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A new decade. A new life.

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Thinking back to this past year, I realize how much my family and I have been through. As a result of my cancer diagnosis, our lives will never be the same. Ever. However, it should get better, but medically, it doesn’t seem like it will slow down very much, even as I stabilize and get into a routine. I expect 2020 will still keep me very busy on the medical front and I need to plan my new life accordingly.

Before jumping into how I think 2020 might play out, I looked at what I went through, and what I think the next year will look like based on routine appointments. It’s not hard to figure it out when everything is in a digital calendar!

My 2020 vision

Before starting thinking about what the next year might look like so that I can set a few goals, I decided to reread my initial consultation notes with my medical oncologist. In those, I made two lifestyle commitments to her, which I will continue doing in 2020. With that, I set myself three goals for the upcoming year.

Exercise

We discussed the benefits of exercise in breast cancer patients. I am also enrolled in two exercise. In a previous blog, wrote about the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) study that I am enrolled in. You can read it here. I also was recruited into the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Study. While this study does not require participating in exercise, as an active person, I will continue to follow the guidelines I was given when I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer: at least 30 minutes (ideally 60 minutes) of moderate to intense physical activity, 5 times a week, though daily activity was highly recommended. 

Exercising 6 weeks post-mastectomy.

Diet

Because I have triple positive breast cancer, I need to eat a balanced diet, though there are items that I need to avoid entirely, either because they interfere with the drugs I am using to stop estrogen, progesterone or the HER2 protein receptor from binging to my cancer. And, by doing that, it allows food to promote my cancer’s growth. So, I am committed to ensuring I continue to see my oncology dietician when I start new treatments or before adding new foods or supplements to my diet. 

Establishing a routine for my new life

This will likely be the most difficult aspect of my upcoming year. How to live life within my new reality, where I will be getting ongoing treatments every 3 weeks, understanding my new limitations, building up my strength so that I can living life to its fullest and enjoy a quality of life with my family and within my new boundaries.

I don’t expect 2020 to be perfect by any stretch. I’ve lost too many things for that. However, I do expect to be able to find some peace with what I’ve lost and look for different ways to fill those gaps.

Do you find my posts inspiring? If so, feel free to buy me a coffee or contribute towards some of my uninsured medical expenses.

References

Segal, R. et al. Exercise for people with cancer: a clinical practice guideline. Current Oncology, [S.l.], v. 24, n. 1, p. 40-46, feb. 2017. ISSN 1718-7729. Available at: <https://current-oncology.com/index.php/oncology/article/view/3376>. Date accessed: 31 dec. 2019. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3376.

Tello, M. (2018, June 7). Exercise as part of cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/exercise-as-part-of-cancer-treatment-2018061314035

13 comments

  1. Natalie: Your post sent me to my wallet where I have carried the wise words of Vikas Malkanu: Going within to find the meaning of our lives does not mean seeking to avoid the challenges our circumstances present; rather it means finding the grace to learn how to live our lives to the fullest extent possible –whatever that is for us — and, in the acceptance, to move on to the highest level of growth we can

    In my thoughts …….

    1. Hi Gloria,

      It appears that I share that philosophy with Vikas Malkanu as well. I think it’s the only way to be able to have a fulfilling life under all circumstances.

      Thank you for sharing that quote with me.

      Happy new year!

      Natalie

  2. again I think 2020 is going to be a busy year for you getting healthy .. hoping you get your strenght back on track ..wishing you the best..

    1. I think you are right Magda. But, it is needed to become as healthy as possible so that I can stave off progression for as long as possible.

      Thanks for your kind words!

  3. Natalie, we are thinking about you. Couldn’t find you anymore on Facebook or messenger to talk to you.
    Leaving my email, please stay in touch.
    JM

    1. Salut JM !

      I have been struggling with extreme fatigue from my second round of radiation (this one was on my spine), so I temporarily disabled most of my social media accounts. But, I’m OK and will be back on Facebook, once I get some energy back. I just want to spend what little energy I do have on family. 🙂

      Thank you for checking in!

      Je pense à vous avec tout les feux. Êtes-vous affectés par la fumée ?

  4. Hi Natalie, Just checking in. Went to check in on FB and your account has been deactivated? Hope all is well you with you, Mike and the Kids!

    1. Hi Karen,

      All is well, minus the debilitating fatigue. That is why I closed my social media accounts; I want to spend what little energy I have on my family. Effects should be peaked now and I will hopefully start feeling less lethargic soon and I’ll be back online. This is always a good place to find me. 🙂

      Thanks for checking in. I think the worst few months of my life are coming to an end and that is something I can’t wait for!

  5. Natalie I just saw your blog and wasn’t aware of your health challenges. I have read your blog and I see a courageous woman facing challenges in front of her with grace and fortitude. Good in you! Be strong and keep up the good fight. You will be in my prayers every day and God give you the strength to face this and overcome. God bless your family.

    1. Hi Pam,

      I’ve certainly experienced something life changing in all of this. It’s definitely no where close to the vision I had for my and my family’s life, but I’ve learned that we have to work with the tools we have, be creative and make the most of it. So, that’s how I will do it. And hopefully, I’ll also be able to help others in similar situations.

      Thanks for reaching out and I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

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