I dedicate this series of posts to my friends and loved ones who have lost their battle, and even more so to those who are still in the fight. You are all true Warriors!

Earlier this year, I lost another friend to cancer. She fought a very brave battle. After first hearing the news about her illness, I’ll never forget that I called to offer her encouragement. When the conversation was over, I realized that it was she who had encouraged me! That was her way. I was a bit low for a while after she passed away.

NOTE: I have removed the affiliate links for the resources mentioned in this post. Where possible, there are free links to more info about them. You can get the resources from the library, or search for them by title on your favorite online site.

As time went by, and I would hear about someone else who had been diagnosed with the disease or relapsed, I became more than a little angry. I began to question what I could do to empower others, and myself as well. Here’s what I came up with:

1. I can check in with, support, visit, and encourage friends and loved ones after diagnosis, and/or during treatment
2. I can educate myself not just about the disease, but regarding prevention via lifestyle changes as well
3. I can share what I am learning via writing, and by taking other additional actions

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but a good starting point. To elaborate on #1, checking in can be a text message, or a phone call. For some people – if it is an available option, I have found that they prefer receiving text message inquiries because they can view them, and reply whenever they get a chance. Visits of course need to coordinated with the person, and always with consideration for how they are feeling. Additionally, being aware that plans may change unexpectedly depending on what’s going on for them, is key. Yes… there may be times when I cannot text, call or visit, but I can do as much as I can, when I can, and I can ask others to do it as well. NOTE: I must understand that not everyone feels comfortable in this role. I try not to let that bother me.

Regarding #3 (which is tied to #2), I plan to use my blog to share what I am learning by writing, but I intend do do more. I will offer more details as I follow through. I can share one tidbit now. While I was at the library looking for another DVD (Qigong for Cancer by Helen Liang) I found a documentary called The C Word by Meghan O’Hara – narrated by Morgan Freeman. Watching this documentary, among other things introduced me to the late David Servan-Schreiber MD, PhD (AntiCancer: A New Way of Life – Updated Edition), and to the work of others as well.

If you get a chance, watch The C Word documentary. Over time I hope to post more about the various books and documentaries I’ve read/watched over the last few months, but hey don’t wait for me. LOL! There is a lot of updated helpful information out there. No, there are no guarantees, but I am game to explore options and take action. Are you?

Warrior Series – Qigong

As a continuation of this series, I wrote a later post entitled Warrior Series – Qigong that may be of interest. Check it out!