Husband and daughter supporting mother with uterine cancer

Fitness, Family, and Fighting Cancer: Why My Health Journey Couldn’t Wait

March 17, 2025•4 min read

Learning How to Continue My Health Journey While Taking Care of My Wife with Uterine Cancer

Life Doesn’t Pause—And Neither Should Your Health

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that life doesn’t stop throwing punches just because you’re already on the ropes. My wife’s uterine cancer diagnosis hit us hard—like a heavyweight champion knocking the wind out of us. But I quickly realized that if I wanted to be the rock she needed, I had to keep myself strong. That meant staying committed to my fitness goals, maintaining good habits, prioritizing self-care, and making the most of family time—even when life felt chaotic.

Here are the lessons I’ve learned about balancing health and caregiving, and why giving up on my well-being was never an option.

1. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Survival

Before this, I used to think self-care meant bubble baths and spa days (not that I’m against a good soak). But when my wife got sick, I learned that self-care is about keeping my body and mind strong so I can be the best support for her. I had to shift my perspective:

Exercise became therapy. Instead of skipping workouts, I treated them as my mental reset. Even a 30-minute kettlebell session or a quick bodyweight circuit kept my stress levels in check.
Sleep became non-negotiable. Let’s be real—nobody functions well on four hours of sleep and three cups of coffee.
Nutrition had to be dialed in. It was easy to stress-eat junk food, but I learned that fueling myself with whole foods helped me show up better for my wife and our family.

If you’re a caregiver, remember this: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself so you can take care of them.

2. Family Time Is More Than Just Sitting Together

Spending family time together took on a whole new meaning. It wasn’t just about watching TV or sitting in the same room—it was about intentional connection. Here’s what I found worked:

Walks became our bonding time. Instead of sitting in silence, we walked and talked. Fresh air, movement, and meaningful conversations—triple win.
Cooking healthy meals together. It wasn’t just about food; it was about teamwork. Plus, we made it fun (cue the terrible dance moves while chopping veggies).
Finding joy in the small things. A game night, a shared audiobook, or even just laughing at ridiculous memes together kept us connected.

Cherish the little moments. They add up to a lifetime of memories.

3. Fitness Goals Need Flexibility, Not Abandonment

At first, I thought I had to choose: be there for my wife or stick to my fitness goals. But I realized it wasn’t an either-or situation—it was about adjusting, not abandoning.

Shorter, more effective workouts. I swapped hour-long gym sessions for quick, intense circuits at home. (Shoutout to my garage for becoming my new gym.)
Consistency over perfection. Some days, my workouts were just stretching and mobility work, and that was okay. The goal was to move every day, no matter what.
Accountability mattered. Having a buddy or coach check in helped keep me motivated. (Shameless plug: if you need help staying on track, reach out to me!)

Progress isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing what you can, when you can.

4. Habits Keep You Grounded When Life Feels Unpredictable

One thing about cancer—it brings a lot of unknowns. Between doctor appointments, treatments, and emotional ups and downs, habits were my health anchor.

Morning routine = control. I started my day with a few non-negotiables: prayer, movement, and a good breakfast. It set the tone, no matter what the day threw at me.
Meal prepping saved time and energy. On good days, I prepped meals so we had healthy options ready when things got hectic.
Journaling helped process emotions. I wasn’t always good at talking about my feelings, but writing them down helped me stay mentally strong.

When life feels out of control, the right habits help you stay steady.

Final Thoughts: You Can’t Quit on Your Health

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? No matter how hard life gets, your health matters. If you’re a caregiver, a parent, or just going through a tough time—don’t put yourself last. Your strength, energy, and mindset are what will help you keep showing up for the people you love.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. A five-minute walk. A healthy meal. A moment of quiet reflection. It all adds up.