Survivorship

June 4 is National Cancer Survivors Day.  I had no idea this day even was a "thing" until I had gotten cancer.  I also didn't realize how many communities around the United States take part in this celeration.  I found out that you can actually look up any event for this specific day on www.ncsd.org. 

Last June, my Mom and I celebrated by going to my favorite restaurant, The Elephant and the Dove.  I highly recommend this place if you are visiting or passing through Skaneatles, NY.  It's also pronounced "skinny-atlas" (for those of you who aren't from Western NY). My Mom is a two time cancer survivor herself ;).  We shared our stories with an older couple and shared a pride flight :).  

"Survivorship" is a process (that at least for me) was filled with highs and some lows.  There is the ongoing care after your initial cancer treatment is completed:

        The high cost of medical bills, even with health insurance

        Denial of life insurance (that actually made me cry when that happened to me)

        The mental wear on worry of cancer returning

        The strain that survivorship puts on relationships with your family/friends

        The physical changes your body goes through

I was hyper-focused on beating cancer and relying on my multiple oncology appointments-then POOF! My treatment worked! Now the hard part was what life is like After Cancer.  Maintenance begins.  In my case, I had lab work and exams every three months.  Life goes on for everyone else, but I had such a hard time adjusting to NOT having multiple appointments.  I was afraid that I would get sick again (I don't think that ever goes away).  

Despite some of those stressors that survivorship can bring, there are obviously many more positives:

        I am alive!

        I try to be more present and live in the moment

        I know what is important in life now, and I don't sweat the small stuff

        I have made it a life mission to educate people on gynecologic cancers

        I share my story with others

        I realized instead of asking "why me", it really is "why not me?" because shitty stuff really does                 happen to anyone

        I am so fortunate to live in an area with wonderful doctors

        I am blessed to have the family and friends that I do; you are appreciated more than you know!

        

    

Women's Health Week!

Phew! I have been a busy woman! From work, home life, getting CA125 labs done, and having my oncology check up; I am officially 4.75 years cancer free! This week, May 14-21 is Women's Health Week.  It always begins on Mother's Day.  The goal of this week is for women and girls around the country to make their health a priority.  More information can be found at:  https://www.cdc.gov/women/nwhw/index.htm .

What are ways that you practice self care? 

I have to be honest, I started practicing self care when I started chemo treatments.  That's it.  Prior to cancer, I would do little things for myself here and there.  However, the actual act of taking care of my mental, physical, or spiritual health lead me to feel guilty because I wasn't home with my kids.  Gradually, I realized that I would be a better mom and wife if I took the time to take care of myself.

I will be practicing some self care next month!  I will be attending the CPAT Symposium in Washington, DC.  The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT)  gather together annually to discuss current issues, programs, and policies that are affecting quality cancer care in communities across the United States.  From what I have researched, attending the CPAT Symposium is a great way to network with Elevate Ambassadors, work alongside advocates, and learn more about cancer policy issues that could (or already do) effect cancer patients.  

"Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women".-Michelle Obama