Today, I will be sharing with you the acronym HEAL. HEAL represents the four key lessons I learned from my cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, that would help anyone going through a health challenge, to have a better treatment and recovery outcome. What does HEAL stand for?
H: Always be Healthy
E: Be an Explorer
A: Advocate for yourself
L: Be Legit
Let’s discuss each of these four lessons I learned and how they helped me HEAL.
H – Always be Healthy
At the time I got diagnosed with cancer, I had been eating right and exercising daily, for over two years, which contributed to my surprise when the diagnosis came. I expressed this disappointment to one of my doctors and she helped me to realize that because I was quite healthy at diagnosis, I was in a state in which I could tolerate the very tough cancer treatment, compared to someone who was unhealthy at the time of diagnosis. She was right. Although the treatment was rough, I did not experience a lot of the side effects that I had expected, and my mindset helped me to rebound quite successfully from recovery. I celebrated my recovery by running two 5km races three months apart in 36 and 33 minutes, respectively. Today, I feel much stronger and energetic than I have ever felt in my life. So, what’s the lesson? Always be Healthy, because you never know what’s coming.
E – Be an EXPLORER
I really think I should be awarded a PhD based on my online research skills- just kidding. My research skills using reputable online sources, helped me to diagnose myself of cancer, because my family doctor failed me. Yes! You heard that right… and in a country that has one of the best medical systems in the world. By the way, I fired that doctor. Before you go to see your doctor for any symptoms whatsoever, make sure you do your research and have some basic knowledge of what may be wrong with you. Please use REPUTABLE online sources and be careful to not scare yourself or over-diagnose yourself and die from fear even before seeing your doctor. With your knowledge on how your body works and the online knowledge you gather, guide your doctor to make the best possible diagnosis and to select the best treatment option. Doctors are only human and can make mistakes.
A – ADVOCATE for yourself
The only person that can really know what is wrong with you is YOU. Armed with the knowledge you gather, listen to your heart and consult with a few trusted friends and family, to make the best treatment decisions. If your doctor does not seem to be listening to you, seek a second opinion. Push, push and push to get what you believe is the right next step but please push with respect. Don’t take no for an answer, if you believe there’s more that should be done. Prioritize getting lab tests and other screenings done for a better idea of what is really wrong with you before you commit to any treatment. Remember that you are in the driver’s seat of your life and the health professionals are only your partners on your journey. You need to call the shots as best as you can. When my family doctor misdiagnosed me, I got a second opinion and I had to push the medical system from time to time to get the attention and support I needed.
L – Be Legit
Be as authentic as you can when dealing with sickness or disease. There is absolutely no one on earth that can claim to have no problems in life and you thrive when you are supported by people you love. Sharing your story whenever and however you can, brings freedom and has a healing effect. There is a time and place for everything, and you should know what will work best in your situation so that you don’t experience the rebound effect of becoming overwhelmed by people’s responses. Sharing my story brought me indescribable freedom and provided the opportunity to help others facing journeys similar to mine. Continuously sharing my story, even three years later, brings peace and joy to my heart that continues to improve my health.
Above all these, when you get diagnosed, remember that you are not alone. Christ walks with you through the valley of the shadow of death and when you quieten your heart enough to listen to him, he comforts you and gives you all the wisdom you need to be an overcomer in your situation.
I hope this HEAL acronym will be useful to you as you continue to work your way towards optimal health or as you try to navigate your way through any sickness or disease you may be going through. Please feel free to contact me if you need support through any sickness or disease you may be facing right now.
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