We decided to do an update of Kelley’s story as part of our series leading up to the Stand Up to Cancer telethon. People often ask me how I’m doing, and I’m never quite sure what to say. Obviously there are no guarantees once you finish treatment.
I don’t ever say I’m “cancer free,” instead I tell people I’m optimistic the treatment worked and that I won’t have to worry about this again. If I do, I will deal with it then. Until then, I’m living life and enjoying my family.
Here’s what I know: My life is 100 percent better a year after treatment. I feel free and happy. I’m grateful to be away from the hospital environment and the rigors of my treatment.
I do worry sometimes I’m trying to race through life. Earlier this year we took the kids to both Disney World and Storyland. I think I was feeling a need to pack everything in before it’s too late. I have to keep reminding myself to slow down. At times it seems the clock is just ticking louder than it used to.
Last week I went to a lecture for cancer survivors at the Wellness Community in Newton. It was sponsored by Thrive, a group of young breast cancer survivors. It was nice just to be around other people my age who are coping with breast cancer.
A lot of the area hospitals have programs specifically designed for those of us who have recently completed treatment. Here’s one coming up at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Going Forward is an 6-week nutrition and exercise program that is specifically designed for cancer survivors. Going Forward is led by registered dietitians and exercise physiologists from BIDMC who will present the most up to date scientifically based information. The program is exclusively designed for individuals who have completed cancer treatment. Going Forward will take place for 6-weeks on Wednesday evenings starting September 24, 2008 to October, 29 2008 from 6-7 pm in the Be Well Conference Room. Participants enrolled in the class will also have access to the Be Well Fitness Center for 8 weeks. The cost of the program is $150 for non-BIDMC employees and $100 for BIDMC employees. Class size is limited and a deposit of $50 is required by Friday, September 19th. For more information please contact Marlene DaCosta at Be Well at 617-667-4695 or mdacost2@bidmc.harvard.edu.
