Therapy, family and friends and meaningful work keep me in balance! - Renée
I'm Renée, married with two kids in their twenties and two senior shelter dogs. I live nearby Utrecht, enjoying my excellent quality of life with ALK+ lung cancer. My expertise and focus today is palliative care - I'm an ambassador for the Dutch palliative care association, I teach nurses, I share my personal stories and experiences, and I speak up for people who are not able to speak up for themselves.
I had therapy a few times to help me with all the difficulties. I do daily walks with the dogs and go to the gym three times a week. I sleep with a clock, I only do work that I like, I only meet up with people I really like to meet. Priority goes to my husband, kids, family, and best friends. I'm really zen right now.
I was diagnosed with NSCLC ALK+ stage 4 lung cancer in 2018 after experiencing a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Since diagnosis I have become more 'me' than ever. I love and I live.
My online support groups give me the feeling that I'm not alone - we're all in the same boat. My family and best friends are my lifeline, and my GP is great support too. I exercise in the gym, hike, bike, and walk. I eat everything I like - but not too much.
The survival rates shared in my international support group keep me going and give me confidence. Massages and breathing exercises help me relax, along with walking through nature alone. What keeps me balanced is having meaningful work where I can help others, combined with the support of therapy when needed, and staying close to the people who matter most.
