More Testing, But So What!

Good Evening All,

Happy Spring! I’m Ann, and this is my journey with thyroid cancer. Today is the eve of my next round of tests. As I thought about this, I realized how much I have let cancer affect my life. Since receiving the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. every ache and pain, cold and cough, headache or even my energy level has been plagued with the question of whether or not it is cancer related. I have decided I do not want to keep giving cancer this much power over the way I live. I can't control how the tests turn out tomorrow, but I can control my reaction to them. Although I will continue this battle to cure my cancer, I will focus more on just living and loving my life.

While I have to think about this horrible disease sometimes, I don’t want it to be the center of my life and dictate what I do. I will still continue my diet, but I am doing that because I want to. I’m hoping it cures me, but for now, I feel really good. I have a good amount of energy, lost a lot of weight, have been able to discontinue my blood pressure medication, and will continue to learn more about healthy eating. Cancer helped me to find this path to good nutrition - I am now choosing to stay on it.

Additionally, I have learned so much since my diagnosis. Some of the things I found and have incorporated into my life are yoga, essential oils, learning how to make bath products as well as cleaners and make-up, and I am presently looking into starting a garden. I would not have done any this before cancer. I never thought I would, but I totally enjoy yoga. It’s relaxing and I love the stretches we do during class. I’ve always enjoyed making things, so making products to put on my body is fun. I also make them for my family, who thinks I should sell them! Maybe one day, but for now I plan to learn a bit about gardening. That will be my spring and summer project. I also have another goal. I would love to help other people learn about good nutrition and a whole food diet. I have been putting off taking classes because of money and an unsure future, but really, how many of us can be sure of the future. I’ve decided to start classes this fall. I have to find the money, but if there’s a will, there’s a way. I love and believe in everything I’m learning and would enjoy sharing what I know with others. I think it would be so satisfying to help people see the benefits of this diet. If I focus on waiting because of cancer, then I’m letting this disease rule my life. Cancer has sent me down a road I wasn't planning on taking, but every path is a journey. Since I'm here, I will learn everything I can and become a stronger and better person.

I have decided to focus on good thoughts and to rely on my optimistic nature as I face my future. We all have issues, but how we deal with those issues is what determines how we live our lives. I strongly believe that happy attracts happy, so with a positive outlook, our problems become manageable. There’s always things that come up that are not pleasant, but my philosophy is; fix it or live with it! I don’t think there is another choice. Therefore, I plan to do everything I can to cure this cancer, and will live with whatever the outcome will be.

So as I ponder my future on the eve of my testing, I know my journey with thyroid cancer will continue. But I have decided I will lead the way, and no longer let cancer dictate the path my life will take.

For now, wishing you health and happiness!