The editor:
“You have cancer,” are three of the scariest words anyone will ever hear. After I heard those words in December, 2002, I knew my life would never be the same again.
Many people do not realize that there are resources to help get you through this very difficult time. Having cancer is hard, but the American Cancer Society makes finding help easier. Through its Cancer Resource Network, the Society offers information, day-to-day help, and many forms of support to help those touched by cancer through their cancer experience. Some examples of free and confidential services include information on helping manage the side effects of treatment, understanding insurance issues, arranging transportation to appointments, or even talking with others who have had cancer.
When I first heard those words and was officially diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated. I felt that my life was over. So many of my friends and family had passed away with cancer and I thought, “Well, I won’t live with this dreaded disease.” I felt sorry for myself for a couple of weeks and kept thinking “Why me?” and then my next thought was “Why not me?” I finally decided that I could continue to feel sorry for myself and believe that I couldn’t survive this disease or I could start the battle and win.
As a cancer survivor, even though the odds were against me, I feel that I faced my diagnosis of cancer and won. Because of my experiences, I have learned how to make the best and most of life. Having a positive/optimistic attitude was the key in my circumstances.
I believe my diagnosis became a wake-up call. It made me realize that I wanted to experience life fully, not lose it. I could whine about my health and losing my hair, or I could continue living my life to the best of my ability and truly believe that cancer was not going to defeat me. I believe that I did just that by continuing my life in a positive manner. I continued to work and only missed on those days that I had chemotherapy. I had lots of prayers and support during my illness. Going through an illness like cancer, makes you more aware of all the things that are important and one of those is the love, support and prayers that you are given by your family, friends, co-workers and church family.
The American Cancer Society provided me with the resources I needed to fight back against cancer with courage and hope. I encourage every reader who may need it, to make use of these wonderful and very helpful services. They certainly improved my life.
Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone seeking information can find it by calling 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) or visiting www.cancer.org.
Phyllis DeHart
Morehead
