A positive attitude despite life trials

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
A positive attitude despite life trials
4
Mon, 08-24-2009 - 5:22pm

One of our clinicians passed along this woman's story.  She knew Fran's positive spirit would resonate with me.  Each of us know at least one person who is battling cancer or some other trial in his/her life.  The last two paragraphs of her story below reflect my own beliefs and daily aspirations for wellness.  I would only add the word "intentional" to her description of a positive spirit, meaning I am totally responsible for how I think, feel, and behave.  I thought her story may give some of you a mood boost as well.  :o)

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


 


~ Kara ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2008
Mon, 08-24-2009 - 5:38pm

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.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
Tue, 08-25-2009 - 2:51pm

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 ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2008
Tue, 08-25-2009 - 3:39pm

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.


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
Wed, 08-26-2009 - 8:47am
Great story, Kara!

Nadine - deenie1979

jesussig.jpg image by nadine1979