“I tried to dance everyday because it made me feel good and I enjoyed it. It was important to me to do whatever I needed to do to feel good.”
Name: Jaylee Nickel
Age: 35
City: Vancouver, B.C
Instagram: @thingscancermademesay
What was your diagnosis? Colon Cancer
What year & age at the time:Nov 14th 2013 at 6:18pm I got the call. I was 32.
Current medical status? Super awesome. 100%
WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
Seemed what I thought to be average, but in a good way.
WHAT WAS YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
I cried. I invited some friends over to my parents house and had a small yet unexpectedly fun house party. I feel like that night set the tone for how the rest of my fight would be.
My husband & my parents without question the most important people during my treatment.
HOW WAS YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM WHILE YOU WERE FIGHTING?
It was good. I had close family to rely on for a lot of help. The support came in so many different ways too. My husband & my parents without question the most important people during my treatment.
HOW DID YOU KEEP YOURSELF OCCUPIED AND POSITIVE DURING TREATMENT?
I tried to dance everyday because it made me feel good and I enjoyed it. It was important to me to do whatever I needed to do to feel good.
HOW IS LIFE DIFFERENT FOR YOU NOW POST DIAGNOSIS?
The biggest change I have seen in myself is how I mentally and physically treat my body. I no longer workout because I want to be thinner. I work out now because I love my body. And if I truly love my body I’m going to do what is best for it. I’ve found I feel my absolute best when I exercise regularly. Its so simple but something that didn’t really sink in until I got sick.
“Yes I believe I’m in a better place now, mostly in the way I think about things and how I treat myself. I spend a lot more time working on me. Making sure I’m ok.”
WHAT IS/WAS THE TOUGHEST ITEM(S) YOU’VE HAD TO DEAL WITH AFTER CANCER?
Relationships changing, and in some cases not the way you would of hoped.
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO OTHER SURVIVORS?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
FAVOURITE QUOTE
In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.”
Leonardo da Vinci
For more inspiration follow Jaylee on Instagram and share in the love!
Instagram: @thingscancermademesay
