14 and diagnosed with ewing sarcoma...meet annette

Meet Warrior Wednesday’s, Annette. We had a chance to chat with her on her journey being a teen and newly diagnosed the day before her first high school class.

SW: Share your story, as little or as much as you would like.

ANNETTE: At age 14, before my first day of high school, I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. A tumor was removed at L-2 of my spine. I was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. I incorporated eastern medicine and natural treatments throughout my 18-month battle.

SW: What diagnosis was like for you, and anything you would like to share with someone who might be newly or recently diagnosed.

ANNETTE: I immediately tried to dive back into my normal routine. I was given a tutor to catch up with school work...I spent time with friends...started physical therapy and working out daily...participated in school plays and after-school activities. I refused to feel sorry for myself and never allowed negative thoughts to entertain me. I didn't say the C-word out loud and wouldn't allow anyone to "feel sorry for me". From the moment I was diagnosed, it was all about positivity and forward movement.

SW: What was the initial treatment like for you, and anything you would like to share with someone about to go through or currently going through treatment?

ANNETTE: Chemotherapy was incredibly difficult for me. I was treated once a week on Thursdays. I'd miss school every Thursday and Friday because of extreme nausea and fatigue. I know it's different for everyone, but I struggled with the long treatment days and sickness I felt afterward. If there was one thing I'd tell someone, it would be to be gentle with yourself and take as much time as you need to rest.

SW: What do you wish more people knew about having/going through/surviving cancer?

ANNETTE: Cancer is beatable! Don't accept being a "cancer patient" Cancer isn't yours. What IS yours is the healing process. You are not a statistic. Trust the process you are in, listen to your body, and keep fighting.

SW: Let's talk chemo. If chemo was a part of your treatment, what, if anything, helped you through? Any tips or things you learned that could help someone going through it?

ANNETTE: My family, friends, and support system helped me get through these difficult treatment days. I was too weak to walk, eat, or talk. Don't be afraid to speak up and be as transparent as you can be regarding your needs after each treatment.

SW: Let's talk surgery. If surgery was part of your treatment, what, if anything, helped you through? Any tips or things you learned that could help someone going through it?

ANNETTE: I was very young and my body bounced back fairly quickly from surgery. It was a long time ago and don't remember much from the procedure.

SW: Let's talk radiation? If radiation was part of your treatment, what, if anything, helped you through Any tips or things you learned that could help someone going through it?

ANNETTE: My radiation treatment was short and I did not have any difficulties with it. There isn't a lot that I remember from these treatments.

SW: Let's talk fear. Cancer is scary and there's no way around that, but what has this part of the journey been like for you, and how have you coped? Any advice for navigating fear?

ANNETTE: I refused to allow fear to enter into the equation. My focus was and is on love and healing. Cancer is a monster opportunity to level up everything in your life. I have always believed in mind over matter. The human body is equipped to adapt, regenerate, and heal.

SW: Let's talk positivity. It's not always easy. Any advice for cultivating positivity?

ANNETTE: Make yourself a priority. be kind. practice gratitude daily. give compliments. Live in the NOW moment. change the tone of your thoughts. find your inner strength.

SW: Best advice you were given throughout your experience thus far?

ANNETTE: "The world needs role models. And in the absence of one why not make yourself your own?"

SW: Quote or mantra you've hung on to that has helped you through tough moments. Why did this help?

ANNETTE: "Invest in yourself, follow yourself, look to yourself as the guru. You can really do whatever your mind can imagine. You make your own movie. Make it the one you want. Zero limitations."

SW: Let's talk support. What have you found to be most helpful as far as support? Did/do you have a strong support system or has it been a solo journey?

ANNETTE: I was only 14 so I had full support from my family, relatives, friends, and community. Being active at school and getting back into my "normal" routine helped immensely!

SW: What perspective shifts have you had, or positive changes you have made in your life because of your cancer diagnosis?

ANNETTE: I cannot fathom the person I would be if I had not experienced cancer. Because I experienced cancer at such a young age, it has shaped who I've become. It taught me the immense power my thoughts and actions have, not only as a survivor but as a person.

SW: You are one inspirational human Annette! Thank you for sharing your story of HOPE with others!