I wanted to share my story with you as it is just the beginning of my journey. My "why" has grown immensely and Market America is growing with me.
I begin every morning with a daily motivator. I recently read this quote: "There is something you can do today that will move your life in a positive direction. Though you may not fully reach your goal today, you absolutely can reach toward it." This was pretty interesting since less than one month earlier, I found a lump in my breast bigger than a golf ball. After numerous tests, I had to process the words "You have breast cancer." I underwent several surgeries during the month of August in order to be cancer free. On Thursday, August 28 my treatment plan change dramatically. What originally started as DCIS is now changed to Triple negative breast cancer. I now begin 12 weeks of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation.
I am a fighter, so this will be taken care of and all behind us soon! I will be unable to work as a dental hygienist for several months while recuperating. I had to step up and take charge. I chose to focus on all that I have and turn it into something positive. The Motives Online Parties could not have come at a better time. Thank you, Market America, for having belief in me and allowing me to believe in ME.
Week one of treatment done - 17 more weeks to go. I wonder where this will bring me. I am currently fighting this disease and going forward full steam ahead. I have completed week one of chemo, but still have a ways to go. Market America is giving me the hope and courage I need to keep moving forward.
A week of healing. What does that mean? It means a week of no needles, no tests, no doctor appointments, and the opportunity to feel myself and heal from the previous weeks. I will celebrate the small victories. This will include taking my daily walks, enjoying soccer games, working with my business partners and training those who I've been blessed with, including my awesome gal in London. I will be taking care of the important things in my life: Dan, Ashley, Tyler and myself.
Healing also means that I will deal with my hair loss. It is only one aspect of my identity, and when it's time for Tyler to shave my head, I know it's just another step to recovering and that chemo is my friend - it hates cancer and does not define me.
According to Wikipedia, hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. Our attitude toward hair is often used to indicate a person's personal beliefs or social position, such as their age, gender, or religion. Is this why losing my hair is so difficult? After the past week of achiness and flu-like symptoms from the Neulasta, you would think its just one more side effect, and most likely a minor one.
So why does it matter?
I have been teased about my "WILD hair" for as long as I can remember. Remember those days of ironing your hair - or the HUGE curlers we used to relax our curls in the 70s? It has become part of my identity, one that I've learned to embrace and love these days. I received a phone call the other day from a caring relative. Her words were something like, "Oh my gosh, what does your wig look like? Your hair is just so unique, it's so your identity." She meant no harm, but is my identity what I am afraid of losing? My cousin nicknamed me Curly when we were very young, and I smile every time my daughter calls me Curly. I love it. I guess it's not really about my hair but losing part of me. As I picked up my wig yesterday, I sat quietly in the chair as she taught me how to put it on and off along with how wash and care for it. I changed the thoughts in my head to all the great people who have come into my life.
Here is my weekly blog: www.weightwondynamics.wordpress.com/blog
Cynthia Sheridan Murphy
