Recently I was diagnosed with cancer in the reproductive organs. After a radical hysterectomy, immediate onset of menopause and now chemotherapy treatments all within three weeks, I am dedicating the 106 days that mark the first treatment to the last to providing knowledge, motivation, inspiration and honest insight at what can be done when faced with adversity.

Day 1 – 

Chemo Dreamo Day came with much anticipation and anxiousness to navigate through my first treatment. My daughter and I both wore Wonder Woman t-shirts as our unified armor (and pinkie promised) to fight this together. We will continue to wear those shirts every 21 days reminding ourselves and others that staying strong is the only option. My heart kindly reminded me of a favorite quote from The Shawshank Redemption in which Andy tells Red – “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying”. Simplicity at it’s finest. And yet most of us chose the later. But not me!

Day 2 – 

“Wake Up!” said my internal alarm as it welcomed me at 4:00am – mainly in part to the lovely steroids. After a few emails, breakfast and more drugs, it was time for the dreaded shower. Would I see the first signs of my hair falling out? A silly thought but one that nonetheless is ever so present. Hair loss is the number one side effect that woman are most concerned with when it comes to chemotherapy. It defines them in so many ways. The thought of a naked head is similar to being transparent and vulnerable in life. And we aren’t always prepared to be that way. Today, however, I decided to champion a new attitude. I would defy all odds with the side effects. No excuses, just progress every day with mind over matter. It’s possible, and with the right plan of attack, confidence will lead the way. Embarking on my first acupuncture treatment I felt a sense of peace for the first time and was able to take a two hour nap. It’s amazing when East meets West in medicine and practice how beautiful the coexistence can be. Tomorrow I train for the first time in 3.5 weeks and the unleashing of my inner Wonder Woman awaits this giddy girl!