Funny how things seem to just work out

It is August 4, and it is one day away from my BFF’s 50th Birthday! I’m sitting at her house in Ohio, and I am in awe of the perfect timing of my trip! In fact, it feels this way every time when you arrive home!

On November 30, 2017, I received a bite on my foot at work. I was working for a hospital that treated individuals addicted to alcohol and drugs. Places and programs for the treatment of addictions have many issues, but the two big challenges are cleanliness and recidivism. What transpired in the next 9 months is going to seem like an exaggeration. It is not! I have the doctors’ bills, credit card debt and Pest Control on Speed Dial to prove it.

Three days after my first bite, I had three more bites on my left leg, which people compared to bed bug bites. WHAT! What happens when you hear ‘bed bugs’? (Panic! Enter Pest Control). My bigger issue, however, was that I also had obtained a Staph Infection, which is common in hospitals. It was wreaking havoc on my skin and my immune system as an 18-year cancer survivor. With any cancer diagnosis comes treatments which leave you with a compromised immune system. Thus, staph infections are not good for cancer survivors. I have attached the definition of Staph according to Wikipedia because every blog should have an element of education. My symptoms have been highlighted:

‘…a staph infection is an infection caused by members of the Staphylococcus genus of bacteria. These bacteria commonly inhabit the skin and nose where they are innocuous but may enter the body through cuts or abrasions which may be nearly invisible (CHECK!). Once inside the body, the bacterium may spread to a number of body systems and organs (CHECK!). It’s resistant to the available regimens of antibiotics (CHECK, Enter doctors’ bills!) When the system is weakened or compromised, the disease may progress (CHECK, Enter Antibiotics – First on 12/2/17 and last on 7/6/18).’

I think you now understand my concerns & circumstances. This infection continued to cause all sorts of skin issues, in fact, my dermatologist says I have Folliculitis (blah, blah, blah). Give me some good news. With my immune system shot, I would come realize I was allergic to things I didn’t even know my house had. Carpet Beetle Larva for example! (Check – Enter Pest Control). After a few months, I am sitting in Ohio on the other side, and I just must blog about the outcome. It is nothing ‘short of a miracle’. For those of you who don’t believe in miracles, I’ll rephrase; it is a ‘dream come true’.

In the Early 90s, I went to school for psychology at St. Michael’s College; but there were no jobs to be had. Luckily, my parents taught to me to ‘pay my rent first’ before I fulfill my dreams. Thank goodness. They were spot on; my dreams would NOT have helped me purchase two condos or the home which I have been blessed to own.

By my early 40’s and after a series of wonderful jobs in the Investment Industry, I began to return to my studies and focused on becoming a Recovery Coach. Given the Opioid Epidemic, and the fact that I had the house, the husband and the best son in the world, it was a natural next step for me. To all the moms out there: when empty nest hits, be prepared to fly! My first job I got was Recovery Coach at the hospital I referred to on November 30. You remember those results. Bug bites and a staph infection, I was not feeling very inspired.

I knew I had to turn down the full-time role offered by my employer, even when it came with a promise to be Assistant Director within a year. So, I quit my job, and my husband had me put my health first. So, I did what I always do; I applied for multiple part-time exercise Instructor positions in and around my son’s school. I needed my own money, and thanks to my wonderful husband again, part-time is an option. I was determined that the next career change would not change the quality of my family’s work/life balanced. It took a little while to achieve that, and I am very proud of us. We had recently figured out what worked best for our family, especially my son; and I wasn’t going to compromise!

The first position I applied for was at the YMCA, right down the street from his high school. I subbed the following Saturday, and it was official. I was on staff. Now, I had to wait for an opening to be on the schedule as a regular.

A little background: I have been a fitness instructor since 1989, and Fitness pays better than any position I have held in Corporate America. Currently, you make $35-$50 for group exercise, and as a Yoga Instructor, I get $125 for Privates. I felt fitness could give me enough pocket money, until I found the next right role in Recovery Coaching. Plus, having taught it all, I knew it was a great second job that had kept me in shape and enabled me to share in the expense of birthday & holiday gifts throughout the year.

Two years ago, when my dad passed, I found Yoga. I fell in love with health and wellness all over again! Life became ‘free from the agitations of my mind’ so-to-speak. Did you know that is one of the many definitions of Yoga? I was calmer and more grateful than I had been in years. My strength was natural, and my mind became clear. Then, I remembered: I had always dreamed of making a career out exercise. Back in my 20’s before was a Cycling Studio on every corner, I wanted to own my own. I would have been a pioneer.

How had I forgot? About that dream? About my love for Health? I guess I thought I was living the adult version of the dream, as a Recovery Coach, I could fulfill some aspects of my purpose: to help others. So, even with the crashing halt at the hospital, I still had hope it would work out!

Back to the present: I have been blessed to be under great management whenever I joined a Group Exercise or Health & Wellness Program. This YMCA was no exception, and what happened next was nothing short of an astonishing. I knew my Director for about 4-weeks, when I subbed a water-aerobics class. After a few jokes about ‘never being naked’ since I was treated for cancer, she asked if I’d like to train to be a LiveStrong Coach.

A little background: I had two incisions hip-to-hip and a condition called Lymphedema plague my right leg since my 2000 Diagnosis. My right leg is often 1/3 larger than my left leg, especially by the end of the day for over 14 years. I suffer from a build-up of lymphatic fluid, which is caused by radiation treatment and/or the removal of lymph nodes during treatment. I wear compression hose, as well as wrap my leg in foam and ace bandages every day. But, according to Wikipedia, Lymphedema is:

‘Lymphedema, also known as lymphoedema and lymphatic edema, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream. The condition is most frequently a complication of cancer treatment or parasitic infections, but it can also be seen in several genetic disorders. Though incurable and progressive, several treatments can ameliorate symptoms. Tissues with lymphedema are at high risk of infection.’

Back to the present: When my Director inquired whether I had any interest in becoming a LiveStrong Coach, I did not fathom what was about to change in my life. Everything changed! The LIVESTRONG Program at the YMCA is a national, free 12-week group exercise program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. With LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Y's are helping cancer survivors in their communities (convenience) get the physical activity (coordination), supportive relationships (compassion) and stress reduction (Body/Mind/Spirit Connection) they need to improve their quality of life.

This is too good to be true, I thought. I have been a Fitness Instructor. I am a Cancer-Survivor. Could I be a COACH, are good coach? Are you kidding me? YES, to all of it! I have always had an unlimited amount of hope and energy couple with a desire to empower people to be their best. After choosing a life of health (alcohol and tobacco free) years ago, I thought I could best serve my community by working with individuals that were trying to do the same. Addiction seemed a natural fit, given how hard I found it quit myself. Caffeine and sugar are next (but don’t tell my family that!). I never imagined my personal experience of ‘life on life’s terms’ would bring about a blend of soft skills and talents to make a living helping others get through the same experiences! But why not? God is good!

My love of fitness was there; but at almost 50, 2 marathons and 25 years of wear and tear, would the fast pace & high-paying industry really be an option? LIVESTRONG demonstrates with medical studies that moderate levels of exercise can help cancer survivors physically & mentally. I knew having been a survivor, I could make it Spiritual as well with Yoga. I started to train for this role of Cancer Coach, and I was reminded how natural it was to lean toward exercise to help me through the scares of post-surgical set-backs. It had helped me: in 2000, and 2003, and 2007, because there were definitely a few health scares along the way. But could my challenges along the way really add up to a fantastic career? I had an unwavering faith we were on to something.

Given our program could reduce the severity of therapy and treatment side effects, helping to prevent unwanted weight changes, improve energy levels and self-esteem; it seemed to essential a need for this special population not to try. I was scheduled to go on a Nashville-Vacation with my family, and I would have to return up to 2-days early. UHG! Ok, Sign me up. If this isn’t worth the risk, what is? Another hospital, NOT!

It has been 10 weeks since that first class started, and I am unable to find the words to express the impact this group and the experience have had. The members are amazing: Susan, a gal who never says ‘I give’ made it to her son’s basketball finals in Florida, with Stage IV Ovarian. Carol, undergoing her third diagnosis, came week-after-week successfully without one complaint about how hot it is!

There was Paul, with his hormone protocol, who become every girls’ best friend with his compassionate take on a ‘hot flashes’. And Yuri, who solely speaks Russian! He can melt your heart with his smile & head tilt when he says, ‘not so hard!’ There was Carol, Jan and MaryAnn. With three weeks to go, I am already in their debt for the examples of perseverance & strength they have demonstrated. By sharing insights in to their struggle, they inspired me on a whole new level. The struggle is real, but they did it with grace. So, can I!

Back to the beginning: As I sit in my BFFs Kitchen, waiting to cut the cake, I am smiling as she says to me ‘thanks for doing the dishes, you didn’t have to do that’. Yes, I feel home again, reunited with her for her 50th. I feel so blessed to have good friends, good health and so much more. Life is long, with its ups and downs; but with hope & a good Coach in your Corner, anything is possible. If you don’t have a coach, I hope you have a Best Friend like mine! If you have neither, or know someone going through cancer, give me a call: 617-913-3614.

My health is better than it ever was before cancer. My Life is Sweet, and I wish you the same!

PS Mary is the best friend a girl could ask for, and she's mine! Bob, Tim and Adam are alright too!