All About Spirit

Heart-Centered Networking: Build a Business That Thrives with Purpose

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 20:57:11 GMT

Heart-Centered Networking: Build a Business That Thrives with Purpose

Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to thrive while others, with equally great products or services, struggle to stay afloat? The secret often lies in networking—not just the exchange of business cards but the creation of meaningful, authentic connections.

Networking isn’t about hustling harder or adding names to your contact list. It’s about building relationships that align with your values and support your vision. When done intentionally, networking becomes a powerful compass, guiding you toward success with purpose and heart.

Take Gerri, for example. After surviving a major health scare, she longed for a career that aligned with her passions. Stuck in an unfulfilling job, she turned to networking as her lifeline. By connecting with mentors and a supportive community that shared her vision, Gerri transformed her passion for wellness into a thriving business. Her network didn’t just open doors—it became the foundation of her success.

Here’s how you can make networking work for you:

Focus on Relationships : Look for common ground with those who share your values.
Listen and Engage : Genuine interest in others creates trust and lasting connections.
Find Your People : Build a community that supports and uplifts you.
Embrace Growth : Learn from every interaction and expand your knowledge.
Create Opportunities : Collaborate and leverage referrals to build residual income.

Networking isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a way to create a foundation of support, growth, and shared purpose. By prioritizing relationships over transactions, you’ll develop a network that empowers you to achieve your dreams.

Ready to take the next step? Start building authentic connections today and watch how they transform your business—and your life.

#AuthenticNetworking #heartdrivenbusiness #NerworkingSuccess

How to Support Life Changes Without Neglecting Yourself

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:49:57 GMT

Life is full of transitions, and navigating those changes can feel overwhelming at times. Whether it's a career shift, lifestyle adjustment, or personal growth, maintaining stability while adapting to something new can be a challenge. The good news is that supporting life changes doesn't have to come at the cost of your health, happiness, or sanity. With the right mindset and strategies, you can embrace transformation while still feeling grounded and at peace.

Physical Health

Maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Social Health

Building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with family, friends, and community. Positive social interactions are vital for emotional and mental well-being.

Mental & Emotional Health

Managing stress, maintaining mental clarity, and developing emotional resilience. Practices such as mindfulness, therapy, and emotional expression can support this pillar.

Occupational or Vocational Health

Finding fulfillment and purpose in your work or daily activities, and balancing work-life stress. Being engaged in meaningful work promotes overall satisfaction.

Financial Health

Managing money wisely, reducing financial stress, and planning for the future to maintain a secure financial position. Financial stability contributes to overall well-being.

Spiritual Health

Developing a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection, which may involve religion, meditation, mindfulness, or a deep sense of inner peace.

Intellectual Health

Engaging in continuous learning, stimulating your mind, and encouraging creativity. This could involve reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or engaging in discussions that challenge your thinking.

Environmental Health

Ensuring that the spaces you live, work, and play in are safe, healthy, and promote well-being. This includes clean air, water, and a non-toxic living environment.

Remember, change is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By focusing on balance, self-care, and staying present, you can support your life changes without losing sight of what truly matters.

Everyone’s journey is unique, so share what has worked for you, and let's keep this conversation going! Comment below with your thoughts or tips on how you navigate life changes—I'd love to hear your insights.

How I Found My Place After Cancer Without Returning to the 9-to-5 Grind

kim@allaboutspirit.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:28:15 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Prioritize Your Health Without Sacrificing Your Career

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:32:33 GMT

Stepping away from a high-stress job for health reasons can feel daunting, but it's often necessary to restore balance and well-being. When you're constantly under pressure, your body is in a heightened state of stress, which can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. Taking time for rest and reflection is vital to regaining control of your life and recovering from the strain caused by work-related stress.

Rest isn’t just about sleeping more. It’s about giving your mind the space to process thoughts, emotions, and experiences that have been piling up in the background. This kind of reflection helps you reassess priorities, gain clarity, and identify changes you need to make for a healthier future. Quality rest and deep reflection allow you to return to work or any new opportunity with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Sleep, in particular, plays a critical role in this process. During quality sleep, your body undergoes vital restoration processes. It heals and regenerates cells, supports immune function, and regulates stress hormones. Your mind benefits, too, by consolidating memories and processing the day’s events, leaving you better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your job, maybe it’s time to step back and prioritize your well-being. Start by improving your sleep and giving yourself permission to reflect on what truly matters.

Commit to a week of prioritizing your rest, and notice the positive changes in your energy, mood, and overall health. Take control of your well-being today—your body and mind will thank you!

And if that is not enough to move your needle, ask me for my free guide on how to improve sleep quality.

Unlocking Brain Health with Curcumin: A Natural Ally in Times of Transition

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:01:51 GMT

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to support our cognitive function and overall brain health is more crucial than ever. One potent natural compound gaining recognition for its benefits in this area is curcumin, derived from the turmeric root. Celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin offers promising support to help heal both body and mind, especially following stressful life transitions.

Curcumin is known for its ability to support normal liver detoxification activity and promote healthy immune responses. Its powerful antioxidant properties protect neurons from the negative effects of free radicals, helping to maintain neurological and cognitive health as we age. This makes it an excellent ally for anyone navigating periods of change that may impose stress on the body and mind.

Inflammation often plays a role in cognitive decline and mental fatigue. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing such responses, thereby promoting cognitive clarity and function. It aids in maintaining healthy immune cell-brain interactions, which are vital for preserving brain health.

Furthermore, curcumin supports the normal production of detoxification enzymes, essential for protecting cell integrity and maintaining overall health. By promoting a healthy immune system, it assists in keeping our minds resilient and balanced during challenging times.

While curcumin offers a natural approach to bolster cognitive and brain health, incorporating it into a balanced lifestyle is key. It should be part of a holistic wellness strategy that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Empower your well-being with the support of curcumin. Embrace its benefits as a step towards maintaining cognitive health and finding equilibrium amidst life’s transitions.

I've done a lot of research over the years and here is the one that I find works the best!

Omega-3s for Cognitive Function: The Unsung Hero of Mental Clarity

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:37:53 GMT

When we hear about omega-3 fatty acids, we often think about heart health. They’re well-known for supporting cardiovascular function, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. But what if I told you that omega-3s are also a powerhouse for your brain?

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are essential for brain health, helping to enhance memory, mental clarity, and overall cognitive function. In fact, DHA is a major structural component of the brain, and without adequate levels, our mental performance can take a hit.

This becomes especially important when facing life changes, such as transitioning to a new career due to health reasons or starting a new job for any reason. Adjusting to a new role can be mentally demanding, requiring a sharp memory and quick problem-solving skills. Omega-3s provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to stay focused and adapt quickly, reducing mental fog and improving recall.

Numerous studies have shown that omega-3s play a critical role in cognitive function. They promote the growth and repair of brain cells, reduce oxidative stress, and even improve communication between neurons. This leads to better mental performance, sharper decision-making, and an increased ability to focus—traits that are invaluable when navigating new challenges.

While it’s easy to think of omega-3s as heart health champions, they are an unsung hero when it comes to cognitive health. Whether you're tackling new professional challenges or just trying to maintain mental sharpness, incorporating omega-3-rich foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts into your diet can give your brain the boost it needs.

So, as you prioritize your health, remember that omega-3s are doing more than just supporting your heart—they're powering your mind. Ready to boost your brain power and mental clarity? Start incorporating my favorite omega-3s into your routine today for a sharper, more focused you!

How to Navigate Career Transitions Without Feeling Overwhelmed: The Power of Mindfulness

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:27:55 GMT

Navigating career transitions or significant life changes can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty, new responsibilities, and fear of the unknown can trigger stress and cloud your judgment. However, there’s a simple, effective tool that can help you navigate these periods with greater clarity and ease: mindfulness.

Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing are proven ways to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional resilience. These techniques can be especially powerful when you're facing career shifts or major life transitions. Here's how you can integrate mindfulness into your daily routine to stay grounded and clear-headed during these times:

1. Morning Meditation

Begin your day with a short 5-10 minute meditation. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breathing. This practice helps set a calm and intentional tone for the rest of the day, no matter what challenges come your way.

2. Practice Deep Breathing

When stress hits, take a moment to pause and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process 3-5 times. This simple act can help clear mental fog and restore a sense of control.

3. Mindful Breaks

Throughout your day, take short breaks to check in with yourself. Stretch, breathe deeply, or take a short walk. These mindful moments will allow you to reset, regain focus, and manage stress before it builds up.

4. Journaling for Clarity

After meditating, take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Writing out what’s on your mind can help bring clarity and perspective, allowing you to see your career or life transition in a more organized and manageable way.

5. Mindful Eating

Slow down during meals, and take time to savor each bite. Focusing on the sensory experience of eating can help center your mind, giving you a break from career-related stress and promoting overall well-being.

6. Gratitude Practice

At the end of each day, reflect on three things you're grateful for. This simple practice shifts your focus from what’s stressing you to what’s going well, helping to create a more positive mindset during transitions.

7. Visualization

Use mindfulness to visualize your desired outcome. Whether it's a successful career change or adapting to a new life chapter, visualizing positive outcomes can reduce anxiety and boost confidence.

8. Body Scan Meditation

Take a few minutes to mentally scan your body, from head to toe, noticing areas of tension or discomfort. This practice helps you connect with your body, bringing awareness to stress so you can release it.

9. Grounding Techniques

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try grounding yourself by focusing on your surroundings. Use your senses to notice what you see, hear, and feel. This practice helps you stay present and reduces the tendency to get lost in worries about the future.

10. Positive Affirmations

Repeat positive affirmations during moments of doubt or stress. Phrases like "I am capable of navigating this change" or "I trust the process" can reframe your thoughts and help reduce anxiety.

11. Evening Wind-Down Meditation

End your day with a short meditation or deep breathing exercise to release any lingering stress. This helps you wind down and prepares you for restful sleep, which is essential for maintaining clarity and resilience.

Incorporating mindfulness can help you handle life's transitions with more clarity and confidence, turning potential overwhelm into an opportunity for growth.

How to Protect Your Brain Health During Career Transitions Without Sacrificing Your Well-Being

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:47:22 GMT

Brain health is the foundation of overall well-being, influencing not only our cognitive functions but also our emotional and physical health. Often, we think of brain health in terms of memory, concentration, and problem-solving, but it extends much further. A healthy brain helps us maintain emotional balance, manage stress, and even stay physically strong. When our brain is functioning optimally, we experience better mood regulation, improved focus, and a greater ability to handle life’s challenges.

This is especially important during times of career pressure or transition. High stress, burnout, and demanding workloads can take a toll on our brain health, leading to cognitive fatigue, emotional instability, and even physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. In these moments, maintaining brain health becomes not just a matter of mental clarity but also a way to protect emotional and physical well-being.

For many, recognizing the need to step away from a job due to mental, emotional, or physical health reasons is a difficult decision, but it can be crucial for long-term well-being. Transitioning to a healthier, less stressful environment allows the brain to recover from chronic stress and rebuild its resilience. Healing the brain during such times is essential for a smoother adaptation to new career paths or lifestyle changes.

Supporting brain health during these transitions involves several key practices: eating a nutrient-rich diet, including brain-boosting foods like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and magnesium; getting regular exercise; practicing mindfulness or meditation; and prioritizing sleep. These habits not only protect cognitive function but also improve emotional resilience and physical stamina.

In times of career stress or change, taking care of your brain is critical. Prioritizing brain health will help you navigate transitions with clarity, balance, and confidence, while supporting overall well-being.

How to Beat Brain Fog Without Drastic Changes

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:19:25 GMT

Welcome to Brain Power Month!

October marks Brain Power Month, a perfect time to focus on brain health and maintaining optimal cognitive function. Our brains work around the clock, managing everything from complex decision-making to everyday tasks. However, many of us struggle with brain fog—periods of mental fatigue, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating. The good news is that small, manageable lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference in your cognitive function, without the need for drastic measures.

This month, we’ll explore safe, simple ways to help improve mental clarity, including healthy lifestyle habits and nutritional strategies. Please note that while these suggestions may support overall brain health, they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

Here’s a look at what we’ll cover:

Curcumin : a naturally occurring compound found in turmeric, has been studied for its potential role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response, which is important for overall brain health.
Magnesium : an essential mineral, is known for its role in supporting relaxation and maintaining normal nervous system function.
Omega-3 fatty acids : are crucial for brain function and are found in fish and certain plant oils. We’ll discuss how these fatty acids may support cognitive performance.

In addition to supplements, we’ll focus on non-supplement strategies for enhancing brain power, including:

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Exercise : for boosting blood flow to the brain, potentially supporting memory and cognitive function.
Adequate hydration : and its impact on preventing cognitive slowdowns like brain fog.
Quality sleep : which plays a crucial role in brain cell regeneration and memory retention.

Throughout Brain Power Month, we’ll provide practical, evidence-based tips to help you maintain a healthy brain. Stay tuned as we share these insights and remember to always seek advice from your healthcare provider before starting any new regimen.

Let’s power up your brain—one step at a time!

Together in Hope: A Heartfelt Thank You and Prayer for Healing

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:53:18 GMT

As we reach the close of another Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible outpouring of love, support, and kindness from so many of you. Your kind comments, thoughtful well-wishes, and personal messages to each other have touched my heart in ways I can't fully express. Each post share, each connection made, has been a light in this journey, and I am deeply grateful.

This month has been about more than just raising awareness—it’s been about coming together as a community, sharing stories, and standing in solidarity with those affected by ovarian cancer. Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, a loved one, or an advocate, know that your voice matters, and together, we are making a difference.

To everyone who reached out to me personally, thank you. Your words have reminded me that even in the face of uncertainty, there is always love to be found. To those who shared posts, thank you for helping spread the message far and wide, bringing attention to the need for more research, early detection, and support for all who are affected by this disease. Your simple act of sharing has the power to save lives and inspire hope.

As we wrap up this year’s awareness month, my personal wish and prayer is for everyone touched by ovarian cancer to find healing, peace, and love in their hearts. I pray for the strength to face each day with courage, for the wisdom of caregivers and medical professionals, and for the comfort of families who are on this journey together. May you feel the warmth of community around you and know that you are never alone.

For those still fighting, for those in remission, for those who’ve lost loved ones, and for all of us who hold this cause dear to our hearts—may we continue to uplift one another, not just this month, but every day. We are stronger together, and with love, hope, and faith, we can continue to push forward.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Together, we are making an impact, and together, we will continue to rise.

What Ovarian Cancer Taught Me About Listening to My Body

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:56:31 GMT

When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it felt like my body had turned on me overnight. But looking back, I realize the warning signs were always there—subtle whispers that I had ignored for years. There were unbelievable cramps, heavy bleeding and clotting, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease and other feelings of just being "off." But like many of us, I pushed through. I thought, “I’m just stressed,” or “It’s just life catching up to me.” In reality, my body was begging for attention long before the diagnosis came.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned through my journey is how deeply connected unhealed trauma is to illness. For years, I carried unresolved emotional pain—grief, fear, and anxiety—without fully addressing or healing from them. I now believe these unhealed traumas played a significant role in my health crisis. Energy imbalances created by stored trauma don’t just affect our mental health; they manifest physically. Our bodies are incredible at storing emotions, and when we don’t acknowledge or process them, they can show up in unexpected ways—often as illness.

I’m not alone in this realization. Research has increasingly shown that trauma can weaken the immune system and make us more vulnerable to diseases like cancer. That’s why it’s crucial not only to heal physically but to address the emotional and energetic roots of our suffering as well. While doctors treated my cancer with surgery and chemotherapy, healing came from a deeper place. It wasn’t just about removing the disease; it was about healing the wounds I had carried for so long.

Our bodies are always communicating with us, whether through a small twinge or a serious health crisis. The key is learning to listen before it’s too late. If there’s one thing ovarian cancer taught me, it’s this: Unhealed trauma leaves an imprint. Ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear—it simply buries itself deeper until it demands to be acknowledged.

So, I ask you, what is your body telling you today?

How to Enjoy Health Security Over Time While Adapting to Lifestyle Changes

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:09:15 GMT

After a health crisis, life as you knew it might never be the same—and that's something I’ve had to come to terms with personally. It’s a tough reality to face, but here's what I’ve learned: even though things have changed, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life and some health security moving forward. It just means you'll need to approach it differently.

When you're forced to slow down, listen to your body, and reassess what really matters, it can feel overwhelming. Everything you used to do without thinking suddenly requires intention. I get it. I’ve been there, too. I’ve had to let go of the idea that I could “get back” to who I was before. But in releasing that expectation, I’ve found a new kind of strength—and it’s one rooted in resilience. And I would be remiss if I didn't tell you it could also be very rewarding

After a health crisis, your focus shifts. What once seemed important may not matter as much anymore, and that's okay. Health security now looks different. It's not about having total control; it’s about managing what you can, creating a routine that supports your new reality, and making peace with the fact that your body may need different things than it did before.

I’ve embraced the little wins—finding new ways to move that feel good, adjusting my diet to nourish my body in its current state, and setting boundaries that protect my energy. It’s not always easy, but adapting has allowed me to feel secure in my health again.

Life doesn’t go back to how it was before a health crisis, and that’s hard to accept. But there’s hope in knowing that you can move forward, even if the path looks different. You can still thrive—your journey is far from over. In fact, this chapter might just be the one that shows you how strong you really are.

How to Advocate four Yourself in a Health Crises Without Feeling Ignored or Overwhelmed

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:52:24 GMT

In any health situation, it's essential to remember that it's your body and, ultimately, you get the final say . Doctors and specialists are trained professionals, but no one knows how you feel or what resonates with your body like you do. Trusting your intuition and speaking up for yourself is key to navigating this challenging time. So is bringing supporters, coming prepared to appointments with questions, asking about what is important, taking lots of notes in and outside of appointments,

If you find yourself in a situation where you don't feel heard, don't be afraid to ask for clarification or even a second opinion. Doctors may have extensive medical knowledge, but their advice should align with your personal health goals and values. You deserve to be involved in every decision about your care, so speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if you have concerns. Persistence pays off. Being clear, respectful, but firm in what you need can make all the difference in your journey toward healing.

For those interested in nontraditional or holistic regimens , there are ways to invite these methods into your healing process safely. Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and alternative therapies can be supportive alongside conventional medicine, but safety is critical . Work closely with your medical team to ensure there are no contraindications with prescribed treatments. My own experience with this was immensely positive, as my medical team researched every herbal remedy my acupuncturist recommended. They were thorough and careful. They listened to what was important to me. My bottom line was, there is room and need for both traditional and nontraditional protocols, and my team honored that. Only one time in the 18 months of active treatment did they tell me not to try something, because it would interfere with the chemo.

In advocating for yourself, mutual respect and gratitude play vital roles . I am deeply thankful for my healthcare team's knowledge and their willingness to accept that they don't know everything. I am grateful they took my concerns and holistic interests seriously. Their openness to alternative methods helped me feel empowered and respected throughout my health journey, and I believe it is a significant part why I am still here more than 17 years later.

Trust your voice, listen to your body, honor your intuition, and take control of your healing. You deserve to be heard.

Ovarian Cancer - Early Detection and Specialized Care Saves Lives

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:34:41 GMT

Ovarian cancer progresses through four distinct stages, marking the spread and severity of the disease. Early detection is critical, as catching the cancer in its initial stages can significantly improve survival rates. Additionally, having a gynecologic oncologist (gyn onc) perform the surgery can dramatically impact treatment success.

Stage 1: Localized

At this stage, ovarian cancer is confined to one or both ovaries. This is the most treatable stage, as the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. A gynecologic oncologist is specially trained to remove all visible cancer, which increases the chances of long-term remission. Studies show that patients who undergo surgery with a gynecological oncologist have better survival outcomes compared to those treated by general surgeons.

Stage 2: Spread to Pelvic Organs

In Stage 2, the cancer extends beyond the ovaries to nearby organs in the pelvis, such as the uterus or fallopian tubes. While the cancer has spread, there is still a good chance of successful treatment, especially if a gyn onc leads the surgery. Their expertise ensures that microscopic cancer cells are removed, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Stage 3: Spread to Abdominal Organs

When ovarian cancer reaches Stage 3, it has spread to the abdominal area, potentially involving the lining of the abdomen, lymph nodes, or nearby organs like the liver or intestines. Treatment becomes more complex, and the need for a skilled gynecologic oncologist is critical. A gyn onc is trained to perform extensive surgeries that remove as much cancer as possible, a procedure known as “debulking,” which can extend survival.

Stage 4: Distant Metastasis

At Stage 4, the cancer has metastasized to distant organs like the lungs or liver. Treatment options are limited, but surgery still plays a role in improving quality of life. A gynecologic oncologist can help ensure that any surgery is as effective as possible, increasing the patient’s comfort and survival.

Early detection and specialized care through a gynecologic oncologist can be life-saving, making them vital partners in the fight against ovarian cancer.

How to Conserve Energy Without Feeling Guilty

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:39:17 GMT

Conserving energy during cancer treatment is crucial to managing both physical and emotional well-being. Here are some effective strategies to help:

Prioritize Rest and Sleep - Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment, so listen to your body and prioritize rest. Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and take naps as needed. Creating a calm, comfortable sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.
Delegate Tasks - Don’t hesitate to ask for help with daily chores, such as cooking, cleaning, or running errands. Friends, family, or community groups are often willing to assist. Delegating tasks conserves your energy for more essential activities, like attending treatments or spending time with loved ones.
Pace Yourself - Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid burnout. Instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, spread activities throughout the day, and take breaks between them.
Practice Energy-Saving Techniques - Simple adjustments can make a big difference. Sit down while performing tasks like cooking or showering, use tools like grocery delivery, and minimize steps by organizing frequently used items in convenient locations.
Eat Nutritiously - Proper nutrition plays a role in energy levels. Focus on small, balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Hydration is also key — drinking water throughout the day can help combat fatigue.
Engage in Gentle Exercise - Light activities like walking or yoga can boost energy levels, improve mood, and reduce fatigue. Exercise should be tailored to your current energy levels and done with approval from your healthcare team.
Set Boundaries - Limit social engagements or stressful activities. Saying “no” when you feel overwhelmed is essential for conserving both physical and emotional energy.
Manage Mental Stress - Mental fatigue can be just as draining as physical exhaustion. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation to manage stress. Talk to a therapist or join a support group if emotional burdens feel heavy.

Conserving energy during cancer treatment isn’t just about physical well-being; it’s also about giving yourself permission to slow down, without feeling guilty.

Many people feel pressure to maintain their usual pace, but cancer requires you to listen to your body and prioritize self-care. It’s okay to rest, say no, and take time for yourself. In fact, it’s necessary. Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re giving up or being unproductive — it means you’re preserving your strength for what truly matters: your health and recovery.

Remember, you’re doing the best you can, and taking it slow is a vital part of healing. Don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first. Let go of the expectations to be “strong” all the time and give yourself grace. You deserve it. By conserving energy, you can focus more on healing and well-being, making the cancer journey a little easier to manage.

15 Food Hacks When You're Not Hungry or Your Mouth Hurts

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:16:54 GMT

Here are 15 food hacks tailored for cancer patients who aren’t hungry or are dealing with mouth sores:

1. High-Calorie Smoothies

Blend fruits, full-fat yogurt, nut butters, and protein powder into smoothies. These are easy to swallow, can be nutrient-dense, and help with weight maintenance.

2. Cold Foods Over Hot Foods

Serve meals cold or at room temperature. Cold foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, or chilled soups can be less irritating for mouth sores than hot dishes.

3. Popsicles and Smoothie Pops

Make popsicles from fruit juices, coconut water, or blended smoothies. They can soothe sore mouths while providing hydration and nutrients.

4. Soft Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are soft, easy to chew, and packed with protein. Add cream or cheese for extra calories and texture.

5. Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

These soft, warm cereals can be gentle on the mouth. Add honey, nut butter, or protein powder to increase the calorie content.

6. Avocado Slices

Rich in healthy fats and smooth in texture, avocados are easy to eat and packed with calories, making them great for patients who struggle to maintain their weight.

7. Coconut Water Ice Cubes

Freeze coconut water into ice cubes and add them to drinks or smoothies to keep hydrated and provide electrolytes.

8. Mashed Potatoes with Extra Butter

Mash potatoes with butter, sour cream, or cream cheese for a soft, calorie-rich meal that’s easy to swallow and customize.

9. Soups with Soft Ingredients

Opt for pureed or cream-based soups. Chicken, sweet potato, and squash soups are filling and gentle on the mouth when blended.

10. No-Chew Protein Snacks

Try high-protein snacks that don’t require chewing, like Greek yogurt, custard, or pudding. These can help maintain protein intake.

11. Nutritional Shakes

Consider liquid meal replacements or protein shakes (such as Ensure or Boost). They’re easy to sip on, and some are designed specifically for people with reduced appetite.

12. Banana or Applesauce Puree

Blend bananas or unsweetened applesauce for a soft, nutritious snack. Both are easy to digest and gentle on the mouth.

13. Creamy Nut Butters

Spread peanut butter or almond butter on soft bread, crackers, or blend them into smoothies for extra calories and protein.

14. Scrambled Tofu or Soft Tofu

If you prefer plant-based protein, soft tofu or scrambled tofu is easy to eat and versatile for mixing with other soft ingredients like mashed vegetables.

15. Cooked Cereal with Ground Flaxseed

Cooked cereals like farina or rice porridge mixed with ground flaxseeds can add nutrients and texture without being difficult to eat.

These food hacks focus on high-calorie, easy-to-swallow, and gentle options that can nourish without causing additional discomfort.

The Healing Power of Laughter During a Health Crises

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 01:36:36 GMT

Going through a health crisis can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. Whether it's a serious illness or a prolonged recovery, the emotional and physical toll can feel overwhelming. During these tough times, laughter can be an incredibly powerful tool. It helps release stress, lifts the spirit, and even has physical benefits, such as boosting your immune system and releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

Laughter provides an emotional release that allows you to momentarily forget the severity of your situation. It reminds you that, despite everything, joy still exists. Humor brings a sense of normalcy, creating a buffer between you and the difficulties you face. Plus, sharing a laugh with loved ones can deepen connections and bring comfort during moments of fear and uncertainty.

Incorporating laughter into your day is simple. Start by finding funny content that suits your mood and personality. Here are some suggestions to keep your spirits lifted:

Sitcoms: Classic comedies like “Friends”, “Parks and Recreation”, or “The Office” are filled with lighthearted humor and relatable characters that can help you escape for a while.
Stand-up Comedy: Check out Netflix or YouTube for stand-up specials by comedians like John Mulaney, Ali Wong, or Kevin Hart for some guaranteed laughs.
Funny Movies: Go for timeless comedies like “Groundhog Day”, “Bridesmaids”, or “The Big Sick”.
Comedy Podcasts: Shows like “My Dad Wrote a Porno” or “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” offer hilarious stories and conversations.

Ask your friends and family for their favorites! My dear friend gave me her Carol Burnette collection and it helped me pass the time in the most light-hearted way! I am eternally grateful!

Laughter doesn’t take away the pain, but it gives you a much-needed break, helping you approach your health journey with renewed energy and resilience.

Gratitude & Boundaries

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 17:59:12 GMT

In response to my previous article, " Gratitude Can Be Funny When Life Is Messy!" many of you shared how difficult it can be when someone you love tells you to "just be grateful" in the middle of a tough situation. It's not that you don't appreciate the sentiment—it’s just that gratitude doesn't always erase the pain or complexity of what you're experiencing.

So, how do you respond when someone, with good intentions, tries to direct your feelings? I thought I’d put together a couple of different approaches that you can use for a spring board.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do, and I know you're coming from a good place. Right now, I just need space to feel what I’m going through without being told how I should feel. I’m working on finding gratitude, but it doesn’t make everything else disappear."

This response not only acknowledges the support but also sets a clear boundary. Below, we explore a few other ways you can assertively and graciously navigate these moments, while honoring your emotional needs.

Here are a few alternative ways you can respond:

Gentle but Direct: "Thank you for the reminder. I am trying to be grateful, but this is a lot for me to process right now. It would help if you could just be here with me as I work through it."

Honest but Appreciative: "I’m sure you mean well, and I appreciate the support. But what I’m feeling right now is complicated, and I need time to work through it in my own way."

Setting Boundaries: "I hear you, and I do try to find gratitude. But I also need to honor how I feel in this moment. I’d appreciate it if we could focus on just being present right now instead of trying to fix things."

Gracious and Assertive: "I get where you're coming from, and I’m grateful for your concern. Right now, though, I just need some space to feel what I’m feeling without being told how to process it."

Seeking Understanding: "I understand why you’re saying that, but I really need to work through this in my own way. It’s important to me that my feelings are acknowledged, even if they don’t always seem positive."

Each of these responses shows appreciation for the other person’s intent, while still expressing your need to process your emotions without external pressure.

Good luck and God Speed!

Importance of Clinical Trials

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 01:56:45 GMT

Clinical trials are essential in advancing treatment options and improving outcomes for ovarian cancer patients. As one of the most challenging cancers to detect early, ovarian cancer often presents at advanced stages, making effective treatments even more critical. Clinical trials offer hope by providing access to cutting-edge therapies that aren’t yet widely available, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

Participating in a clinical trial gives patients the opportunity to benefit from innovative treatments that might outperform standard care. These trials often test new medications, combination therapies, or treatment strategies that have the potential to slow or even stop the progression of the disease. For many, this can be a lifeline when traditional treatments have failed or are limited.

Furthermore, clinical trials contribute to medical research by helping scientists understand how ovarian cancer behaves and responds to various interventions. Data gathered from trials enables researchers to refine treatment approaches, leading to more personalized and effective care in the future.

For ovarian cancer survivors and their families, participating in clinical trials can also feel empowering. It’s a way to take an active role in the fight against the disease and contribute to discoveries that might benefit future patients.

While clinical trials aren’t for everyone, discussing this option with a medical team can open doors to potentially life-saving treatments and contribute to the overall understanding of ovarian cancer.

Gratitude: It Can Be Funny When Life is Messy

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 23:11:59 GMT

It’s a strange feeling when someone who’s never walked your path tells you to “be grateful.” The intention might be good, but those words can hit in a way that makes things feel worse. It can feel like they're suggesting that gratitude will somehow erase the pain, frustration, or grief you're experiencing. I get it – people want to offer comfort, and gratitude is often their go-to. But when you're going through something they haven’t lived, being told how to feel is anything but helpful.

Gratitude is powerful, and I’m not saying it doesn’t have its place. Many of us practice it daily because it helps us stay grounded in the middle of hardship. But it doesn’t take away the reality of the struggle. You can be grateful and still have moments of pain. One doesn’t cancel out the other.

I don’t want to seem inconsiderate or ungrateful to those who are trying to help, but it’s important to understand that not every situation calls for advice on how to feel. Sometimes, the best thing someone can do is acknowledge the complexity of what you're going through. Not every hard moment needs a silver lining right away.

It’s worth encouraging people to pause before offering sentiments like “be grateful.” Instead of suggesting how to feel, a better approach might be, “I’m here for you” or “I can’t imagine what this is like for you.” Giving someone space to experience their emotions without pressure to reframe them is one of the most valuable forms of support. Sometimes, just being present is enough.

Maybe my next article will be how to let people know their attempts at helping don't feel helpful.

Phoenix Rising: Tips for the Rebirthing Journey

kmrainer@hotmail.com (KIM RAINER) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:54:03 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Rising from the Ashes: Your Personal Invitation for Rebirth

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:13:39 GMT

Like the mythical phoenix rising from its ashes, a medical crisis can feel like a final chapter—an all-consuming battle that leaves us questioning who we are and what’s next. In these intense moments, it often feels like the life we once knew has been burned away, leaving us raw and exposed. This is the "death" of our former selves, the end of a chapter we may not have been ready to close. Yet, a long as we are breathing, this imagined demise isn’t a permanent loss; rather, it’s the beginning of an extraordinary rebirth.

The legend of the phoenix reminds us that from the ashes of destruction, beauty and strength can emerge. In the throes of a health crisis, we are stripped down to our very core. We lose parts of who we were, our routines, our comforts, and sometimes even our hopes. This process can feel like a breaking point—a point of no return. But it is precisely in this dismantling of our old identity that the seeds of a new, more resilient self are planted. It is in the heat of the fire that we discover the strength to rise again.

Emerging from the ashes is not easy. It’s a slow, transformative process that requires immense courage and the willingness to let go of who we once were. But when we embrace this journey, we find that we are capable of becoming something even greater. The new version of ourselves may bear the scars of our struggle, but these marks are symbols of our resilience. Kind of like wrinkles as we age. We learn to rebuild our lives, to redefine our purpose, and to cherish every moment of our rebirth.

So, when life scorches our path and everything seems to fall apart, remember the story of the phoenix. It’s not about rising despite the fire, but rising *because* of it. Our greatest challenges become the catalyst for our transformation, the ashes of our old life fueling the fire of our new beginning. Rise, not as you were, but as who you are meant to become. #PhoenixRising #Rebirth #StrengthThroughStruggle #TransformationalJourney

Setting Boundaries: A Crucial Aspect of Self Care

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:11:07 GMT

Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of self-care, particularly during times of illness or stress. Boundaries protect your energy, time, and emotional well-being, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Here’s how you can set effective boundaries:

Identify Your Needs

Before setting boundaries, take time to reflect on what you need. Consider your physical, emotional, and mental limits. For example, if certain conversations, environments, or tasks drain you, recognize that these are areas where boundaries are necessary.
Pay attention to how you feel in different situations and around different people. If you often feel exhausted, anxious, or overwhelmed, these are cues that boundaries may need to be established.

Be Clear and Direct

Communicate your boundaries clearly and calmly. Use "I" statements to express how certain behaviors affect you. For example, say, "I need some quiet time in the morning to focus on my health. I would appreciate it if we could keep conversations light during that time."
It’s essential to be honest about your limits and not expect others to read your mind. Direct communication helps people understand your needs and makes it easier for them to respect your boundaries.

Practice Saying "No" Without Guilt

It can be difficult to say "no," especially if you’re used to putting others' needs before your own. However, saying "no" is necessary for protecting your well-being. Remember, saying "no" to others means saying "yes" to yourself and your healing.
Practice gentle ways to decline requests, like: "I appreciate you inviting me, but I need to rest today," or "I can’t commit to that right now, but thank you for thinking of me."

Be Consistent

Boundaries are effective only when they are upheld consistently. If you let your boundaries slide once, it can send mixed signals. Remain firm, but polite, even if others push back or don't understand right away.
Consistency reinforces your boundaries, showing others that you are serious about your needs and self-care.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Being around people who respect your boundaries and uplift you makes it easier to maintain them. These are people who understand your need to rest, recharge, and focus on your health without judgment.
If someone reacts negatively to your boundaries, it might be an indicator of their lack of respect for your well-being. Consider reevaluating such relationships to prioritize those who honor your needs.

Reassess and Adjust as Needed

Boundaries are not static; they can change based on your circumstances and needs. Regularly check in with yourself to assess how your boundaries are working and make adjustments when necessary.

Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect and care. It sends a message to yourself and others that your well-being is a priority. By practicing setting and maintaining boundaries, you create a more supportive and nurturing environment conducive to healing and personal growth.

The Power of What You Consume: Healing Through Thought, Boundaries and Nutrition

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:06:58 GMT

Healing from cancer or any illness is a journey that extends beyond just medical treatments. It’s about what you consume, both physically and intellectually. Just as nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods can support your recovery, feeding your mind with positive, empowering thoughts is equally vital. Your environment, the people you surround yourself with, and the boundaries you set can significantly impact your healing process.

First, let’s talk about intellectual consumption. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of opinions and negativity, but it’s crucial to guard your mental space fiercely. Limit exposure to information, conversations, and media that drain you or make you feel less than. Instead, fill your mind with things that encourage growth, hope, and positivity. Read books that uplift, listen to podcasts that inspire, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Your mind is your sanctuary – keep it filled with things that nurture you.

Setting boundaries is a powerful act of self-care. It’s okay to say "no" to things and people that don’t serve your wellbeing. Surround yourself with those who support and uplift you. The ones who offer correction when necessary, but do so with love and kindness. Healing is a delicate process, and being around people who truly care for your heart as well as your health can make a world of difference.

Lastly, remember this: your value is not measured by what others think or say about you. Often during an illness, you might feel vulnerable or scrutinized. But your worth is intrinsic – it lies in who you are, not in external validation. Affirm to yourself daily that you are enough just as you are, and that your journey, with all its struggles and triumphs, is uniquely yours.

Nurture your body with healthy food, nourish your mind with positive thoughts, and protect your spirit by setting boundaries. This holistic approach can create a healing environment that fosters strength, peace, and hope.

Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Killer – Why You Need to Speak Up for Your Health

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 01:12:36 GMT

Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer," and there’s a reason for that. Its symptoms can be so subtle that they’re easy to mistake for other, less serious health problems. Bloating, stomach pain, feeling full quickly, or needing to pee more often can all be signs of things like digestive issues, stress, or just getting older. Because of this, ovarian cancer often goes unnoticed until it has reached a more advanced stage. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of your body and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Why Ovarian Cancer is Hard to Find Early

Unlike other cancers, there’s no simple, reliable test for ovarian cancer. With breast cancer, there are mammograms; for cervical cancer, Pap smears. But for ovarian cancer, the symptoms can be so mild that many women ignore them or assume they’re caused by something else. The truth is, these small changes in your body can sometimes be a sign of a bigger problem. Staying on top of your health means paying attention to these signs, even if they seem minor.

Be Your Own Advocate

Many women are taught to push through discomfort or to assume their symptoms are “just part of life.” But when it comes to ovarian cancer, it’s vital not to dismiss these signs. If you notice symptoms like constant bloating, pain in your lower belly, changes in your appetite, or needing to pee more often for more than a few weeks, it's time to act. You know your body better than anyone—trust yourself!

When you go to the doctor, be clear and firm about your concerns. Don’t brush off your symptoms, and don’t let anyone else do it either. Ask for tests that can help rule out other issues, such as a pelvic exam or an ultrasound. Also, request a CA-125 blood test—it’s the most reliable indicator for ovarian cancer available today. If you don’t feel heard, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Remember, you have every right to stand up for your health.

Educate Yourself and Stay Alert

Learning about ovarian cancer can help you know what to watch out for. Risk factors include family history, age, genetics, and lifestyle. If you fall into any of these categories, it’s even more important to stay alert. Connecting with support groups or communities can also be helpful; hearing from others who have experienced ovarian cancer can give you valuable information and support.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Speaking up for your health can be hard, especially when you’re not feeling well. But remember, you’re not alone. Build a support team—doctors, family, and friends who will help you listen to your body and get the care you need. By staying aware and taking action, you can help catch ovarian cancer early, which can make a big difference in treatment.

Ovarian cancer may be called the silent killer, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay silent. Speak up, get the care you need, and encourage others to do the same. Your health is worth it!

Navigating Career Changes During Cancer Treatment

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:51:01 GMT

A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, and one of its major impacts is often on your career. Suddenly, the steady rhythm of work is interrupted by medical appointments, treatments, and the physical and emotional toll that cancer brings. It’s natural to feel uncertain about how to balance work and health. However, there are several options to explore as you navigate this journey.

Part-Time Work: If full-time work feels too demanding, consider shifting to part-time. Many employers are open to flexible arrangements, especially when you communicate your needs clearly. This option allows you to stay engaged in your career while giving yourself the time and energy to focus on recovery.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): In the U.S., FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious health conditions, including cancer. It’s a lifeline that allows you to step back without losing your job. Use this time to focus on treatments, self-care, and reassessing your career path.

Work-from-Home Options: Network marketing, freelancing, and remote jobs offer flexibility and the opportunity to work on your own terms. Whether it's starting a side hustle, leveraging your skills in consulting, or exploring an internet-based business, working from home can provide a balanced blend of productivity and recovery.

Quitting Altogether: Sometimes, stepping away from work entirely is the best decision. Quitting isn’t failure—it’s about prioritizing health. Use this time to explore what truly matters to you and how you envision your future.

Remember, this is about exploring options. There is no right or wrong path, only what feels right for you at this moment.

Coping Strategies for Navigating the Minefield

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 01:45:29 GMT

Here are some coping strategies for cancer survivors dealing with unmet expectations from family and friends:

Adjust Expectations: Understand that not everyone will respond the way you hope. Recognize that people have their own limitations, fears, and ways of coping. Adjusting your expectations can reduce feelings of disappointment and help you focus on the support you do receive.
Seek Professional Support: Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in cancer care. They can help you navigate the complex emotions that arise when loved ones aren't as supportive as expected.
Join Support Groups : Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can provide a strong sense of community and understanding. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can offer encouragement, advice, and the kind of empathy that friends and family might not be able to provide.
Practice Self-Care: Focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, walking, meditating, or engaging in a hobby, self-care is crucial for mental and emotional healing. Taking care of your needs can help you feel more in control and less reliant on others for emotional support.
Communicate Openly: If you feel comfortable, have honest conversations with your loved ones about your needs and feelings. Sometimes, people may not realize how their actions—or inactions—affect you. Clear communication can bridge gaps and improve understanding.
Cultivate New Connections: Don’t be afraid to reach out and form new relationships. New friends, fellow survivors, or even acquaintances can become valuable sources of support, offering fresh perspectives and encouragement.
Focus on Inner Strength: Reflect on your journey and the resilience you’ve developed. Building your own inner strength can help you feel less dependent on external validation, empowering you to navigate your path with confidence and peace.

These strategies can help you manage the emotional challenges of unmet expectations, guiding you towards a healthier and more resilient mindset during your recovery journey.

The Emotional Minefield of Expectations: A Cancer Survivors Journey

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:46:44 GMT

The Emotional Minefield of Expectations: A Cancer Survivor's Journey

Navigating life after a cancer diagnosis is challenging, and it's not just about physical recovery—it's also a mental and emotional battle. As cancer survivors, we often find ourselves leaning on the people we thought would always be there. But what happens when those we expect to stand by us are the first to walk away? This emotional disconnect can lead to a dangerous cycle of disappointment, isolation, and misplaced blame.

The truth is, expectations can be a double-edged sword. We hold them close because they bring a sense of security and comfort, especially during uncertain times. We expect our loved ones to understand our pain, to be our pillars of support, and to provide the unwavering love we need. But when reality doesn't match those expectations, it can be devastating. For many survivors, this realization can feel like a second betrayal—first by their bodies, and then by the people they trusted most.

It's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone has the capacity to deal with the intensity of a loved one’s illness. Friends and family may struggle with their own fears, helplessness, or discomfort. They might not know how to provide the support we need, or they may withdraw, unable to cope with the weight of the situation. This doesn’t necessarily make them bad people, but it does highlight the importance of managing our expectations.

When the people we expect to be our strongest advocates aren't there, it can lead to feelings of abandonment, resentment, and deep emotional pain. We might question our worth or wonder if our relationships were ever truly meaningful. This mental and emotional fallout can be more damaging than we realize, compounding the stress and anxiety already associated with cancer recovery.

To navigate these treacherous waters, it's essential to redefine where we place our expectations. While it’s okay to hope for support, it’s also vital to build resilience and seek out alternative sources of strength. Sometimes, the greatest allies are found in unexpected places—support groups, new friendships, or even within ourselves. Learning to release others from our expectations can be liberating. It opens the door to healthier relationships, where support is freely given and received without the burden of unspoken demands. In doing so, we create a space for genuine connections that nourish rather than drain our spirit.

Body Image and Cancer: A Battle With a Mirror!

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:30:18 GMT

No one tells you how much cancer is going to mess with your mind—not just the obvious fear and anxiety, but the way it slowly, brutally, and relentlessly alters how you see yourself. The surgeries, the treatments, the scars, the weight changes, the hair loss—each one chips away at the person you thought you were. It’s like staring into a funhouse mirror that’s anything but fun, where you’re searching for a glimpse of the old you but keep coming up short.

Let’s be real: It’s not easy to look in the mirror and love what you see when everything familiar feels like it’s been ripped away. Society sells us this image of “fighting cancer gracefully,” but there’s nothing graceful about feeling like a stranger in your own skin. You might not recognize the body that’s staring back at you. You might even resent it. And that’s okay.

This isn’t about finding a silver lining or slapping on a brave face—it’s about raw honesty. It’s about admitting that it hurts, that you’re angry, that some days you want to scream at the universe for putting you through this. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling without the pressure to “bounce back” or “stay positive.” Some days, it’s enough just to get through the next five minutes.

This image is a self-portrait I created during my own treatment—a moment captured when I was grappling with all of this. It’s not polished, it’s not pretty, but it’s real. It’s a snapshot of a woman trying to make peace with a body she barely recognized. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to accepting the changes that cancer leaves behind. Sometimes, grace looks like surviving the day. Sometimes, it’s letting yourself grieve what you’ve lost without apology.

So if you’re struggling with what you see in the mirror, know you’re not alone. Be patient with yourself. There’s no right way to do this. Give yourself the time you need, however long that takes, and remember—you are more than the sum of your scars. ��

Lean on Your Loved Ones, Friends, and Support Groups

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:31:14 GMT

Navigating any challenging journey—whether it's a health crisis, a financial hurdle, or a personal setback—can feel overwhelming. One of the hardest parts is realizing that you don’t have to do it alone.

Before you read on, let me explain why I chose this unlikely image for this post. A Carin (tower of stones) is a hiking symbol that says, I've been where you are, and you're on the right path, keep going. This carefully balanced tower of stones , was my creation, it symbolizes guidance, support, and the journey of life. Just like a cairn marks the path for travelers, asking for help is a way to navigate challenges. It reminds us we don’t have to walk alone; support is always near.

Unfortunately however, when loved ones, friends, or even acquaintances ask, “How can I help?” we freeze, unsure of what to say or ask for. Sound familiar? You’re not alone in that, either.

It's okay to lean on others. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary.

Accepting help doesn’t make you weak ; it makes you wise. Here are some suggestions on how to engage your support network in a way that feels good for you and those around you:

Practical Tasks: Whether it's picking up groceries, preparing a meal, or taking care of errands, these everyday tasks can be incredibly draining. Let someone handle the mundane so you can focus on what matters most.

Emotional Support: Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear. Let your friends know it's okay to just sit with you, laugh, cry, or simply be present. No need for advice—just their company can be the comfort you need.

Transportation Help: If you’re dealing with medical appointments or other important meetings, ask a friend to be your chauffeur. Not only does it save you the hassle, but it also gives you some one-on-one time with a supportive person.

Help with Kids or Pets: If you have children or pets, having someone step in to assist with their care can be a huge relief. It’s one less thing on your plate.

Sit with Me: You don't have to say or do anything. Just sit with me and tell me what is happening in your life. It takes the focus off of me, and let's me participate in normal life, even if it's just for a little while.

Helpers: Sometimes when you offer a blanket "just ask if you need anything" your intentions are good, but we are ill-equipped to answer. Just make a decision for us! We'll appreciate any gesture of kindness that comes our way.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for specific help, and it’s okay to not have all the answers when someone offers. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Lean into the love that surrounds you, and let it lift you up.

Managing Unexpected Expenses During Cancer Care

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 02:11:09 GMT

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and few are as daunting as a cancer diagnosis. Alongside the emotional and physical challenges, the financial strain can feel overwhelming. Cancer care often brings unexpected expenses like childcare, special dietary needs, and other out-of-pocket costs that weren’t part of the initial plan. If you find yourself in this situation without having planned ahead, you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take now to reduce the financial stress.

First, take a deep breath and assess your current financial landscape. Identify all your expenses, including the unexpected ones. This might feel daunting, but having a clear picture of your finances is the first step in taking control. Next, explore financial assistance options that may be available. Many hospitals have financial counselors who can guide you through available resources, such as grants, co-pay assistance programs, or even community support. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; there are organizations designed to ease the financial burden of cancer care.

It’s also important to communicate with your care team about your financial concerns. They may be able to suggest less costly alternatives for medications or treatments. Additionally, consider reaching out to family and friends for support—they often want to help but may not know how. Simple gestures, like arranging for childcare or preparing meals, can make a significant difference.

Lastly, take advantage of community support networks, both online and in-person. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide not just emotional support, but also practical tips for managing unexpected expenses.

Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. While planning ahead is ideal, it’s never too late to take steps toward reducing financial stress. Every small action can help lighten the load, and there is strength in asking for help when you need it.

Nutritional Needs: A Balanced Diet Supports Your Body Through Treatment

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 11:52:19 GMT

Going through any medical treatment, especially cancer, can take a toll on your body. While maintaining a balanced diet is essential, the challenges of treatment can often make eating feel like an uphill battle. Loss of appetite, nausea, changes in taste, and the overall stress on your system can lead to nutritional deficiencies when your body needs nutrients the most. This is where a balanced diet, supplemented with the right nutrients, plays a crucial role in supporting your recovery journey.

The Role of Supplementation

When food isn’t appealing, supplements can fill the gap, ensuring your body still gets essential vitamins and minerals. A good quality supplement can help maintain energy levels, support immune function, and aid in tissue repair. For instance, supplements rich in vitamins like B12, D, and C, along with minerals such as zinc and magnesium, are known to support the body’s healing processes and can make a significant difference when you’re unable to eat a well-rounded diet.

Absorption Matters

However, it's not just about what you consume; it’s also about what your body absorbs. Treatments like chemotherapy can affect the lining of the gut, making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food and supplements alike. Therefore, choosing supplements that are designed for maximum absorption, such as those in liquid form or enhanced with absorption-boosting components, can be beneficial.

Maintaining a Healthy Gut Biome

Your gut health is a cornerstone of overall wellness. A healthy gut biome aids in digestion, supports immune health, and even influences your mood. Probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain this delicate balance, especially when treatment disrupts it. Incorporating these into your diet, either through food or supplements, can promote a healthier gut, better nutrient absorption, and a stronger overall resilience to treatment side effects. This truly was the cornerstone of my post cancer recovery!

Nourishing your body through treatment isn’t always easy, but with the right balance of diet and supplementation, you can better support your body’s needs and optimize your journey toward recovery.

Living With Uncertainty: Finding Peace in the Present

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:12:34 GMT

Life can be a wild ride, can’t it? One minute, everything feels under control, and the next, it’s like the rug has been pulled out from under us. Whether it's changes in our health, job instability, or just the unpredictability of everyday life, the future can feel like this big, looming question mark. It’s easy to get caught up in the "what ifs," but the truth is, we don’t have control over tomorrow. What we do have is today. And that’s where our power lies.

So, what can we do when the future feels like a storm cloud on the horizon? Focus on what we can control, right now, in this moment. It might sound simple, but it’s not always easy. We can control our breath, taking deep, grounding breaths when anxiety creeps in. We can control our actions, choosing to be kind to ourselves and others, even when things aren’t going our way. We can control our thoughts, shifting them away from worry and towards gratitude, even if it’s just for the small things—a warm cup of tea, the sound of birds outside, or the comfort of a loved one’s voice.

And you know what? That’s enough. Embracing each moment, exactly as it is, can bring a sense of peace that worrying about the future never will. It’s about letting go of the need to have everything figured out and trusting that we’ll handle whatever comes our way, one day at a time.

The uncertainty of the future doesn’t have to steal the joy of today. Instead, it can be a gentle reminder to live fully in the now, to savor the moments that make us feel alive, and to lean into the things that truly matter. So, let’s take it one breath, one step, and one day at a time. Embrace the present, find peace in the moment, and trust that you’ve got what it takes to face whatever comes next. #OneDayAtATime

Screening Limitations: The Unique Challenge of Ovarian Cancer

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:46:25 GMT

When it comes to cancer screenings, we often think of mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colon cancer—reliable tools that can catch these diseases early. But what if I told you that ovarian cancer doesn’t have the same luxury? Unlike other cancers, t here’s currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer . That’s right—no annual scan or blood test that can guarantee catching it early. This makes regular check-ups and being aware of the symptoms all the more essential.

The lack of effective screening is one of the reasons ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage , when treatment options are more limited. It’s not because doctors aren’t looking; it’s simply that we don’t yet have a foolproof method for catching it in its early stages. This reality can feel unsettling, but it doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Far from it! The key lies in staying informed and vigilant.

So, what can you do? First, know the symptoms . Ovarian cancer can whisper with subtle signs like b loating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, or needing to urinate more often . In my case, it was none of those common symptoms - I smelled an odd odor during my period, and my OB-GYN listened to me! These symptoms are easy to overlook because they can resemble so many other, less serious issues. But if something feels off, listen to your body. Don’t dismiss persistent symptoms —trust yourself, and make that appointment with your healthcare provider.

Second, make regular check-ups a priority . Even though there’s no specific screening test, your doctor can still help you keep an eye on things. And if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or other risk factors, be sure to discuss this with your doctor—they might recommend more specific monitoring.

Remember, you are your best advocate. While it’s true that the lack of a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer is a significant challenge, being aware of your body and keeping open lines of communication with your healthcare team can make all the difference . Together, we can work towards a future where ovarian cancer is caught earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately, beaten for good.

#ovariancancerawareness #ovariancancersurvivor #ovariancancerscreening

Stay Hydrated: Nourishing Your Body During Treatment and Healing

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:54:45 GMT

Hydration is more than just a daily necessity; it's a key component of maintaining your health, especially when you're healing from cancer or other serious illnesses. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your body flush out toxins, supports your immune system, and can alleviate common treatment side effects like dry mouth, fatigue, and constipation. Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your cells functioning optimally, aiding in digestion, and maintaining your energy levels—critical factors when your body is working hard to heal.

But hydration doesn’t stop at water. While water is the best and most straightforward choice, there are other options to consider, especially if you find plain water unappealing or need some variety. Herbal teas, for instance, can be a comforting way to stay hydrated. They come in many flavors, and some herbs like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can offer additional soothing benefits, such as easing nausea, calming anxiety, or reducing inflammation. Be sure to choose caffeine-free varieties, as caffeine can have a dehydrating effect.

Broths are another excellent hydrating option, particularly if you’re struggling with appetite or digestion. A warm, nutrient-rich broth can not only provide hydration but also deliver essential electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to rebuild and repair itself. Opt for low-sodium versions to keep your salt intake in check, and consider adding vegetables or protein to boost the nutritional value.

Remember, hydration is not just about quenching thirst; it's about giving your body the support it needs to heal and thrive. Healing from cancer or any serious illness requires extra care and attention to what you put into your body. Staying hydrated is one simple yet powerful step you can take to nourish yourself every day, aiding in your recovery and overall well-being. Listen to your body’s signals, sip regularly throughout the day, and explore a variety of hydrating options to find what works best for you on your journey to wellness.

And when it comes to replacing your electrolytes, make sure what you are putting into your body is going to help your body. My go-to for electrolytes is Tower+ Electrolyte Mix . This is my favorite because hydration is more than getting water into your body, it is about getting it into your cells.

Career Adjustments After an Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis - Peeling Back the Layers

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:25:59 GMT

Let's get real—being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or facing any catastrophic life event, is like having the rug pulled out from under you.

Suddenly, everything you thought you knew about your life, your health, and yes, even your career, is up for re-evaluation. It’s like peeling off layers of your own skin—raw, uncomfortable, and sometimes, downright painful. But here's the thing: it's also a chance to rebuild, to shape a life that truly works for you.

When I was first diagnosed, my career was the last thing on my mind. I was just trying to get through the next day, the next doctor's appointment, the next round of treatment. But as the dust settled, I realized that the way I was living—working long hours, juggling the pressure of going to university for my BA in nursing, and pushing myself to the brink—just wasn’t sustainable anymore. And honestly? It shouldn’t have been even before cancer showed up at my door.

It's okay to reassess your work-life balance. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary. Your health has to come first, and that might mean making some big changes. Maybe it's cutting back on hours, shifting to a less stressful role, hitting pause on school, or even leaving a job that no longer serves you. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about tuning in to what you really need. And sometimes, that means making the brave decision to pivot.

Change is hard. It can feel like peeling off your skin, exposing vulnerabilities you didn’t even know you had. But each layer you shed brings you closer to the core of who you are and what truly matters. So, if you’re facing a career shift after a cancer diagnosis or any major life event, know this: it’s not just a change—it’s a transformation, and you get to decide what comes next.

#kmrainer #kimrainer #allaboutspirit #ovariancancersurvivor #ovariancancerawareness

Self-Care is Essential: Prioritizing Yourself in Your Cancer Journey

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:25:32 GMT

Cancer is a battle that reaches far beyond the physical realm—it’s an emotional, mental, and spiritual journey that demands every ounce of your strength. From the moment of diagnosis, the whirlwind of tests, treatments, and appointments can feel overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, it's crucial to remember one simple truth: you matter. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it's a necessity.

Taking care of yourself during this time isn't selfish; it's vital for your healing. Cancer can take a profound toll on both your body and mind, draining your energy and spirit. Prioritizing self-care activities that bring you peace and comfort can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Whether it's taking a gentle walk in nature, indulging in a warm bath, practicing mindfulness, or simply allowing yourself the time to rest, these moments are essential.

Self-care is about listening to your body and honoring what it needs. Maybe today it’s a nap, a good book, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts. Tomorrow, it could be reaching out to a loved one, finding comfort in their presence, or even trying a new hobby that brings a sense of joy. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to put your needs first.

Embrace the activities that nourish your soul, even in the smallest ways.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Lean on your support system, connect with others who understand, and allow yourself to feel whatever comes up—whether it’s fear, sadness, hope, or gratitude. Every emotion is valid. Self-care isn’t about ignoring these feelings but rather creating space to process them in a way that feels right for you.

It's also important to recognize the incredible role of your care team—your family, friends, and healthcare providers. They, too, need moments to recharge and practice self-care. Encourage your support system to take breaks, prioritize their health, and find joy in their own ways. A well-rested and balanced care team can offer you the best support possible.

Prioritize your peace. Prioritize your comfort. Above all, prioritize yourself. You are worthy of the care you give to others. So, take a breath, slow down, and choose #SelfCareFirst. Your journey is yours to navigate, and taking care of yourself is the most important step you can take.

#ovariancancerawareness #allaobutspirit #kmrainer

Ovarian Cancer Treatments. Insurance. Staying Healthy

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:20:39 GMT

Hey friends, I want to have a heart-to-heart about something that’s deeply personal but so important to talk about. My journey with ovarian cancer began back in 2007, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a battle against the disease—it was a financial fight, too. Cancer treatments are not only tough on your body; they're tough on your bank account. The costs can pile up fast, even when you think you’re covered. Many of us assume our insurance will take care of everything, but the truth is, being underinsured is more common than we realize.

When I was diagnosed, I thought I was prepared. I had insurance, but I quickly learned that my coverage wasn’t as comprehensive as I’d hoped. Out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays, deductibles, uncovered medications, and alternative treatments added up quickly, putting a strain on my finances during an already stressful time. It’s a harsh reality that far too many of us face, often when we’re at our most vulnerable.

This is why financial planning and understanding your insurance coverage are critical. It’s not just about being insured—it’s about being properly insured. Make sure you know what your policy covers and where the gaps might be, because those gaps can make a big difference when life throws you a curveball.

But beyond just planning for the unexpected, there's another powerful way to protect yourself: staying healthy. Preventative care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are investments in your future that can save you from the high costs of getting healthy after an illness strikes. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and routine check-ups can help keep major health issues at bay, which is often much more affordable than managing a chronic condition or facing a serious diagnosis. It's not just about adding years to your life; it's about adding life to your years, without the financial burden weighing you down.

If you or someone you know is on a similar journey, remember that you’re not alone. Let’s take care of ourselves—physically, emotionally, and financially. And let’s support each other in doing the same. ��

#FinancialPlanning #Ovariancancerawarenes #kimrainer #Yourhealthisyourgreatestwealth

Did You Know? Early Detection is Key in Ovarian Cancer Awareness

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 23:57:05 GMT

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that often goes unnoticed until it has advanced to a more severe stage. Unlike other cancers that benefit from early screening tests, ovarian cancer is infamous for its vague symptoms and the lack of reliable early detection methods. This underscores the importance of education and awareness in identifying the disease in its initial, more treatable stages.

Often referred to as the "silent killer," ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women and claims more lives than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The numbers are daunting: around 22,000 women in the U.S. receive a diagnosis each year, with more than 14,000 losing their battle to the disease. While the overall five-year survival rate is approximately 49%, early detection—when the cancer is still localized to the ovaries—can increase the survival rate to over 90%. Unfortunately, only about 20% of ovarian cancer cases are caught in these early stages.

A major challenge in diagnosing ovarian cancer early is that its symptoms often resemble those of more common ailments, such as digestive issues, bloating, or menstrual irregularities. Symptoms like abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, feeling full quickly when eating, and changes in bowel habits are common and can be easily dismissed. Because these signs are often subtle and nonspecific, many women overlook them or attribute them to less serious conditions. It's crucial to be vigilant and attentive to your body's signals. If you experience persistent or unusual symptoms, especially if they last more than a few weeks, it’s vital to see a healthcare professional and specifically inquire about ovarian cancer.

Currently, there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer for women at average risk, making awareness and self-advocacy essential. If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or carry genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, discussing your risk with your doctor is particularly important. Understanding your individual risk factors and considering genetic counseling or testing can be crucial in early detection.

As we recognize Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, let’s pledge to spread awareness. Early detection saves lives, and knowledge is a powerful tool in this fight. Share this message, have conversations with loved ones, and remember: trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Be your own health advocate—because catching ovarian cancer early can make all the difference.

#OvarianCancerAwareness

Debt vs Credit Score

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 23:29:28 GMT

Debt Can Significantly Impact Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. Here's a quick look at how it works:

1. **Credit Utilization Ratio**: This is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. High credit utilization can lower your score. Ideally, you should keep this ratio below 30%.

2. **Payment History**: Consistently making on-time payments boosts your credit score, while late or missed payments can severely damage it.

3. **Length of Credit History**: Longer credit histories generally lead to higher scores. Having debt over a long period, if managed well, can positively affect your score.

4. **Types of Credit**: A mix of credit types (e.g., credit cards, mortgages, student loans) can improve your score. Having and responsibly managing different types of debt shows you can handle various financial obligations.

5. **New Credit**: Frequently applying for new debt can lower your score, as it can indicate financial distress or a higher risk of overextending yourself.

6. **Total Amount Owed**: The total amount of debt you owe also affects your score. Higher debt levels can lower your score, especially if you're close to your credit limits.

Managing debt responsibly, making timely payments, and keeping credit utilization low are key to maintaining a healthy credit score.

Take Time To Breathe

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 16:11:00 GMT

Take Time to Breathe

During the holiday’s it can be really hectic. When I don’t take time to breathe, I get even more wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I use this great little tool when I am stressed out.

My breath gets shallow, quick. It catches at the top of my throat. Dedicating a few minutes to focus only on your breathing, gives your body time to reset. It also gives your sympathetic nervous system a chance to settle down.

Help your body relax. Teach your emotions to calm down. Give your mind the chance to clear. Your body will thank you.

The post Take Time To Breathe appeared first on All About Spirit .

An Introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 18:34:00 GMT

An Introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit

An Introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit is Kim Rainer’s September 12, 2019 keynote address to The Roots of Healing for the Meeting of the Minds.

After your cancer diagnosis, are you living the life of your dreams physically? Emotionally? Financially? Spiritually? At the end of your workday are you energized? Uplifted? Ready to step, fully engaged, into the lives of your family and friends? Or is something else happening?

Watch the video

Click the image above, or follow this link to watch my keynote at Roots of Healing at the Meeting of the Minds Networking event.

As a survivor of many things, and founder of All About Spirit, through this introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit, I will help you discover how your thoughts, ideas and beliefs are creating your current reality, and more important, what you can do to change your trajectory.

The post An Introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit appeared first on All About Spirit .

Top Five Health Risks for Men

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 21:28:00 GMT

Women survive men by over five years. . .

The Men’s Health Network reports that, on average, women survive men by over five years. Here are some interesting facts on the top five health risks for men. No surprise cancer is among them; and lung cancer is the number one cancer killer among men, and most men will experience some form of prostate discomfort.

Supplementation used to be a luxury . . .

Giving your body what it needs to be at its best is essential. Plenty of rest, lots of water, healthy foods are the basics. Supplementation used to be a luxury, but with our food culture as it is, good supplementation is a more important than ever.

The next step to a healthier prostate . . .

Nearly 90% of all men will experience some form of prostate discomfort. And because the prostate gland plays a critical role in men’s health it is crucial for men to take steps to promote optimal prostate health. Prime Prostate Defense Formula is the next step to a healthier prostate.

Benefits

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Top Five Health Risks for Men

The post Top Five Health Risks for Men appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-67 Cancer’s Deeper Meaning

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 19:17:00 GMT

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer – Part 4

In today’s show we will be looking at how a body functions when it is healthy. When I take the time to really consider what happens in my body, it is nothing short of a miracle. That is to say, we have trillions of cells which carry out millions of life-sustaining actions. Not to mention they accomplish their tasks in an orderly and cooperative way.

Each cell plays a vital role . . .

Each cell has its specific job to do. Besides its job as an individual, it also plays a role in our human eco-system. Liver cells detoxify blood. At the same time, they store, release and metabolize sugar and cholesterol. In addition, those same liver cells monitor hormone levels. Not only is our liver busy at work, but our colon cells (not far away) are busy absorbing fluid, moving yesterday’s food through our system and monitoring bacteria levels.

Throughout our body, our cells are doing their jobs. Not only are they doing their jobs, but they cooperate with each other in ways that are beyond most of our understanding.

Our body’s natural intelligence . . .

Lifeforce energy is called Prana in Ayurveda medicine. Prana is the primary impulse that creates and sustains us. As long as Prana is flowing, life continues. Once a body stops functioning in a way that supports the flow of lifeforce energy life ends and we die.

Bio-chemically the same before and after death . . .

Bio-chemically, our bodies are exactly the same immediately before and after death. However, in life there exists an energy not present in death. That is to say, Lifeforce energy.

That leads us to ask, what is this lifeforce energy that organizes our cells, molecules and organs into individuals who are self-aware and capable of breathing, thinking and so much more?

This question lies at the heart of what many of us face as we look cancer in the face. We undergo the transition from individuals living and surviving in the material world we have always known, to questioning life from a more consciousness-based perspective.

For more than 200 years we collectively believed only the material world was worthy of our attention. As we continue in the information age, we see consciousness as a real force.

The unspoken message . . .

In traditional western medicine there is an unspoken message that says understanding health begins with understanding death and illness. In most medical schools there is little talk of life and death or health and disease. Consequently, doctors become disease technicians.

Medical school teaches that life is the product of chemical reactions in the body. Subsequently, awareness, ideas and emotions follow. In that model, death becomes the inevitable end of a machine (the body) wearing out.

The problem with this approach is . . .

Things seem like a collection of solid materials, they are in fact made of atomic building blocks that are mostly empty. Even the sub-atomic particles that make up atoms are non-material.

The entire Universe, according to Ayurvedic science, is made up of a non-material field of energy and information. That is to say, everything we perceive as matter is actually non-matter. To put it another way, Ayurveda medicine and quantum physics offer the same message namely matter and energy are interchangeable.

Unraveling the Quantum Fields . . .

Science continues to unravel the quantum fields, and as they do, we begin to see a different structure to our Universe. There is an energy field beyond the limits of time and space – and from which time and space are born. This non-material field is called, by physicists, the Unified Field. Within this field lies the possibility for all that can exist.

Ayurvedic science calls it the field of Pure Potentiality, or the field of Pure Consciousness. It can also be called the field of infinite possibilities because all that was, is, or will ever be comes from this field. I often speak of it in my work as the Law of Pure Potentiality.

Health through a consciousness-based approach . . .

In that case, our thoughts and our cells are both an expression the underlying field of intelligence that stems from the field of Pure Potentiality. Our physical body is a field of molecules. Our mind is a field of ideas. In the end, there is a field of consciousness that underlies both. The healing traditions call this field of consciousness Spirit.

Our lifeforce is the expression of that field of consciousness called Spirit. It is the energy that animates us. Our connection to this field of intelligence is what allows our cells to work independently doing exactly what they need to do as individuals and collectively as part of the team of cells that make up the ecosystem of our body.

When something interferes with the flow of energy . . .

However, when something interferes or interrupts the flow of the energy coming from the field of consciousness called

Spirit, our cells change the way they work. Cells forget what it means to be whole. Those same cells begin to act as if they are disconnected from the body as a whole.

In a consciousness-based model, this is the starting point of cancer. We talked about our ongoing exposure to toxins and their accumulated effect. When cells become misguided or confused in their role, they ignore their cellular community. They stop working in harmony. Cancer cells take on an uncontrolled expression of power and reproduce with no regard for their host. In so doing, it creates its own destruction.

Revisiting the questions . . .

Join me next week when we revisit the question:

What is the deeper meaning of this illness which creates so much suffering?

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer:

The Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer series is based on the work of the late David Simon, M.D., former Medical Director, the Chopra Center for Well Being.

This series is similar to math in that, what we talk about this week builds on what we have talked about previously. If you have not seen Part 1: Life is a Paradox, I would invite you to follow the link below and watch the series in order.

If you are struggling, I show people how to apply these principles in their life, so they can take action in order to achieve their health, personal, professional and financial goals.

The post E-67 Cancer’s Deeper Meaning appeared first on All About Spirit .

Myxoid Liposarcoma – My Life My Masterpiece

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 21:22:00 GMT

Survivor Stories: Marie Chronopoulos’ Story

In this contribution to 1,000 Cancer Survivor Stories, Marie Chronopoulos shares her experience with myxoid liposarcoma and how she survived using a combination of conventional medicine, prayer, meditation and visualization for cancer, and significant dietary changes.

Diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma at age 41 . . .

In July 2008, I was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma. At the time, I was 41 years old with 4 children, a wonderful partner and a career that was everything I had ever wanted. My entire world came crashing in around me as the doctors delivered the devastating news.

You guessed it . . .

Yes, you guessed it! Eventually, this pulled muscle turned out to be the primary tumor with a mass half the size of a football!

CT scans, MRI’s and ultra sounds along with bone scans were in order. Through the scans they discovered the extent of the tumors. The found two in my left breast, right thigh huge mass, tumor on right hip and one under my left arm pit. And a tumor that was attached to the main artery in my right leg behind the knee. I had two specialists one was a sarcoma and pancreatic cancer specialist and the other was an orthopedic surgeon. My hip and right femur needed to be replaced, but first they need to remove the primary tumor. I was told to go home and get my affairs in order. Unfortunately, they didn’t hold much hope for me. All they could do was remove the tumors, replace parts of me and hope for the best. Chemo wasn’t an option.

Two months after diagnosis . . .

What I had was rare and slow growing. The doctors didn’t know much about myxoid liposarcoma. And out of all the cancers, I had one which was 1% of all cancers. With the minimal research conducted, basically they couldn’t tell me much, only information based on 1% and the outcome wasn’t good. So with all that information, I decided to go on a life changing exercise to see if I could kick the shit out of this thing!

I started to research diet and cancer . . .

I went into a detox program for ten days. Then started to research diet and cancer. Accordingly, that research has led me to the path I am on right now. Refined sugar(s) have been eliminated from my diet. Furthermore, I eat a low carbohydrate diet prepared with fresh, organic foods where I can. In my efforts to remain diary free, gluten free and preservative free, I juice and enjoy smoothies regularly. Super foods and foods that are alkalizing are what make up most of my diet.

This has been the secret to healing myself. Within three years, I was cancer free. As a result, the doctors couldn’t believe how great I looked and felt and that I was cancer free. I mediated and visualized the tumor behind my knee disappearing and within seven months of diagnosis the doctors couldn’t find it on any scan!

My life was saved a second time . . .

Eight years later, I was planning a trip with my daughter to Thailand. I had sciatic pain which I felt during some exercising in the gym. I knew I couldn’t sit on a plan for a long time, so I decided to see my Doctor and have a CT scan and get a nerve block to help with the pain.

It was this decision that saved my life a second time. The CT scan showed a tumor behind my pancreas which had nothing to do with the sciatic pain. It was the luckiest thing to have happen to me. Little did I know at the time that the discovery of this tumor at this point would save my life. Any later and it would have been deemed inoperable. I was told to go on my Thailand holiday for 2 weeks and upon my return I was admitted to hospital in January 2015.

As a result they removed . . .

The more pain I was in the more I believed . . .

Each day I prayed, I saw myself well. That was my focus. The more pain I was in the more I believed and the more I prayed. It took 6 weeks lying in a hospital bed not being able to feed myself, I couldn’t walk, my stomach was getting pumped out every 2 hours, I was on insulin and being treated as a diabetic because they had removed a portion of my pancreas and weren’t sure if it was going to function normally. Thankfully it did in time.

My road to recovery from myxoid liposarcoma . . .

My road to recovery from that day has been the most amazing experience to say the least. Within four months, I was fully

recovered. A little frail however, I knew that it would be just a matter of a little more time before I would get my strength back and be stronger and fitter and healthier than I ever was. Today, four years later, I am that vision I had. I am the fittest, the healthiest, and the strongest I have ever been. And I am nearly 52!

I dare you . . .

Now you’ve seen a quick snap shot of my story. I’m sharing here because I believe that what I have done, what I have achieved is something any one can do too. I want to inspire people to take control of what is happening to them. Furthermore, believe in healing yourself! Make healthy changes in your life! Visualize! Breathe deeply! Stress less and take action towards becoming the best version of you! It doesn’t matter how old you are or what disease you have! Accordingly, it does not matter what adversity you are facing. Never, never give up! With this in mind, I don’t have time to give up; there is too much living and creating to do.

I dare you too, to make this life your masterpiece!

Note: If you’re ready to join the movement and share your cancer survivor story follow this link to get started!

The post Myxoid Liposarcoma – My Life My Masterpiece appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-66 Understanding Cancer

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:59:00 GMT

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer – Part 3

It would be nice if we could avoid cancer by learning about it or studying and understanding it. However, that is not the way it seems to work.

Primal fear is unleashed . . .

One of peoples greatest fears – the boogie man of today if you will – is the fear of cancer. A primal fear is unleashed when you hear the words it’s cancer. If the words are directed at you or someone you love, it is even more intense.

But we don’t get to sidestep cancer by avoiding it . . .

We meet things daily that are known to cause cancer. In fact, they come at us from many fronts. But we don’t get to sidestep cancer by avoiding it. We are challenged:

If we are to understand and move beyond cancer, we must be willing to look cancer in the face and listen to its message.

In many ways cancer, is a disease of our times . . .

In many ways, cancer is disease of our times. We contribute to our collective risk for cancer every time exhaust fumes are released from our cars; when we refuse to purchase anything but the most perfect and unblemished produce, or when I insist on the convenience of single serving water plastic bottles and send it to the landfill as opposed to recycling it. By the same token, these are not our only environmental risks for cancer.

Environmental

It is estimated that more than 80% of cancer is environmentally influenced.

There are obvious occurrences like:

We also face many hidden lifestyle risks including the high fat diets that so many of us consume. It is nearly impossible to quantify the impact modern stress has on our bodies natural ability to recognize and eliminate cancerous cells in our bodies.

Acceptance . . . Courage . . . Wisdom . . .

What can I change . . .

There are some factors that we have control over, while others we do not. Like the Serenity Prayer says, we are well served when we can accept the things we cannot change. It is also helpful when we have the courage to change what we can. And wisdom lies in our being able to know the difference between the two.

Some of the things we can change include:

All these things are under our control. We can choose life giving influences while at the same time eliminate toxic ones.

Things I can’t change . . .

And then there are items beyond our conscious control, and they become the things I can’t change.

The things about me which I cannot change include:

For the most part, these things are not within our personal control. But they do represent our collective tolerance for toxicity in our world.

Our personal relationship to Mother Earth . . .

Becoming aware of our personal relationship with the ecology of Mother Earth is a reawakening. As a result, when more people engage our

movement is towards a critical mass of individuals committed to improving the quality of life on our planet.

As we engage, our standards for personal and environmental purity will transform. This transformation will help us understand cancer in a new light.

The messages cancer brings . . .

Looking at cancer in this way, seeks to help us interpret the messages cancer brings to us as individuals. Similarly, we are can ask what are the messages to us as a society?

This perspective naturally leads us to a series of questions if we are to move beyond the suffering that cancer can bring.

There are no easy answers to these hard questions. However, searching for the meaning of cancer is a worthy cause. The journey is filled with potential and the opportunity for unimaginable treasures.

My hope is that these questions cause you to look deeply within your mind, body and soul. With this in mind, I hope your are further drawn to find your own answers to the challenge cancer brings.

In Episode 4, we will begin by looking at how a body functions when it is healthy. I hope you will join me as we continue with our series Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer . I hope you’ll join me.

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer:

The Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer series is based on the work of the late David Simon, M.D., former Medical Director, the Chopra Center for Well Being.

If you are struggling, I show people how to apply these principles in their life, so they can take action in order to achieve their health, personal, professional and financial goals.

The post E-66 Understanding Cancer appeared first on All About Spirit .

Pets and Cancer Patients Helping Each Other Through

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:49:00 GMT

Survivor Stories: Penny Mahon’s Story

Cancer patients often rely on their pets to help them through. Like so many cancer survivors, Penny Mahon shares a story of loneliness, pain and guilt. Indeed, our physical limitations, susceptibility to infection, and emotional turmoil leave us isolated and vulnerable. Our fur-babies provide support, companionship and unconditional love. They do for us what humans sometimes seem incapable.

A painful and lonely time . . .

During chemo, the first 5 days after treatment, it was dangerous for me to be out and about too much. Infection is a real and dangerous

possibility; so much so that we are cautioned, to stay home. In fact, during those first five days, even my children stayed out of the house.

That made for an incredibly painful and lonely time. In as much as I know I was cared about, I was still left feeling guilty and worthless.

He never left my side . . .

Pomchi Brick is the one little companion who remained by my side the whole three months. Pomchi Brick never left my bedside. When I would get up, he followed me around the house. He was my constant companion.

For example, no matter where I went, he was with me – even to the bathroom. Pets and cancer patients can sometimes be inseparable.

Scars and pain points . . .

Pomchi Brick even seemed to know where my scars and pain points were. As I rested in bed, he would lie gently next to me being careful to avoid my all too sensitive areas.

A lot of time alone . . .

I was recently divorced and very depressed at the time, and I spent a lot of time alone. As a result, he really

helped me through these very trying times.

His constant companionship often gave me the motivation to get up and get out for a walk. Furthermore my commitment to him helped me get up and even get out of the house. His and mine.

Every morning when I woke, he would do a little happy dance to say good morning, you are just beautiful, and I am here for you.

Spending so much time alone, I would have been lost without him.

Penny

Note: If you would like to share your own story in the 1,000 Cancer Survivor Story project, please follow this link to learn how! I welcome your contributions.

The post Pets and Cancer Patients Helping Each Other Through appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-65 The Healing Power of Heart and Mind

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 23:27:00 GMT

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer – Part 2

The moment we are diagnosed with cancer, most of us in the cancer survivor network agree, one of our earliest reactions is fear. Considering this, it makes sense for us to take a deeper look at fear, and then our body’s reaction to fear, early in this series.

In the face of cancer, we fear pain, dependence, disfigurement, loss and even death. In addition to fear there comes a cascade of emotions and physiological responses in the form of hormones being released. Due to this hormonal flood we find ourselves thrown into the fight, flight or freeze response.

Back in the day, this response kept us safe from saber tooth tigers, and other external threats. Unfortunately, when receiving a cancer diagnosis, the threat we face is housed beneath our skin. That being the case, fleeing is not an option.

Cancer diagnosis, fear and it’s many faces . . .

They show up as fear of:

These fears and reactions to hearing your cancer diagnosis are natural and normal. And to tell the truth, there is no escaping them.

At some level, we understand that our bodies may physically break down. Yet it is entirely a different experience when we find ourselves facing a serious illness.

Few of us can easily navigate such a storm, and yet, we often come to find a deep and meaningful life.

The inherent healing power of heart, mind and body . . .

As an 11-year cancer survivor, I know how important it is to engage the inherent healing power of my heart, mind and body. Furthermore, engaging as soon as possible is my recommendation.

There is no doubt in my mind that engaging completely in this way sets our healing powers in motion, so we can start on our path of healing no matter what is going on.

Separating yourself from your cancer diagnosis . . .

It is important to have a plan, a strategy a process for dealing with cancer. Initially we may look to our medical team for solution. However, among their treatment plan, and their words of encouragement for as a cancer patient, you need to participate in your healing too.

My first recommendation is to find a way to separate yourself from your cancer diagnosis and illness. The sooner you start the better off you’ll be.

You might be asking how do I do that? Start by asking questions:

When we consciously focus our attention on healing and cooperation with our medical team, we can begin to address the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs not typically addressed by your medical oncology team . Embracing wholeness in the face of cancer is designed to do just that.

Learning to differentiate between oneself on one’s illness is the first step. Taking that step opens the door to the inherent healing power in our hearts, minds and bodies

Our cancer diagnosis thrust us into crisis mode . . .

There is surely danger with a cancer diagnosis. Simultaneously however, we are presented an opportunity to look at how we are living our life.

Cancer diagnosis as a gift . . .

We don’t set out to get cancer, or any serious illness for that matter. However, as we continue on our journey, we find it becomes one of the most important and meaningful experiences in our lives. For many, me included, we eventually come to a place where we are able to see our cancer diagnosis as a gift.

With this new perspective,on a journey we never plan to take, we are given opportunities for personal growth and wisdom that nourish our body, mind and spirit in ways we would never imagine.

Influencing the course and meaning of your illness . . .

By invoking the innate wisdom of the Self, you can influence the course and the meaning of your illness. Your life choices, thoughts and emotions can create an inner and outer environment. However my friend, that part is up to you. No one can do it for you.

Now, that doesn’t mean sticking a happy face on our cancer diagnosis is going to make it all better. It doesn’t mean repeating affirmations that your cancer will magically evaporate. We don’t cure a headache by taping an aspirin to our forehead, and we won’t cure our cancer diagnosis that way either. So what do we do?

A genuine shift in our perception . . .

When we experience a genuine shift our perception, we literally create a new opportunity to interpret the cancer diagnosis challenge we are facing. According to the Chopra Center for Well Being and Dr. David Simon, understanding the mind, body connection supports they idea

that our perception of the world around us: sight, sound, sensations, taste and smells, fuel the chemical code that orchestrates the symphony of our body.

What we invite chemo, food, herbs, music and love into our body, it literally transforms the substance of our life. That shift in our chemical code activates the transformation process within us and can mean the difference between well-being and suffering, and life and death.

How events of the past shape our reality . . .

How you interpret the events of your life become the record of your reality. Your expectations for your future are influenced by the experiences of your past. If you have seen friends or family struggle with cancer, your expectations are shaped by that experience. Their experience may create the expectation that you will struggle too.

Statistically, some cancer diagnoses offer little hope . If we don’t want that to become our reality, we can stop filling our minds with that information. When first diagnosed with stage 3-c ovarian cancer, I had a 30% survival rate. In contrast, overall I felt healthy up until the moment of diagnosis.

New ways to handle the challenge . . .

Finding new ways to handle the challenge of a cancer diagnosis is a powerful gift we can offer ourselves and other people. Here are some of

These are all free and easy ways you can help yourself meet the challenges of your cancer diagnosis.

Consciously invoking natures wisdom . . .

As you walk through your cancer journey, always remember you have the power of choice. Consciously invoking natures wisdom is a part of your right to choose.

You can choose to:

Going forward from here . . .

To embrace wholeness in the face of cancer it is helpful to understand what cancer is about. Understanding the relationship between the healing nature of our heart and mind and what the medical system can do.

My invitation to you this week is to spend some time with your heart and mind. Consciously invite and invoke the healing power of natures wisdom into your life. Call upon the innate intelligence of your body.

Take some time to explore my work and check the work of others playing in the field of conscious healing.

As always if you found this information helpful, your share’s and likes help make these videos available to more people.

Thanks for joining me on this journey and make it a great week!

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer:

This series is similar to math in that what we talk about this week builds on what we have talked about previously. If you have not started this series with Part 1: Life is a Paradox, I would invite you to follow the link below and begin at the beginning.

The post E-65 The Healing Power of Heart and Mind appeared first on All About Spirit .

The Husband of a Cancer Survivor

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 23:05:00 GMT

Scott Engstrom’s Story:

Scott Engstrom was dating Jamie when she was diagnosed with cancer. His is a cancer survivor story from the boyfriend, fiance and finally husbands perspective. A beautiful and honest sharing of what it was like for him as he walked the cancer journey with his wife, Jamie.

The biggest challenge

I think the biggest challenge for me was trying to be supportive and positive for Jamie, while at the same time being sensitive to her feelings and understanding that she was just going to have bad days.

Eventually, I came to understand that it was hard for her. When I would constantly remind her that I was there to help her, and that I loved her, that was hard too. Some days, I needed to just let her feel bad because it was a manner of coping.

Allowing her to feel what she was feeling was helpful for me too. That is to say, it was hard on both of us when I tried constantly being positive in the face of her cancer. I found myself getting worn out. Allowing myself to feel those negative feelings from time to time helped me address them. Addressing them ultimately gave me a more positive outlook.

Ignoring the negative was tiresome where working through the negativity gave me a sense of accomplishment.

The uncertainty of diagnosis . . .

Another hard part was the uncertainty at the diagnosis stage.

First, they weren’t sure whether it was cancer or not. Then, when they knew it was cancer, they weren’t sure what stage. After that, they weren’t sure what treatment was the best. Next, they thought it was just going to just be surgery. In the end, it was surgery, and follow up radiation and chemo. Of course, the progression wasn’t laid out for us so we could process it quickly.

It was hard watching the toll it took on Jamie . . .

The uncertainty was hard for me personally. But it was hard watching the toll it took on Jamie.

Sometimes I would wake up and she would be in the living room, rocking in a recliner. There were times when she was too drained or fearful to speak. In contrast, there were times when words were spouting like water from a faucet. And then there was the crying.

The breakdowns we had in the middle of the night . . .

It was those times that I felt it important to remind her that I loved her. Additionally, I would remind her that I was there to support her and that I wasn’t going anywhere. And neither was she.

I think those breakdowns we would have together in the middle of the night forged the strength that our relationship carries to this day. A monster had crept out from under our bed and we mounted a full defense, relying on one another to keep it at bay until finally beating it into submission.

We sleep with one eye open . . .

Now that Jamie is healthy again, it still feels like we sleep with one eye open. We try to live our lives as fully and normally as possible. On the other hand, any sense of normalcy is a “new normal.” It is not what was typical before the diagnosis.

We celebrate in the fall . . .

In springtime, we tend to get nervous because that is when Jamie was diagnosed.

Likewise, that is when she has follow-up appointments.

We celebrate in the fall. In the span of a month, Jamie finished her treatment, we closed on a new house, and got engaged.

Because of Jamie’s cancer journey I sometimes still find myself angry, hurt, and scared.

But what I try to remind myself is that I feel those things because of the profound impact she has had on me. And those feelings are a result of how much I love and care for her.

Scott Engstrom
Attorney

The post The Husband of a Cancer Survivor appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-64 Life is a Paradox

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 22:44:00 GMT

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer – Part 1

We are Spiritual beings and conscious energy, having a human experience while trying to embrace our body, mind and Spirit in the face of cancer.

Dr. David Simon . . .

Today’s show is first in a series of episodes based on the work of the late David Simon, M.D.

Dr. David Simon was a board-certified neurologist. Additionally, he was an authority in mind-body medicine, and an expert in traditional healing arts like Ayurvedic medicine. He shared his understanding of the connection between emotions, mind, and health with the world. Furthermore, he was co-founder of the Chopra Center for well-being. Dr. Simon’s work was instrumental in creating retreats in mind-body medicine, spirituality, and emotional healing as well as programs and workshops.

In his book Return to Wholeness , Dr Simon shares his knowledge of western medicine and other healing practices. This information can be applied if you are facing cancer or any other illness.

What Deepak Chopra has to say . . .

In the forward, Deepak Chopra describes life as a paradox. He indicates we are Spiritual Beings vibrating as conscious energy while appearing as flesh and blood entities – that is to say, human beings.

When we see ourselves primarily as physical bodies in time and space, subject to the laws of entropy (gradual decline into disorder) or decay (decomposition or deterioration) we become susceptible to suffering, fear and disease.

When we see ourselves as True Nature or Spirit, the veil of ego and its trappings parts. As a result, we begin to recognize ourselves as eternal, boundless and whole.

Awaken your inner healer . . .

If you are healthy and physically fit or amid a life-threatening illness, the most valuable gift anyone can give you is a reminder that the real you – the eternal you – cannot succumb to illness or die.

In this series, I hope you are inspired to awaken your inner healer which is the basis for all transformation. Facing our mortality offers us a glimpse into our immortality. With sensitivity, love and compassion I invite you to explore your immortality as a collection of energy, creativity and vitality which resides within you.

Tools within the series . . .

The tools shared by Dr. David Simon have had powerful and life-fulfilling effects on me personally. I am not the only person who has experienced the benefits of Dr. Simon’s work. In addition, thousands of cancer patients throughout the world have applied the information contained in Return to Wholeness.

This information helped me combine the best of what western medicine had to offer and an understanding of, and reverence for the miraculous healing forces within us.

When first diagnosed . . .

There is a flood of emotions that occur when we are first diagnosed with cancer. There are feelings of:

They often mask the deeper feeling of fear – fear of many things:

Silver linings amidst the pain . . .

There can be silver linings amidst all these painful emotions. If we choose, our experience can lead to:

Not a substitute for traditional care . . .

None of what I am talking about is a substitute for western medicine. It is about educating and empowering yourself in you are facing cancer. It may improve your quality of life and maybe even your quantity of life

Join me next week as I get into the meat and potatoes of the program. And as always, if you find this information helpful, please like it and share it so others can find it.

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer series is based on the work of the late David Simon, M.D., former Medical Director, the Chopra Center for Well Being.

The post E-64 Life is a Paradox appeared first on All About Spirit .

38 Weeks and the Cancer Diagnosis Comes

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 04:30:00 GMT

Survivor Diaries: Rebecca Tucker’s Story

Rebecca Tucker was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38 weeks pregnant, and her recurrence diagnosed on her son Aiden’s 1st birthday.

38 Weeks and the Diagnosis Comes

Imagine being on the cusp of your happiest moment. For my husband Russ and I, it was when I was 38 weeks pregnant. Nursery’s ready to go, names are shortlisted and your greatest stress is when your waters might break and what name goes best with your surname. So trivial now in hindsight.

You can’t get cancer when you’re pregnant, can you?

You see, 2 years ago, at 38 weeks pregnant with our second child, our world was turned upside down. A few days before, I’d found a lump in my right breast.

I had no history of breast cancer in my family, so I wasn’t worried at all. At 32 years, I was too young to get breast cancer and well, I was pregnant? You can’t get cancer when you’re pregnant can you?

Cancer doesn’t discriminate . . .

This is how naive I was. My husband, our parents, our friends, this is how naive we all were. Cancer was the last thing any of us expected. In fact, it wasn’t even the last thing – it wasn’t even on our radar!

In my obstetrician’s office, I learnt the hard way that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care how good or bad your life is, or what your plans are. My obstetrician said “This isn’t good news guys.” as his hands shook uncontrollably while he read my report. Still no thought of cancer. “It’s the Real McCoy, You have Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Breast Cancer.”

A light switched off . . .

Receiving that news, you can never forget the gut wrenching feeling. A feeling where it may actually feel better to be hit by a bus.

Aiden was born . . .

On August 9th in the early hours of the following morning, Aiden was born. We welcomed our beautiful son, Aidan Jack Peter Tucker, into the world. It was such a bittersweet moment. You want to feel joy, but it was clouded with so much sadness, fear and anxiety.

Three days old and meeting the surgeon . . .

I met with my breast surgeon, Dr James French., 3 days after Aidan was born. I also met my magnificent breast care nurse, Bronwyn Williams.

They recommended a lumpectomy, and informed us my cancer was extremely aggressive, grade 3, and was not responsive to any hormonal therapies, a subtype referred to as Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It’s particularly nasty and one of the more challenging to treat. Given the large size of the tumour, 2.5cm, it was suggested I move straight to chemotherapy. And that I do so as quickly as possible.

Eight days old and starting chemo . . .

When Aidan was 8 days old, I had my first of 4 chemotherapy infusions. My tumour had already grown to 4.8cm – almost doubled! Chemo was grueling and the fear of the unknown left me feeling a bit like a ticking time bomb. This was our life for the next 8 weeks with infusions every fortnight.

Cold Capping . . .

I also trialed a new treatment to try to preserve my hair known as scalp cooling I wore a freezing cap at roughly -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) for 4 hours during my infusions to stop the chemo from penetrating the hair follicles. Luckily, it worked for me and whilst my hair thinned significantly, I didn’t look like an obvious cancer patient. I persevered with this extra complication mainly for our little girl Ava. It’s hard enough having to explain to a 3 year old that Mummy is sick, let alone looking sick and I didn’t want her to be embarrassed by my appearance.

Less than 3-months old – lumpectomy . . .

Radiation in the peak of summer . . .

Next step was radiation. In the peak of Summer, I completed 6 weeks of daily radiation. By week 5, my skin was beyond purple, and showing signs of blistering. Other patients warned that when I just couldn’t take one more session, radiation would be over. This was exactly right. I quietly cried through the end of my final session. The pain was excruciating and unbearable, but I was done on Valentines Day 2017.

Cancer lingers long after treatment ends . . .

I finally finished treatment, but what people don’t realize about cancer, is things don’t just go back to normal once treatment is done. So many issues arise through treatment that last long after. So although I had completed my official cancer battle and was all clear, I still had so many challenges and struggles. My breast care nurse Bron, really helped me navigate this period and became so much more than my nurse, but a dear friend and critical support person for myself and our family.

I still couldn’t lift my son . . .

I still couldn’t lift my son following surgery and because radiation had shrunk my muscle causing shoulder troubles. Bronwyn suggested weekly physio to help rebuild my strength.. She also organised fortnightly occupational therapy to assist with breast lymphodema and a series of hard seromas that were forming. I was also continuing to see my oncology psychologist every 2-4 weeks as I struggled to feel “normal” and felt like I couldn’t shake the worry of the cancer returning. I also had chronic ‘chemo brain’, where I struggled to focus, maintain a sentence and even read anything beyond a few paragraphs. It felt debilitating and I felt so far from the person I once was – a professional, switched on, savvy Marketing Manager and super organised Mum.

Finally, after almost 11 months, I returned to work. Life was just starting to return to normal as we approached my annual check-up and my “cancerversary”.

Cancer-versary check-up . . .

A week before my diagnosis anniversary, I went off for my annual mammogram and ultrasound. The mammogram was fine, but the sonographer found something suspicious and they did a biopsy. My anxiety went through the roof. Deep down,

I knew it was back. To everyone else, it seemed inconceivable that it could return. To me, I had never truly let my guard down and felt like I was still fighting cancer.

The recurrence . . .

A few days later, on Aidan’s 1st birthday, our world was rocked again. We thought it was bad the first time I was diagnosed. At least then we had the bliss of being ignorant to what was ahead of us. This time we knew exactly what it entailed. It was shit. It was downright terrifying. How on earth were we going to do this all over again?

This time round, my previous diagnosis and treatment had a significant impact on my treatment options and created a number of complications. The biggest trouble was caused as a result of being only 5 months post-radiation. My body was still healing. The advice we continually received was that generally, there should be no surgery to radiated tissue for a minimum of 12 months to reduce complications. I wasn’t even at the halfway mark.

I had a mastectomy less than 2 week after being rediagnosed. Before I had even healed, I underwent chemo again, suffering because my body and immune system was still weak from my first battle and from surgery. This time doing it all with a demanding 1 year old and 4 year old.

Complications . . .

If there was a complication or side effect that was possible, I incurred it. Seromas. Lymphodema Swelling. Nausea causing dehydration. Sensitive skin and eyes requiring me to sedate myself for relief. Peripheral neuropathy in my fingers and toes making it hard to even get out of bed some mornings. Skin necrosis. Expander failure. More surgeries. Specialised therapies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy seeing me travel a 4 hour round trip every day to Mascot. You name it, I tried or encountered it. But fortunately, it all worked and I’m alive.

What do I want you to take from my story . . .

Cancer doesn’t define me. Sure, it’s changed me, and has had a profound impact on me, but I’ve chosen to use cancer for good I guess you can say. I believe I was given cancer to change people’s lives. I use my story to empower people to act.

Tell them about me . . .

If any of you haven’t done a breast check recently, I hope you go home today and feel yourself up. Or I hope you go home and talk to your husbands and your children about me. You can tell them about that poor mother you met who was diagnosed with cancer when she was pregnant, and then again on her son’s 1st birthday.

I hope you follow my blog on Facebook – Bec Tucker Cancer Warrior and tell others to as well. So I can continue to be the voice in the back of your mind beyond today. We are all busy, and lead busy lives. We say we will take care of ourselves later. We are scared of the discomfort, inconvenience and heaven forbid, the bad news we just might receive, so we put of the tests.

Thank goodness I was pregnant . . .

The closest thing to cure is early detection . . .

There is no cure for cancer – yet. But the closest thing to that cure is early detection. So please, put yourself first, so you can enjoy more important firsts in your life.

Rebecca ‘Bec’ Tucker Cancer Warrior

Follow this link to learn how you can share your cancer survivor story in the 1,000 Cancer Survivor Stories project.

I welcome your contribution.

The post 38 Weeks and the Cancer Diagnosis Comes appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-63 What Do You Do When Your Oncologist Retires?

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:01:00 GMT

What Do You Do When Your Oncologist Retires?

Today’s episode of Life After Cancer is called What Do You Do When Your Oncologist Retires? And this topic is relevant for all! Lung cancer survivors, people with an ovarian cancer diagnosis, pancreatic cancer survivors, those with a prostate cancer diagnosis, breast cancer survivors, glioblastoma survivors, stomach cancer survivors, lymphoma survivors, in other words all cancer survivors – if your doctor retires or moves, it has an impact.

In the Name of Full Disclosure . . .

Today’s episode of All About Spirit’s Life After Cancer is based on my own experience. Most of you know I am an 11-yr stage 3c ovarian cancer survivor. My oncologist (Dr. G.) was my oncologist from the beginning. He relocated – and I am struggling in his absence.

To Make Matters Worse . . .

Not only did my oncologist of 11-years retire, but my Ob-gyn, and primary care physician of 22-years (Dr. B.) also retired. In the wake of their leaving, I am struggling. To tell the truth, it is more than a struggle about who to talk to. Indeed – it is down-right unsettling.

Dr. G and I had a rapport. He has been driving my medical bus for over 11 years and above all, I trusted him.

Meeting the New Doctor(s) . . .

About three months ago I had my first visit with the new oncologist in the practice. While I am sure the new doc is a fine and competent oncologist, he is not my oncologist .

Although I had a new primary care physician since my hysterectomy, my oncologist was my go to guy.

For the last few months I have been restless and irritable when before this visit I have been content. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I realized why.

Fear is a Powerful Thing . . .

As I unpack this part of my journey I can finally acknowledge there have been some changes in my body over the past few months. Thus some underlying fear of recurrence. All in all, cancer survivors live with that underlying fear – and in my case, changing doctors has made it worse.

This is my first blip on the radar since Dr. G’s relocation and and Dr. B’s retirement. And in all honesty I want to talk to my doctor about the changes.

When I was with the new oncologist, I got the 11 minutes per patient per visit because I am not in active treatment. Under the circumstances part of me gets it and part of me resents that I wasn’t afforded the time to have a real conversation.

Granted, I saw my primary care physician after that, and we had a brief conversation. But she didn’t get it the way Dr. G got it. As a result, I didn’t go further in my conversation with her either.

Now I have the unaddressed fear running rampant in my mind and body.

Fear and My Missing Safety Net . . .

What I have come to realize is, my fear is growing because my support team is no longer in tact and my safety net seems to have disappeared my fear is growing.

Having people to go to with my questions, no matter how silly they seam, is crucial to my well being. Hence, the loss of my safety net has been devastating.

If You’ve Heard the Words . . .

As has been noted, if you have had a cancer diagnosis, there is a heightened sensitivity to body changes, subtle or otherwise. When that little twitch or ache, that little this or that shows up, I wonder – could that be the cancer coming back?

During active treatment that fear is alive and palpable. Sometimes afterwards, it rears it’s ugly head.

It took me weeks – in reality months, to figure out what was actually going on. To begin with I had symptoms. Secondly, I had no-one to take my concerns to.

The Realization . . .

So, what do you do with the realization once it finally hits?

The first thing I did was figure out where my oncologist relocated. When I found him, I called Dr. G’s office and told the nurse I was a patient of Dr. G’s for more than 11-years and I was having symptoms. Let me tell you, I couldn’t have the conversation without crying.

As embarrassing as that was, I know people who work in oncology have a special level of compassion. The nurse told me Dr. G misses his patients so very much and she was sure he would call me back.

For the simple reason that I felt heard, I breathed a sigh of relief. I could fill my lungs a little deeper and relax into what might be happening. I could relax a little bit just because I knew what was happening. Just reaching out and asking the question was helpful.

If There is a Moral of Today’s Story it is . . .

If you have a thought or idea that keeps tickling the back of your mind, that keeps showing up in your thoughts, or that you want and don’t want to acknowledge it at the same time, keeping it a secret is not going to make it go away.

Sharing what is going on in our minds and hearts, with people who have earned the right to hear the truth about us, helps cut the fear, burden and stress in half, not to mention brings us closer together.

When I let the people closest in on what is happening with me, it also creates space for additional support and allowances because when I am in fear, it is most likely showing up in how I interact with others – and it usually comes out as anger.

I Know I am Not Alone . . .

I have talked with scores of survivor’s over the years and on the subject of telling those close to us that there is something going on, many of us want to keep it a secret.

There are a host of emotions that go along with a cancer diagnosis. And likewise a host of reasons we don’t want to talk about it. Fear of being over dramatic. Being afraid of raising alarms when there is no cause for alarm. In a like manner, fear that there is cause for alarm and being right.

Someone Needs to Ask the Questions . . .

There needs to ask us what is real and what is fantasy in the current reality. Somehow there has to be a way to come back to the truth about the situation right now, and I know I can’t bring myself back on my own. And perhaps most important, someone needs to ask, are the thoughts you are thinking right now moving you closer to what you want in your life, or further away from it. AND, what are you willing to do about it.

Doing this work as long as I have, I know the importance of sharing. We heal by sharing our stories, and others heal by hearing them.

The Real Moral . . .

If you have something going on in your body, tell someone about it. Let the people you love into your life. Specifically, tell them the stuff you don’t want to share.

If your support network has changed and you don’t have access to the people you used to have access to, don’t let that be the reason to go it alone. Take steps to fill the void.

Indeed, it is imperative that our cancer team is trusted by us and the people who love us. If you don’t have that in your life today – please – please – please – take the action necessary to change it.

If you’re not sure where to start, I can help you with that.

Make it a great day!

The post E-63 What Do You Do When Your Oncologist Retires? appeared first on All About Spirit .

In a Split Second I Knew

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 18:04:00 GMT

Tammy Iverson Pryor’s Story

30-years of breast cancer survivorship!

In this edition of 1,000 Cancer Survivor Stories, Tammy shares her 30 year story of courage, tenacity, loss and bravery as she faced 3 separate breast cancer diagnoses.

As a living example, she shows us how to stand up for what we believe in; make decisions and take action on our own behalf; participate in our own healing; and be shaped, not defined by our cancer diagnosis.

My hand dropped like a magnet . . .

It was January 1988 and I was employed as a Cartographer at the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center in St. Louis, Mo. While sitting at my desk, my hand inadvertently dropped like a magnet to a lump on the left side of my chest. In that split second, I knew. My mother had died 6 years before at the age of 49 from breast cancer after a 7-year fight. I was soon to learn that breast cancer can develop in the next generation 10 years earlier than the diagnosis of the parent. Doctors refer to this as anticipation.
That phenomenon put me in the ballpark as my 31st birthday was approaching.

I did not divulge I was currently in cancer treatment . . .

The prognosis wasn’t good . . .

Following a surgical lumpectomy on my left breast and axillary lymph node removal, the prognosis wasn’t good. My tumor was diagnosed as being aggressive and I had lymph node involvement. With that, I was given a 45% chance of living 5 years! This was unacceptable to me. My marital life was only beginning! This statistic was not going to keep me from having the fairy tale ending. Surgery was followed by radiation treatments and chemotherapy. I would check into the hospital on Friday evening after a full work week.

My drugs (adriamycin, cytoxan, 5FU) were administered intravenously throughout the night. The next morning, I was served breakfast in bed and I went home. The constant vigilance of white counts, hair loss, hospitalization (after catching the common cold), and the harvesting of my bone marrow were some of the negative aspects of treatment that I experienced at that time.

This was all going to be in the rear-view mirror soon and I needed to look to the future.

It went against the advice of a former doctor . . .

The decision to start a family was a tough one. It went against the advice given by a former doctor of mine. While we carefully considered his advice, I did not want to look back on my life with regret. Due to the aggressive cancer treatment that my body had gone through, there was a strong chance that I wouldn’t be able to conceive. At the time I was also on adjuvant therapy taking a new drug called tamoxifen. The recommendation was to continue taking this drug for 5 years. I decided after 3 years to stop taking it to start a family. The odds were against it but my dream of having a family was realized. My son was born in 1993 and my daughter was born in 1994. I was truly blessed.

It seemed I had beaten the odds . . .

It had been 21 years since my first diagnosis. Now, I was 52 years old with 2 teenagers at home. I had quit my job shortly before the birth of my daughter, so I didn’t have to deal with work related issues, but it was still hard. I was older, and my body wasn’t as resilient. Navigating cancer treatment while keeping a positive attitude is hard. Especially when you want the least amount of negativity to impact the daily lives of your children.

This time the tumor was triple negative

This time my tumor was in my right breast and was diagnosed as a triple negative. This meant that there were no positive receptors present for estrogen, progesterone, or a new protein that had been discovered called her-2/neu. It was considered a primary cancer. The treatment for triple negative tumors was once again going to be aggressive. The only difference in treatment for me now compared to 21 years before were the drugs and how they were going to be administered. No more overnight hospital stays and breakfast in bed! Hmmmm.

Upon entering the infusion room where I was to have my chemo treatments, I was hit by deep introspection. I watched the interaction of all the patients sitting there with their loved ones and support group. It was my first treatment and I had yet to lose my hair. That first day, I didn’t feel like I belonged there, and I really didn’t ever want to have that feeling of inclusiveness. I was comforted having my husband there knowing that he was an arm’s length away to be my advocate for anything within his power. The generosity of support given me by my friends and family greatly helped me get through treatment. With their help, I was once again empowered to fight the good fight.

My team recommended that I have an oophorectomy . . .

In 2009, genetic testing was available for the presence of hereditary breast cancer genes. I decided to find out if I had a higher risk for breast cancer because of inherited genetics. Due to the current state of scientific understanding at the time, the result was interpreted as being a “genetic variant of uncertain significance”. (I believe there were not enough people in the database due to the high cost of the test.). Over the next 6 years, the result of the BRCA 1 sequencing test was reclassified as being a deleterious mutation. I accepted the fact that if I was ever to receive a breast cancer diagnosis a third time, the only surgical option would be bilateral mastectomy.

Even with an interpreted result of “uncertain significance”, my team recommended that I have an oophorectomy. This preventive surgery was shown to decrease breast cancer risk as well as the risk for ovarian cancer. After the surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, I decided that I was no longer going to give lip service to the 4th step in my recovery. I was now going to take a more active role in getting my body as strong as possible. That included changes in my diet as well as a consistent exercise program.

A very small but suspicious spot on my left breast . . .

The only viable option for me was to have my latissimus muscles threaded from my back, under my arm, to form the pocket for implants. Recovery from this procedure would mean my upper body strength would be impaired and the final cosmetic result was not going to be worth losing the ability to lift myself out of a hot bath! So, my decision to go flat was predetermined. I have never regretted this decision and use prosthetics to allow my clothing to fit. To be honest, I still don’t want to look like I am less than whole.

I also believe taking an active role . . . is important . . .

I know that I have been fortunate having excellent healthcare and healthcare providers through the years. That is the reason I am still alive. I believe that I received the best care that was available each and every time I received a diagnosis. One doctor said that I was the poster “child” of cancer treatment.

I also believe that taking an active role in your recovery is important. I wasn’t going to take a back seat in the decision process. In 1988, after I was introduced to the oncologist that came to my recovery room, I knew that I didn’t want to spend any more time with him! At the time, doctors were working independently of each other. I needed to find someone who I connected with and trusted to provide me with emotional wellness as well as cancer treatment. By 2009, I found a group of professional doctors who specialized in breast cancer. My surgeon, oncologist, and radiologist were all in the same practice. That is the standard practice today. I think it helps the patient navigate what lies before them.

I don’t like it to define who I am . . .

My attitude has always been to embrace life as fully as possible. Today, I feel strong and believe to be in excellent health. We all have a story to tell whether it is fraught with cancer stories or something else. Cancer has been a big part of my story, but I don’t like it to define who I am. It may not define me but there can’t be any doubt that it has shaped who I am today.

Tamara Iverson Pryor
St Louis, Missouri

Note: If you are ready to share your story, follow this link to get started.

The post In a Split Second I Knew appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-62 Bringing in the New Year with Spirit

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Today’s show is dedicated to the spiritual aspect of sending out the old year and bringing in the new.

When we approach the end of the year it is a time for reflecting. Given that surviving cancer is life changing, year end reflection can take on a whole new meaning. Not only do we reflect, but we may long to connect to something bigger than our selves.

Finding Ways to Connect

January 1, 2008, my first New Years as an ovarian cancer survivor, I was hungry to connect to something bigger than me. That day I started a practice that has been a tradition for me ever since. New Years Day isn’t the only time I need or want to connect. In fact, it can be used any time I feel the need to reconnect.

Disconnect From the Outside World

To start with, I decided in order for me to spend time alone with the God of my understanding, I didn’t want anything or anyone else in my head or my personal space.

Facebook and social media weren’t as popular in 2008 as they are today. That said, disconnecting from the outside world is trickier and even more important today than it was back then.

To be considerate of the people around me, I let everyone who I was in regular communication with, know that I was going to be “unplugged” on January 1st. I told them not to expect emails, phone calls, texts, Facebook or LinkedIn updates from me. That kept them from worrying.

Connect to Myself

My way of connecting to myself starts with a commitment to spend the day in quiet contemplation. Spending the day with one’s own self is powerful, solemn and reverent. For those reasons, January 1 has become perhaps my favorite day of the year.

So what does quiet contemplation look like? It includes reading spiritual books that are significant to me, my past years journal and also periods of prayer and meditation.

Over the last 11-years I’ve learned that prayer and meditation are two very different things.

Prayer is:

Meditation is:

In order to have a rich and fulfilling spiritual life I must practice both prayer and meditation.

Please tune in to today’s show to learn some of the ways that the Universe speaks to me.

The post E-62 Bringing in the New Year with Spirit appeared first on All About Spirit .

Submit Your Cancer Survivor Story

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 22:39:44 GMT

From the minute the words "it's cancer" are spoken, you (and everyone close to you) begins a journey that no-one wants to take.

We learn what we didn't want to learn

We learn what we didn't want to learn. We meet challenges we didn't want to meet. We find friends in unlikely places and sometimes we lose relationships we thought would last forever.

We crumble, shatter and shift. We squirm, regroup and grow. We laugh, cry and surrender. We are sad, scared, and alone. Sometimes we survive, sometimes we leave the planet and sometimes we are left behind.

I have spent more than 30 years working with and for support groups. During that time, I have offered administrative support, written for, participated in, facilitated, and have been a guest speaker at scores of them.

Who is a survivor

In my world, a survivor is of course the person who had the surgery, chemo or radiation. But survivors are also our families, friends, caregivers, co-workers medical team and . . . anyone else who has been touched by our cancer.

Creating the environment

Peer-to-peer support offers an avenue for healing, building empathy and relating that can be created in no other way.

We tell our stories, and we heal. In reading the stories of others we relate. In relating we connect and when we connect we are no longer alone. And on the roller-coaster ride of surviving cancer – your own or someone else’s – healing, relating and connecting are vital.

Become part of the healing

Cancer survivor stories can be in the form of a written story, a video, photographs, drawings, images of sculpting or other art mediums. If you are not sure where or how to begin your story can even be told through an interview. And in case you are wondering full attribution and link reciprocity will be offered if your story is used online in the "Survivor's Diaries" once my website is released.

To submit your cancer survivor story for publication please email 1000CancerSurvivorStories@AllAboutSpirit.com . You can use that same email address to ask any questions you may have.

Treatment’s Over, What Now?

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 16:34:00 GMT

How is Life After Cancer Treatment?

Are you apprehensive, afraid and unsure? Dissatisfied, misunderstood, confused? If so, you are not alone!

Albert Einstein Said:

“We can not solve our problems with the same thinking that created them.”

So, if you, or someone you love, is struggling with life after cancer, a good portion of that struggle lies in your perception and how you are dealing with life on life’s terms .

As long as you continue to do what you have done, you will continue to get more of the same. In that case, in order to have something different – we must do something different!

How Can I Help You?

Cancer touches every aspect of our lives:

Under those circumstances, with so many balls in the air, where do you start rebuilding? That is exactly what the cancer survivorship program, Treatment’s Over, What Now? is all about.

Eleven years ago, I lived what you are going through now. In short, I applied the tools, skills and processes I teach in Treatment’s Over, What Now? cancer survivorship program. As a result, I rebuilt my life.

You’ve Suffered Long Enough!

It is time to rebuild your life. The next session of All the cancer survivorship program starts January 2, 2019. Give yourself, or someone you love the gift of a rebuilt life after cancer.

The post Treatment’s Over, What Now? appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: My Daughter was Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:00:00 GMT

Shirley’s Story:

I was empty and powerless when my daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. So much was on the line, and I didn’t know what to do. I found I needed some space to adjust to the circumstance.

What I needed to do then, was to support her emotionally, and let the Doctors do what they knew how to do.to treat this.

It was emotionally difficult, no question. We came together as a family. There was an unbelievable amount of positive energy, and I, we, the family, did what we needed to do.

That was several years ago. My daughter is still cancer free today.

SLFM
United States

Note: If you would like to share your own story, please connect with me through my contact page – I welcome your contributions.

The post Survivor Stories: My Daughter was Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-61 Five Steps to Spiritual Surrender

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 22:57:00 GMT

Five Step to Spiritual Surrender

Today’s episode of Life After Cancer is based on the work of Gabriel Bernstein. The five steps Gabriel identified are:

Praying for the Highest and Best

Sometimes I get trapped in the idea that I know what is best for me. Or I get really focused on how I think things should unfold. Sometimes I’m successful in the process and sometimes not so much.

When I can get back to the space where I can say, OK Spirit of the Universe, help me to align My Will with Your Will or help this situation turn out in the highest and best for all parties concerned, I am surrendering. I don’t get to see around corners, and I don’t necessarily know what is in my best interest when it comes to the higher perspective. My standing back allows Spirit to get involved and create what is best for everyone.

Praying for Spirits highest and best works when I am dealing with health issues, looking for a new job, navigating relationship situations and any other situation that comes along. By the same token I need to do my part – the boots on the ground action – but I am willing to put the outcome in your hands and I want that to be what is best for everybody.

Focus on What is Thriving in My Life

Focusing on what is working in my life can be challenging, especially when I’m facing cancer and the many health concerns associated with it. Finding a way to say, yes I have ovarian cancer and this part of my body is not working right; however, there are literally trillions of other cells in my body that are working just fine!

If I’m dealing with relationship issues and someone isn’t showing up the way I expected them to in this process, it is important for me to acknowledge that yes, this relationship is changing or ending, but I have all these other people who are showing up in my life and that is amazing.

Maybe I’m in fear of the financial worries of cancer. Am I willing to say to myself, whatever happens with these medical bills, right now I have enough to eat. I have a bed to sleep in. There is a roof over my head.

Can I shift my shift my perspective from what isn’t working to what is?

Looking at Obstacles as Detours on the Right Path

When something comes up that feels like a roadblock or obstacle, can I take that situation, flip it around and say this is an opportunity for me to gain clarity? This is a chance for me to identify more clearly what I want. Especially because I am standing in the middle of what I don’t want?

Looking at these five steps allows me to catch myself when I start to ask questions like “why is this happening to me?” In that case, I can shift my question to: “What can I be learning from this?” or “How can I approach this differently?” When I look at situations saying I’m on the right path, I just need clarity – life is better.

My perspective shifted when I asked myself how can I bring God, or Spirit into my healing from cancer? Can I use these obstacles as a spring board to prayer and contemplation? How can I prioritize my life differently in light of my financial changes?

These roadblocks really are just detours on my path that help guide me in the direction that is for my highest and best good!

Ask for Signs that I am on the Right Path

. . . and when they show up, say thank you for the signs. When I ask, the Universe complies, and I asked for signs a lot! Sometimes signs say for sure Kim, you are on the right path. On the other hand, I also get signs saying you my want to stop doing that!

I was told to get my affairs in order when I was diagnosed with cancer. And, I had a cat who became ill, shortly after. My vet suggested I put her down right away, but I postponed euthanizing her until my son could have a chance to say good-bye. As it happened, she got well, and so did I. Around that same time dragonfly’s were always buzzing around and landing on me. According to Jamie Sams and David Carson in their Medicine Cards – dragonfly represents illusion, and things aren’t always as they seem.

My signs were: 1) Doctor’s don’t know everything so don’t give up hope. 2) Don’t get caught in any illusion that minimizes your abilities, because things aren’t always as they seem.

I thanked the Universe for allowing my cat and me to stay on the planet a little longer.

When You Think You’ve Surrendered All You Can Surrender, Surrender Once More!

Surrender included quitting my job, not finishing school, and loosing my financial security. Stripped down to bare bones, I literally surrendered my ego, personality and everything I held as truth.

In that place of emptiness, I finally surrendered. I held up the white flag and said, I am exhausted and out of ideas. As a result of my letting go, is where certainty was born. In the depths of that darkness, I finally saw the truth. The Spirit, God, the Universe took care of me all along.

Coming Full Circle

Getting to the place where I can say, I trust you Universe, I know that this will turn out for the best for all parties concerned, I have fully surrendered.

When I can rest in that certainty, I can wait and allow the process to unfold without anxiety. Stress is minimized and I can trust I am OK, no matter what is going on around me.

This process becomes my Spiritual Foundation. It stops me from flailing around like a person drowning. I can relax into it and enjoy the safety and security of knowing that I am alright no matter what.

The post E-61 Five Steps to Spiritual Surrender appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: I Had it Easy!

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:00:00 GMT

Bob’s Story:

It’s hard to believe someone with a prostate cancer diagnose would say I have it easy. But that is exactly what Bob, from Appleton Wisconsin says, when he talks about his family history with prostate cancer.

Eight Boys and All of Us Had or Have Prostate Cancer . . .

There are eight boys in my family. All eight of us had surgery or are currently dealing with prostate cancer now. Cancer has opened the door to better communication for us, since we are not a family of talkers. We communicate better now than we have since we were kids. I’ve talked to all my brothers about cancer.

I Don’t Want Any of My Parts Removed . . .

In 2004 or 2005, my oldest brother was the first of us to be diagnosed. When he found out he had cancer he said “I don’t want any parts of me gone” and he has held true to that statement. His treatment plan includes regular check-ups each year, and they just keep checking.

Hormone Treatment . . .

In a recent conversation, one of my other brothers asked me “how do you handle the depression?” I found out he was having hormone treatments. Because I didn’t have any hormone treatment or any other treatment beyond surgery so I couldn’t help him with his depression. And that is what I meant when I said, “I had it easy.”

My Diagnosis . . .

My cancer journey began with an elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. I went for regular check-ups beginning at age 50, and during one of my physicals my PSA jumped from 2.9 to 5.2, and my doctor suggested I go see a urologist. During my check up the urologist took my family history, performed a digital check, and decided something that wasn’t normal.

The Next Thing I Knew . . .

I was sent for a biopsy sample – well actually 10 biopsy samples. Before the procedure took place the doctor told me a little about it. Until then, I really didn’t know what to expect. It sounded like a pistol when they took the tissue samples. A trigger was pulled and another sample was taken. He told me about it and that was good. Because the doctor prepared me for it, the process wasn’t so bad.

Know Your Providers

Our local hospital, Appleton Medical Center (AMC) processed the samples. A second opinion seemed in order so my samples were sent to Mayo Clinic. When you are facing cancer, you would think medical providers would take care of the “insurance stuff” but don’t be fooled. A point often overlooked today is, not all providers take the time to check. AMC wasn’t a part of my insurance network, nor was Mayo. Consequently, I ended up paying for both my first and second opinions. If first sample had been sent to my in network hospital it would have been free. Since that’s not what happened, it cost me about $3,000 in out of pocket expenses.

Conventional Surgery or Robotic?

When the time for surgery came there were two options – conventional or robotic. Since I had no idea which was best, I went to Madison to find out more. Once I had a better understanding of my condition, and the risks associated with each option, I decided to have conventional surgery. There was an increased risk for damage if surgery was robotic because of the size of my prostate.

A Second Surgery . . .

My second surgery occurred in April 2007. In some situations surgeons remove nerves, which prevent erection. In my case, they performed a nerve sparing surgery which allows for normal penal functioning.

Post-surgery and Follow-ups . . .

I saw my urologist monthly for the next three months, and then began to see the doctor every three months for the rest of that year. For the next nine months I took Viagra to help maintain a healthy blood flow, and that produced good results. For the next two years, I saw the doctor every six months, and yearly checks for years four and five.

There has been no recurrence since my initial diagnosis in 2007, and I am grateful.

Perspective Matters . . .

Two of my brothers and I were talking about our medical conditions and the subject of cancer came up.

One brother had an elevated PSA. His primary physician described it as a “jump” whereas his urologist described it as “just a bump.” What exactly is the difference between and jump and a bump? Worry verses peace of mind! One raises alarms, the other means we’ll be mindful, but don’t

Family Matters . . .

My daughter Sara came and stayed with me after the surgery for a couple of days. Friends helped by getting me to appointments and taking me to other places.

My brother who was most recently diagnosed is just starting to deal with all of this. It is nice to be here for him. Because I have already lived through it, I can help him in the process. Since his cancer is slow growing, the younger of my two brothers isn’t ready to make any hasty decisions. He has so many questions for his urologist, so he is taking his time.

My oldest brother has probably had the hardest time of it. He has had chemo for prostate and bone cancer. My youngest brother hasn’t had it much easier. He has had hormone treatments and a whole host of other treatments to prolong his life. I didn’t have chemo or hormone treatments. That makes me blessed.

Emotional Impact . . .

In the beginning I didn’t feel like a whole person anymore because part of me was gone. There were tools to help me realize that I am a whole person and I was able to work through some of that with help. I was also concerned about whether I would be able to get an erection, or have a normal sex life. I can. It just takes a little more work.

Sometimes it has been a little scary to know all eight of us have dealt with prostate cancer and have had the surgery. At the same time, it feels good to be someone my family can come to and talk about prostate cancer. It is also a relief to be able to be able to sit down and talk to each other about the disease of cancer and know that we don’t have to sweep in under the rug.

Things I wish I knew . . .

If there was anything I wish I knew at the time, I wish I would have asked how long it would take for the cancer to move outside the prostate. If it would have metastasized, the treatment would have been more aggressive, like my older brothers. Because I didn’t ask, I’ll never know.

Bob Hanaway
Appleton Wisconsin

The post Survivor Stories: I Had it Easy! appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-60 A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks, “Where is God in All of This?” Part 3

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 21:59:00 GMT

Part 1 – Recap

In the Episode 58, the first episode in this 3-part series, I asked (and invited you to ask) four questions:

You had homework – specifically, to create the perfect nurturer for you! Did you take the time to do the work? I hope so. The God you create in that exercise will become the bedrock for your healing.

Part 2 – Recap

Last week I shared the results of my homework to give you an idea of what a version of the exercise might look like and I talked about how I applied what I learned in my life.
If you haven’t already seen Episodes 58 and 59, you might want to tune in to them before watching Episode 60.

Part 3

By the time I reached this part of my creating the perfect nurturer – which is what God needs to be for me to have a working relationship with God – I recognized that all of this, my healing, my cancer recovery, my survival, really my life in general is about choices.

So that is what today’s episode is all about. Exercising my power of choice in seeing or not seeing the “Hand of God” in all of this!

The Story About A Man and A Flood

I’ll tell you the story of a man who asked God for help, but because he had preconceived ideas of what help from God should look like, he missed not one, not two, but three chances to be rescued. If he could have shifted his perspective from his preconceived ideas the outcome may have been different. This story is a powerful metaphor for my life.

Buddha and his Four Noble Truths

Today’s episode also includes the wisdom of Buddha who speaks of the Four Noble Truths. As cancer survivors, and human beings most of us can agree that there is truth in at least the first two Noble Truths. When we can open our minds and our hearts to the power of choice we can begin to see the possibilities available to us through the remaining two.

I can start to find my appropriate (and new) path through the power of choice. And I make a series of small choices each day that become the reality of my life.

Tell me about the God you have created for your self – and what you do to when it comes time to lean in. Please leave your comments below.

The post E-60 A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks, “Where is God in All of This?” Part 3 appeared first on All About Spirit .

Healing the Trauma of Cancer

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:22:00 GMT

Treatments over and you have healing to do!

Facing the e nd of cancer treatment can be scary .

Facing it during the holidays can be worse. I remember!

So, I’m offering a free online healing event through Zoom where we come together and practice techniques to help you heal the trauma of your cancer experience just in time for the holidays.

Join me December 19, 2018 – 7 PM Eastern, 6 Central, 5 Mountain, 4 Pacific for a 30-minute live, free, online healing session . Register here!

This will be my last live healing event before the end of the year.

Come release. Surrender. Restore the wisdom of your body.

I am so happy to be able to support you in this pivotal point on your journey.

Space is limited, so register today!

Much love,

Kim

The post Healing the Trauma of Cancer appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-59 A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks – Where is God in All of This? – Part 2

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:00:00 GMT

In last week’s episode I talked about the topics I needed to unpack if I were going to survive cancer spiritually and emotionally no matter what happened to me physically. The points I highlighted were:

If you haven’t seen Episode 58 yet, I invite you to stop watching today’s show and go back and watch it. When you’ve finished, come back and watch today’s show. It will have a bigger impact on your life.

This week I’m going to share what I uncovered in my Homework – the work I do to bring me Home spiritually – about creating a God that I can lean in to. And I’ll share where I found the hand of God in the process of my diagnoses and all the people who helped, served and treated me along the way.

Two upcoming events:

Please share your comments below the video, and if you found it helpful, please share it on your page.

The post E-59 A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks – Where is God in All of This? – Part 2 appeared first on All About Spirit .

E-58 A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks, Where is God in All of This?

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:58:00 GMT

Where is God in all of this?

In my years of working with others, I have talked to people from many different of life and all things considered many have asked this question. Pancreatic, lung, and ovarian cancer survivors. Parents who have lost their children. Flood, fire, and tornado survivors. Survivors of car wrecks which claimed someone’s life. Stroke survivors. Dialysis patients. Rape and assault survivors. And the people left behind. Not only do they ask the question, but they inevitably struggle with finding the answer.

At some point, today’s question is asked by almost everyone who has a spiritual connection to something bigger than they are AND has lived through the unthinkable.

The questions sounds like . . .

In my journey, the question sounded something like this; “really God, I have suited up and showed up to the best of my ability. And this is it, huh?”
I asked that question a lot. When I did, it could have been an act of defiance. A searching. A trying to make sense of. Or, it could have been my attempt to assign blame or responsibility to manage my discomfort.

The title of today’s show is ‘A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks, “Where is God in All of This?”.’ But the topic of today’s show is really about giving yourself permission to challenge your thoughts, ideas or beliefs around your concept of God.

This is about surviving the unthinkable

Make no mistake, today’s show is not about religion, or religion bashing. In reality, it is about surviving the unthinkable in the best way we can.

At times for me, it included challenging myself as a mom, employee, student and ovarian cancer survivor. At the same time, it was about challenging the religion of my youth. And sometimes it was about finding a new God, a God of my understanding. One that I could lean into when I needed God most.

In today’s episode, I’ll unpack how I found the God of my understanding today, as I questioned the God of other people’s understanding yesterday. Likewise, I will invite you to do the same.

Some of the topics I unpacked were:

Building an unshakable relationship with God

In part one of this 3-part series I’ll share one of the tools I used to build a relationship with God as I understand God, that has become unshakable. Then, in parts two and three, I’ll share how I defined my God, and how to exercise the power of choice in moving forward in life.

I hope you enjoy today’s show, and in due time are inspired to take action on your own behalf. Towards the end of today’s video I will describe the “homework” I did to help me through this transition, and before we meet next time, I hope you do take the time to do the work.

No quick fix or answer

In my experience there is no quick fix, fast answer, or easy steps guide to creating a relationship with God. As a matter of fact, for many of us, it is a lifetime adventure. The trials and tribulations of life are part of the journey. Consequently, I hope you invest the time and energy required to get the job done. If you’re anything like me, your life depends on it.

Was this helpful?

Did you find today’s show helpful? If so, will you please like and share it today? Besides putting the information into the lives of people who need to hear it, share’s and likes will help All About Spirit help more people.

Thanks for joining me on this journey, and as always, make it a great week! After all, no one has more influence over the week you have than you do!

The post E-58 A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Asks, Where is God in All of This? appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 57 – Ovarian Cancer Survivor Says Yes to the Invitation

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 17:22:00 GMT

In this weeks episode of All About Spirits Life After Cancer, I talk about saying yes to life’s invitation as an ovarian cancer survivor, and a part of the larger cancer survivor network.

The Invitation

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon . . . I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow – if you have been opened by life’s betrayals, or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain mine or your own without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy mine or your own – if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful to be realistic to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure yours and mine and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

~Oriah Mountain Dreamer

The post Episode 57 – Ovarian Cancer Survivor Says Yes to the Invitation appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 56 – The Language of Cancer and Why it Matters

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 13:05:00 GMT

Our words are the trajectory for our future. Choose wisely.

Words that make me cringe

When I talk with people about cancer, they often use words like: I can’t, and I need. When they do, I literally cringe because using words like these literally put you into a place of victimhood. We have so much more influence over our experience by the words we speak. To that end, they can literally change our expereince.

The words we choose

The words we choose are born out of our thoughts and feelings so they become the first tangible creation of our future experience.

Choose your words wisely

Today’s episode is about choosing your words wisely, so you can start to pave the way for a more peaceful existence.

In today’s show I’ll talk about words and phrases like the ones below, and compariatively how a simple rewrite can raise your energy and change the trajectory of your life.

You’ll hear some of the more common self-limiting phrases that I hear in my work and I’ll offer alternatives to that are more in line with where most of us want our lives to go.

The post Episode 56 – The Language of Cancer and Why it Matters appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: “It’s Okay to Go!”

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 19:37:00 GMT

Becky’s Story

We are survivors, even when left behind!

Cancer doesnt just effect the person having surgery or undergoing treatment. Notably its ripple effect is far and reaching.

Read on as Rebecca, a young mother who was left behind, shares her expereince and as shown below, tells of the lasting impact it has on her heart.

I love you bigger than the sky!

“It’s ok to go.” “I love you bigger than the sky”. “It’s not good bye it’s see you later.”

Until the death of someone you love from cancer touches you, these words have no deeper or painful meaning.

I lost my little sister, not by blood but circumstance and family, in 2014. My son and her grew up as best friends. She told me “no more chemo, I’m done.” I felt like I got punched in the stomach when .

Cancer robbed her of her future.

As a mom I understood. She was tired. She was so young, 19 and just not fair. And so full of life. Cancer robbed her of a future. She fought hard, but her body was done.

My son cried a million tears. And his heartbreak of loss was hard as a mom to watch.

Loved ones left behind, never forget!

Cancer is not fair. It does not discriminate. Young. Old. Rich. Poor. It’s hard to understand why cancer picks and chooses it’s survivors. But to know it’s not just the patient who is affected. Family. Friends and loved ones left behind, never forget.

Becky McKeown

Note: If you would like to share your own story, please connect with me through my contact page – I welcome your contributions.

The post Survivor Stories: “It’s Okay to Go!” appeared first on All About Spirit .

Acupressure for Cancer Vomiting and Nausea

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:40:00 GMT

This information explains how you can use acupressure to help reduce nausea and vomiting.

Acupressure is a healing practice that is based on traditional Chinese medicine, specifically acupuncture.

By applying pressure to various points on your body you can release energy blocks that stop the flow of Chi or Life Force Energy. Not only does acupressure free up stuck energy, but it is free and feels good too!

To put it in western medicine terms, pressing on these points releases muscle tension and promotes blood circulation.

Acupressure for nausea can be done at home, during chemo, at work, in the dentists chair . . . virtually anywhere. Hence, it is a great tool to use anytime.

Things to be Mindful Of

Acupressure is a great way to practice self-care. but there are a couple of things to be mindful of.

Using Acupressure for Nausea

Pressure point P-6, also known as Neiguan, can be found on the inside of your arm. To find pressure point:

Fig 1 Fig 2

Get your free copy of the Survivor’s Manifesto to find other tools to help you heal during and after your cancer treatment.

This content is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before beginning any new protocol.

The post Acupressure for Cancer Vomiting and Nausea appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 55 – How this Ovarian Cancer Survivor Manages Bad Doctor Appointments

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 10:02:00 GMT

Ever have a bad doctor’s appointment?

Not the kind where your results bad; because we’re cancer survivors and we’ve all had those! I mean the kind of appointment when the doctor’s office was less than stellar. Last week, I had two of those appointments, dentist and doctor, in one day.

David, from the Survivor’s Diaries had a series of them.

In the Survivor Diaries, David talks about a series of them during in his early diagnosis, and I know because he’s had them, and I’ve had them, you guys have them too. YIKES!

In todays episode, I’ll show you a technique I use OFTEN when dealing with stress and anxiety. It works amazingly well, not only for bad doctor appointments but any time my anxiety starts to climb, if and when I take the time to practice it.

I hope you’ll tune in to today’s show, and as always if you found this information helpful, your share’s and likes will help make these videos available to more people.

Thanks for joining me on this journey and make it a great week!

The post Episode 55 – How this Ovarian Cancer Survivor Manages Bad Doctor Appointments appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 54 – Having Cancer is Like Living 2 Lives at Once

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:19:00 GMT

In her book, The Red Devil: A Memoir About Beating the Odds, Katherine Russell Rich wrote about her breast cancer survivorship. She described her experience as “living in two time zones” at once. I completely understand the concept, but for me it was more like living two lives at once.

In one life I was navigating the chop wood carry water of life.

Navigating getting to school and work on time, passing my chemistry exams or sitting through business meetings, getting the laundry done and figuring out what I was going to feed Nick for dinner, these things are part of the “chop wood, carry water of life.”

In my other life I was facing life and death questions.

The more private part of life was where I faced the really tough life and death questions. Who is going to be there for Nick if I don’t survive this? What do I need to do to “get my affairs in order?” Do I believe in God? Who’s going to take my cats?

Living in both worlds was tough at best and like almost every other cancer survivor I have met along the way, crazy making when at its worst.

Today’s show is about bringing those two lives together, whether you are the one with cancer or are walking beside someone on the path todays episode is for you.

Survivors

Support Team

Tune in if you’re looking for some ideas on how to find your way through the emotions we have a hard time talking about.

As always if you found this information helpful, your share’s and likes will help make these videos available to more people. Thanks for joining me on this journey and make it a great week!

The post Episode 54 – Having Cancer is Like Living 2 Lives at Once appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: “At Least it’s Not Cancer”

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 19:33:00 GMT

Luci’s Story

At 28 years old, I had the world as my oyster, so it seemed. I was living in the UK with my long-term partner for nine months. It was nearing summer and I was finally settling in with a great group of people I would call my friends. I was excited for some European adventures, and to feel the sun on my skin. As a true Aussie, I had missed the summer.

It was mid-May 2014, a lifetime ago now. My energy levels seemed to drop drastically within a week . And in what now seems a blink of an eye, I found myself in an ER bed in a Welsh hospital, having blood transfusions and painful bone marrow aspirations. My partner’s family were an amazing substitute for my own, who were literally on the other side of the world. We were relieved when we were told it wasn’t leukemia. And so it was for the next two and half years, that we would tell ourselves “at least it’s not cancer.”

A rare blood disease!

In June 2014, I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called “aplastic anaemia.” Aplastic anemia essentially means bone marrow failure. It affects approximately one in a million people. I’d joke that I was special, being one in a million and all.

I returned to my hometown of Sydney, Australia to seek treatment around my family (my then partner in tow), and for the next two years had every test under the sun before undergoing chemo and a bone marrow transplant with a Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) in September 2016.

Those two years were tough and unexpected. The constant supply of medications never seemed to end, and my mood swings were a roller coaster, having a huge effect on my long-term relationship. Alas, it wasn’t cancer.

However, the light at the end of the tunnel finally seemed to appear when after just a three-week stint in hospital for the transplant, I returned home. While I looked different (my hair had fallen out, and I’d lost 8kg within those weeks), it felt like we could feel some relief.

Weak and battered, I heard good things from the amazing team of doctors. They say within 100 days post-transplant you are likely to return to hospital for complications. But at the 80-day mark I was doing extremely well as I celebrated my 31st birthday.

A minor sore throat turned into. . .

But luck was not to be. It was less than a couple weeks before Christmas. What I thought was a minor sore throat became excruciatingly painful. There were a few unsuccessful ER trips. Eventually I was unable to swallow my own saliva. Then, I was finally admitted back to the hospital.

I thought chemo was bad, but I had no idea. For three days I ‘rested’ in bed, unable to eat, drink, or sleep due to the pain in my throat. I was scared. Finally, I was given some relief with medication when I was put under general for a throat biopsy. The team of doctors tried to come up with an answer to what was happening.

Heavily medicated, I was sent home in time for Christmas with my family. I felt like I was floating on air, not in a good way. I was told to start Rituximab treatment once a week for a month. My family and I weren’t entirely sure why. A couple days after Christmas,

I returned to hospital for my first treatment. With my Dad by my side , we asked the usual questions. We hadn’t actually been told the diagnosis. An assuming junior doctor looked panicked when he realized.

I waited for my needle to be inserted, which would allow more drugs to be pumped into my body. While I waited, a senior doctor came and mumbled a bunch of words to me . In all honesty, being in the medical system by then for two and half years, I was clueless to what he was saying.

The doctor said ‘Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder,’ which also translates essentially to Post-transplant lymphoma . What they had discovered during my biopsy were cells, the size of a golf ball in my throat.

My relationship suffered so much . . .

I remember laughing. We had said “at least it’s not cancer” or so long throughout my illness. My relationship had suffered so much that I was sure it wouldn’t last this next hurdle; I was right. Treatment included two rounds of Rituximab, which fortunately was relatively easy and painless. I felt like I was losing my mind.

The steroids I was on were the devil. I attended my sister’s wedding, with a fluffy bald head of hair, bloated with a face like a chipmunk, and not in my best maid-of-honour form. But I was there which was the main thing, and my sister had a great day.

This cancer was fairly straight forward in comparison to aplastic anaemia. But it wouldn’t be until October 2017 that I would be well enough to return to any form of office work.

I found it was the best medicine to be out amongst people who didn’t discuss illness and to feel normal; to use my brain for my trained profession, and be a colleague not a patient,

It’s now been over four years since my life changed forever. This has been tough on my friends, my family and my now ex-partner. It’s tough to see someone you love to suffer.

Every aspect of life changes. Being poked and prodded is hard for loved ones to watch. For them they are ultimately helpless. You want to be as strong as you can for them, so they don’t break down.

I’m now 32, a cancer survivor, and take eight different types of medication . . .

For me, I’ve learned a lot. I’m now 32, a cancer survivor, and take eight different types of medication every morning before I head to work three days a week. The other days I’m seeing specialist doctors and trying to exercise, which I never enjoyed prior to illness.

I’m learning who I am as the journey continues, and I wonder when it will be over. I’ve needed to learn coping mechanisms to handle the mental side of things, which I feel they never quite prepare you for. Now what? Now I’ve survived and I look well, but I’m a whole new person .

Next month I’m heading overseas for the first time in nearly three years. I’m able to join a group of friends for a wedding, and be one of the crowd. And then the adventurer in me is heading to Mexico. Travel is one thing I’ve missed the most about illness. This new location does not thrill my doctors. Exploring new cultures, new foods, new languages, and how other people live their day to day lives.

It helps remembering I’m not alone. It’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to reach out, it’s okay to have a bad day . I have remembered throughout all of this, there was always someone worse off than me. You may be bald and weak, but there’s someone in Africa who doesn’t have access to clean water, or clothes, or a bed. You may be cancer-ridden but you have loved ones who’d do anything to help.

For more information about aplastic anemia please visit Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision .
Luci

The post Survivor Stories: “At Least it’s Not Cancer” appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 53 – 10 Feelings Cancer Survivors Have a Hard Time Talking About

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 10:15:00 GMT

Inspired by Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Appleton and Green Bay Wisconsin were hosts to The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events over the weekend. There were the hundreds of attendee’s present, so I decided to dedicate this show to them.

The Range of Emotions were Staggering!

The range of emotions at the events were staggering, and I’m not talking about just survivors! Some people were pumped, excited, heralthy, vibrant and therefore grateful to participate. I also talked with people who were tired and weary fr om treatment, or heartbroken and doing all they could to keep themselves together. In short, I remebered all those feelings and was brought back to my early days of diagnosis, post treatment and cancer survivorship.

The American Cancer Society invited me to participate in the Making Strides events because of my 1,000 Cancer Survivor Stories project; as a result I met some amazing people with amazing stories. You can read about some of them in the Survivor Diaries.

All About Spirit has created a platform where survivors, and those who walk with us on our journeys, are given a safe place share their story, and participation in our project to helps them heal. If you want more information you can check it out at All About Spirit.

What we’re comfortable talking about!

Doing this work, I find people like to talk about:
• Personal strength
• Deepening relationships
• Happy endings
• Returning to life as it was before

The hard stuff!

I lived it so I can offer a safe place for people to be real. Because I provide safe space this is what I get to hear people talk about:

• Fear of the unknown
• Disappointment with life
• Feeling uncomfortable in their own skin
• Dealing with unanswered and unanswerable questions
• Frustration
• Anger and depression
• Fear of treatment ending
• Financial problems
• Needing to depend on others
• Celebrating in times of fear

Tune in if you’re looking for some ideas on how to find your way through the emotions we have a hard time talking about.

As always if you found this information helpful, your share’s and likes will help make these videos available to more people. Thanks for joining me on this journey and make it a great week!

The post Episode 53 – 10 Feelings Cancer Survivors Have a Hard Time Talking About appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: “I wish I’d known that complaints are taken seriously…”

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sat, 05 May 2018 09:15:00 GMT

David’s Story

Not everyone receives stellar medical care from the beginning of their symptoms. Prior to diagnosis, David’s attending medical team was less than supportive and he was afraid to make waves for fear of upsetting his medical team.

David wished he knew sooner that complaints are taken seriously within the hospital system. Read on, to see how David navigated his cancer journey and how his survivor story unfolded.

Q: Tell us about your life the day before you were diagnosed?

David: The day before I was diagnosed was a nervous one. I tried to put it out of my mind. I hadn’t suspected cancer for a minute but was aware that something serious was going on with me due to having had the symptoms for years. I’d been urinating blood. I’d been going back and forth to my doctors all that time and had been going through lots of tests and never getting any concrete answers.

It was only through getting extremely angry and forceful with my doctor that I’d now been referred to the hospital for the very tests I should have been given years before. A part of me felt that I wouldn’t find out anything new and would be stuck with both the problem and the worry that something was seriously wrong with me.

Q. What is the one thing you wish you had known at the time of diagnosis?

David: I wish I’d known that complaints are taken seriously within the hospital system. I was mistreated often for the first year and it was only when they had a questionnaire that had to be filled out by all patients that this bad treatment came to an end.

I’d been afraid to speak up for fear that I would upset doctors and nurses and something bad could happen to me. You often feel very vulnerable in the hospital. Especially if you have things attached to you, such as a catheter.

Q. Was there anything that you were too afraid to ask for?

David: I was too tired and exhausted most of the time to think clearly. It was a struggle just to keep my full-time job. If there was something I could have asked, I wouldn’t have managed to think of it. I don’t tend to dwell on it nowadays either because it’s time to move on.

Q. What were some things you did that helped you heal?

David: I kept positive about it all. A part of me fought that but I said affirmations each day and continually gave myself positive reinforcement. I knew that the chemo, operations and recovery wouldn’t take forever, so I kept reminding myself of that too.

Q. How did cancer impact your relationship with your spirituality?

David: On my first night in hospital, I wasn’t able to sleep, and I read the Kybalion. It’s a favorite book of mine and the only reading material that I brought with me. It was the strength that I found from my beliefs that got me through it all.

Q. What message would you like to share about surviving cancer?

David: Eventually, you will get through it. Rely on yourself and don’t expect too much help from others. Be grateful when others do assist you but remember that you are responsible for yourself and you will be the one that will get you through this. Believe in yourself.

The post Survivor Stories: “I wish I’d known that complaints are taken seriously…” appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 4 – Striving for a Healthy Balance

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Healthy balance sometimes means doing what we don’t want to do. As I shoot this series of videos I am undergoing daily chemo which is making my face read and blotchy.

Clearly, striving for a healthy balance is necesary during days like this.

First rectal cancer and later leukemia

Today’s episode came about from talking with my friend from high school. She told me she was diagnosed first with rectal cancer and later leukemia. She talked about walking through this process without a support system and how she struggled. Doing what needs to be done and accepting what needs to be faced is a challenge. She also talked about the daily struggles she experienced, and how facing them without support made it harder.

We expect to go back to our normal life

As cancer survivors it is not unusual for us to overcome challenges. After that, when we’re done with treatment, we expect to go back to our normal life. It doesn’t happen that way for a lot of us. My friend talked about how hard it was to admit she couldn’t do certain activities that she used to do easily.

Striving for a healthy balance

How I can relate to that! There are many things today I don’t have access to anymore in my life after cancer. So today, lets focus on a healthy balance after cancer?

There are a few ways we deal with our cancer.

Business as usual. Step into our daily tasks regardless if we’ve just had surgery or treatment. Back to work, back to volunteering, thinking we’re just fine. Back to the gym. For me, I was going to go back and be Super-mom, Superhuman. Instead, I was stealing from the whole cancer experience. There wasn’t a way to avoid it, you have to go through it.

I can’t do anything , so don’t expect me to do anything, because I have cancer.
In this mode, I felt like a victim to the circumstances of my life. I was depresssed. Consequently I couldn’t muster my usual strength. Societies rules felt like they should not apply to me and I should get a pass. For example, I often went around barefoot as my silent protestation of societal rules, .

I knew I couldn’t stay in any of these places for too long. However, even knowing what I knew, I’d still get stuck. It was painful to discover there were things that wouldn’t go back to the way they were and I needed to find a way to survive. I learned to break them into six different categories.

The Spices of Life

What do you do?

To start with, honor where you are. Sit in your skin. Sense what’s going on for you on the inside. Be where you are. In other words, accept what you can’t change.

Find someone around you who ‘gets it’ if you feel depressed, hopeless, or frustrated. Don’t try to force someone who isn’t listening, to listen. If you’re afraid to hurt someones feelings…find the person who’s right for you and talk to them. It’s okay to let go of how it’s going to impact other people. Right now it gets to be about you. So, give yourself permission to talk to the people who understand. Be real about where you are right now. When you do, the right people will hold space and give you time to say what needs to be said. As you do, you’ll find things easier to bear.

No matter where you are, you won’t be there forever.

Give yourself a chance to reflect on where you are – slow down. Embrace what’s keeping you stuck, release it, and thrive where you are. Until we meet again…

The post Episode 4 – Striving for a Healthy Balance appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 3 – Three Things to Do When Your Insurance Company Says No!

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:00:00 GMT

How insurance companies say no!

Insurance companies can say no in two different ways. One, they flat out say NO. Two, the cost of treatment or medication is so prohibitive you can’t afford it. We live in a crazy world when insurance companies can dictate what our doctors can do for us, on our behalf. It’s not always the best path forward, but I have a few ideas for you to navigate these emotions and find a solution for the treatment you need and want.

Dealing with the emotions

First, these are icky emotions to deal with when an insurance company is being restrictive. Acknowledge them and release them. Don’t continue to talk and share the problem with friends and family, this will keep the feelings there. Find a way to release the anger/pain/frustration and move forward.

Here are three scenarios that occurred from me along the way:

Scenario 1: Refusal of Service

My oncologist was concerned with symptoms I was having and wanted me to have a colonoscopy. My insurance said, “No, not under age of 50.” Then, my doctor tried reaching out to explain why, and insurance company again said No. I tried. Remember the agent that you talk to is not the decision maker. Be nice and help them help you. She told me to write an appeal, graphic and emotional to fully reflect my experience, to convince them why the service was necessary. Within 14 days I had the OK to have it done. (And everything was OK!)

Scenario 2: Expensive Medications

Five or six months after my diagnosis, I couldn’t swallow right. I had an upper GI test and discovered I had Barrett’s esophagus. They prescribed a medication with a cost that was prohibitive. I called my doctor, and he shared the medicine company offered scholarship. I applied, and the medicine company paid for my meds for four years, delivered to my doorstep!

If you are having problems with your care or affording medication, there is help available. Not only are there community resources, but also organizations like Rx Assist, HealthWell Foundation , and Aging and Disability Resource Center …You just need to ask.

Scenario 3: Addressing the Symptom Not the Issue

I have allergy induced asthma and was recently prescribed a contradictory medication to my others, and one with an astrological cost per month. When I called my doctor, they had a slew of options for me, including one that addressed the cause of my asthma, rather than the symptom!

The running tie among all these scenarios is how important it is to engage with your provider , talk with your medical team , tell them what’s going on. Be open and don’t slip into the rant about how awful things are. Help them to understand whats happening with you; then they can help you.

Feel the feelings , allow them to be present, talk about them to get them out, and then release them .

If you want a few meditations to help you release these feelings, please reach out. Take care for today .

I hope this information is helpful. If so, please like and sharfe this post. Then others can find it too!

The post Episode 3 – Three Things to Do When Your Insurance Company Says No! appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 2 – How Do You Support Someone Remotely

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 10:00:00 GMT

How do you support someone when your live far apart?

I recently received a question from someone curious how to support someone remotely. What does that look like? How does that work?

What makes my go-to people so special?

For a survivor of anything, it’s helpful to have a support network with a wide variety of people. Friends and family in different places, have different ways they can help you along your journey. Pondering this made me think of my go-to people, and what about them made them so special.

The Five Love Languages by Dr Gary Chapman

But first, I want to introduce you to a theory I think will help us in this conversation. It’s called the Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. They are:

Learning the languages you speak

You need to know what languages you speak in first before you’re able to give to others. I encourage you to take time to discover what you need and how you like to express love. What are your love languages? Which do you use to express love?

Acts of Service

For me, I appreciate acts of service. One of the best examples of support during my diagnosis was my sister. She made a great act of service, moving from Colorado to stay with me. She was with me through my treatment and chemotherapy and help with things as simple as cleaning my house. These were great gifts. When I think about what made even the simplest acts so special, I realize that it was because she just showed up and did them. She wouldn’t ask me “How do you want me to clean your window? How do you want me to clean your sink?” she just did it. I appreciated this so much.

If we know what we like, we can learn how to best give to others.

Gift Giving

When it comes to gift giving, here are a few things that I loved to receive from friends while going through treatment: Spa days, massage, haircare, new sheets or pajamas, acupuncture, personal products, etc.

Physical Touch and Closeness

Even the most basic physical touch can be so comforting. Having someone just sit next to you, or someone to lean against, just being there for the person is important. One of the most meaningful moments was having a friend sit back-to-back with me so I could lean into their body. For that moment, I had the weight of mine supported by them. It was so intimate and heartfelt. It’s not always the words, but the touch that can really help someone.

Quality Time

Whether it’s on the phone or in person, we really need time to talk and download. Sometimes it doesn’t even need a response; anyone trying to help or do something about it. It can be really refreshing just to have a listener. Instead of trying to fix me or make me OK, just sit and be with me.

Or, entertain me! A little humor goes a long way… we need to be able to laugh as we go through this process. One of my favorite things to do was have a friend over and watch Carol Burnett. Any time, too, I could get out and be with other people, not focused on being sick, was always a blessing.

Words of Encouragement

This can be a tricky one. Sometimes we don’t need to hear “Everything’s going to be OK.” It can feel like it’s blowing off the magnitude of what we’re trying to deal with. But other times it may help. Know the person you’re dealing with and their responses to your words. Sometimes even the space to say things that they’re going through or feeling…the hard things and the good things. Like, “This sucks!”

Remember we’re still people inside, and we’re desperately craving some kind of normal. When we hear, “I didn’t want to bother you or tell you what was going on with me because you have so much on your plate right now,” this may not be how we receive it. Our lives become consumed with our health and the cancer… We’d love some normal! Engage with us. Tell us the stories and the new and what’s going on in your life. We’re fighting to be here on the planet , and part of the reason we’re doing that is because we want to be here with you!

This is a marathon, not a sprint!

This is a marathon, not a sprint. When were first diagnosed there are a lot of around us to help us. Food, calls, flowers, cards… but as time goes on people fade away. They start to step back into their own lives. We get left with a lot of time on our hands. For survivors it’s important to find a network and schedule time with them. Take caution that no one gets burned out and there’s still support in all areas.

It indeed takes a village to raise a child, and it’s no different for moving through cancer. Don’t be afraid to ask for the things you need and allowing people to help you with those. Find a way to not take things personally and to communicate honestly about what’s going on with you and where you’re at. Self-care is important for both caregiver and the survivor. Your love languages can help you with both!

Wherever you are in your journey, you can thrive!

I wish you love today.

The post Episode 2 – How Do You Support Someone Remotely appeared first on All About Spirit .

Episode 1 – I’m Launching A Video Series!

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Join me on the journey of Life After Cancer with weekly episodes airing every Monday.

Why would someone welcome you to life after cancer?

Life looked like one thing before cancer, and completely different when you become a cancer survivor with a story to tell. I chose the title Life After Cancer for exactly that reason. We’ll explore what it’s like to live after cancer.

We air on Monday morning because it was a difficult time for me. It seemed there was a lot of support around me on the weekends. But come Monday, the kids would go back to school, people would go back to work, and I’d be home feeling alone. So, I’m airing on Monday mornings.

Why is this different?

There are things about this series that you might find elsewhere. But there are parts that are unique to my brand of cancer survivorship and All About Spirit that you will find only here!

Topics are driven by what you want – they’ll come from suggestions, comments, and messages I receive from you and other cancer survivors I work with. I’ll share from the perspective of someone who’s been there , not just someone who has read about being there.

I’m a solution-oriented, and I found a way to live life on life’s terms. If you’ve had this experience with cancer, or any other serious diagnosis, you know your life doesn’t go back to what it used to be. There needs to be a way for us to deal with the changes.

Coming from Experience

I received my diagnosis when I was 47 years old. Besides that, I was a full-time college student, and single parent, most importantly, now I am a Stage 3C ovarian cancer survivor. It came as a shock to me. I felt healthy, I exercised and studied, I felt better than I ever had before. My degree was achievable and was became medically retired. I appreciated contributing to my life, and this was hard.

How to find a way to survive this experience?

I started an intense spiritual journey that encompassed body, mind, and spirit. I couldn’t find support from the medical community I had grown to rely so heavily so, I had to find it for myself.

Now it’s ten years after my diagnosis.

I’ve found a way to transform my life. Now, I help people to share and transform their OWN lives.

It’s not always easy and it’s not always graceful, but I never stopped working at it.

My life looks nothing like I planned. Although it’s not what I imagined, I still have come to a cool place. So many doors opened where I thought there were only walls. I’ve become grateful for this and the cancer journey I’m on!

Your life is not going to be the same. Find a way to release the past . Find a way to embrace your new normal . Then, you will be able to thrive !

It’s a process , it’s a journey . You are not alone .

I hope you’ll tune in on Mondays to talk with me. Let’s live this life after cancer, together.

The post Episode 1 – I’m Launching A Video Series! appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: “The Return of Breast Cancer and How it Changed my Life”

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:21:00 GMT

I am thrilled to bring you a series of cancer survivor stories. Everyone has a different experience and we each deal with the crisis as best we can. But once we have are beyond the day to day survival we are left with a chance to reflect our experiences and make changes in our lives.

I find cancer survivor stories to be raw, honest and inspiring and I hope you find this series helpful as part of your own journey.

Cancer – the first diagnosis

16 years ago, after I felt a tenderness in my right breast I felt to get it checked out with my GP, despite having an all clear mammogram only a month beforehand. He sent me for a hospital check and I met an amazing woman consultant surgeon who sent me for an ultrasound. They discovered I had a DCIS and recommended a lumpectomy. I agreed but only after agreeing with my hospital consultant that I would try alternative means first. I also had a trip to Australia booked and looming.

I embarked on a six-month healing journey. I went to see an alternative cancer doctor who had left the mainstream. He recommended I change my diet to a vegan one, try juicing and coffee enemas, and he prescribed a mass of supplements. I have to say that during this time I felt fantastic. A load of excess weight dropped away. I had a lot of energy and looked very well. I also went for spiritual healing sessions and enjoyed my 3-month trip to Australia.

On my return, after six months I went back to the hospital. Despite feeling very well the lump hadn’t reduced in size, much to my disappointment, so I agreed to have a lumpectomy. I made a good recovery and they found that it was malignant. But all was clear after the surgery.

Getting to the root cause of breast cancer

After the surgery I left my vegan diet behind but still juiced from time to time. However, I hadn’t addressed the root cause of the breast cancer. Also, my family on the female side all had had breast cancer. My parents were first cousins, so I had four aunts on both sides of the family who had died of breast or ovarian cancer.

Roll on six years and I was introduced to Esoteric Medicine and some amazing Healing modalities. I used these and trained to be a practitioner myself. I healed many old hurts in the intervening years. Come 2013 I felt tenderness once more, again in my right breast. I subsequently learned that breast cancer has to do with a lack of nurturing for ourselves as women. This made sense to me as I had (like many other women) looked after everyone else, as a single parent for many years and a practicing spiritual healer and neglected myself. I hadn’t addressed the root cause.

I was now living in a different area and my new GP referred me immediately to the hospital. Another great female consultant saw me and recommended a mammogram. I felt resistance as they had never shown up anything before. However, she explained it would be easier to see if there was a cancerous lump, rather than the ultrasounds I had had at my previous hospital – which I much preferred.

The second diagnosis

With these tests they discovered an early stage small lump, but because of previous scarring I would now need a mastectomy. This wasn’t good news, obviously. However, she told me she could do a reconstruction at the same time and probably be able to save my nipple. Better news….

So less than two months later I had the required surgery. During all this time I had been having Esoteric Healing therapies from a practitioner of esoteric healing therapies, including sacred esoteric healing, esoteric Connective tissue therapy and esoteric chakrapuncture. All these made a huge difference to my healing. For a few weeks after my surgery local friends brought me nourishing food and those who were trained in the above therapies gave me daily treatments in my home.

I healed very quickly, much to the surprise of my hospital consultant. Six weeks after the operation I attended weekly hydrotherapy sessions in the hospital pool, involving gentle arm movements.

Breast Cancer was my wake up call

I now view the return of the breast cancer as a huge wake up call. I had returned to my old ‘normal’ way of life after the first operation. But attending Universal Medicine therapy presentations and therapies, enabled me to review my life choices. I had decided to quit alcohol and caffeine, also gluten and dairy (which I had done with my first surgery) but had crept back into my old food habits. So, my health overall was pretty good by the time the second bout of breast cancer came around. I felt fortunate I didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as that would have been a tough call for me to agree to. The tamoxifen type drug was suggested, but as the risk was only a 2% risk of me living less than ten years I decided to forego that option.

Three years on I feel as healthy as I ever have. I look younger as my years advance. Exercising daily, enjoying nurturing healthy food choices and no processed foods or caffeine, gluten dairy or alcohol as before. No refined sugar though I still have honey occasionally and eat some fruit. Freshly cooked fish, meat and vegetables are my staples, with herbs and spices to make everything tasty.

Viewing Cancer as a gift

What is even more surprising is that despite my scar and different look to my breasts, I love my body more now than I have ever done before. I look after myself and my body. Staying present with myself is important, not regretting or looking back at the past or anticipating the future. Esoteric Yoga has been a great support for me to reconnect with my body and my essence.

The stillness I feel can be transported into daily life in a very practical way. Life is good. I volunteer in a hospital and a school and contribute to a fabulous healthy way of living website. In my late sixties I feel vibrant. No prescribed medication required. Cancer can be viewed as an opportunity – a gift – once we have got over the shock. If we don’t choose to make changes to our lifestyle (which played a big part in getting us into this mess in the first place) then we have a chance to grow and evolve. It’s never too late to change our ways.

Sue – Age 68 – UK

Find out what inspired Sue to make changes in her life.

Note: If you would like to share your own story, please connect with me through my contact page – I welcome your contributions.

The post Survivor Stories: “The Return of Breast Cancer and How it Changed my Life” appeared first on All About Spirit .

Survivor Stories: “Are You Ready to Share your Cancer Survivor Story?”

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 13:53:00 GMT

Hi, I’m Kim Rainer, founder of All About Spirit and creator of 1,000 Cancer Survivor Stories.

On June 6, 2007, I went to bed a 48-year-old single mom and full-time college student looking forward to my bright new future as a palliative care nurse. On June 7, I became a stage 3C ovarian cancer survivor and my life changed forever!

An ovarian cancer diagnosis puts you on the medical fast track

And treatment is brutal! There have been three surgeries, 18 rounds of chemo, thousands of pokes, prods, lab draws and blood tests, and at least a million tears.

Chemo ravaged my body and my cognitive abilities were severely impacted. By the time my hair grew back, it was clear I would not be getting my bachelor’s degree in Nursing; and at age 49, I became medically retired. I can assure you, type A personality that I was – retirement at 49 was not in my plans.

Healthy and financially secure when I went back to school, I took out college student insurance believing I could easily withstand any medical surprises that might come up. Unfortunately, I was wrong. College student insurance is designed to treat broken bones not stage 3C ovarian cancer.

Treatment saved my life

But it also left me hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. I found myself searching for affordable housing and applying for assistance from organizations I used to contribute to. As my life savings dissolved and my capacities diminished, I became terrified for my future.

Well-meaning family and friends would say “you must be so grateful to be alive.” Truth be told, most of the time I was angry that I didn’t just die like the majority of stage 3C ovarian cancer survivors.

The next several years left me struggling for a purpose

Previously successful in career and finances, the overwhelming sense of defeat nearly did me in.

A survivor by nature, I sought help from the medical community that saved my life. Yet, with all their experience, training and knowledge they didn’t know how to help me recreate my Life.

I have been walking this path since June of 2007. It has taught me what now seems obvious cancer survivors are those of us who had the surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But there are other survivors. They are the ones who walk with us, cook and clean for us, pick us our slack at work, are scared for us, pray for us, and sometimes are left behind.

Time proved I was not the only survivor struggling to pick up the pieces of a shattered life. We heal by sharing our stories, and others find hope in reading them. So, I created 1000 Survivor Stories, a collection of cancer survivor stories to help you find your tribe.

I hope you find them honest, healing, raw and hopeful.

Are you ready to share your cancer survivor story?

If your survivor story is waiting to be told (whether you had the treatment or stood by someone who did) it is my honor to create a safe and sacred place for your voice to be heard.

Tell your story in writing, as a video recording, through an interview, or in an art medium that connects to your heart. However your cancer survivor story is told, I am excited to host 1000 Survivor Stories for people to heal through sharing, and gain hope through reading.

Thank you for inviting me into your space.

How to share your story:

Email your cancer survivor story to:

1000cancersurvivorstories@allaboutspirit.com

Please include your name and location for attribution. If your story is published in the Survivor Diaries, I am happy to offer a reciprocal link.

Until we actually have a chance to talk, I hope life treats you well!

#CancerSurvivorStories

The post Survivor Stories: “Are You Ready to Share your Cancer Survivor Story?” appeared first on All About Spirit .

What is it Like to be Diagnosed with Cancer

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:15:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered?

There are millions of people who are diagnosed with cancer every year, and tons of us who live beyond our diagnosis. We have varying degrees of coping with our diagnosis. And there are many ways we get to hear the information.

I was one of the lucky ones who received my news from a loving, kind, compassionate doctor. I knew him for a long time. He was empathetic and had a plan. He was able to refer me to the right surgeons and doctors, and I am very blessed.

But I know a lot of people who don’t find out this way.

Sometimes, an email comes through with your lab results. Then, you’ve been diagnosed with some horrific disease without the benefit of a doctor to tell you.

Whether we find out with love and compassion or from a message on an answering machine, we have reactions. My reaction was to be ashamed and embarrassed. I wanted to keep the news a secret. To not tell anyone what was going on with me. I wanted to protect my family and prevent them from being sucked into this world of drama I felt I was about to create.

The first thing I did was drive to the lake front and walk the beach. I walked for a couple hours by myself trying to let the news sink in. It took me a couple of days before I ever told anybody.

I felt: shocked, dirty, ashamed, embarrassed, scared, and angry

Throughout my years of spiritual practice, I studied the law of attraction, and was familiar with the idea that what you focus on will get bigger. In the wake of my diagnosis as stage 3c ovarian cancer survivor, I twisted this law into blame. I started to assign responsibility, and decided I had done something to create my cancer. Then, I started to ask, Why?

This was counterproductive.

As an unplanned byproduct of my healing process, I actually became a Certified Life Coach. I studied the Universal Laws of Spirit. There were three laws that, in combination helped me redefine my perspective:

What these laws really address are how do I take care of my health? How do I create the life I want? How do I work with my doctors, oncologists and medical team, to create the healthy life I want. I can spend my life leaving things to chance, worrying endlessly about what is going to come next, or I can start talking about how I want things to be in my life.

That was a turning point for me.

So, if you were diagnosed with cancer, recently or a long time ago, and you are struggling to reclaim your life, there is help out here for you. There is support out here for you.

I think I can help you get started. The meditation mentioned in this video is no longer available, but you can get your own copy of The Survivors Manifesto: How I survived the No Hope Cancer and 37 Tools To Help You Heal by following this link.

The post What is it Like to be Diagnosed with Cancer appeared first on All About Spirit .

Welcome To All About Spirit

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 21:07:00 GMT

. . . and Life After Cancer!

I’m really glad you’re here!

I am a 2007 Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer survivor. I consider myself a Student of Life, and have been on this spiritual journey for 31+ years. When I received my diagnosis, I was not ready to accept the prognosis that they told me I was going to have. I knew there was more for me than what the medical field was allowing.

Following my diagnosis, I began a crash course lesson on learning about preventative and complementary medicine. I wanted to find different ways to treat myself and take care of me, and deal with what life was delivering.

Over the last nine years, I’ve spent hundreds of hours in meditation, prayer, treatment, and alternative and complementary treatments. I’ve learned a whole lot since then.

When it came to support, I was on a quest to find a group that was willing to absolutely recognize the pain and challenges we face living with cancer. And then, help us to change our thoughts and beliefs, to not plug in to what Western medicine tells us.

I’m creating a different kind of support. I’ve started All About Spirit and Life After Cancer to help us find a way to redefine our new normal.

When we find ways to release our past, embrace our new normal, and discover ways to thrive, we’re able to have a great life no matter what’s going on. When we analyze at the negative, there’s a contrast. It’s not what we want. From that place of recognizing what we don’t want, we can look at what we want instead.

I hope you’ll join me!

The post Welcome To All About Spirit appeared first on All About Spirit .

All About Spirit

Heart-Centered Networking: Build a Business That Thrives with Purpose

How to Support Life Changes Without Neglecting Yourself

How I Found My Place After Cancer Without Returning to the 9-to-5 Grind

This is a subtitle for your new post

How to Prioritize Your Health Without Sacrificing Your Career

Unlocking Brain Health with Curcumin: A Natural Ally in Times of Transition

Omega-3s for Cognitive Function: The Unsung Hero of Mental Clarity

How to Navigate Career Transitions Without Feeling Overwhelmed: The Power of Mindfulness

How to Protect Your Brain Health During Career Transitions Without Sacrificing Your Well-Being

How to Beat Brain Fog Without Drastic Changes

Together in Hope: A Heartfelt Thank You and Prayer for Healing

What Ovarian Cancer Taught Me About Listening to My Body

How to Enjoy Health Security Over Time While Adapting to Lifestyle Changes

How to Advocate four Yourself in a Health Crises Without Feeling Ignored or Overwhelmed

Ovarian Cancer - Early Detection and Specialized Care Saves Lives

How to Conserve Energy Without Feeling Guilty

15 Food Hacks When You're Not Hungry or Your Mouth Hurts

1. High-Calorie Smoothies

2. Cold Foods Over Hot Foods

3. Popsicles and Smoothie Pops

4. Soft Scrambled Eggs

5. Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

6. Avocado Slices

7. Coconut Water Ice Cubes

8. Mashed Potatoes with Extra Butter

9. Soups with Soft Ingredients

10. No-Chew Protein Snacks

11. Nutritional Shakes

12. Banana or Applesauce Puree

13. Creamy Nut Butters

14. Scrambled Tofu or Soft Tofu

15. Cooked Cereal with Ground Flaxseed

The Healing Power of Laughter During a Health Crises

Gratitude & Boundaries

Importance of Clinical Trials

Gratitude: It Can Be Funny When Life is Messy

Phoenix Rising: Tips for the Rebirthing Journey

Rising from the Ashes: Your Personal Invitation for Rebirth

Setting Boundaries: A Crucial Aspect of Self Care

The Power of What You Consume: Healing Through Thought, Boundaries and Nutrition

Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Killer – Why You Need to Speak Up for Your Health

Navigating Career Changes During Cancer Treatment

Coping Strategies for Navigating the Minefield

The Emotional Minefield of Expectations: A Cancer Survivors Journey

Body Image and Cancer: A Battle With a Mirror!

Lean on Your Loved Ones, Friends, and Support Groups

Managing Unexpected Expenses During Cancer Care

Nutritional Needs: A Balanced Diet Supports Your Body Through Treatment

Living With Uncertainty: Finding Peace in the Present

Screening Limitations: The Unique Challenge of Ovarian Cancer

Stay Hydrated: Nourishing Your Body During Treatment and Healing

Career Adjustments After an Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis - Peeling Back the Layers

Self-Care is Essential: Prioritizing Yourself in Your Cancer Journey

Ovarian Cancer Treatments. Insurance. Staying Healthy

Did You Know? Early Detection is Key in Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Debt vs Credit Score

Debt Can Significantly Impact Your Credit Score

Take Time To Breathe

Take Time to Breathe

An Introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit

An Introduction to the Universal Laws of Spirit

Watch the video

Top Five Health Risks for Men

Women survive men by over five years. . .

Supplementation used to be a luxury . . .

The next step to a healthier prostate . . .

Benefits

﻿ Top Five Health Risks for Men

E-67 Cancer’s Deeper Meaning

Embracing Wholeness in the Face of Cancer – Part 4

Each cell plays a vital role . . .

Our body’s natural intelligence . . .

Bio-chemically the same before and after death . . .

The unspoken message . . .

The problem with this approach is . . .

Unraveling the Quantum Fields . . .

Health through a consciousness-based approach . . .

When something interferes with the flow of energy . . .

Revisiting the questions . . .

Top Five Health Risks for Men