Top Reasons Why I'm Grateful For Being Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer

I've thought long and hard about whether or not to write this post. I'm sensitive those who have been touched by cancer, and I'm concerned that this post may offend some people. We are all very different - each and every one of us - and that's one of the elements what makes this world such a wonderful place. So this post is simply my experience with cancer. In no way do I expect or believe that others on a similar walk (or "battle") should feel the same way I do. We all have different bodies, different coping mechanisms, and different backgrounds. I have friends who are downright angry about having cancer. I have friends and loved ones who are, for lack of a better word, pissed that I am having to deal with cancer.  I love and respect all of them and their experiences immensely. So just as I respect them and their choices, I ask that you respect me and mine.  I ask this because I am the opposite of angry or pissed about being diagnosed with cancer, I am, in fact, grateful beyond measure.  Here's why, in no particular order:

• All of my friendships and relationships are stronger and richer now.
• I get to fall in love with my husband all over again.
• I love myself more.
• People know me better.
• My family is making friends with my friends.
• I've met and had the privilege of being treated by some of the greatest medical professionals in the world. (I'm talking to you: Dr. Greenburg, Dr. Banta, Dr. Danforth, Debbie, Hopi, Aunt Kathy, Tim, Pam, Rachel, Shelby and Lisa.)
• I have an instant bond now with thousands and thousands of people, simply because we've all been touched by cancer.
• My life has more meaning.
• I get to inspire people.
• I get to make a difference in a new way.
• I get a free Brazilian for the duration of my treatment. (Not exactly a Brazilian, but I haven't had to do any grooming down below thanks to radiation.)
• I'm learning how to stick up for myself.
• I found Wonder Woman and Mr. Clean
• Both my sisters were able to come visit me from out of state. My dad has been down three times and my mom is coming out at the end of March. Wow! I love them and have missed them so much!
• I'm inspired to create a new dance fitness class for cancer patients and caregivers, free of charge. (Give Charlie a call at Party On! Fitness for details: 760-668-6245.)
• I get to cry tears of gratitude on a daily (mostly hourly) basis.
• Red lights don't matter. Weather doesn't matter. Most stupid things I used to complain about are completely irrelevant to me anymore.
• I'm learning how to blog and am thrilled that people are touched by my words.
• My dad is proud of me.
• My mom is proud of me.
• My husband is proud of me.
• My sisters and brother are proud of me.
• I think I'm awesome! (Not conceited awesome, but awesome like someone I'd want to be friends with.)
• I'm empowered.
• I got licensed to teach Zumba Sentao while I was going through chemo and radiation treatment - and I completed the class!
• Flowers are more beautiful to me now.
• If joy were a needle in a haystack I know I could find it.
• Only excellent, super amazing people are showing up in my life (that means all of you reading this).
• I've gotten more quality time with my cats.
• Although we've always been close, my family has gotten even closer through this experience.
• Johanna Sanches rocks my world.
• My Zumba family has held me so tightly I've felt safe every step of the way.
• No cooking, no cleaning for six weeks straight! (Not that I did much anyway, but this time it's been guilt-free!)
• (I don't even have to clean the cat box.)
• I'm getting to know my family in Iowa that I hadn't really known since I was seven years old.
• I listen to myself. 
• I trust myself to do what's best for me.
• I get to celebrate two birthdays every year.
• I'm a better Reggaeton dancer because I can finally feel the music!
• Everyday is a reason to celebrate!

This list is just the start. I'll keep adding to it as ideas pop into my head.

Again, I apologize if this post offends anyone, that is not my intention. I just want to share that I have gotten more out of being a cancer patient than cancer has gotten from me.

Love and Light,

Laurie

P.S. - If you'd like to leave a comment, it'll be much easier if you go here instead of trying to do it through Blogger. If the link doesn't work, just go to:
https://www.mylifeline.org/lauriethrives/default.cfm?page=myupdates.cfm
Simply scroll to the bottom of the update you want to comment on and hit "comment." I love hearing from you. You're love keeps me alive!

Your Prayers Are Working!

Hello my wonderful friends and family!

So many of you have reached out to me in more ways than I knew people could. I want you to know all of your loving support, your prayers, your positive thoughts, and great vibrations are creating miracles for me.  I've had an amazing week and am feeling strong and empowered.

For those who don't know, in the Zumba community we do fundraisers (FUNdraisers, really) called "Zumbathons." There are Zumbathons for pretty much anything you can think of: "Party in Pink" for breast cancer awareness, "Together We Dance" to find a cure for ALS, and "Party Hearty" promoting cardiovascular health, are just a few of the more well known events. On a local level, our Zumba community in the California Coachella Valley has also done some Zumbathons for:

• People in need of emergency funds
• Scholarships
• Boys and Girls Club
• Child Abuse Prevention
• Relay for Life
• Arthritis Foundation

If you've never done Zumba but are interested in supporting an event, just visit http://zumbathon.zumba.com/ to see what's happening in your area. And, no, you don't have to know how to dance to participate. You'll meet really great people and have a terrific time. I promise!

So what does a Zumbathon have to do with your support and my miraculous strength and healing?

Well, some of my dearest friends and fellow Zumba instructors have been organizing an annual Zumbathon to award one deserving high-school student a scholarship. The instructors donate their time, and our resident Zumba DJ, David Ponce (aka DJ Boost) donates his pounding equipment and spinning skills to create an event with massive energy and fun! This year, thanks to the encouragement of  Johanna Sanches, one of my angels on earth, the coordinators gave the scholarship in honor of me on Superbowl Sunday. Johanna worked tirelessly to create 100 of the most beautiful teal and white ribbons (colors representing cervical cancer) for participants to wear. I could feel people dancing for me all day.  That, combined with all the traditional love and prayers you're sending, has given me more strength than I've felt in nearly a year.

I'm incredibly grateful to be in the hearts of so many people, and to have such loving friends and family in my life. I think I've cried more tears of joy this week than any other.

If you need a DJ in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, La Quinta, Coachella, or surrounding areas, I encourage you to use DJ Boost.  You can reach him at 760-485-7337 or find him on Facebook under David Ponce. He's a good, family man with a giant heart and he knows how to mix his music. You'll have a non-stop, super fun party, guaranteed!

Here are a few pictures of the special day. I hope you enjoy my friends as much as I do!

From left to right: Saida Mesa, Stacey Castillo-Mizell, Rosy Mesa, Yany Perez, DJ Boost

From left to right:  Luisa de Leon, Yany Perez, Johanna Sanches, Stacy Castillo-Mizell, Patty Reyes

 Party On!!

P.S. - If you'd like to leave a comment, it'll be much easier if you go here instead of trying to do it through Blogger. If the link doesn't work, just go to:
https://www.mylifeline.org/lauriethrives/default.cfm?page=myupdates.cfm
Simply scroll to the bottom of the update you want to comment on and hit "comment." I love hearing from you. You're love keeps me alive!