I just realized that I lost two seasons to cancer. Fall and Winter 2013 were wholly consumed by the beast. Life interrupted. It's kind of like having a house guest for an extended period of time. You have to acknowledge that the guest is there, paying special attention and doing all things necessary to accommodate your guest. When the visit begins to linger a bit too long, you become used to the fact that the guest is there all the while growing a bit tired of the visit and longing for the end to come so that you can have your home back. Cancer was my house guest for about 6 months from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, more surgery and recovery time. The visit has ended and cancer has gone and after all that we have been through, cancer is not welcome in my home ever again. I feel blessed that I caught my cancer early and did not delay in my treatment plans. It could have been much worse and lasted much longer. Goodbye and good riddance cancer!
Spring is just days away and my favorite season of the year. New beginnings - how appropriate. New hair is sprouting on my head like the new greed blades of grass on the hillside behind my house. A healthy blush is coming back to my cheeks. This is a time of renewal and strength. Nature has a way of bouncing back after the harshness of winter has taken its toll.
I have spent the last few months researching and planning on how to move forward and past all that cancer brought to me and my family. I quickly came to the realization that there was nothing in particular that I did to bring the cancer on. It was not my fault. I ate pretty well, exercised regularly and was in general good health. There was of course some room for improvement and making those improvements is something that I have control of and can focus on now. I have made some subtle changes in my diet. I will only buy and eat organic foods that are whole and healthy for me (when available), eliminate added sugars, eat more fresh fruits/vegies/nuts and protein. I have plans to get in a more formal and regular exercise program along with my usual walking and weekend hikes with my husband.
My initial reaction when I began planning on what changes to make was to be very extreme and restrictive - going overboard on what to and not to eat. Almost a panic mode of "oh no, I am not getting cancer again!". It did not take me long to reel myself in and put things in better perspective. I lived a healthy life before and I will continue. Some changes are good, but to obsess and worry about every little thing would only cause stress and anxiety where it is not needed. I had lunch with a dear friend the other day who is a two time breast cancer survivor. When discussing dietary changes, etc., she turned to me and said, "You are going to live to be 100. Do you want to live those years happy, or stressed? Wheat grass may be some people's bag, but yuk...I'm not having it."
The key is, I believe, everything in moderation. On the whole, eat all of the right things and do my level best to make the right choices. But when the birthdays come around I will enjoy that piece of cake without worry or angst. The occasional glass of wine that I enjoy is not going to kill me. The stress of worrying about whether or not to drink it just might.
Hello new beginnings. Welcome. I look forward to a bright future together <3
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