Cecilia Contreras - Cancer Survivor
I am a fifteen-year cancer survivor. At that time, I was 19 years old and in the middle of my college education. Initially, I viewed cancer as an interruption; I was so driven to complete my education on MY time and cancer was an impediment. However, throughout my recovery process I came upon many realizations. One of them being that in the pursuit of our aspirations, unexpected obstacles will arise in many forms. Another insight was/is that I am a resilient woman. My family provided me the opportunity to battle with my disease emotionally and physically. In addition, they gave me the time to come to these realizations because they actively participated in the recovery process and took on responsibilities that can become arduous for a cancer patient. I never had to worry about transportation to radiation, company during my chemotherapy sessions or hospital stays. I didn't have to worry about meals, at least the few times I could eat and keep it in. I am forever indebted to my Mami, Daddy and two sisters Sylvia and Dahlia.
Funny how I didn't care about the way I looked on the outside because I do now. I wore the same black jeans and long red shirt with my hair pulled back. I didn't lose my hair. Having ensembles to wear to radiation sessions would have been something that could have contributed to bettering my self-esteem, physically. Something that I wouldn't have thought of myself because it's just one of those things that "didn't matter at the time"... but it would have. I am very proud of my sister Sylvia for joining efforts with Kelly in giving back to the cancer community through her efforts with "I Wear It Well."
Today, I am an English as a Second Language teacher in Schenectady, New York. What I thought was an impediment back then actually became a life altering experience. My approach towards my life changed. And sometimes, I feel as if it's misunderstood. Occasionally I become frustrated because of my bodily effects from operations, radiation, and chemotherapy. Most often I am grateful for what my body can do for me now. I work out, run, hike, and what's most exciting now is that I signed up for my first mini triathlon this July 2008.
FITNESS & NUTRITION NOTES:
I was active before cancer, always an athlete but not one "in training." Chemotherapy and radiation damaged parts of my digestive and endocrine system, my gut and hormones were and still are "out of whack." During my recovery process, I had a crash course in the way my body works and over the years I have learned strategies to help me cope and not surrender to the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
My metabolism decreased as a result of the impact on my endocrine system. On the inside, I felt 20-30 years older. With a forced menopause, I also developed food intolerances. Subsequently, I began to strength train and experimented with different foods and diets. With many hits and misses, pounds gained and pounds lost, I figured out that eliminating wheat, flour, and processed sugar from my diet worked for me - a gluten-free diet. Not to say that I occasionally indulge in some chocolate. Eating a diet high in protein, vegetables, and fruits energizes me and prevents gastro-intestinal issues. L-Glutamine helps coat my gut and controls my blood sugar. I wish I could consistently drink a shot of aloe in the morning because it is healing and helps coat my gut as well.
I've developed a love-hate relationship with running. There are some days that I just don't want to because my gut is acting up. However, running stimulates my lymphatic system and makes my gut feel better. I also have to watch out for my joints and balance out indoor and outdoor running. Biking is easier on the joints, but you have to bike twice as hard as you would for running. The lower my weight, the better I feel. It's a lifestyle and there have been periods that I steer away from what I know works for me and I pay for it. Currently, I feel healthy and strong. I'm running a mountain road race this Saturday, May 10th and my mini-triathlon is this July.
-Cecilia Contreras
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