OUTSHINING LIFE’S CHALLENGES
By Karen Ingalls
For many years I have used the term challenge, rather than problem,
difficulty, issue, or trouble. It
seems to have a more constructive ring to it. I have faced sexual abuse,
alcoholic parents, un-timely deaths of loved ones, divorce, and more recently ovarian
cancer, which was diagnosed in June 2008. I did not know much about this
cancer, which is true for most women.
Do you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
*abdominal or pelvic bloating
*abdominal or pelvic pain
*feeling full soon after eating
*fatigue
*urinary or bowel changes
*painful intercourse
Many women will complain about one or more of these symptoms, which
mimic premenstrual, ovulation, menopausal, back injury, etc., and so they are
often ignored. If they persist for more than 2 weeks, it is recommended that
medical attention be pursued. Please do not ignore them, especially if you have
a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer. Too many women are
diagnosed in the late stages and therefore the mortality rate is quite high.
(Go to www.ocrf.org or www.ocna.org) for more
information and lists of resources in your area.
When I heard the words, “You have cancer. I am so sorry,” I reacted
with shock and despair. However, two days later I was ready to meet this
challenge with the same resources I used to face the abuse, divorce, and family
dynamics. My resources are:
*Meditation/relaxation: Without my faith
in God, all the other resources are empty “vials of medicine.” Would I really
be able to relax my whole being if my heart does not carry God’s Love in it? Knowing
God’s love for me allows me to go deep within myself and listen to His words;
to feel His arms around me; and to lay my head on His shoulder.
*Positivity: How would I protect myself
from negativity if I could not surround myself with the Christ spirit? I have
never liked being around complainers, whiners, or those who often have
something bad to say about someone else. Have I ever felt sorry for myself? Of
course, but I do not like myself when I am in such a mood, and I do believe
that positive thinking and acting is the healthy way to live.
*Humor. God wants us to smile, laugh, or
giggle. God does smile down upon us when He sees us following His word.
Laughter is the best medicine, because it releases endorphins, which help to
heal the body giving a sense of wellbeing. I often watch The Carol Burnett
Show, I Love Lucy, Laurel & Hardy, and such funny shows.
*Exercise/Nutrition: I believe my body is
the vessel in which my soul resides, so I want to take excellent care of it by
exercising and eating nutritious food. My body prefers yoga and brisk walking
for exercise, which I returned to one week after my surgery beginning in small
increments. Early on in my recovery I ate 5 small meals a day; ate lots of
fruit and vegetables; drank Ensure; and avoided processed sugar. I have
returned to 3 meals a day, eating the same diet without the Ensure, and enjoy
maintaining my weight and energy levels.
*Family/Friends: Certain people have had
powerful and long lasting affects on me. There are too many to mention, but
those who had negative affects were not believers in God. The opposite is true
for those who touched my life with love and kindness. I am blessed to have a wonderful and
supportive family, and friends that are always there for me.
Elizabeth
Kubler-Ross is quoted as saying, “People are like stained-glass windows. They
sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their
true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” For me, that light
is God. For me “the beauty of the
soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer,
chemotherapy,” or any challenge you or I might face.
Viewers: Karen looks forward to hearing an encouraging word or perhaps another success story in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Viewers: Karen looks forward to hearing an encouraging word or perhaps another success story in the fight against ovarian cancer.
*~**~*
Karen's book, OUTSHINE: AN OVARIAN CANCER MEMOIR is a
personal, medical, and spiritual book that will provide the reader with
information about ovarian cancer. She will share about her struggles and
triumphs; how humor, positive thinking, family, friends, and most importantly,
God, helped her to cope; and resources that have been informative and
supportive. Proceeds go to directly to ovarian cancer research.
From Feb. 1-5, 2013,
you may purchase her book at a discount rate through www.BeaversPondBooks.com by entering “Outshine” in the coupon code
box.
Author Bio:
Karen Ingalls is a retired
registered nurse with a master’s degree in human development. Her primary
nursing career focus was in epilepsy and hospice. For over twenty years she had
her own nursing service called Kare ‘N Touch.
