Feeling Good Through Cancer

Author: Shannon Miller

I apologize; I’ve missed a couple days of posting this week. These last two days have been all about getting some rest, serious rest. I’m excited to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend. (Let’s admit it Mom’s get the whole weekend, not just a day).

I can’t believe it’s already May. Writing this blog and being able to share my story and hear from others has truly helped me battle through these last 9 weeks. My hope is that those reading it will share it with their loved ones. And that we will all be better about getting our regular exams. I also hope that those who are going through a similar ordeal will find some comfort in the process. My goal is to shed some light on the chemo journey to lessen the fear of the unknown.

One of the questions that I was asked over the many years of Olympic training was how an injury effects your competition. It’s not all about powering through. You have to listen to your body. You rest when needed but when you decide to go, you go big. There’s no room to hold back.

I loved competition.  Unlike other sports where you are competing against another person, gymnastics is all about being as perfect as you can be on any given day. When you’re injured it’s difficult to think about performing at your best.

Why do I bring this up? Because that wave that carries you to success on the competition floor is the crowd of people cheering you on. As I walk up to the podium I am nervous….so nervous. My back might ache, maybe some shin splints or a hamstring strain acting up. But as soon as my name is called and I hear the roar of the crowd everything else disappears. I have a renewed energy, I feel no pain, and all I want to do is perform the best routine I can.

That’s what we have to do for those going through a cancer diagnosis or chemotherapy. It may not be cheering like we would do at a football game or swim meet. But it’s a gathering of support for those facing this challenge. The more we open the lines of communication, ask questions, and tell our story the more strength we and those around us gain.