It’s been a while since I’ve released a blog or a newsletter, as I’ve spent the past year focused on my health, but I’m getting back to business and ready to share my story with you all.
Some of you may know that I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, but the story of my cancer journey actually started in October 2017. In my yearly exam, my doctor found a small ovarian cyst (lentil sized) and I was told not to worry; the ultra sound, blood work (including cancer cell counts) were all negative. In January 2018, during the second exam, I was told the same thing — not to worry. I asked to see the specialist, insisting to take it out. Something told me I should get it taken care of.
In April 2018, I saw the specialist and told her I wanted it surgically removed; she agreed, even though tests were still coming back negative. We made a date for the first week of June, 2018 – no rush. Immediately after the surgery was done, she told me that everything looked “good”.
Five days after the surgery, I went back to the office and they told me I had stage 3 Ovarian Cancer, in both ovaries and my fallopian tube. I had my next surgery within a week — a total hysterectomy, omentectomy and removal of lymph nodes in my pelvic area. The tests came back negative, and this time around it looked good.
Because of the type of the cancer it was, I had to do 6 rounds of chemotherapy — 6 to 9 hours each — which was very aggressive, but important to make sure that not a single cancer cell was left floating around in my body.
My biggest side effect from the chemo meds is neuropathy (which I am still dealing with). It may take up to 2 years to go away, or it may be permanent.
It didn’t bother me losing my hair — as a matter of fact it was a very interesting experience to see myself bald. It is very powerful, empowering feeling. I bought 2 wigs, but never wore them. I never thought in all my life that I would be bald, but I didn’t mind it.
My hair is growing back, which is very lucky, and I have more hair than ever. Finally I will have the natural “silver color” that I’ve wanted for the last couple of years. I was tired of coloring — spending money and time every 3 weeks, killing my hair and scalp. I feel born again, and very glad about that. My “silver lining” is my brand new hair. Even my eye brows are thicker and longer, and I’m fond of my new eye lashes, too.
It took a lot out of me, of course. My workouts were not strong, walking was hard, I felt very tired, and the hardest part was my emotional state of mind. Questioning my life — wondering why me? what happened? My genetic testing came back negative, so the origins of the disease remain a mystery to me.
But it didn’t stop me; I was still making every effort to live my life and follow my regiment. Everything had to be modified, of course, but now I am back to my regular routine. In a way, I never left — it was just different.
I am very thankful for all the support, love and caring from my friends and clients — Peter, Aimee, Alan, David, Doctor Scott, Jeff, Joey, Kelly, Mitch, Lesley and many more. I’m also grateful for my doctors, Bobbie Rimel MD, Erin Meschter MD, my Nurse Practitioner Corina Hernandez, Cedars-Sinai and the Samuel Oshin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. I want to thank them for their 24/7 dedication, support and caring.
I am also grateful to report how much meditation has helped me, particularly with the emotional aspects, and I highly recommend the HeadSpace App. I realized that we have to maintain a mental practice, just as we do a physical practice.
I’ve learned that “It takes courage to be at ease with the mind as it is.”
Working out, Pilates, and Yoga have also helped a lot; I think that consistency is the number one thing that has helped me stay strong, positive and hopeful.
I am still considered a Cancer Patient for the next 5 years, and in the meantime I am following my daily schedule and routine, just as I did before. There are days and night that are very hard, but I take it one day at a time. My advice to all of you would be make sure to do your regular yearly exams according to your age group, conditions, circumstances, etc. Be your own advocate; if there is something suspicious going on, make sure to get to the bottom of it. Be active; eat and sleep well. Focus on your strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. Take care of your body. Listen to your body, and follow your little voice.
-Boba