I was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma when I was 28 years old and had two recurrences over the following nine years. During my first two cancer journeys, I was in complete denial. I kept working throughout my treatment phases and didn't tell anyone at work what was going on because I didn't want them to think I was weak or broken. I assured friends that I was fine and never asked anyone for help. I did try to tell my doctors that I was scared, but they kept telling me I had nothing to worry about. I knew I was supposed to be a good patient and smile and go along with it. And because I was young and scared, I did. I made it through those first two cancer journeys by keeping my head down and pretending nothing was happening. Total denial.
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As I look back to just before getting diagnosed all three times, I remember myself working too many hours a week at unfulfilling jobs, eating unhealthy meals, going out with friends instead of getting much-needed downtime and sleep, and feeling generally disconnected from myself and my values.
In essence, I was living the life I thought I was supposed to live. And I was trying hard to enjoy it. But the problem was, I didn’t enjoy it and it certainly wasn’t the life for me. I always wanted a husband and children, but I was avoiding committed relationships. I was an introvert with a deep need for alone time, but I was forcing myself to constantly be extroverted. I wanted to do meaningful work, but I was running the hamster wheel of Corporate America and doing whatever it took to make more money and get promoted. I had lost touch with who I was and what I really wanted. I was living a life that was not aligned to my values and it was taking a toll.
My third cancer journey changed everything for me. I was devastated by the recurrence and devastated even further when close friends told me they couldn't be there for me. I took a leave of absence from work to get through the treatments and I fought my doctor when he told me I shouldn't be feeling tired or depressed. Thankfully, the Universe sent me a cancer coach. She was a trained life coach who had been through four rounds of lymphoma. She knew what I was going through and she knew how to help me. She pulled me out of the cancer pit and helped me identify my values so I could make some small but important changes to get back on track. I tell people that my cancer coach saved my life. I truly believe she did.
I was able to slowly but surely understand and become aligned with my true values and priorities. My life became enjoyable and peaceful and I was able to start a family and a business - both of which bring me immense joy. I became a certified cancer coach because I want to help other people through this difficult journey. I think it's a gift I'm meant to share and it feels purposeful and meaningful to help others in this way.
In essence, I was living the life I thought I was supposed to live. And I was trying hard to enjoy it. But the problem was, I didn’t enjoy it and it certainly wasn’t the life for me. I always wanted a husband and children, but I was avoiding committed relationships. I was an introvert with a deep need for alone time, but I was forcing myself to constantly be extroverted. I wanted to do meaningful work, but I was running the hamster wheel of Corporate America and doing whatever it took to make more money and get promoted. I had lost touch with who I was and what I really wanted. I was living a life that was not aligned to my values and it was taking a toll.
My third cancer journey changed everything for me. I was devastated by the recurrence and devastated even further when close friends told me they couldn't be there for me. I took a leave of absence from work to get through the treatments and I fought my doctor when he told me I shouldn't be feeling tired or depressed. Thankfully, the Universe sent me a cancer coach. She was a trained life coach who had been through four rounds of lymphoma. She knew what I was going through and she knew how to help me. She pulled me out of the cancer pit and helped me identify my values so I could make some small but important changes to get back on track. I tell people that my cancer coach saved my life. I truly believe she did.
I was able to slowly but surely understand and become aligned with my true values and priorities. My life became enjoyable and peaceful and I was able to start a family and a business - both of which bring me immense joy. I became a certified cancer coach because I want to help other people through this difficult journey. I think it's a gift I'm meant to share and it feels purposeful and meaningful to help others in this way.