It wasn’t until a few months ago that Amy Jordan realized she didn’t want to rely on Pilates class modification. Ever since she was diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer and underwent painful treatments, Jordan has slowly regained her strength. Move her body as he did once.
“I really feel like I can do the same workouts that I’ve been doing without rest, without modification,” Jordan, founder and CEO of WandaBar, a Pilates studio in New York City and California, told TODAY.com. “It was in November when I was like, ‘Wait a second, I just took a class and I feel like I have pre-cancer.’ And, I was very grateful.’
In the year In 2020, Jordan was diagnosed with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix, a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer. according to MD Anderson Cancer CenterAbout 100 out of 11,000 cervical cancers fall into the small or large types. The diagnosis means she needs a serious treatment plan.
“My oncologist said, ‘This is really rare and aggressive, and we have to throw everything at it,'” Jordan said. He told TODAY.com. In December 2020, “‘We’re planning to find a cure.'”
After five months of treatment, including 90 hours of chemotherapy, 25 days of radiation and a hysterectomy, Jordan is now cancer-free, Jordan shared a photo of her scar and a heartwarming account of her experience. Sometimes he feels insecure.
“When I look back at pictures or reflect on my experiences, it doesn’t even seem like it happened in a Twilight Zone way,” Jordan said. “I have this new filter, this new lens on how to look at life and what a gift it is to be able to show and help people.”
During her treatment, Jordan was unable to teach Pilates as she once did and quickly adapted. She used body models to hold poses that she sometimes couldn’t hold or do. Having a large belly button meant that going from a prone position on the floor to a curled up position was not a smart idea.
“It just wasn’t possible, and it’s not a good choice to make when you’re healing,” she says.
She had cancer and her recovery taught her how to be a better teacher.
“This experience has given me a very insightful way to work with people with health problems, and has made me a better activist teacher,” says Jordan. “It allows me to meet people where they are and allow space and improvements and changes.”
It was during her recovery that she developed a new tool to help her as a teacher and help her students, the WundCore Resistance Ring.
“It’s basically a fitness tool that replaces the trainer’s hand because during Covid, I couldn’t get my hands on my cancer clients to help them get their bodies in shape and get the most out of their workouts,” she says. “It really gives you feedback to get the most out of your exercises.”
People reached out to Jordan about her cancer story, often saying it helped them hear about it.
“They come up to me and say, ‘Oh, I’ve seen your journey. I’m so inspired, and it’s helped me get through XYZ,'” Jordan says. There’s this subtle effect that we can share and magnify so that others can grow and understand the importance of resilience. And that’s my goal in sharing the story — to serve people with positivity, to continue to move as much as you touch others with hope and understanding. Just keep breathing.”
Jordan feels it’s important to speak candidly about her experience with cervical cancer to raise awareness and encourage others to get regular screenings.
“There’s a huge void to honestly and openly discuss health crises, cancer, especially something like cervical cancer or something that’s a little touchy or a very private and personal area,” she says.
This article was originally published by TODAY.com