It Is What It Is

I was about to celebrate two years cancer-free on January 19th—my birthday and also the day, two years ago, when my doctor told me the cancer was gone after surgery and six months of chemo. I was ready to get my hair trimmed, now that it’s growing back. I was excited to plan 2025, filling it with new projects, fresh ideas, places to visit, and people to see.

But then, there was a “but.”

An unexpected “but” arrived this winter. Oddly enough, it came with good timing too—the cancer is back.

Actually, according to my oncologist, it seems the MTF breast cancer never really left. The cancer was resistant to the drugs. I always knew triple-negative breast cancer was aggressive and stubborn, but I never imagined this. Seriously—never.

But it is what it is, right? There’s nothing I can do to change or control it. I have to go through the process again. The only thing I can do is continue with the attitude that I am healed, no matter what!

I can’t understand why this is happening. I can’t understand what I still need to learn from this.

We still need more information to figure out the next steps, but the waiting is torturous. For now, I welcome prayers, good energy, kind thoughts, work opportunities, and donations—yes, that will be on my list soon. Being a freelancer and a cancer patient is a tough combo.

And one more thing (not to be rude, but): please don’t give me unsolicited advice about what I should or shouldn’t do unless you’ve checked with me first or you’ve had firsthand experience with cancer. The information out there is overwhelming, and trust me—I tried everything imaginable during the first treatment: traditional medicine, Chinese medicine, and even the woo-woo stuff. I’m open to suggestions, but ask me first.

As if that weren’t enough, my husband is still in rehab, and on the same day I got the news about the cancer, my 96-year-old grandmother was hit by a car. She just underwent a very complicated surgery. She’s a rock—she’s 96 and still fighting.

It is what it is. We keep moving forward. Let’s go!

Sweating the Invader Away - How Exercising Can Help You Fight Cancer

When I got all the results from my MRI and all the answers I needed to know about the type of cancer I was facing, I decided to read all the material I got from my oncologist. They gave on the first day a type of "guide" with all the explanations about breast cancer, nutrition tips, and other wellness protocols and recommendations to support this process. I read from cover to cover and what caught my attention was the recommendation (not only a recommendation, but almost a protocol) to exercise. Exercise a lot!

As a healthy lifestyle advocate, physical activity was already part of my routine. I used to go to the gym, lift weights, use the treadmill, do HIIT, dance Zumba, train jiu-jitsu, pole dance, do yoga, walk my dog... Yes, I was already an exercise nerd, but even though I was impressed with the recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. For example, walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or even 45-60 minutes daily. So, even for me, I was really impressed!

That recommendation changed my mindset from "Today I might not work out" to "I am working out today anyway". Since the first day of chemo, I continued working out, every day! The only day that I don't "sweat a lot" is the chemo day, which starts in the morning and I tend to sleep until late afternoon due to Benadryl. But, as soon as Tuesday arrives, I go to the gym for 30 minutes of weight lifting, 20 minutes of brisk walking on the treadmill, and finishing up with a 10-minute sauna. Oh, sauna! Love it!

All these, besides my 30-minute walking with my dog. Believe it or not, this intense and disciplined routine made me gain muscle, get toned, and lose weight fat. Something unbelievable when doing chemo. Chemo makes you lose muscle. You need to double the protein intake (which I did and it will be another post here ;)) but also, resistance and strength exercise helps a bunch.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao Tzu

Taking my mom with me to gym ;)

Of course, physical activity is not only good when you have cancer and going under treatment. Anyone, at any age, any level can take advantage of all the amazing benefits of moving your body. But, particularly during chemo is essential for your cure. According to the American Cancer Society, exercising "may lower cancer risk by helping control weight, reduce sex hormones or insulin, and strengthen the immune system; and it can boost quality of life during cancer treatment.". Read more here. 

Some people are impressed with how I've been keeping my exercise routine so strong even after 6 sessions chemo sessions (more than 10 to go). However, it is the opposite. It is because of the exercise routine that I keep doing more and more. It makes me feel great, and full of energy, improves digestion, helps me sleep (even) better, and is overall positive! It really can make a difference!

To wrap up, I always like to bring some easy-to-apply tips for a healthy routine. In this case, I thought about selecting tips for cancer patients and for non-cancer patients. Then I thought, why? Exercising is important to ANYONE, let's get these tips to help you that are fighting cancer, other diseases, not fighting any disease...anyone who needs to get started moving their bodies. Here it goes:

1. Lazy to even think about finding a gym, a sport, or an app? Simply start walking! You can walk even around your couch. Just start walking and create simple goals like increasing by 1 minute a day.

2. Diversity is the key. Have a routine, but have different activities planned. Find different ways to move your body (when you go beyond walking around the couch). Try different classes, sports, and movements.

3. Get ready! Have a good pair of shoes, and have some comfortable gym clothes. It is so nice to have clothes for your "battle".

4. Drink plenty of water. Also, when you exercise you need to keep hydrating. Have a water bottle always with you.

5. Keep tracking and accountable. Nowadays, we use apps, watches, pedometers, or fitness trackers to keep track of our progress and even, hold you accountable. You can also, use a friend and even, social media, to hold you accountable and to have people cherish your progress with you.

6. Every move counts. Okay, I know we are talking here about having an exercise routine. But every move counts. So, sit less and walk more. Use stairs instead of the elevator. Park some blocks away from your destination, and walk for 10 minutes after lunch...

   
   

How You Can Help Me During the Cancer Treatment