Living with cancer as a chronic illness Part 3
RK WAS DIAGNOSED with kidney cancer in 2019. After her kidney was removed and it was determined that the cancer was contained to that organ, she needed no treatment. “After the surgery,” she states “I didn’t really do anything different...just went on with my life—no change in diet, still ‘burning the candle at both ends,’ never getting enough sleep, eating primarily junk food, etc.”
She was diagnosed again in 2020 after an MRI found tumors on her pelvic bone and clavicle. After getting radiation to these sites and the pain under control, she says that she was able to think a little more clearly. “It was then that I read Anticancer, a New Way of Life by David Servan Schreiber and I totally changed my diet.” She had to retire because she could no longer perform her physically demanding job duties. “I now take each day one at a time and try to keep my stress levels to a minimum. I try to accomplish some of the smaller projects that I was never able to do while I was working because I did not have the time. Each project I complete becomes a victory!”
RK believes that, first and foremost, what helps her live with cancer is prayer. “I feel a peace about my life and whatever may come regarding the cancer. In addition, I am taking care of my body and being as proactive as possible. Feeling like you have a say in your journey is key to one’s healing,” she says.
How has cancer changed her? She no longer sweats the small stuff. She prioritizes her life. She makes time to spend with family. She now realizes that she spent too much time trying to be perfect and not taking care of herself. “I have learned that everyone has to be responsible for their own health and look out for themselves.”
Living with cancer as a chronic illness is possible. RK is a perfect example of that. Her advice to others? Take better care of your body—it is a gift from God! Make small changes to improve your life. Get out and enjoy a walk. Spend time with loved ones. Get some sleep, and be sure to recharge. Remember that every positive thing you do for your body is one less thing you are doing against your body! Count your blessings. You will come to realize that you are blessed beyond measure!
“A wise man (my dad) once told me, ‘Take your time, Kid...it’s not a race’ and ‘There is no time like the present.’ These are the words I live by.”
And living is exactly what RK is doing.
Jean Schoen is the founder and president of Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio, Inc. (419-725-1100).
