I can say that it was a good thing that I was an athletic and active 57 year old when I was diagnosed as it certainly helped me endure the chemotherapy and major surgeries! I can imagine why chemo kills so many people sooner or later, it's not something I ever want to do again! Yes, in February of 2010 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer which after a few tests was diagnosed as stage 4 as the original tumor had metastasized, spread to my liver. After 8 months of chemo and 2 surgeries (including removal of half my liver), I lost 30 lbs and was down to what I weighed as a skinny freshman in high school! I realize that my ability to beat cancer was indeed a combination of my being in good physical health but also that I received a lot of love and support, spiritual and otherwise. I also did a lot of research and soul searching and am confident that what bought my cancer on was both stress and what went into my body over 50+ yeears. So I immediately began a careful and stringent diet and made sure what went into my body was healthy (ie, non-GMO and organic for starters). I also studied and started taking supplements, went as holistic as possible. As I already mentioned, I looked to my higher power and the good Lord provided. If you're interested in reading my journal, you can find it here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/heinzbartesch/mystory (just click on the journal icon)
When I came out on the 'other side', post surgery and chemo, as I mentioned I was 30 lbs lighter and a whole lot weaker - I could barely walk up a flight of stairs without being winded so I certainly needed to get back in shape. when I returned to the gym, I had my objectives and wanted to get back in a healthy shape - a shape that would keep me fit and healthy for many long years to come. As I did before and during my cancer, I did my due diligence research and I'm happy to say that I discovered Visalus (grant it, by chance meeting with a promoter - they can indeed change lives!). I'm happy to say that I'm now back in "fighting" shape. I guess you could say I've got a Body by Vi :) Yes, I'm active in and out of the gym but along with exercise I remain vigilant about what goes into my body. Believe me, if I wasn't completely sold on the results that Vi continues to produce, I wouldn't (couldn't) be a promoter. Yet, I now have the slim-trim, athletic toned body I know I want and need to keep cancer at bay - I have no plans of ever taking chemotherapy again. So, I'm doing this as much to help others achieve their health goals and hopefully help them from going through what I did. While the theme at Visalus is to take a '90 day challenge', I'd suggest taking a life long challenge to stay cancer free. I know keeping a body by Vi will go a long way to help me stay there. Give it a try, might be the best thing you ever do for yourself :)
