Things Are Feeling Better

 All I need to say is phew. It took a moment to feel like myself.  I had/have been experiencing health anxiety for about 6 weeks.  I don't know what triggered it, or why some days have been better than others. I do think it has had to do with being menopausal.  And because I thought it was menopausal, I did what most women would do.  

I called my gyn doctor, and talked with the triage nurse who was so sweet.  The following morning, I had a telehealth appointment with a NP. I understand that the medical profession is extremely busy. However, she didn't listen to any of my concerns, I spent a total of SIX MINUTES on the telehealth call. 

I then called my GP, and we talked about what was going on-not feeling like myself, mood swings, etc. I am so thankful that I felt heard. I have been making it a point to take care of me, walking, pool time where I can just float..I am feeling so much better. Cheers to taking care of YOU.

Health Anxiety 2

I am not perfect.  The health anxiety and fear that I have of cancer coming back is so overpowering that I can't function. I don't know how to fix it.  I feel like I have failed even sharing these thoughts. However, I am sharing in hopes that it helps someone else. 

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/cancer-survivors-managing-anxiety-distress#:~:text=Approaches%20that%20have%20been%20shown%20to%20be%20helpful,self-management%2C%20exercise%2C%20and%E2%80%94in%20some%20cases%E2%80%94antianxiety%20or%20antidepressant%20medications.

Anxiety Lately

  It has been awhile! I have been feeling antsy. I don't share this to have anyone feel sorry for me.  It feels good to share this part of my story.  As someone who struggles with anxiety, I hope by my sharing, that even one person feels less alone.  I have been worried about cancer recurrence lately.  I threw my back out a week ago, and although it is much better now, any pain that I have, I fear that it is the C word.  I start thinking these morbid thoughts, so this blogpost today may be a little much for some people.  

I think about death every day.  I wonder if I am normal for thinking this way.  Do most cancer patients have PTSD and struggle with anxiety? My best educated guess is yes.    I definitely don't WANT to die.  I worry that I won't be alive for graduations, or marriages, and grandkids.  Sometimes I talk about the future, and in the back of my mind it's like there is a voice that will whisper "hopefully I will be around for....".  I get so mad at myself for thinking this way.  I put this unrealistic pressure on myself to try and be present for everything with my kids. All that ends up happening is me being present, but not really, because I am reminding myself to pay attention! Or trying to remember and take in the moment which winds up with me not being able to enjoy it as much as I should be.  It's exhausting.   

I am not sure what caused this anxiety to creep in lately.  I know that it will pass.  I know that it helps me to write about it.  Thank you for reading.   

Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer

I am honored to share that I was interviewed for Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer with Tim Sohn and Shannon Lee-Sin.  The topic of the episode has to do with the need for doctors to take women's health concerns seriously.  As can be expected, I had a few things to say about that! 

I have to say, I always get super nervous before talking to a group of people that I don't know.  A classroom of kids, no problem! Adults? My mouth gets dry, as if somehow my body forgets how to produce saliva. 

This is the first time that I had spoken with Tim and Shannon, and I was not nervous! They made me feel comfortable immediately.  They have created a safe space for people to share their experiences with cancer.  

I have attached Episode 109 for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU-quOstfsw

2023 State of Survivorship Survey and What it Means for the Future of Survivorship

 It has been awhile! The two sports that my kids take part in have been crazy busy.  Models 2 and 3 have had swim practices and meets...Model 1 has had out of state tournaments! I get a little geeked out with research and data, especially when it focuses on education or cancer survivorship! From February 2023 through June 2023. the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship administered their annual survey on the State of Survivorship in the United States.  The goal of this survey is to better understand survivors' needs, attitudes, and experiences.  They surveyed over 2300 cancer survivors and caregivers that have been affected by various types of cancer, different diagnoses/stages, background, and socioeconomic status.  

Through this survey, it was found that 77% of cancer survivors' main focus was on eradicating the cancer from their bodies, whereas caregivers focused on what they could do to make their loved one comfortable.  Patients that were connected to the NCCS in some way as a survivor/caregiver were more apt to get as much information as possible on the type of cancer afflicting them/their loved one, as well as treatment options.

One reason that I feel lucky to live in western NY is because there are a variety of oncologists, specialists, etc. that were available to me when I was going through treatment. I was also informed of my survivorship plan after treatment was complete.  In my time as an Elevate Ambassador for NCCS, I have met a lot of survivors and thrivers that are not given a plan after cancer.  One thing is for sure-being a part of the Cancer Club sucks...knowing about cancer survivorship and how I can be supported during and after treatment helped my mindset tremendously.  

In my next blog post, I will talk specifically about disparities, financials, working with cancer, and integrative care.  

*This information was found via the link below:

https://canceradvocacy.org/2023-state-of-cancer-survivorship-survey

Caregivers

February 16 was awesome for two reasons this year.  It's my birthday, and I found out it was National Caregivers Day! Caregivers are an important part of getting through cancer.  They can be a loved one or a close friend(s).  They see us through the physical and mental rollercoaster that takes place at diagnosis and treatment, often helping with doctors appointments, grocery shopping, and other daily activities.  

My husband and my parents were my caregivers.  I was able to focus on myself so that I could get better.  Friends dropped off meals, took kids to school, sent uplifting cards, and would stop by to say hello.  A few of my favorite memories with my caregivers:

 1) Trying on crazy blonde wigs for me-yes, even my Dad! They looked hilarious.  

2)  Going in for my first wig fitting, crying when my Mom put a Dorothy Hamill wig on me and then laughing when the wig fitter said my Mom had an abnormally large head, and "with a head that size", she would have to put in a special order.  

3) My Mom following me to the bathroom on chemo day, "just in case" I needed help, and when I assured her that I could pee by myself, even with my IV's in and the damn awkward pole, I shut the bathroom door...only to hear her on the other side saying "I'm still here!", and 

4) B going to chemo with me just so we could be together to celebrate our 10th anniversary with cake for everyone on the chemo floor. 

While being a caregiver can be overwhelming and lonely at times, it is okay to take time for yourself!  Your physical and mental health are important, too.  For more information on the role of caregiving, please see the following links:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/caregivers.html 

https://canceradvocacy.org/resources/ 

https://www.caregiveraction.org/

World Cancer Day 2024

 

This day is for those who’s lives have been touched by cancer.  Unfortunately, all of us know at least one person affected by this beast.  Currently, there is not enough research being conducted on all cancers, and inequities in cancer diagnosis, care, and survivorship are growing.  

Cancer rates are increasing in young people-in fact, this week I read that colon cancer is on the rise in young adults in the United States! More research means more knowledge about cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.  The figure below lists ways that we can reduce the chances of cancer.  

I’m going to be honest. When I interpret this table, the I see myself saying “I don’t smoke, my weight is ok, I don’t drink much, I use sunscreen…”. I wish I had the answers as to why some people (unfortunately) go through cancer, and others don’t.  However, having gone through cancer, I do my best to prevent what I can from getting it again.  

No One Talks About It

 I am super excited because I was part of the blog found here: https://www.noonetalksaboutit.com/

as a guest blogger under "The Big C".  I am also hoping to share my story in essay format in the near future.  I have a couple of things in the works that I am excited to share once things are finalized! Until then, please take a look at Carly Wooten's blog linked above.  I will add in my essay below about my cancer diagnosis. 

Over the past couple of days,  I have felt an undercurrent of anxiety in my bones.  Easily weeping at a Christmas movie-one in which the mother passes away when the main character was a child.  I quickly fumble the remote in my hands to turn off the television. Why the hell is it the Mom that always dies, almost every time? 

My cancer-versary is around the corner. January 2, 2018.  The worst thing that has happened to me (so far) in my 45 years on this earth. Once I was diagnosed with cancer, my life split into two in a matter of minutes.  Before Cancer and After Cancer. And if you know, you know.  Lucky us, right? 

No one talks about it. 

As concise as I can, some history, if you will.  Before Cancer-I had had my last child at 35, my OBGYN had tied my tubes. I was okay with this.  The doctor  had come to my room for a post check, and had said my “uterus was paper thin.” I remember thinking to myself “phew..it’s a good thing that I got my tubes tied!”.  She smiles, tells my husband and I that she ‘got her workout in by delivering our 10lb 11oz daughter.’ We laugh.  

Two years after the birth of my last child, I had voiced my concerns (I had intermittent periods) to my OBGYN. Two years of appointments to physically check what was going on and lab work. In November of 2017, my OBGYN came to the conclusion that I must be perimenopausal.  It was a little early for it, but it was possible.  “Nicole, you’re a Mom of three, you stay at home! Your periods are getting wonky from stress and anxiety.” 

Talk about gaslighting! We’re women! We’re supposed to support and listen to each other! I’m having severe periods that look like murder scenarios! I can’t leave my damn house for fear of leakage! But hey, she was the expert. I requested a hysterectomy, and she set me up with a gynecologist who specialized in menstrual disorders.  

December 21, 2017, I had a procedure called an endometrial resection.  This is when the endometrial lining is scraped and sent to the lab. I was confident when he assured me that my periods would be lighter.  I left my outpatient surgery high on fentanyl, yet relieved that things would get better. 

Spoiler alert! They did not. On January 2, 2018, my phone rang as I waited for my preschool students to enter my classroom. It was the actual doctor on the line. I remember thinking it couldn’t be good if he was calling me. He asked if I could come in later that afternoon. I replied that I was at work, but I could talk right now. He told me that they had found endometrial cancer on my resections that had been sent to pathology.  Trauma response was kicking in…I remember hearing doorbells ringing between ‘I have set you up with a gynecologic oncologist’ and looking behind me thinking ‘they have the wrong person, they have mixed me up with another patient.’ 

No one talks about the women under 45 who are diagnosed with gynecological cancer.  I know this because after genetic testing, no risk factors in an endometrial cancer diagnosis-a cancer that primarily affects postmenopausal women 60+, I am a fluke.  No one knows why I got this type of cancer. 

Four weeks after diagnosis, on February 6,  I underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Plus, I was dealing with bilateral pneumonia, and immediate menopause. Hot flashes from hell. Mood swings (as if I wasn’t enough of a bitch worrying about my upcoming cancer treatment).  I felt that I had no one TO talk about it with.  I researched A LOT-looking for local support groups for women my age with gynecologic cancer. Then I found support on Facebook-Young Women with Endometrial/Uterine Cancer Support Group.  This group saved me.  Women who understood what I was going through.  Women that I could share my fears with, and who lifted me up as I went through six rounds of chemo, three rounds of brachytherapy, and cope with life after treatment was complete. 

After Cancer.  Currently, I am 5.5 years ‘No Evidence of Disease'! I’m stronger than I ever had anticipated in my life.  Because of the growing number of young women getting diagnosed with gynecological cancer, I attend a local support group for those that have a gynecologic cancer diagnosis, sharing my story. Women should not go through cancer alone. I am an Elevate Ambassador for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.  I have been on Capitol Hill advocating for cancer survivorship.  Advocacy is how we can change cancer treatment in the future, so the numbers decrease for those with gynecologic cancer.  Let’s start talking about it. 

Six

 Six years ago today, I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer. Going though treatment, I sobbed once to my radiation oncologist about feeling like an outsider.  I didn't fit in with my cancer free friends. I didn't fit in with the Breast Cancer Writing Group that I had tried out because a) they were of "Grandma age" and b) I wanted to live to see my kids graduate elementary school, I can't even get that far ahead of myself.  

Tonight, I attended a rising 9th grade to 10th grade meeting for my oldest.  I am not sure if it is because the date is triggering for me, but I sat there in the auditorium listening to everyone around me.  Parents that I am friends with, acquaintances with, those that I didn't know. And what the fuck. Everyone carbon copy, cut paste.  At that moment, it dawned on me why my oldest hated it.  Fake. Bullshit filler conversation.  I was triggered and I started to panic. My heart racing, cold sweat.  

This isn't going to come out right, so I will just say it.  Once you have been diagnosed with an illness, you weed out the bullshit. You realize what is important and crucial to you getting better.  Whether it is a spiritual awakening, come to Jesus moment, whatever. Collectively, "we" (meaning the patient) are on a different level of even Being. 

Fuck you,  January 2.  Cheers to January 3! 

Menopausing is Hard

Today, a photo from five years ago came up on my Facebook Memories.  Unfortunately, my first thought was a negative one. I didn't like how my nose looked in the photo.  My second thought was God, I wish I was that thin, how much have I gained since chemo was over? Pesky menopause had started immediately back in February of that year.  That bitch snuck up on me.  All of the sudden, what I could eat now caused (what it seemed) weight gain everywhere.  My hair was growing in, I could almost do a hairstyle with my new hair! My hormones were a mess, my skin had not looked this bad since I was fourteen.  My moods were all over the place. Mentally, I needed more support than I was willing to admit.  I was adjusting to menopause as a 40 year old who went through cancer three months before that picture was taken.  As women, why are we are own worst critic? 

Five years older, and more than five pounds later (a big FU to menopause), I feel better about myself.  Physically, I have owned this "After Cancer Body".  Some days are easier than others. Menopause still sucks-but I am wiser and stick to layered clothing.  Fans and AC are my friends.  I wonder how old my body must look on the inside.  Mentally, I still worry about recurrence.  I wouldn't say that that part gets easier, at least for me.  Intrusive thoughts enter my mind daily. It's more of a low voice, rather than a booming voice in my ear: You should be exercising, don't eat that! It could cause cancer! If you eat anymore, you'll have to work our three times as hard as a normal 45 year old!  I have been known to tell my spouse how tired he'd be if he were in my head.

That's enough for now, though.  I have a hot flash to tend to.  That cutie in the picture is my youngest at almost 4 years old.  

What Is a Clinical Trial?

 Clinical Trials.. what are they? Clinical trials are research based studies that people like YOU and I can volunteer to take part in.  They study a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention for people.  When clinical trials are conducted, they are the safest way to find out about new treatments and ways to improve your health.  

I live in a suburb near Rochester, NY.  I am fortunate that there is a great teaching hospital here,  When I was sick, I didn't take part in a clinical trial.  I have researched a lot about them, and have read a few of them as well.  

Below is a link from the American Cancer Society about Clinical Trials.  

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/making-treatment-decisions/clinical-trials.html

One thing that I assumed about clinical trials is that it is a last resort for patients with cancer.  That is not necessarily true.  In certain oncology practices, trials are offered to patients as a standard of care.  This means that patients in trials receive the same treatment as patients NOT enrolled in a clinical trial. The caveat is that patients in clinical trials also receive an piece of trial medication that is being tested.  

There are protocols with clinical research that your cancer care team has to follow when participating in a trial.  Enrolling in a clinical trial has it's benefits.  Not only are you helping scientists and oncologists further cancer research, but you are also receiving the newest treatment.  

God forbid, if my cancer comes back, I would be willing to try a clinical trial.  

What a Month!

Phew! September is Gynecological Cancers Month! MY MONTH to educate anyone and everyone about symptoms, risk factors, and types of gynecologic cancers.  

Team Victorious (the team that I created five years ago) raised over $1000 for Cancer Wellness Connections in Rochester, NY AND local gyn cancer research. 

Each year, my family has celebrated with me as part of my team. Each year, I meet more families who’ve lost a loved one to gynecologic cancer.  

It’s two hours of my life, every September that I’ll be surrounded by women who “get it”.  If you are in the Western NY area, hell, even Central NY area-please join me next year! It’s a time of reflection and a time for gratitude.  And it’s FUN!

The Significance of Five Years

I made it! Five years No Evidence of Disease.  The past five years have gone by so quickly, and other times heart achingly slow. With the help of PTSD, there are things that I can't remember going through due to cancer.  

One of the most important things that I have done with my experience is advocacy! And if you have read my blog, or know me personally, I am an open book.  Sharing my story helps me, and also (hopefully) helps others. I have inserted the link below from a local news station in Rochester, New York.  My friend who runs Cancer Wellness Connections and I were interviewed to raise awareness for gynecologic cancers-which is covered in September! I have inserted the link below, so please watch! 

If you also couldn't tell, I have anxiety, "scanxiety", and probably other types of anxiety that I am not even aware of (sometimes I use humor as a coping mechanism).  While I have "graduated" to seeing my oncologists twice a year, I am fortunate that I will still get lab work done every 3-4mo.  You know, because of my anxiety/fear of reoccurrence. Five years is significant in a cancer patient because it is a promising sign that your cancer and it's symptoms are undetectable-i.e. remission. 

  https://foxrochester.com/news/good-day-rochester/annual-5k-race-comes-back-to-raise-awareness-about-gynecologic-cancers (https://foxrochester.com/news/good-day-rochester/annual-5k-race-comes-back-to-raise-awareness-about-gynecologic-cancers)

Supporting Team Victorious

 Hi All~

This is a shameless plug where I ask if you would like to contribute to my annual Gynecologic Cancers Walk. You may be thinking "why Team Victorious"? I am horrible at thinking of names for teams, groups, anything like that.  When I first found out about this organization and their annual fundraiser, I immediately wanted to join in.  I also liked the sense of meeting people that knew what I was going through.  Anyhow, the name for my team (Victorious) was created quite simply because my first name, "Nicole" means "Victory of the People", or it did in a baby book from 1978 that used to belong to my parents. And so, the team name was born (heh, get it?)!

 You can find the fundraising information here:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/203624899021745/10227780878780732/

Any amount helps! The monies raised go to Cancer Wellness Connections, which is based in Rochester, NY.  This organization is amazing, and helped me (and others patients) a lot during treatment-they provided Reiki Practitioner, chair massages, manicures, and  support groups for patients and caregivers, etc. 

Please email me if you have any questions regarding this walk OR Cancer Wellness Connections.  If you read this far, thank you for your support! It means a lot to me. 

4.11years No Evidence of Disease

Lately, I have been feeling anxious and antsy.  My five year oncology check is next month.  I am EXTRA nervous.  I remember going through treatment and thinking that five years was so far away.  But it isn't. Or does it depend what is going on in your life at the moment that determines how fast time goes by? At my last check up in May, my oncologist wanted to talk about my "release from care" that would happen once I hit the five year mark.  I felt panic. Over the past five years, I had had at least 20 checks total? I had had so many, that I thought my sister was mistaken when she said she gets exams once a year. ONCE A YEAR? How can a person live like that? Then my mom brought me down to Earth with, "She's going for a normal check up. You aren't normal"-or something like that. 

I always knew I was special :) 

I had last posted about my time in Washington, DC and Cancer Policy Advocacy Team.  I actually just finished writing an essay about my experience there. If you are interested in making a difference,  if you know someone who is going through cancer, or is a caregiver to someone with cancer, a survivor, or a thriver, I would strongly encourage you to be a part of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.  As Henry Rollins said, "Change is hard, but change is good".

Nicole Drost CPAT Symposium and Hill Day Testimonial

Being an Elevate Ambassador through the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is something that I would not have  thought of volunteering for before my cancer diagnosis.  Going through cancer treatment, I realized that change starts with me.  The NCC has given me the opportunity to grow as a person, reflect on where I want to be in the future, network in my community, and make new friends that happen to have been touched by cancer.  

This year, I was able to attend CPAT, which stands for Cancer Policy Advocacy Team.  To be surrounded by women and men who have been impacted by this horrible disease …the energy was contagious.  

During CPAT 2023, Elevate Ambassadors and CUPID program fellows went to Capitol Hill to speak of their cancer experiences in support of the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (s.2213).  Although most Senators were at Congress, we (my group) were able to meet Legislative Assistants from our respective districts.  It was an eye opening experience for me.  As a constituent, I would like to hope that our stories mattered to most that we met, and I was especially impressed by Congressman Morrelle, his staff, and guest speaker Senator Amy Klobuchar. Even though I knew that cancer had impacted Congressman Joe Morrelle personally, (I am one of his constituents, and followed his daughter on Facebook, where she chronicled her experience with her breast cancer diagnosis.  Unfortunately, she passed in August of 2017).  I wasn’t familiar with Senator Klobuchar’s cancer diagnosis.  

On the homefront, our town was able to put on an Independence Day parade, and I was able to chat with Congressman Morrelle about my personal experience with cancer, and how important the passing of the CCSA is crucial to cancer patients. In turn, he told me stories about his daughter, and also how he is working on getting Wilmont Cancer Center (where I was treated) to be a nationally recognized cancer center.  

One other presentation that impacted me was Beth Blakey, Director of  the Cancer Hope Network.  Their mission is to support cancer patients and caregivers by being matched up with a 1:1 Peer Support person who has had a similar cancer diagnosis to your own. While listening to Beth, Samantha Schrager (Director of Programs), and two volunteers from CHN, Claudio Pennunzi (who spoke about goal based hope, what wise hope teaches us, and the aspect of Ubuntu “I am because we are”, and Gregory Blake, a cancer survivor who gave us the perspective from the caregivers point of view. He spoke of the “quiver of arrows'' analogy.  Have knowledge, give support, be a lifeguard for others, have balance in your thought process (hope vs. reality), and hope; as caregivers, sometimes we don’t get the outcome we want; but we are survivors and will be a caregiver for someone else”.  At the conclusion of their presentation,  I realized that being a part of CHN would also help me reach my goal of  supporting others.  

A few days after I had gotten home from CPAT, I actually spoke with Samantha, and filled out forms to be a volunteer for Cancer Hope Network.   

CPAT was amazing because of the people! As I said above, the positivity in one room is electric! I loved reading the Advocate Biographies.  It was so interesting to read through others’ experiences-they are inspiring!  Even though this visit was brief, I learned a lot by getting involved in cancer policy and health advocacy.  For example, in high school I took Participation in Government, but honestly I didn’t pay attention as much as I should have.  Being an Elevate Ambassador for NCCS has broadened my perspective, and has made me realize that in order to make positive change in the world, I need to be a part of that change.  There is a lot at stake when people don’t pay attention to what is going on around them. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship gives those affected by cancer the support needed to help influence the world in a positive way so that change is possible. 

Celebrating 10 Years of the Cancer Policy Advocacy Team Symposium

 A whirlwind trip to Washington, DC for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship! It was my first time taking part in the Cancer Policy Advocacy Team.  I can't wait to attend next summer.  #CPAT23 Symposium was amazing.   I loved seeing my #ElevateAmbassadors again and meeting other cancer advocates! We had engaging discussions, and a few laughs along the way. Most importantly, we were there to advocate for the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA).  The Bill (S.2213) was introduced the day after CPAT.  Before cancer, I never would have even stepped foot in the House of Representatives or the Senate. We were able to listen to fellow cancer survivors, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Rep. Amy Klobuchar.   As a constituent of New York's 25th Congressional District, my gratitude goes to the office of Joe Morelle, It was an honor to advocate for the 18 million cancer survivors in the United States.  Enjoy the pictures! 

P.S. If you are (or know) of a cancer survivor or cancer thriver who is interested in being a part of cancer advocacy and wants to come along next year, please reach out!

Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team aka CPAT at Capitol Hill

 I am so excited to be attending the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorships Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT) meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. tomorrow!  It is a whirlwind trip, but the goal is to talk to our senators regarding the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act. With this bill, people going through cancer will benefit in their own survivorship, treatment, and transition care.  Addressing these issues as a whole will improve and close the gap that many cancer patients face in treatment.

To learn more about this, I have inserted a link below.  Please take the time to read it if you or someone that you know has (or is) gone through cancer.

https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/uploadedfiles/the_comprehensive_cancer_survivorship_act_ccsa_one_pager.pdf

I can't wait to share pictures and all that I will be learning at CPAT on Hill Day. 

Cancer Survivors Day 2023

 Celebrating yourself during Cancer Survivor Week is awesome. What better way to spend money on self-care? I have added some chemo hair and new hair pictures for you to see. What did you do to celebrate? 

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