Overcoming cancer
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OVERCOMING cancer March 29, 2010 Just an update: the effects of chemo can be felt for some time after one experiences this somewhat invasive procedure. I have found that my muscles have regained a lot of strength but still for some reason, the muscles are much more susceptible to injury. Proper diet is very important and I am focusing on getting enough protein from plant sources to avoid salt and other additives that are in meat. Let me know how you are doing. This disease, as with other challenges can be conquered and can also be used to get us moving in life. My advice is to assess your life and Go For It Now. See my eZines, B-Log and eBooks. No time like the present. All the best to you. Michael. Dec. 19, 2009 The treatments ended Nov. 9, 2009 and the final doctor visit was Dec. 12, 2009. There will be follow up visits; but, hopefully, this disease is gone for good. I fully intend to live above it. Oct. 27, 2009 Cancer used to be called the big 'c'. I think it only deserves the little 'c'. Lately, I have become very aware of just how extensive the spread of cancer has become. Pretty well everyone either knows some who has or has had cancer or they themselves have had it or are still dealing with it. For me, this is day number 180 of treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of cancer known as lymphoma. There is non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma. It seems to originate with white blood cells. It was discovered in 1832 by Thomas Hodgkin. It spreads through the lymph system and has a patient survival rate of 90% or better. Of course, it is important to catch it early. In my case, as may be common, it was discovered by accident due to another problem that I had sought treatment for; namely, a very painful kidney stone. A catscan revealed enlarged lymph nodes and cancer was suspected. This took place on May 1st, 2009 One amazing thing is that the disease was discovered so long ago but, the real cause is unknown still. Fortunately, chemo and radiation combined treatments are quite effective. The process is extremely hard on the body and takes about 4 to 6 months to complete, followed by one to two years to recover fully. For what it is worth, I believe that for some reason, my immune system got into a weakened state and allowed the disease to develop. It is therefore advised that you take care of your immune system and your health in general. In my case, I have exercised and tried to take care of my health for most of my life. I eat 5 to 15 servings of fruit and vegetables daily and have done so consistently for 5 1/2 years now. Why cancer? I do not know. I look at it this way. I am not sick, my body is and God made me and He can heal me. My work is not yet finished here. One thing is for sure, I am more concerned than ever about Achieving my Purpose here before I go. MD There have been some positive effects of having this disease. Rather than focusing on the symptoms, let us focus on the blessings. Some of these include: I have made new friends who are positive people. I have been blessed by others and that is a good experience. I have generally found that people are friendlier to me now. I have found many people care for me and that feels good. I feel more committed to my life purpose and missions. I am blessed to be healed once again and this is encouraging and faith building. I appreciate life more now and have more empathy for others. I have had more significant experiences in my life. Something for my fellow patients to consider is that my list of things or habits which I do daily is so important and if we do the most important things each day, we have less time for the unimportant things and more importantly, we get the significant things accomplished. The idea is to give the list a priority. This list includes eating healthily, praying, doing some exercise, having some fun, studying some scripture, using positive affirmations, planning each day, interacting with loved ones etc. I noticed that Elizabeth Edwards was quoted as saying, she chooses to focus on living and chooses not to give any more days to cancer. She writes and speaks. It is true that we are all in this together. It is our turn now and your turn next. There is a solution and I believe that it has to do with how we live our lives in the world we live in. Considering the pollution of pretty much everything in our lives it is no wonder that we are facing such health challenges. Wouldn't it be great if we teamed up and took our lives back and our countries back and our health back? Yes! Part of the answer could be in the water we drink. More to come. Mike Dubeau |