Woman Two Time Cancer Survivor, 75, Says ‘Great Sex’ Is A Secret Key To A Healthy Life

"My demanding HR job helped me stay focused. I was so tired most days, but I felt lucky as it had been caught early through a mammogram," she said.

More recently, she talked about being diagnosed with early stage endometrial cancer earlier this year. Once again, she said she counts herself lucky for catching it early and going through three radiation treatments that once again saw her recover her health.

Having survived such an ordeal twice, she’s sharing her secrets of what makes for a happy life. High on that list is having a good sex life.

"Sex gets better with age. I know my body and what it wants and needs. Besides how wonderful sex feels, I embrace its health benefits. During orgasm, the brain releases dopamine and other neurotransmitters that's physically and mentally healthy. Having a great sex partner who engages with me at least three times a week is just fabulous," she said.

Ovarian Cancer How to Reclaim Your Sex Life

She also gave some of her tips to having a good day waking up at 7 a.m. and beginning the day with dark roast coffee with some cream.

"I swear, a cup of Joe helps to kick-start my day but I have limited myself to three cups, which I enjoy while reading, wordle-ling, researching or catching the news," she said.

That’s followed by a short workout. Exercise is something she’s done since her 20s and now, it’s a key part of her plan to stay healthy after surviving cancer.

"Years ago, I adopted a daily 13-minute exercise routine that suits me. Working out combined with eating at least some fruit and/or vegetables daily keeps me happy and fit. In addition, I enjoy sports which keeps me active. In 2019, I went on a cycling tour in Quebec logging an average of 50 to 60 kilometers per day. It was a fantastic experience," she said.

The Power Of Positive Thinking

Anecdotal evidence from SurvivorNet experts points to how a positive mindset and gratitude can positiviely impact a cancer prognosis. Dr. Zuri Murrell, an oncologist at Cedars-Sinai tells SurvivorNet in an earlier interview, "My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they're diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now doesn't that mean I'm good at saying that the cancer won't grow," he says.

"But I'm pretty good at telling what kind of patient are going to still have this attitude and probably going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease. And those are patients who, they have gratitude in life."

Living In Gratitude

Growing More Patient, Finding Freedom

Now that she’s in her golden years, Thureson said she’s found some benefits to getting older such as growing more patient, even during tough times. Those tough times include not just twice surviving cancer but losing her husband to brain cancer and watching as her 96-year-old mother’s dementia has progressed.

There’s also freedom, as "retirement released me from the nine-to-five and other such regimens, leaving me free to spend my time as I choose."

Also important: a positive mindset.

"I refuse to talk negatively about myself and I count my blessings. There is always someone less fortunate. Seldom do I think of my age. I am 75 but I do not think of myself in terms of years. Aging is a mindset; it is having an optimistic attitude. The song ‘Young at Heart’ says it best."

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