tzu

A year ago today I rang the bell marking the end of my treatment.

I’ll never forget the feeling as I stood in my hospital room and proudly rang a white ceramic bell that had been in my family for generations.

My husband, best friend and my favorite nurses cheered me on as I clumsily, cautiously and courageously rang the bell.

It felt a little silly—maybe I was wrong to celebrate such a moment?

This was a moment that unfortunately not all those who are diagnosed with cancer, especially stage 3, get to have.

The truth is, milestones are an important part of our cancer journey. They are the signposts that signal how far we’ve come in our treatment. These milestones can be the date of your cancer diagnosis, the end of chemotherapy or radiation, the anniversary of your surgery, or annual anniversaries of having no signs or symptoms of cancer.

But not all cancer survivors and patients feel comfortable celebrating these moments. Some feel it’s insensitive to celebrate in the company of others who may not be able to achieve a similar milestone.

Treatment milestones often trigger a wide range of emotions, from gratitude and relief to pain and sadness. Many still fear recurrence—even after many years have passed. It’s for many of these reasons that my hospital didn’t have a Cancer Survivors’ Bell in our cancer center.  And that’s perfectly okay.

Endings are uncomfortable and sometimes messy.  But I’ve always believed endings must be honored, especially during times of uncertainty.

Once you’ve been told you have cancer, that word is always with you. As much as we would like to leave our diagnosis and treatment in the past once it’s over, we must recognize we are entering a new chapter in our journey—we are transitioning from being patients to survivors. This transition can cause a mix of feelings from excitement to anxiety and fear for what’s next.

Endings help remind us that things are constantly changing, and they will never go back to the way they used to be. And that's fine because "different" doesn't have to mean good or bad. It's simply a different experience. I believe healing comes through acceptance, and in learning to balance the pain of loss with the excitement of change.

Every ending makes space for a new beginning. It is creating the opportunity for us to start again with what we’ve learned, a little stronger and wiser than before.

Facing cancer has taught me that sometimes the only way through a difficult time is by facing it head-on. And sometimes an ending needs something more than words to honor its significance.

I chose to stand up and ring that bell to let others know that REMISSION is possible. Cancer is being defeated every day. Choosing to honor the ending of my treatment helps let other cancer patients know that victory is possible, and there is always a reason to celebrate and be grateful for how far we’ve come.