It's All About Attitude...

Let's face it...having a doctor look you in the eye and tell you that you have cancer feels like an Ali punch to your gut! I was only 11 years old and I remember Dr. Norman Jaffe saying the words...Osteosarcoma...cancer...chemotherapy, and I just lost it! Of course I went to pieces! I was devastated and scared! But shortly after that I knew I had a decision to make. Was I going to feel sorry for myself and wallow in self-pity, or was I going to stand up and fight it? This raises the question of prognosis. In 1982 the chances were a mere 20% for survival. But the way I looked at it was that 20% isn't 0...I had a shot and I was going for it! My maternal grandmother survived uterine cancer in the 1950's with nothing but surgery and radiation. She was a statistical anomaly...she wasn't expected to live...but she was a fighter! I told myself if she could do it then I could too! Statistics are just numbers that change everyday. Think about it. When the weatherman says there is a 20% chance of rain, and it doesn't rain...the percentage changes positively! If you are one more that survives cancer...the prognosis improves!

While a diagnosis of cancer will probably mean certain, and maybe even significant changes in your life, it doesn't mean your life is over! You have to make that choice in your mind and in your heart! Even if the type of cancer you have is terminal you have to chose how you will live the rest of your days. Have a listen to the song "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw. The refrain says, "I went sky diving, I went Rocky Mountain climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. And I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying. And he said "Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying"."

So no matter what your diagnosis or your prognosis keep your chin up and live each day to the fullest! Here is a link about a lung cancer survivor who has the right attitude! She is amazing! Have a look!

Cancer survivor skis to North Pole

I leave you with this scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7. It is the scripture I have been quoting since the day I finished my treatments and walked out of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center alive. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".

My best to all of you out there in your own fight. You can do it...just believe...