Cancer hates Zumba

‘Dance like no one is watching!’

Don’t get me wrong. Cancer sucks! But, I was able too have some fun and enjoyment while not working and having a baby sitter. I was completely miserable during my cancer treatments. But, God had a plan for my life that I was completely unaware of.  I was surrounded with people of no blood relation to me, but they would get me through the worse time in my life.  With my grandmother- a woman I called Momma, and my biological mother having passed on, it was not easy to find the will to fight.  My friends did not let me be sad, they would come over and spend time with me. My friend Teresa would take me out to do Zumba and church events. We rarely see each other now but I was always treasure her. She came to see me every single day when I had Jackson Pratts. She changed my dressings, fed my son, husband and me.  I did Zumba the entire time I was in treatment. I couldn’t always, break it down like I wanted but I was able to get some love from Zumba family and stay moving. In most of the photos I have a small afro or scarf. It took some getting used to –but hey! This is my life and you only get 1!

I was a very health conscious person before my diagnosis. IMG_1050I jogged, walked and also did group exercise like Yoga and Zumba.  Most of these activities had to stop during chemotherapy because I could not walk and had zero energy. However, I had established a wonderful zumba family. At time time of my diagnosis, I did not know that my zumba family would bring me  through this entire ordeal.  I did not have any hair or energy and rarely wanted to leave my home. But with the encouragement from my friends I got certified to teach Zumba while going through chemotherapy. Sometimes I could not drive but my friends would pick me up and take me to zumba events and Zumba. There I would dance and scream and act like I did not have this deadly disease invading my body.

zumba-with-teachers I never did Zumba without my scarf but I still felt free. It was the only time I felt free of cancer. So I continued to dance like no one was watching.

PARTY IN PINK

 Breast Cancer Awareness 

This time of year is very important to me. Not just because everyone wears pink-but it’s super cool to see all the unique breast cancer attire. This is the time of the year when people will ask me about my breast cancer shirts. I am readily prepared to sum up my cancer story and inspire them.  I have been approached by survivors, families with loss as the result of cancer, and women with lumps. I make sure to prepare them for what may happen but also build them up to know that they can do it.  They can get treatments and still dance, sing, love, travel, and live. Always look on the bright side of life. It isn’t always easy but I promise you it’s there. 😁