A positive attitude despite life trials
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| Mon, 08-24-2009 - 5:22pm |
May we continue to encourage one another.
Kara
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Sisterhood of Survivorship
Sharing, Caring, Surviving
Fran D's Story
Year Diagnosed: 1998
Type of Cancer: ovarian, breast
Earning My Survivor’s Wings
Fran Di Giacomo, PhD (Perpetually hairless Dame)
In the world of cancer, I have been branded with the "S" word. Through years of trench warfare in hospitals and cancer treatments, I never thought of myself as a survivor—only as a patient. More appropriate would be "Chemo Scam Artist"—I've absorbed more toxic waste than the state of Nevada and have more zippers than a bomber jacket. Hospitalized just days before a speaking engagement, I reminded my doctor that this whole survivor caper only works if I can show up!
In case you're wondering what qualifies me for the "S" word, I'm one of those people who get points just for showing up. But I do have some interesting statistics, so I'll do the numbers:
- 9 years with ovarian cancer
- 12 different chemo drugs in my life
- 16 hospitalizations since the ovarian diagnosis
- 24 years since my breast cancer and mastectomy
- 24 times on the operating table in my life
- Graves and Hashimoto's Disease...... (Whew!)
I boil it down to a crooked smile, a warped sense of humor, and a defective cancer gene. At one point I decided to stop complaining and start bragging; I figured I'd earned a certain distinction, and awarded myself an appropriate title: PhD (Perpetually hairless Dame). You'd think the medical university would happily grant me an honorary degree—they have enough of my dollars, DNA, and dissected body parts to establish another national institute. But I'm also living my fairy tale as a professional artist.
In 1998 I stood beside my doctor viewing CT scans for ovarian cancer. Glowing in the dark were enough tumors to fill an English tea set—cups, creamer, pot and all. Recovery from surgery was a new kind of war: Still on pain killers, I started chemo, and learned to accept cancer as a lifestyle. This was the defining moment when I rejected tears and self-pity, and made a conscious decision to fill my life with laughter. I quickly realized that laughter energized me so I could continue my oil painting. Art gives me a reason to get out of bed, and laughter gives me the strength to face each day with zest and enthusiasm.
I looked cancer in the face and declared war. Between surgeries and chemo, I earned signature status in Oil Painters of America, produced solo art exhibits, painted prestigious portraits, conducted TV/magazine/radio interviews, and wrote a book designed to help others find courage and joy. It's no accident that I manage to be happy and healthy, and frequent requests for advice led me to write I'd Rather Do Chemo Than Clean Out the Garage: Choosing Laughter Over Tears. Wedged between the chuckles I give readers my "Art of Life" chapter with tools necessary for navigating their challenges.
As cancer patients undergoing endless pain and treatments, every day we make important decisions regarding our lifestyle, environment and medical care. Everyone reaches that defining moment when we must either take charge or self-destruct. Apathy, lethargy, and depression are the "killer trio." Depression is like cancer—left to grow and fester, it will destroy you. Like cancer, it is often difficult to recognize, with symptoms that are vague and indefinable.
We hear a lot about "positive attitude"—what the heck is that anyway? It's not bells and whistles and phony exuberance. It is simply personal resolve; a quiet personal resolve which permeates every facet of life, and becomes a source of inner strength. Our wings may be singed—but we can still fly!
Visit Fran at http://www.TheChemoLady.com
Photo and link to her Survivor's story: http://www.wcn.org/wall_of_hope/ovarian_cancer/fran_digiacomo.html

This is inspiring to have read. This person sure went through a lot.
Reading this makes me think she went through a lot and can do things that she is able to do.
It is her decision to see it through and look beyond.
If I find myself having days that I cannot do my regular workouts, I can still do workout in smaller schedules. I look beyond my blocked days.
If I find myself having days that I cannot do my regular workouts, I can still do workout in smaller schedules. I look beyond my blocked days.
This is so true, sweet rose.
~ Kara ~
Yes Kara, I would try to find a way around the blocks. My swhusband is the same way. He called recently wanting a map of an area to find a quicker route to his destination instead of taking the long route.
Nadine - deenie1979