Life After Thyroid Cancer – Update

It's been some time since I've provided an update to my life post thyroid cancer/thyroidectomy. Here's a glimpse of it...


LMAO! Yes, a roller-coaster ride; not too bad. It really depends on how you interpret it. Most see a roller-coaster as a thrill and an adrenaline rush. Others may interpret it being up and down - good and bad. For me, it's been both...lol. Not much in the bad department, considering that my body has done some things that I've never imagined doing (will share those stories for later posts). As for bad, the only thing I can reference is that once I think I'm on track with my physical goals and have a good grasp on my body minus a thyroid, then something comes along and changes the direction. Which is fine...really it is...keeps me on my toes for sure. 

Since my last post on the subject, Life After Thyroid Cancer, back in December 2013, I've been on such an adventure of rediscovery. See, I've had to learn so many new things about my body - this slightly modified version...lol. I'm very protective of this "asset" of mine. Besides, it's the only body I have, so why wouldn't I be protective. 






In July of 2015, I was asked to share my story at the VeloSano - Bike to Cure opening ceremony. 

Making this video left me revisiting many of the emotions that I was going through at the time and had me reflecting back on those emotions. It's very humbling. I'm very grateful that I can say that I'm a cancer survivor. You realize that so many others have challenges far greater than yours and it's up to you to overcome your challenges. I am no different when it comes to the ups and downs that life brings our way. But, I tell you what, I will not let things define me or take control over me. As I see it, I have a modified version of myself after having the thyroidectomy. I have to re-learn this body; retrain my mind to let go of how I was and focus on how I am now. Look at it when you upgrade your phone, you have to learn all the new features - good and bad. 

Smile, laugh and be well! 

Never Giving Up!

Taking a moment to reflect on things in my life, remembering the obstacles that life had placed in my path, every bump, hurdle, cliff, mountain, ocean, windstorm, landslide - you get the picture, I just think - WOW! How did I manage.

I see myself as being very determined and I know that life is truly what we make it. Who wants to believe that the situations that we experience, are out of our control. Every challenge has a solution. You have to challenge yourself - to live! Why not? You can truly amaze yourself if you don't become defeated and decide to move forward. 















A few weeks ago, I was invited to share my story, my view, my challenge. I hope that in some way, that you too, are motivated to do more, to be strong, to overcome and to live like you've never lived before. I share this VeloSano Video with you. 

No matter what comes along in your path, never give up pursuing your journey!

My 2-Cents On...Sitting

I know life happens.  We grow up, we have jobs, careers, families, etc…. Those who have jobs that consist of sitting, have a far greater challenge in becoming very relaxed (pun intended) about their bodies. Think about it. For most, having an office job, your routine may be similar to this – leave home, sit in the car (or bus) to work, sit in a chair for the day at work, sit in the car (or bus) on the way home, sit to eat dinner (when you can if you have little ones), sit and watch TV then lay down for bed. 

That’s a great deal of sitting.  Just how many hours a day does one actually sit with a routine like that?

It’s easy to become adjusted to that routine. Oh, and then on the weekends! If you are socializing, or running around with family, I'm willing to guess that your mind isn’t on eating right.  Or, on the numbers of beers or glasses of wine you may be consuming. And, yes, you're sitting doing those things too.

Take into consideration that over a long period of time, years for most, while your routine has become second nature to you, your body has become the major item of value that you have neglected. Of course there were signs.  Discovering that those jeans you favored so much have gotten extremely tight.  Or shopping and finding out that your clothing size has increased.

 

Take a moment to look at this IDEA fitnographic (click here). Images can do so much more than words.   

 

As stated in the fitnographic, the longer you sit, the higher your risk of certain types of cancer. So, when you "sit" down and think about your routine and how much sitting you do, I hope that you come to the conclusion that it's worth so much more to your valuable body to have it up and moving, rather than "sitting" around.

 

That is my 2-cents on sitting.

 

 

 

In the Moment...Reflecting.

I had a nice amount of "moments" today.  Some may think of them as "Aha" moments, which is fine too.  One such moment came as I was catching up on my DVR recordings of Oprah's Super Soul Sunday.  This episode was with India.Aire.  If you can, take the time and watch.  

It was stated, "You are responsible for your life. Don't wait until you get to the end of your life before you figure it out."

It's like that very statement was told to me many, many years ago.  Not that I'm old or anything, but I realized that I was responsible for my life in 9th grade. But, that realization was more than just typical high school stuff.  It was the very essence of me. 

I reflected today on how I have been following such a powerful and obvious statement for quite some time.  Up to this very day, it's embedded in me like second nature.  I know it's hard for many of us, I speak at women, nothing against the men.  We place so much on our shoulders and tend to nurture everyone else but ourselves.  Why do we let ourselves be last? 

Even on airplanes during the safety instructions before the plane takes off, they instruct us to place the oxygen mask first onto ourselves and then to small children.  Why? Because, we will be no good to our child if we pass out first. Right?

So, why do we not take care of ourselves first?  Why is it that we have to wait until we're approaching the end of life to get it together?  

I'm one to admit, that I've been through a great deal of "challenges" and had found myself slipping into the irresponsible me - that me where I was letting myself go.  The me that I knew  from high school that I better not become.  How would I be a good role model for my own child if I was being irresponsible with my most precious asset - ME?!