It was time - we had always longed and dreamed about returning to his early roots and living in beautiful Big Sky country. We were trekkers, and loved the outdoors.

Life was good, I was happy for the most part, so I thought, until one day everything changed.

I had been diagnosed with Cancer - Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage III, on December 24th, 2001. It was everywhere, except for my bone, considered Stage IV.

Life turned upside down overnight. Why? Why me? Why now?

I didn't have much time to think about answers to those questions, everything was happening so quickly - I needed to act Now. I was fighting for my Life.

My treatment options were CHOP Chemotherapy or explore various "Test groups". I preferred the latter, and wanted to look into alternative medicine as well, but my Oncologist insisted on moving forward with Chemotherapy. I was too far along to experiment with other options.

As stubborn as I am, I listened. I resisted the Chemo, yet I wanted to Live! YES! A resounding YES - I wanted to LIVE! It wasn't my time.

I started Chemotherapy three days later on December 27th, 2001 and continued treatment for 4 1/2 months.

How did I survive it all?

* Attitude - Positive Attitude

* Support - Support from my husband

* Yoga - A serious Yoga practice

* Energy work - from local healers in my community

Attitude: I considered my Christmas gift that year to learn that the cancer was NOT in my bone. Stage III sounded so much better than Stage IV. I told myself, I can get through this, I can DO this, I WILL beat it - watch me!

I immersed myself in to positive thoughts, positive thinking as much as possible. Sure it was hard, but I kept telling myself, "I CAN do this," "I WANT to Live," "It's NOT my time" . . . I didn't do any cancer support group - there wasn't a whole lot to offer in our small community. I did NOT want to sit around with a group of 'teary-eyed' folks. NO, keep it positive. Keep it ALL positive.

Support: Support from my husband. We just knew we were going to somehow get though it all. We kept life as normal as possible, went out to dinner periodically - with my part-time wig - and I ate what I could. He was right there with me, every step of the way.

Restorative Yoga: I spent much of my days on my yoga mat - two to fours hours each and every day. Worked very closely with my Iyengar yoga teacher. My husband, helped me with this as well. Very, very Powerful. Looking back, I am convinced my yoga practice helped save my life. Even now, I don't miss a single day. It keeps my blood moving and helps me stay grounded.

Energy Work from Local Healers: I am very blessed to have wonderful alternative healers in my small town community. I consider them my Guardian Angels. Reiki energy and Cranio-Sacral therapy complemented my treatment. I saw my Cranio-Sacral therapist/Reiki Master weekly and am convinced this energy, along with my yoga practice, was the catalyst for a very spiritually enlightening experience that occurred right on my yoga mat.

* * * * *

Was Fighting the Cancer Hard? Yes

Was it Doable? Yes, I just DID it

I changed the word remission, to renewal - I am not in Remission, I am in Renewal

What Advice Can I Offer Others?

* Work on your mindset, first and foremost - You WILL Survive - this is a Bump in the Road.

* Think Positive, Be Positive - thoughts are so Powerful - you get what you think.

* If your situation calls for traditional western treatment, find some form of body work that is comfortable for you - yoga, tai chi, and work with local healers, such as massage therapists, Reiki Masters and anything else your community offers that suits you.

* Daily Prayer, whatever that may be for you.

Remind yourself that there is a reason for everything, and although you may not have the answer to Why? Why me? Understand that much healing Will occur, and a new, Very Empowering journey awaits you.

God Bless, Be good to Yourself.

Cheryl Neithercott, RDH