Jay Carter
MEET THE WOLFPACK - Q&A
Man Up to Cancer provides helpful content and community for men facing cancer, and the people who love them!
INTRO from Trevor Maxwell
Do you really need another reason to stay home and #FlattenTheCurve?
If you’re still not sure what the big deal is about Coronavirus, meet Jay Carter.
A native Californian who now calls Dallas home, Jay is a Chronic Myeloid Leukemia survivor. He takes oral chemo every day to keep his disease at bay. But the drug also suppresses his immune system, making him more susceptible to COVID-19. For Jay and so many other cancer survivors, this new virus is a matter of life and death.
Jay has fought hard to regain his health and strength since his stem cell transplant in 2013. He’s an outdoor adventurer with a love of biking, surfing, paddle boarding, snowboarding and more. He is a tech consultant for clients that range from small non-profit organizations to Fortune 500 companies. He also volunteers to help other cancer survivors, particularly through the Epic Experience organization.
Some are saying “But what about my personal freedom?”
Well, aren’t we lucky to live in a country where we have the FREEDOM to care about people like Jay, rather than just ourselves?
You have a choice to make. Stay home, slow the spread of COVID-19, and be part of the solution. Or ignore the warnings and be part of the problem.
Here is today’s Man Up to Cancer Q&A
🔸Name: Jay Carter
🔸Age: 35
🔸Occupation: software engineer/ graphic designer
🔸Location: Dallas, TX
🔸Cancer type: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Q: The Man Up to Cancer motto is OPEN HEART, WARRIOR SPIRIT. Which aspect of your personality could use more growth, your heart or your warrior?
A: My heart. More specifically, my heart in relationships. I find myself running away from relationships once they become serious. Call it fear. Call it self preservation. I don’t know. It is definitely something on which I need to work.
Q: What are your top tools for coping with the psychological impacts of cancer (i.e. anxiety, depression, anger, isolation, etc.)?
A: Physical activity! Before cancer, I was super active in the outdoors and the gym. While I maintained as much physical activity as possible during treatment, walking around the hospital with IV poles attached is not the same as hiking up a mountain. Four months after my stem cell transplant, I wanted to get back after it. My doc gave the greenlight to cycle, so I began riding my bike every morning. I found that it’s tough to have a bad day when the day begins by riding a bike around a lake as the sun rises.
As my health improved, I returned to the gym. I also resumed the outdoor sports that brought me joy. Whether I’m lifting weights, mountain biking, surfing, paddle boarding, or snowboarding, I’ve found that I have to be fully present in the moment. And while being fully present, there’s no room in my mind for anxiety, depression, or anger. The social aspects of these sports are an added benefit.
Q: What’s one thing you know now, but wish you had learned earlier in the journey?
A: The journey never ends. Life doesn’t miraculously return to normal once treatment is complete and remission is obtained. There will be good days - enjoy those. Other days will not be as pleasant. Take time in those moments for yourself while being mindful of the fact that just like the good days, the bad days will not last forever. No matter what comes your way, you will be alright. Your mind is a powerful tool. Put it to use in your favor.
Q: If you could pick a “handle” for your wolf identity (like Icewolf, Blaze, Aura, Dash, Hunter, you get the idea), what would it be, and why?
A: Brimwolf - strong, silent, heroic
