A Quarter-Century of Thriving: How Cancer Taught Me to Live

I've read the stories of those who distinctly remember before and after cancer, what they feel they can't do now, and how they mourn their losses. Not once have I heard it as a blessing! For those who think I'm crazy, I've been fighting cancer since 1999 and just celebrated 25 years with metastatic breast cancer. I originally was told I had six months to live when the cancer spread down my spine and peppered my liver along with three large lesions.

Finding opportunity in adversity

You have the ability to look at the glass of water half full or half empty. Instead of wallowing (it's okay for a short period), look at what you can do. Given a death sentence, I became a founder of a regional nonprofit to provide financial and emotional support for those in my community who needed assistance. In other words, I had a cause to strive to live, and later a reason to thrive. Dreams can come true even for cancer patients.

Four years ago, California recognized my nonprofit as the outstanding nonprofit of the year. More importantly, I encourage patients to get involved in our classes. I teach floral design and crafts and assist with our support group. I don't have all the answers, but having gone through almost three decades of experience, I can provide hope versus despair.

Practical ways to live positively

• Focus on the positive: What's one thing you did today that made you smile? Stop to smell the roses, thank someone for assistance, or make it through another round of chemo.
• There will always be someone worse off than you. If you're feeling bad, help someone else. Bake a treat and share it, take someone's trash can in, or compliment a stranger. In other words, focus on living, not the disease.
• Bucket list: Who says you can't have one? Just modify it if you need to: a vacation locally versus around the world; volunteering a day if unable to work; seeing a friend (if your immune system is low, meet your friend outside and off-hours).

Embracing life's potential

I believe within every crisis lies an opportunity; one just needs to see outside the box. Having a different perspective or trying something new can change your attitude or outlook. I've become more creative in my approach to things; I've had to. I've developed microscopic colitis, immunoglobulin deficiency (resulting in subcutaneous infusions every two weeks for life), hearing loss, and high carbon dioxide in my blood from shutting down my anterior serratus muscles in my ribs, limiting my breathing. Life is worth living to "YOUR" potential. Please don't let cancer destroy your joy. I'm here to tell you cancer is a blessing to me; it taught me to "live."