She Will Always Carry On: How I Beat Cancer Against All Odds
by Maddy Ritchie
GRAB A COPY HERE: https://evolveglobalpublishing.com/show-book/B01MSP86MJ
- Power of Positive Thinking: This is the central theme of the book. Maddy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout her cancer journey, believing it to be crucial to her survival and recovery. She states, "Ever since the moment of being told that my consciousness kept telling me 'I’m going to be okay, you have to be okay; this isn’t my life, I am not going to die this way. I have a PURPOSE.' I feel this feeling was the key. It was this that kept my drive to keep on fighting from the beginning."
- Importance of Self-Advocacy: Maddy expresses frustration with the initial misdiagnosis of her cancer and emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and advocating for yourself when something feels wrong. She urges readers to "get to know their body, listen to any changes, look for any warning signs" and to "not put off anything in the way of your health."
- Healing Power of Nature and Mindfulness: Maddy finds solace and healing in nature, using it as a space for meditation and finding peace. She advocates for mindfulness, urging readers to "be happy in your body, learn to heal and to look to the future with positivity."
- Challenging Societal Expectations and Stigmas: Maddy confronts societal expectations and stigmas surrounding cancer patients, particularly those related to body image and the pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards. She encourages others to "embrace" their baldness and to "not let anyone bring you down, especially when you’re in a time of need or going through a rough patch in your life."
- Importance of Relationships and Support Systems: While Maddy emphasizes the strength she found within herself, she also acknowledges the importance of her support system, particularly her mother and close friends. She reflects on the changing dynamics of her relationships, highlighting both the positive and negative experiences.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- Maddy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma at age 17, a rare and aggressive cancer typically affecting children.
- She underwent an intense treatment regimen, including chemotherapy and radiation, experiencing severe side effects that deeply impacted her physical and mental health.
- Maddy's experience highlights the devastating impact of cancer on young people, particularly the emotional toll and the potential long-term health consequences.
- The book provides a raw and honest account of Maddy's journey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of battling cancer.
Quotes:
- "I forgave my body, I forgave it for trying to destroy itself. I thanked it as without it I’m not the person I am today."
- "Don’t let the evilness of the world and people overtake your faith and mindset, don’t ever let it hurt you. Remain strong."
- "You only have one chance, don’t dwell on the small things and really cherish yourself. Cherish who you are and who you want to be not what others want you to be."
- "The mind is everything! It can destroy you, bring you unhappiness and uncertainty. Or it can bring you fulfilment, positivity and happiness."
- "Cancer does not discriminate and don’t ever fear food!"
Overall Impression:
This book is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of maintaining hope in the face of adversity. Maddy's story is deeply personal yet relatable, offering valuable lessons about resilience, self-love, and the importance of living life to the fullest.
Maddy Ritchie's Cancer Journey: A FAQ
1. What kind of cancer did Maddy have, and what was her prognosis?
Maddy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically affects children between the ages of 2 and 12. Doctors gave her a 5% chance of surviving until February 2016, just a few months after her diagnosis, and estimated a survival life span of up to 5 years. Despite the grim outlook, Maddy remained determined to fight for her life and find purpose in her experience.
2. How did Maddy cope with her diagnosis and the challenges of treatment?
Maddy found strength and solace in several ways:
- Positive Mindset: She firmly believed that a positive mindset was crucial in her fight against cancer, choosing to focus on hope and the possibility of a future.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Maddy used guided meditation, visualization techniques, and quiet reflection in her safe space (her room) to calm her mind and promote healing.
- Nature's Healing Power: Spending time in nature brought Maddy a sense of peace, healing, and perspective.
- Support System: While navigating challenging relationships, Maddy found unwavering support from her mother and a few close friends.
- Creative Expression: Writing in a journal allowed Maddy to process her emotions and document her journey.
3. Did Maddy face any difficult decisions or side effects during treatment?
Yes, Maddy faced several emotionally and physically taxing challenges:
- Fertility Concerns: Due to the location of her tumor, Maddy was told she had a very high chance of becoming infertile. She made the difficult decision to undergo hormone injections to preserve her fertility, though the success rate was uncertain.
- Hair Loss: Maddy chose to proactively cut off her long hair before chemotherapy caused it to fall out, a decision that helped her maintain a sense of control and embrace her changing appearance.
- Radiation Side Effects: Radiation treatment brought on severe burns, bladder and bowel issues, and peripheral nerve damage in her leg.
4. What role did spirituality play in Maddy's journey?
While not adhering to any specific religion, Maddy developed a strong belief in a higher power and the importance of purpose in life. She found solace in prayer, connecting with nature, and the idea that she was chosen for this journey for a reason.
5. Did Maddy's relationships change during her cancer experience?
Yes, Maddy's relationships underwent significant transformations.
- Strained Romantic Relationship: Maddy's relationship with her boyfriend at the time deteriorated under the strain of her diagnosis. She realized the importance of surrounding herself with supportive and positive people, ultimately choosing to end the relationship.
- Strengthened Family Bonds: Her bond with her mother deepened as they navigated the challenges together. Maddy also found a renewed sense of closeness with her brother, Justin.
- Shifting Friendships: Maddy's cancer experience brought some friends closer while others drifted away. She learned to value genuine connections and rely on those who offered authentic support.
6. What were some of the stigmas or misconceptions that Maddy encountered?
- Pressure to Wear a Wig: Maddy rejected societal expectations to cover her bald head, choosing to embrace her appearance and challenge the notion that baldness diminishes femininity.
- Assumptions About Diet and Cancer: Maddy encountered unsolicited advice and judgment regarding food choices and their supposed impact on cancer. She learned to trust her body, satisfy her cravings, and reject rigid dietary restrictions.
- Expectations to "Just Get Over It": Many assumed that once treatment ended, Maddy's life would return to normal. However, she emphasized that the physical and emotional side effects of cancer and its treatment are long-lasting and life-altering.
7. What is the meaning of the sunflower tattoo Maddy got?
Maddy got an orange sunflower tattoo on her thigh as a symbol of life, light, and earth. She saw it as a representation of her resilience and her connection to the natural world.
8. What is Maddy's message to others facing similar challenges?
Maddy's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find strength and purpose in the face of adversity. She encourages others to:
- Embrace positivity and hope, even in the darkest of times.
- Find meaning and purpose in your experiences.
- Surround yourself with a supportive community.
- Listen to your body and prioritize your well-being.
- Challenge societal expectations and embrace your individuality.
- Live each day to the fullest and never give up on your dreams.
