Our Journey with Cancer
Embracing a New Reality
My world was rocked July 22nd this year when I learned that I had throat cancer. My GP doctor called me at 7:30 in the morning to advise me she had seen the results of my head and neck CT SCAN, and she advised the report was clear: a cancer tumor was present. I did cry for a few minutes, but just a few, because I realized no amount of crying or bemoaning the reality of my situation would change anything.
I made the conscious decision to ACCEPT this new reality: I have cancer. My intention is to navigate this chapter of my life with as much ease, flow, and grace as I can muster.
Framing the Diagnosis
I understand why cancer is so often described as a “battle to be won.” There is an undeniable sense of urgency and a fierce determination to “kill” cancer cells that comes with this perspective. However, this framing does not resonate with me. The notion of battle implies a binary outcome—victory or defeat—where the individual is pitted against a relentless adversary.
Instead, I choose to see cancer as an event or experience—something that occurs, and something through which I must navigate. This perspective shifts my focus from winning or losing to the process of moving through what is happening with intention and presence.
The E + R = O Formula
Many of my clients and close friends have heard me discuss the formula: E + R = O. In this equation, E stands for the Event or Experience, R represents your Response, and together they determine the O, or Outcome. This guiding principle shapes the way I will approach my diagnosis and the challenges ahead.
Our Shared Experience
Although this journey began as “My Journey,” I have come to recognize that it is truly a shared experience for both me and my husband, Darcy. While I am the central figure as the patient, we are attending each appointment together and facing every step side by side. I am deeply grateful for my life partner’s presence as we move through this chapter, both of us striving to discover the gifts and lessons that may be found along the way.
Reflections & Learnings
This section is my reflections about what I am Learning as I go through this Cancer journey.
Gifts
The Sage perspective is that EVERY circumstance can be turned into a GIFT or OPPORTUNITY. In this section I will share the many gifts that I am discovering through the experience.
Heroes
How I am approaching this experience is shaped in large part by the examples set by those I have admired and supported through their own cancer journeys. In this section, I want to acknowledge these individuals as my teachers, whose strength and approach provide guidance for how I face this disease.
Gratitude & Gold Circles
This section I will share what I am GRATEFUL for and how I am being inspired
Treatments
This section will be sharing my actual experience with the treatments offered by the Alberta Healthcare system.
ANITA - Awakening, Nurturing, Integrative, Therapeutic, Approach
In this section I will share some of the additional healing therapies and activities that I am pursuing to regain my health.