Choose hope: Meet @lls8000

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@lls8000: I first came to Mayo Clinic Connect while I was in the middle of being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. I was 49 years old, and felt absolutely lost. I knew I had lung cancer, but I didn't have any of the details of the type or what my treatment would be. I was feeling very sick and didn't have much to feel positive about. I was at a real low point and was looking for support. That’s when I created an account on Mayo Clinic Connect and found a sense of grounding and comfort from others. Spoiler alert: That was nearly six years ago!

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@lls8000: After I found my footing, I read posts from others who were in that same dark place that I had been. I liked that I was able to provide some hope to the people behind those posts. I was able to be that person who understood what they were facing and feeling.  

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@lls8000: It's funny, I tend not to talk to friends or family much about my cancers. I'm just living my life. I suppose talking about it here on Mayo Clinic Connect fills my need to relate to others who have faced similar circumstances. I have a computer background, so I'm comfortable communicating with a screen and a keyboard as it gives me time to compile my thoughts. 

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@lls8000: You’ll find me primarily in the Lung Cancer support group. You'll also find me in Lung Health and a little bit in the general Cancer, Cancer: Managing Symptoms and Breast Cancer support groups.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect. 

@lls8000: I remain inspired by a couple of members who are no longer with us. I remember them and even refer to them in some posts. I like to honor what they contributed and also feel honored that I was able to help them in their final days. 

TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@lls8000: Recently I've been surprised how many new members we have overall and in the lung cancer support group specifically. We joke that it's the group no one wanted to be a part of, but we're really glad to have each other. 

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@lls8000: I do find that I need to hit the reset button every now and then. I can recognize it in myself, and then I know I need to get outside in nature. My therapy can be as simple as going out for a walk with a good podcast, or booking a trip to a place with amazing scenery and fresh air.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@lls8000: I like to stay active, when I'm able. Most mornings I can be found at my local YMCA. I'm fortunate to have access to classes that I like and I've made some great friends there too. 

TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@lls8000: I have a couple: "Hope is a choice" and I like “choose peace not panic" too.

Hope can be mighty powerful, and hope may be all we have some days.

When faced with difficult circumstances, we choose how we react. Choosing to be peaceful rather than panicked helps me to take a breath and let my logical brain kick in and not overreact.  

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation? 

@lls8000: I'm usually drawn to the mountains. Not huge mountains, but hike-able mountains like in Arizona. This year, I have a couple of beach related getaways planned. So, we'll see if I come back converted. 

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