Our Survivors Share their thoughts on: Resilient People are Adaptable…
Being diagnosed with cancer presents you with a challenge. In order to meet that challenge and win, you must be able to adapt every step of the way.
Susan Meiser
I had to adapt my entire life. I was handed an unfortunate card in life and you just have to change to do what needs to be done.
Nicole Nichols-Gasser
I had to deal with breast cancer diagnosis and Treatment 3 months after I lost my 27 year old son. I believe the trauma of his death caused my cancer. In any event, I was able to get through both. Why? You have to. Adapt, adjust, regroup, and lots of therapy.
Nancy Knoebel
I had to juggle my work schedule to attend chemotherapy and oncologist sessions.
Patricia Manzo
I was fortunate enough to respond well to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I also made sure I followed a plan of moderate exercise, including special attention to lymphedema flare ups.
It was difficult to pick up and carry my baby granddaughter, and it was almost impossible to walk up a flight of stairs because the chemo attacked my quads.
As a professional performing musician, it was important for me to return to work as quickly as possible. One of the things I had to do was buy smaller, lighter weight amps and such. This made a huge difference, because the summer and fall after my surgery was jam-packed with festival performances, with my full band. My voice and leg muscles in particular were all very weak, but I pulled through, with the support of wonderful friends and family.
Now, six years later, I’m still dealing with occasional lymphedema and tender scar tissue, but I continue to work through the discomfort with exercise. I’ve even learned to play the drums and it feels great!
Dina Hall
To me… Resiliency means taking one day at a time – embracing offers of help and support – not letting cancer define you – using your cancer as a springboard to something positive big or small – being strong when you can, but knowing that tired, angry, confused and sad are ok too.
Laurie Flynn
We are thrown curve balls every day. We learn how to survive based on our adaptability. We figure out what we need to do to go on and do it. Cancer has taught me that life doesn’t always go as planned and you need to be flexible to move forward. I was forced to make choices that I never imagined. I was forced to look at my life and make changes. I am forever thankful because I learned how to take care of myself. I no longer take things for granted and try to live my best life every day.
Tia Walsh
Once diagnosed the journey becomes adapting to a new reality and forging a path forward to survive and thrive .
Raju Bains
Cancer has taught alot about being resilient. When you have no other choice but to be resilient. I have learned so much about myself and other people as well on my cancer journey.
Angela Hagstrom