Troubled?
Well stay with me, for I am not.
–Love Poems to God, Hafiz
My dear readers, I write this for you.
Since I become sick, and went from being a doctor to a patient, you have stood by me. I will try to translate the appreciation I have for all of you into words.
Whenever I was feeling shitty (often), I knew I could check my emails or comments and have so many kind and supportive messages from you it would warm my heart. And every time I wrote an update (a feat I was up for rarely), I knew you would be there to welcome me back, no matter where I was coming back from. Your presence has been solid earth beneath my feet when the rest of my life felt groundless.
I say this to you because I want to explain the shift that is occurring in me, and by extension, on this blog. You may have already noticed.
The last six months have been an upswing for me, with the improvement at times gradual and at times punctuated. Over the last few weeks—largely, I think, due to the relief I felt learning I did not relapse and, therefore, that my prognosis is now very, very good—the change has been profound. Less and less I feel like a cancer patient. More and more I feel like a person, and then, a healer.
The natural consequence of this fact is I find myself less interested in talking about myself and more interested in being of service to you. I have already started writing about some non-Elana-cancer-related topics, and am planning on teaching a workshop on overcoming fear and trauma after a difficult life event (thank you for the feedback on my first video blog on this topic, by the way!).
But before I take off on this new trajectory, I wanted to pause for a moment and thank you. Sincerely, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me. I have read your emails and comments, I have heard your kind thoughts, and I have felt your loving energy.
About the workshop: I am creating a specific email list for those of you interested in this course, which will be separate from the emails I send out with my blog posts—you can sign up for one list, or the other, or both (or none!). But if you are interested in the workshop, please do sign up with the form below because for now I will only be making announcements about it through this list and not the blog. I would also like to open up slots for individual coaching sessions, so definitely sign up if you have ever considered wanting to work with me one on one.
Thank you and I look forward to sharing more with you on this topic soon!
The workshop interest is currently closed. Stay tuned and I will announce when I am opening registration for the next course.
The best news! My heart is happy for you!!!
Dear Elena,
Thank you so much for sending me your latest blog. I am thrilled to read that you are doing better and better after such a rude introduction to The Valley of the Shadow of Cancer. I was told by my docs last December 8 to go home until I couldn’t breathe. It is nearly a year and I’m still breathing normal air. I have experienced everything (mostly) that you have except I am 68 years old now. I wonder how the human psyche deals with diseases that can and do cause death based on age, on years lived. I am not young but I am the mother of two twenty-something kids. Whether I like it or not, they still need me. So does my husband who has recently been diagnosed with fibrotic lungs. People tell me I am alive and appear and feel healthy because I must be a care giver. I silently think “It has to be more than that.” Keep sharing your thoughts. Marilyn
So happy for you Elana!
Whether you realize it or not, you have been of service to so many all along. So glad you are feeling energized and inspired! Can’t wait to see all you give to the world!
XO!
Your positive prognosis is very good news! You’ve helped so many by sharing your painful, frightening journey.
I should have commented on your video earlier – it’s excellent. You have a lot of fans out here in internet land.
Elana,
I have been inspired, comforted, and uplifted by you and your honesty. I can’t thank you enough.
I am very happy you are feeling well and productive.
I only wish the best for you!
Stefanie
Hello to you once again, Elana,
You look so lovely and refreshed in your recent video blog. You have a naturally engaging and calming presence and authority on camera. I also loved your honestly about how hard it was to set up your equipment! Thanks to your vulnerable openness and bravery, we’ve all learned from each other. Your peaceful strength will give you the power to overcome any future adversities. You would be an empathetic and inspiring partner for veterans (and more) to help them heal. They’ll be jostling each other while waiting in line to talk to you! Please keep checking in with us so we can watch you progress even more.
Your internet friend,
Melanie
Woo!
That is so great, Elana. Yes, I definitely noticed from your blog posts how your mind is changing, and certainly in a way that is in a very positive direction.
By the way, I love your hair!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you have to share with us.
Dear Elena,
Now I understand how you have been growing up these last months… As you wrote, you now are willing to give back and to turn yourself to people who might need your strength and understanding of what you have been going through… I believe this is the best way to show how much you healed, ready to shine on others. I wish you very good luck on this path, and I am sure you will do miracles on the people who need the energy you are ready to give!
:-)))
You are amazing!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this. A few week ago I found out that I have upper motor neuron damage as well as clonus in my right wrist, spasticity, weakness, etc. and lower motor neuron damage in my lower legs. This Friday I have a second EMG which will hopefully lead to a diagnosis. I’m 38 years old and slowly losing the ability to go up stairs, walk normally, etc. My pinky and ring fingers on my right hand have started to cramp up and curl under. I’m scared more than I can describe in words. Your decision to talk about fear came at literally the perfect time. Thank you for sharing your story with us! Sara
So pleased you are back at it and having fun at the conference! Keep on trucking Elana! Nothing is as beautiful as being able to go full circle in life and you did it! Blessings and love being sent your way!
Dear Elena,
Sending love and prayers always…thank you for sharing your journey and being the “light” at the end of the tunnel!
With a grateful heart,
Alyson
I’ve been with you since the beginning. You are amazing and truly an inspiration. I am a cancer survivor- diagnosis, treatment, side affects – not easy.
I look forward to your posts and wish you well.
Thanks for your bravery- it helps all who read about your experience.
Life is funny and it’s not over until it’s over! Never give up the fight and continued
Success in all you do!
Prayers and healing being said and wished for you!
All the best,
Dee
I am interested in your training sessions and email list information. Good for you that you are in remission! Sounds like you have a fantastic prognosis.