Today we learn from Terry Tucker, a former NCAA Div I Basketball player who now is a best-selling author, coach, and motivational speaker helping others live their best life.
His greatest challenge began in early 2012 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, which presented on the bottom of his foot. By the time the melanoma was detected, it had metastasized to a lymph node in his groin. Because his cancer is so rare (only about 6,500 people are diagnosed with this form of malignancy in the U.S. each year), he was treated at the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center. Terry has had two surgeries to remove the tumors, and after he healed, he was put on a weekly injection of the drug, Interferon, to help keep the disease from coming back.
He took those weekly injections for four years and seven months before the Interferon became so toxic to his body that he ended up in the Intensive Care Unit with a fever of 108 degrees. Fortunately, expert medical care saved his life.
One thing he learned during all his pain and suffering is that you have two choices. You can succumb to the debilitating discomfort and misery, or you can learn to embrace it and use it to make you a stronger and better human being. He chose the latter.
Terry recently wrote a book, entitled Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, to help people find and live their uncommon and extraordinary life. The ten principles outlined in the book will provide the bedrock necessary to form the foundation of unshakable beliefs and dedicated behaviors to reinforce your attitude, no matter how much pain you must endure or how many obstacles you must overcome.
Unfortunately, his cancer experience hasn't ended with him conquering the disease. The melanoma that had plagued Terry for over six years returned in 2017, and his only treatment option was the amputation of most of his left foot in 2018. Cancer reemerged again in 2019, requiring multiple operations. In February of 2020, an undiagnosed tumor in his ankle fractured his tibia. The only remedy was the amputation of his left leg above the knee. He also has tumors in both of his lungs. Recently, his doctor advised that more than likely, I am coming to the end of my life.
But Terry refused to be a victim of this malignancy. He vowed to continue his fight. He knew the only way cancer could win is if he gave up or gave in to the disease, or if it kills him.
In addition to Terry's faith, he uses 4 Truths to guide the decisions he makes in life. These 4 Truths are:
1. Control your mind, or it will control you.
2. Embrace the pain and suffering we all experience in life and use it to make you a stronger and more determined individual.
3. What you leave behind is what you weave in the hearts of other people.
4. As long as you don't quit - you can ne
Go out and take action from what you heard, share this with somebody, and continue to elevate your life and business! ❤️
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