9 Things Most Cancer Patients Wish They Were Told - Pt. 1

Sometimes I stop and think about all the changes that my grandparents have seen in their lifetimes.  I mean - they couldn't even fathom the internet, and even for me it seems so long ago that we had to wait for the paper to arrive in order to look up movie times back when I was a kid.  But things change fast - especially these days.  One reminder of that for me is the wealth of on-line support for cancer patients these days.  When I was diagnosed 10 years ago, my ill-advised internet searches turned up little more than horror stories posted on message boards that few people had ever heard of.

(I hope you heard that in an "I had to walk up hill to school both ways" voice,

because I totally wrote it with that voice in my head.)

One of the groups that I love for their spirit and enthusiasm is Fxck Cancer.  You can find them here, telling cancer on the daily just where it can stick its threats.

They kind of rock.

In the last month they have been running a series through Instagram and Twitter on called "9 Things Most Cancer Patients Wish They Were Told After Being Diagnosed".  I've enjoyed following it and reflecting on their thoughts.  I thought I would repost them here for all of you, with a few notes from me on my experience.  1-5 are here today.  Ill bring you 6-9 later in the month.

My relationships definitely changed after my diagnosis.  Most for the better.  I was amazed by some of the people who I had not been close to before my diagnosis who reached out and supported me in ways I couldnt have imagined.  And there were people who were already close to me who stepped up in crazy amazing ways.

Oh dear, how true this is.  Particularly the part about losing your old self and never being the same again.  This is a post of its own.  Because its really that true.

Yes.  I didn't want to give into the fear for a long time.  But when Dr. Ginder had to tell me the chemo wasn't working as we hoped and that I needed extra rounds, I finally broke down and cried.  Know what else?  The fear doesn't go away.  I see Dr. Ginder next week and I'm already nervous.  And thats 10 years later. 

A lot of my friends didnt tell me they were scared until all was said and done.  I think just as there are things about surviving cancer that they will never understand, there are things about what it was like for them that I will never understand.  We experienced the same world in two very different - equally difficult - ways. 

While I never let myself believe that cancer would kill me, I learned quickly at 23 what mortality is.  Its changed the way I live my life.  The way I think.  The way I act.  The choices I make.  Its given me a love of life I never had before I had to look that reality in the face.  I am mortal.  Tomorrow isnt guaranteed.

Cancer gets a well-deserved bad rap, but as I've said before, its got its positives too.  From each of these five truths I have taken life-changing notions that have placed me where I am today.  And for that, I would have to tell cancer "thank you".

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And don't forget to come say hi to me tonight at Ellwood Thompson as Yoga Source graces us with a yoga class to benefit the Massey Challenge!  Get centered and do good tonight at 7pm.  See you there!

Running Streak Rehash - Week Eight

People - Lets all take a moment to recognize:

There are officially less than 100 days left in my running streak!

(We will ignore for now that this also means I have less than 100 days to reach my goal of $25,151)

It was good to get back to running in RVA.  Its just so pretty here.  And I have to say, walking out my front door in the morning to sights like this make rolling out of bed in the cold a bit easier.

Here is the latest rundown:

                   Week Eight
                   Day 50 Wednesday January 2, 2013 - 1.00 miles
                   Day 51 Thursday January 3, 2013 - 1.00 miles
                   Day 52 Friday, January 4, 2013 - 1.00 miles
                   Day 53 Saturday, January 5, 2013 - 2.36 miles
                   Day 54 Sunday, January 6, 2013 - 1.13 miles
                   Day 55 Monday, January 7, 2013 - 2.35 miles
                   Day 56 Tuesday January 8, 2013 - 2.33 miles

                   Week Total: 11.37

After the downtime for the holidays and with the cold still sitting in my chest, yesterday and today's runs, while longer, were slow.  But I'll take it.  It felt amazing to do more than one little mile without wanting to keel over and die.

And if you're keeping track, because 4 more weeks are done (and HOW the hell did that happen so fast??) I get another treat.  But I'm going to hold out for a bit because our friends over a 3Sports are planning an awesome little benefit for the Massey Challenge in a few weeks and what I really want (and need) are some new kicks. 

The attitude of this ad demonstrates why I love the folks over at 3Sports so damn much

Like their Facebook page here and you might learn the deets before I can get them to you.

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Today is Sportsbackers Media Day for the 10k, which always feels like the true "official" start of 10k season for me.  Its so fun to be in one room with all of the people who work to make the 10k such a remarkable part of RVA. 

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And tomorrow is the Massey Challenge event being brought to you by Ellwood Thompson and YogaSource!

Doors open at 6:30, with yoga from 7-8pm.  There are a few spots remaining for the yoga class, so rsvp to masseychallenge3rdpartyevents@gmail.com if you would like to reserve one.  $5.00 suggested donation with all funds being donated to the Massey Challenge!

Even if you can't attend yoga, come out to Ellwood to say hi to us and learn more about the Massey Challenge!  I would love to see you!

Mantra Monday

Happy Monday!  It was a good weekend of wrapping up the holidays and returning some semblance of order to my home and life.  Its strange to have the house all to myself again! 

As I mentioned here, I started Om On's 40-Day Yoga Challenge yesterday and I already love it.  I convinced Lauren to do it with me and even though we are clearly the newest newbies in the group, its such a supportive atmosphere that I know I am going to come to the end even more addicted than I already am!  Its a good way to start 2013, and this week holds the promise of more doors opening as this new year makes its entrance.

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As part of the 40 Day Challenge (I just realized that I have way too many challenges being discussed in this blog.  Oops.) we focus on a word each week as we strengthen our practice.  This week's word is "reflect".  And in doing so already - and sorting through 2012 and the years before it - I've come to realize that I have ingrained in my mind the idea that being strong means sticking with something until the very bitter end.  In 2013 I hope to overcome that, and to realize sometimes its okay to call it a day. 

Source

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Don't forget to plan to join us at Ellwood's on Wednesday night for some yoga and cancer awareness!  The yoga class is filling up fast, so drop me an email if you are interested in taking part!

The Friday Five

Its definitely been a week.  My mom and brother traveled back to Richmond with me, where I had the chance to introduce them to some of my Richmond family, take advantage of their manual labor to finally finish my office/guest room, and eat my way through some of my favorite spots in the city.  Unfortunately, its been capped off by the continuance of the worst head cold I can remember in years (although I am *SUPER* grateful its not the flu that has also been going around).

Here are some highlights from the week gone by:

Backseat snuggling with Ludwig

My family came to town - Nearly as rare as Haley's Comet

Finally made it to Gardenfest of Lights

This guy caused a great debate (can it be a great debate if only I thought he was an owl?)

Saying hello to 2013 with one of my favorite parts of 2012

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The Massey Challenge is back in gear now that the holidays are behind us.  As I type I'm waiting on the guys from Local Suds so we can continue to scheme over how #RVA's new brew scene is going to throw some major support Massey's way.  And next week Ill have some thoughts on how you can help me reach my personal goal of $25,151 - I know we can do it before April 13, 2013 is here!  The easiest suggestion?  Click the "donate now" button above to make your own contribution to the Challenge today!

Still In the Running Toward Becoming America's Next Top Model

You totally just pictured Tyra and her super-serious face didnt you?

You know you did.  Just admit it.

*Sidenote - Does anyone else think that is one of the most grammatically incorrect sayings ever?  Shouldn't it be "still in the running to become ANTM?"  Maybe its just me.



I was honored to be asked to serve as one of the stories featured in Massey's 2011/2012 Philanthropic Review.  The Review is basically a summary of generosity extended toward Massey during the year and the advances those donations have made possible.  The theme of this year's report is Dedication, Innovation, Transformation.

When I showed up for our photo shoot I thought I would be in and out in about 20 minutes.  I was wrong.  This was a full-on, professional-grade shoot.  The only thing missing was Tyra.  Please ignore that I just called what happens on reality TV a "full-on, professional-grade" anything.

On Set

Our own Nigel Barker

And J Manuel!

I really hope someone is getting these references other than me . . .

The panel of judges - Checking out what works

Smising!

And how lucky am I to have a bestie there with me??

Capturing the organized chaos

Its been months since the shoot took place, so when this puppy showed up in my mailbox yesterday I was so psyched to see the final result!  It had been pretty well guarded!

Kind of like the results from judging, huh?

I am totally honored to be included in this year's Report, and grateful that Massey is helping us get the word out about the Challenge to its most dedicated supporters. 

 

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Upcoming event alert!  On Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Ellwood Thompson and YogaSource are teaming up to raise money for the Challenge!  For a $5 donation you can take a 1 hour yoga class in Ellwood's community room, get your resolutions kicked into high gear, and help fight cancer locally.  Click here to register.  Only 21 spots remaining!

Resolved

I love resolutions.  I love new challenges and examining things to see where I am and where I want to go.  To be honest, 2012 was the first year I ever gave my resolutions any truly serious thought.  Before then, I tended more toward spur of the moment things like "save more money" and "exercise more". 

Last year I sat down during the first week of January and identified some concrete goals I wanted to work toward.  I noted my progress each month during the year, and while I didn't accomplish every single one fully, I made some real progress and saw many positive changes in my life as a result.  So although we dont need artificial deadlines, the ritual of examining and evaluating come the new year is one I find useful for setting the tone of the days ahead.

Here are my

Top Three Resolutions for 2013 

1. Make Time For Date Night.

With myself.  I am really good about making time for others, and for work, and for Massey.  And for running and organizing.  And working on my house.  I am really terrible about carving out time to just be - to read a book on the deck, or watching a movie without multi-tasking, or playing my flute.  In 2013 I plan to find 4 hours a week for those things - and not feel rushed or guilty about it.

2. Make Yoga A Priority.

I never bought into the whole yoga thing until my dear friend Anne started yoga teacher training and she convinced me to give it a go.  Now I'm hooked. It clears my head, eases my stress, and gets me out of the weight-lifting that I so dread.  Im starting this off by taking on Om On Yoga's 40 Day Yoga Challenge beginning on Sunday.  In 2012 I learned that yoga makes me happy.  So more yoga = more happy, right?

3. Reassess My Habits.

As I've told you before, I do love my beer and wine.  But I also know that one of the most significant things a BRCA1 carrier can do to reduce her cancer risk is to greatly reduce her alcohol intake. 
But I really haven't done that over the last few years.

And as I sat down to reflect on 2012 and all the positive changes that were made, I've realized that this was one area where nothing positive was really being brought.  I mean, if I'm being 100% honest - drinking does nothing to improve my sleep, my budget, my weight, or my emotional state. 

I have no idea what this is going to end up looking like.  I've thought about giving it up all together.  I've thought about a "special occasion only" rule, or limiting it to a number of drinks per week.  This resolution is going to take some pondering, and some trial and error, to find what works.  Its the one I am most nervous about, but also most excited by.  I'm kicking it off by going dry during the 40 day yoga challenge - and we'll see what happens from there.   

There are definitely other resolutions on the list, but these are the three at the forefront of my mind.  Any resolutions out there?  How are you going about creating a life you love?    

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PS - Check out my guest post over a RBJJ's blog - its all about being a woman training Muay Thai and why we kick as much ass as the boys.

Running Streak Rehash - Week 7

I'm just going to give it to you straight, folks:

Week Seven Sucked

Hard

While running through Connecticut started out looking like this:

 By about mid-way through my trip, it was looking much more like this:

Throw in a head cold and a 10.5 hour drive back to Virginia, and keeping this streak going seemed like a thing of miracles for awhile.  But I did it.  And at least I can say I was somewhat active on days when I can guarantee I would have preferred to lie in bed for an extra 15 minutes.

Here are the deets:

Week Seven

Day 43 Wednesday December 26, 2012 - 1.56 miles
Day 44 Thursday December 27, 2012 - 1.00 miles
Day 45 Friday, December 28, 2012 - 1.29 miles
Day 46 Saturday, December 29, 2012 - 1.00 miles
Day 47 Sunday, December 30, 2012 - 1.00 miles
Day 48 Monday, December 31, 2012 - 1.00 miles
Day 49 Tuesday January 1, 2013 - 1.00 miles

             Week Total:7.85 

Last night the gauntlet was thrown and I have a fairly significant bet on my time in this year's 10k.  This has led to some discussion over whether this streak might have to be cut short in favor of a different training plan.  So Week Eight will be spent thinking about that.  You know Ill keep you updated.  

Here's to getting over this head cold, the warmer weather of a Virginia winter, and getting a few longer runs logged this week!  

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I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year with those they love.  I know I did.  And as I mentioned yesterday, I am excited for what the new year holds (which in my world doesn't start until my brother's flight leaves tomorrow).  Ill have a run down of my new years resolutions for you tomorrow.  In the meantime

HAPPY NEW YEAR!