Search Topics
A New Lease on Life
Submitted by: Trina B.
Calgary, AB CanadaOverall healthy 37 year old female married with 2 children ages 4 and 20 months. Self employed - Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with an established Financial Consulting Business.
On November 30th, 2007, I was told by my specialist that I MAY have a very rare and aggressive tumor that only affects people between 20-40 years of age, called a “Giant Cell Tumor of Bone”. However, what I didn’t know for over a month is whether the tumor was Malignant or Benign. I was told that I would have to undergo more testing (MRI and biopsy) to properly diagnose the tumor. Surprisingly, this tumor is so rare that it only affects approximately one person per million per year. What are my chances?
After my initial meeting in November, I spent the next few days feeling sorry for myself until my husband and a few friends made a point of telling me, “Don’t speculate and worry about something you have no control over”. I can tell you that this was easier said than done. What I did do was continue to tell myself that, “For the sake of my husband, children, and family, I am healthy, feel healthy, and have a long life ahead of me”.
In a recent conversation I had with my mom (“my Angel”), who told me about a book called The Secret, she explained how the book is about how important it is to keep a positive attitude – not only during times of uncertainty. Shortly after, I decided to buy and read the book. I can’t say that I truly understand the Secret to “The Secret”, but what it initially did for me was give me a sense of belonging… a sense of knowing that my time in this Universe is not over. On the contrary, I instantly believed that with a positive attitude I will be given a new lease on life that will provide me with a much stronger and more powerful tool (mind) that will allow me to accomplish much more in life.
Still to this day it takes a lot of energy to remove negative thoughts from my mind and replace them with positive thoughts, especially laying in bed at night. There are nights that I remember falling asleep with a headache, which I believe were caused by the constant reminder to think positive not negative. Although, I still ask the question after re-reading sections of The Secret… “But how”? I truly think this is something learned over time, as the mind is a much more powerful tool than people give it credit for.
Well, I head for surgery in a couple of days to remove the tumor. I feel like I have been given a new lease on life as the results of my biopsy came back Benign a few days ago. I believe the joy of being with my children, keeping a positive attitude, and focusing on the day that I will be “pain free” has definitely brought me the best news possible… that the tumor is Benign.
I thank you for sharing The Secret with me and will never forget the importance of surrounding myself with joy and happiness and keeping a positive attitude!
Trina