KELLY’S TIPS:
CREATING A GAME PLAN
As a football player, I was tough – on and off the field. To beat head and neck
cancer—twice—my mental and physical toughness were tested. It wasn’t
an easy time but I learned a lot about myself, and the people around me. I’d
like to share these few tips, which I hope will help make a difference in your
cancer journey.
GET SUPPORT
I was really lucky. I have a big family that was there for me, always reminding me
to stay strong. It’s something I needed to hear, and it’s something I’d like others
facing this battle to keep in mind. In the hospital, I met many people with cancer
that just wanted someone to talk to. Even if you don’t have a large extended family
like mine there are many other resources. There are support groups, therapists and
social workers that can offer advice as well as be there to listen.
BUILD A TEAM
I credit part of my team’s success on the field to the trust we built with one another
as well as, having open communication. We had each other’s back. My doctors and
nurses were like that too. They not only explained every step in my journey, they also
took the time to answer all the questions my family and I had.
BE PREPARED
Just like I relied on my teammates to get ready for each game, I leaned on my
wife and daughter to prepare for my doctor appointments. They would always
have a pad ready for questions that popped into our heads. Also, on the day of an
appointment, one of them would go with me and focus on taking notes to make
sure all my questions were answered.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Playing football I usually toughed it out unless the pain was really bad. Well,
cancer treatment changed that for me. I had to be more in tune with my body
and speak up when there was even a twinge of pain. Some days I had more
energy than others. Some days I wished I could ignore what I was feeling,
like when the sores in my mouth flared up and my body said, “Enough already
with the buffalo wings!”
KEEP A JOURNAL
My wife kept a journal and recorded each day of my cancer battle. She noted what
treatments I had, how I was feeling and what I was able to accomplish that day.
We used it to track my overall progress and see the improvements I had made over
time. I’m sure writing in a journal might not be the easiest thing to keep up but I’m
recommending it because it was really helpful for me. Without mine, I would have
forgotten a lot of the things I needed to ask my doctors.
BE TOUGH
When I was first diagnosed our family motto, ‘Kelly Tough,’ meant being physically
strong; you get knocked down, you get back up, you keep fighting. That’s a big part
of it. But, it’s also about being mentally strong—keeping a positive frame of mind.
My visiting family showed up smiling, not frowning or crying. That kept me going.
During treatment, the toughest times for me were when all the visitors left and I
was alone. I used those visits and the lingering good feelings I had to re-focus my
attention on the days ahead.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
When I was in the hospital, I noticed a lot of people battling cancer alone
without anyone by their side. It really affected me. I realized that maybe the
reason I had this disease was to be there for others and bring awareness
to this disease. I truly believe I can inspire and help people to have a positive
outlook as they go through their journey. That’s where my motto, “Make a
difference today for someone who is fighting for tomorrow,” comes from.
You can do it too! When it comes to beating head and neck cancer, we’re
all teammates and in this together.
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