What Will You Do?

Here at Logan River Academy we see success and struggle every day. We rejoice when our students succeed and we are saddened when they struggle. At times some of our students struggle to take responsibility for their lives and have a tendency to blame others instead of looking within. Sometimes life throws difficult things our way and we are left with the blank slate of determining how we will think about and deal with the situation.

A little over two years ago my wife, Rachel, was diagnosed with breast cancer. This news was shocking and unexpected. When cancer is diagnosed, the medical profession very rapidly bursts into action. Before we knew it we were seeing doctor after doctor trying to figure out what we needed to do. A mastectomy was strongly recommended along with breast reconstruction. They also wanted to remove lymph nodes for testing purposes. Next their plan was to have Rachel have radiation and chemotherapy. This was a very emotional and challenging time for us. Whenever one hears the word ‘cancer’ many questions start to go through one’s mind.

We tried to take a step back and look at the entire situation. Rachel began to immediately research cancer and different treatment options. When the dust settled, Rachel chose to follow the doctor’s recommendations and have the mastectomy and begin the process of reconstruction. This was quite an ordeal and involved a lot of appointments, surgeries, and pain.

Next the doctors pressured and pushed Rachel to have the chemotherapy and radiation. After much time researching and pondering, Rachel felt it was best to choose alternative options related to nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, and exercise. This was not well received by the doctors as you might imagine. Despite strong opinions from the medical profession, Rachel stuck to her instincts and implemented this plan with a professional team.

This has not been an easy journey but Rachel is alive, healthy, and happy. There is still the lingering fear of cancer coming back. However, Rachel lives each day with enthusiasm and positive energy.

I strongly believe that her attitude and willingness to do difficult things has made a huge difference. She could have given up, pouted, felt sorry for herself, blamed others, or just done what everybody else does. She chose to work hard, research, look within, find the right solutions for her, and move forward with perspective each day.

I am not writing this to say this is what all cancer patients should do. I believe it is a very personal and individual choice. The reason I am writing this to be encourage all of us to not let challenges stop us from being happy, achieving our goals, and living life to its fullest.

Our Logan River Academy families and students have hardships and very sincere and deep struggles and pain at times. Our way of taking on those challenges is what this is all about. We all have the ability to live these principles! 

Matt Erickson, LCSW

Logan River Academy helps students and their families through struggles.