Brainy Blonde Podcast
Cancer saved my life. Sometimes the worst news can make you look at life in a whole new way. I've been both a caregiver and now a survivor, actually an outlier, having beaten one of the deadliest cancers, so I'm here to provide hope and inspiration to all of you. We'll talk to experts, share survivor stories, reflect on the meaning of life...and have fun doing it!
Brainy Blonde Podcast
Climbing the Mountain: Amanda's Story of Being an Ultra Endurance Athlete and Getting Back to Distance Running with no Sensation on the Right Side of Her Body
Welcome back to the Brainy Blonde Podcast! Wow, you guys it has been quite a week. I am recovering from surgery and it’s a planned surgery as part of my protocol to prevent cancer because I now know my inherited cancer risk. It’s been quite a ride, but I’m sitting here thinking about how incredible the human body is once again and how fragile it can be.
Last week I was doing push-ups with a 15 pound weight between my legs and a few days ago I could barely walk from my bedroom to the bathroom, which is about 15 steps. On the flipside we are so darn strong. It’s amazing how we can come back from something really difficult and thrive!
Today on the podcast I am continuing the Survivor series with Amanda Melby. You are going to fall in love with Amanda. I’m telling you right now. She is sunshine. She is so funny, so warm and so kind. I am so excited to have made a new friend in her. Amanda is an ultra athlete and endurance athlete and while she was training for the most incredible intense endurance event that I’ve probably ever heard of called 29029 Everlasting she found out she had glioblastoma. 16 months later she is coming back and coming back strong.
What is incredible is not only how Amanda could be at the top of her fitness game and still get this horrible diagnosis (because that is how it goes with GBM), but on the flipside how this woman who has limited sensation in half of her body - half of her whole body - she has to tell you the story! - is still running. I’m so inspired by her I just love her to bits and I know you were going to be just as inspired.
Amanda wanted me to note the surgeon she talks about is Dr. Cheng and you can listen to him on Peter Atilla's podcast. I'll link it.
Amanda supports the Outlier Fund if you are looking for a place to donate in her honor as she continues to train.
https://peterattiamd.com/edwardchang/
https://www.theoutlierfund.org/
https://www.instagram.com/theamandamelby/?hl=en
I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca
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