I am the 33%.

Apparently, statistics show that one in three people will get cancer. Welcome to the club. A part of me has always wondered or suspected, due to some family history. It’s still an earthquake when it hits. “Pleasant” is still not an adjective to describe the moment.

But, at least, I now have more information. Stage 1A. I’m supposed to feel a certain way upon receiving my grade. Gratitude that it was not higher is one. Curiosity about the next step is another. Dr. Google has already informed me of possible next steps. And so has my fellow Star Wars-fan surgeon Dr. B. Next step, meet the oncologist, radiation oncologist, and at my request, genetic services to see if it was my genes or external factors including luck of the draw.

Meantime, I seem to have recovered reasonably quickly after the surgery. Did a 2.5 hour hike 8 days after. Not as fast or long as we had done before, but not bad at all. A good workout. Dr. B did not want to hear of it. I should have been following doctor’s orders to take it easy. I beg to differ. I suppose I choose to have 33 percenters like Ananda Shankar Jayant as my role models. https://www.ted.com/talks/ananda_shankar_jayant_fights_cancer_with_a_dance?language=en

Have lost a little weight and am happy about it. Have tried to eat healthier and stay fitter. Implemented a few plant-based options into my diet gleaned from recommended books like A Cancer Battle Plan and Forks Over Knives cookbook.

A comment on A Cancer Battle Plan. It was a breath of hope and strength when I first read it. Proof, real living proof that we can heal ourselves, that we have some control. And then days later, a deflated balloon when I read about Anne’s death, of cancer. Still, arming ourselves with more information to make better decisions is a net positive. I am grateful to have this knowledge in my arsenal.