better me
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better you
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better world
Mind Body Spirit The mind, body, and spirit are intimately connected. Because unhealthy thoughts and emotions can create a vicious cycle that leads to unhealthy physical patterns, we can choose a victorious path that includes a positive, healing, uplifting spiral. By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life. In five words only, what is your key to health? “Enjoy food, drink, and positivity!”
getting through cancer W i t h my c h i l d r e n g r o w n ,
I happily spend lots of time with my two beautiful grandsons. I teach piano lessons, which are often as enjoyable as a hobby. With a solid marriage, my husband, Wayne, and I enjoy our empty nest. But the words “You have stage 3 ovarian cancer” changed my world forever. According to my oncologist, Janelle Fauci, MD, in ten days I’d have surgery and a month later, six cycles of chemotherapy. She was very reassuring, and though stunned, I knew I was in good hands. By surgery, I was no longer living in constant, unremitting terror, although there were moments I felt so frightened that I couldn’t breathe or move. Fortunately, my surgery was very successful. But battling cancer is one of the hardest things anyone may endure. My hope is someone else may learn from my experience. Accept help. You’ll be able to tell which people are sincerely offering and which say it just to be nice. Wayne always comforted me, and I clung to him, literally and figuratively. If someone offers to bring you dinner, let them. Friends brought meals and visited—a highlight in my day. Ask for prayers and positive thoughts. It meant a lot to know people were praying and thinking of me.
w
56 LKN
| october 2015
Keep going. Chemo was difficult. Wayne could work remotely from my room, where I snoozed as lifesaving drugs entered my system. I never allowed myself to think of the chemo as poison. Though it wore me out, took most of my hair, and gave me chemo-brain, I could continue many activities. I love yoga because it makes me feel strong and beautiful, so I took classes when I could. Also, I planned little outings, like going to IKEA (even though I cried in the store), having lunch or coffee with a friend, and doing weekend outings with Wayne, even when I didn’t feel well. Sometimes we’d go for lunch after chemo at Price’s Chicken Coop in Charlotte. Be positive but honest. Maintain an upbeat attitude. Be sad or angry only when you need to be, but don’t stay in that dark place. Set a timer and pull yourself together when it sounds. In my dark moments, I talked with Debbie Smith, a social worker with the Buddy Kemp Cancer Center, Wayne, and my friends, Sara and Mary Claire. They never said, “Oh, don’t think that,” but let me vent. Also, I started a blog and found purpose in sharing my experience and comforting other women.
treatment By: Linda Gebelein
Distract yourself. Waiting to start chemo was difficult; I distracted myself by watching movies, old television shows, playing games on my iPad, and scrolling Facebook. I always felt better after something funny or uplifting. Enjoy good books and movies. Exercise, even just a walk around the block. Do what you can, then rest. Seek others. Take advantage of resources, such as Look Good, Feel Better. Join a support group. Even if you’re not much of a joiner, like me, you can find a Facebook group for your disease. I couldn’t find a more caring group of fellow survivors than with our Facebook group. A few friends pulled away from me, which hurt greatly. But I gained new friends and learned how wonderful people can be. I’ve reconnected with friends from thirty years ago. My marriage is stronger. And I’m happiest when my family is all together. My latest CT scan shows I’m cancer free! Now, I look forward to enjoying the rest of my life. Linda Gebelein is happy to be alive and living in Huntersville with her husband. You can reach her at lgebelein75@gmail.com and find her blog at www.thelindareport.com.
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