Facing reality without argument: Meet @naturegirl5

Jul 5, 2022 | Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Comments (28)

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight. 

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@naturegirl5: I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2019 right after I retired. I know so many people who were diagnosed with serious health problems shortly after their retirement and now here I was “joining the club”. It’s not how I figured my retirement would start but “if you argue with reality you lose”. I found the Gynecological Cancers group when I was looking around on the Mayo Clinic web site and that’s where it all began.  

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share openly and motivated to take part in the patient community?

@naturegirl5: Mayo Clinic Connect is carefully moderated and is transparent about this. I quickly learned that every post is read by the moderators and so I felt confident that this site would be a safe place for me. I was still physically and emotionally healing from endometrial cancer, and I wanted and needed a support group. But from where? I didn’t know anyone personally with this type of cancer and here was a safe place with others who had been through what I had been through.  

TERESA: What groups do you participate in?

@naturegirl5: My main group is Gynecological Cancers. I had a total hip replacement three years ago so I participate in the Joint Replacements group. I receive the Digest email daily with all the new postings and when I see something related to my experiences, I jump into other groups and discussions.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect. 

@naturegirl5: I was in shock and very frightened when I received my cancer diagnosis. So many moments were spent those first few days with that life altering diagnosis on my mind. There have been Mayo Clinic Connect posters who wrote about their fear after receiving a cancer diagnosis. I can certainly relate to that. Some have been unhappy with the limited options they were offered and weren’t sure what to do. I encouraged one woman to seek out a second opinion and suggested Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida as that campus was closer to her. She continued posting about her cancer journey and ultimately felt cared for and had a good outcome at Mayo Clinic. And now this same poster has jumped in and supported other posters in the Gynecological Cancers group. 

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

@naturegirl5: My on screen name, or username, is NatureGirl5. I chose that name because whenever I need balance and energy I go outside. I love to amble in the woods during the summer months and put my hands and feet in the soil in my garden. When I meditate the images I find the most calming are in nature. I imagine digging my toes in the warm sand on a Hawaiian beach while watching and listening to the ocean waves. 

TERESA: What food can you simply not resist?

@naturegirl5: Chocolate. What else is there?

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

@naturegirl5: I live in an area with lots of outdoor opportunities and I seek out the same on vacations. I often say that I’m not a “city person” and the best vacations are the ones I’ve spent on an oceanside cliff smelling the salt air while looking at birds through my binoculars. I’m very afraid of heights and I once laid myself down on my stomach on a cliff and hung over it just to look at Atlantic Puffins. 

TERESA: Puppies or kittens?

@naturegirl5: Oh, both! I could not imagine my life without cats or dogs.

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the About Connect: Who, What & Why blog.

Hi Helen, I wholeheartedly agree with everyone that you’ve been a wonderful addition to the Connect community! You’ve given us so much inspiration and encouragement with your insightful replies. I couldn’t help chuckle this morning after reading your interview, that with all the meaningful information you provide, it’s the Chocolate and furry friends that strikes a common cord with most of us. ☺️

REPLY
@dbeshears1

@naturegirl5 Wow, your mottos on reality really struck a chord. It not only applies to health, but so many different things in our lives that drain the energy we need for acceptance and making things better for ourselves and families. I am trying to better about this. I know when things seem black and white, it should be easier to accept and face, but you’re still faced with so many unknowns, treatment options, reactions, life style changes, and outcomes, yet you purged forward with a clear focus and best path for you, and discovered nature as a good meditation tool. I really like that! I cannot resist looking at cute pictures of kittens and puppies, but am physically unable to take care of a live one. But I can take care of a box of chocolate with no problem, unless it’s been ruined with coconut! Thanks for sharing your positive story and motivating others!

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@dbehears1 I'm with you on consuming a box of chocolate unless someone has ruined it with coconut! Now if the chocolate is filled with a butter cream....that's a different story.

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Hi @naturegirl5 ,
So nice to read your Spotlight interview!
I’m happy you found Connect- the best support group you can find.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago, there was no internet. I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of a desert. However, what kept me grounded were my dogs. We had just welcomed our first Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, a big, fluffy fur ball that needed discipline and training.
Our second and third- current one- also have helped me through other health problems. They just know what to do when things are rough.
Chocolate- I consider it medicinal… the darker the better!
Are you an East Coast girl?

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Hey, Helen, it was so nice reading your spotlight and understanding what brought you to Connect. Things sure do happen for reasons. Sometimes it takes a while to find those reasons, but "not arguing with reality" helps keep the door open. Thanks for the quote, it's such a good one! I honor your work. Keep up the good job.

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@jakedduck1

@naturegirl5
Oh chocolate, my favorite subject. It's always nice to meet another candy lover. You hit the nail on the head when you said
“Chocolate. What else is there?“ you mean besides cookies, pies, cake, pastry and cheesecake. Not sure what category that falls into other than delicious!!!
Your quote “if you argue with reality you loose” hits home and is so true. I notice that on various Epilepsy forums I belong to.
Very nice meeting you. Your picture and the doggie are very nice. I like your fireplace.
Take care,
Jake
P.S....What is your favorite chocolate?

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@jakedduck1 I like dark chocolate. I don't have favorite "brand". What's your favorite chocolate? And yes, I'd take the cookies, pies, pastries or cheesecake too. As long as they include chocolate.

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@astaingegerdm

Hi @naturegirl5 ,
So nice to read your Spotlight interview!
I’m happy you found Connect- the best support group you can find.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago, there was no internet. I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of a desert. However, what kept me grounded were my dogs. We had just welcomed our first Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, a big, fluffy fur ball that needed discipline and training.
Our second and third- current one- also have helped me through other health problems. They just know what to do when things are rough.
Chocolate- I consider it medicinal… the darker the better!
Are you an East Coast girl?

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@astaingegerdm Yes, the darker the better! I have lived in New England. I've spent most of my life in the upper Midwest.

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Congratulations @naturegirl5
I could feel your toes in the sand and butterflies in my tummy as you ventured to see the Atlantic Puffins. Bravery comes in a variety of forms. Cancer Courage is something we can relate to. As time passes, you will soon approach the Golden 5 years Milestone. We look forward to celebrating with you.

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Teresa, excellent choice in selecting naturegirl5, the questions & her enlightening responses. I thank her for the reality acceptance advice, her various coping skills which can vary & applies to any condition. I find many Mayo chats are like having time w a good friend, which we all need !

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@ggb21

Teresa, excellent choice in selecting naturegirl5, the questions & her enlightening responses. I thank her for the reality acceptance advice, her various coping skills which can vary & applies to any condition. I find many Mayo chats are like having time w a good friend, which we all need !

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@ggb21

How true! I agree that discussions on Connect are often like spending time with a good friend.

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