A popular bodybuilder, who built up a huge following on social media by posting health tips and workout clips, is now documenting her battle with cancer.
TOI
Cheyann Shaw was diagnosed with stage 4 low-grade serous ovarian cancer, shortly before her wedding in August this year. The illness, which is a rare form of cancer, grows slowly and stubbornly due to its resistance to chemotherapy.
The 23-year-old began sharing her swift decline from a 130-pound bodybuilder to a 102-pound cancer patient to show that having cancer ¡°doesn¡¯t mean you stop living.¡±
It's crazy where life can take you in just a short year. - - This time last year, I was on stage competing in my first fitness show?? Now I'm fighting for my life. - - The picture on the left is around the time they think my cancer started to form and we just caught it in August. Thankfully we have caught it in enough time that I am still able to fight and can kick Ovarian Cancers ass and be in remission one day, hopefully soon? - - At the end of the day, my life isn't where I ever expected it to be, but I'm thankful I am where I am. I truly believe God has a plan for me and I believe it's to help and inspire people. Just because you are going thru something, doesn't mean you stop living. I still go to the gym, I still laugh, cry, sing (horribly?), and just enjoy each and every second of every single day. - - Life is all about what you make it out to be; and I'll be damned if I let a little bit of cancer stop me from living my life to the fullest??? - - #fuckcancer #ovariancancer #selflove #bestself #fitspo #fitfam #fitlife #gymspo #npc #npcbikini #npcbikinicompetitor #npcathlete #gymshark #alphalete #squats #loveyourself #youtube #follow
A photo posted by Cheyann Shaw (@cheymarie_fit) on Oct 10, 2016 at 7:25pm PDT
Soon after her diagnosis, Shaw started chemotherapy. She lost her hair ¨C and filmed the moment she shaved her head. She underwent surgery to remove her reproductive organs, appendix, spleen and part of her colon, along with a tumor from her abdomen that was the size of a small beach ball.
Even after that, Shaw learnt that the therapy wasn¡¯t working.
This is hard for me to post... Left- Before we knew I had cancer. I was a solid 130lbs and 15% body fat. Also had a nice little booty growing back there. - - Right- Taken yesterday. Stage 4 Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. After almost 14 days in the hospital, a poop bag, and a major surgery; I stand at 105lbs. That's way to small for me. I'm 5"5. I lost everything. Cancer has taken so much from me. The body I worked so hard for 2 years to get, the ability to have and carry my own child, my hair, and so much more, but one thing for sure is that cancer has not taken my fight and faith. - - I will never stop fighting. I will never lose my faith. I will never let cancer win. Today has been a rough day for me mentally, but that's okay. I know tomorrow will be much better and I'm thankful to be alive and to see another day. I know GOD is up there working and I know he will give me the strength to fight, the light to see in the darkness, and will lay his healing hands on me. - - This is the toughest battle I have and will ever face, but I know I can do it. The hardest part of all this is my body change. I have a hard time looking at myself in the mirror but I'm learning to love myself again and I know this is only temporary. Once I get the clear light to workout, I'll be in the gym banging those weights???? - - #fuckcancer #ovariancancer #seattleseahawks #bestself #selflove #npc #npcbikini #ifbb #npccompetitor #bikini #bikinicompetitor #bikinifitness #bikiniathlete #fitlife #fitspo #fitlife #follow #inspiration #happiness #womensfitness #womenshealth #motivation #squat #squatspo #country #countrymusic #countrygirl #smile #cheystrong
A photo posted by Cheyann Shaw (@cheymarie_fit) on Nov 22, 2016 at 6:41pm PST
Despite losing so much, Shaw has maintained a positive outlook on life.
¡°I lost everything. Cancer has taken so much from me. The body I worked so hard for 2 years to get, the ability to have and carry my own child, my hair, and so much more, but one thing for sure is that cancer has not taken my fight and faith,¡± the fitness blogger wrote on Instagram.
Shaw participated in her first bodybuilding competition in 2015 and was preparing for more shows this year when her ovarian cancer was diagnosed. Ever since then, she has posted photos, videos and messages to keep her family, friends and followers updated on ¡°the good, the bad and the ugly¡± aspects of her battle with cancer.
The spirited athlete hasn¡¯t given up her enthusiasm for fitness and expressed her desire to return to bodybuilding once she overcomes the disease ravaging her body.
¡°This is the toughest battle I have and will ever face, but I know I can do it. The hardest part of all this is my body change. I have a hard time looking at myself in the mirror but I¡¯m learning to love myself again and I know this is only temporary. Once I get the clear light to workout, I¡¯ll be in the gym banging those weights,¡± she said.
Shaw¡¯s posts have garnered widespread attention and there has been an outpouring of support and admiration.
¡°You are so strong and with the attitude you have, you will beat this. Sending prayers and positive vibes to you!¡± a well-wisher posted on Shaw¡¯s Instagram.
Another supporter wrote, ¡°Your scars make you look stronger than any muscle could. Fight on.¡±
