“If you are fighting cancer, the most important ingredient in your emotional arsenal is positivity.” – Honey Good

I owe my life to the doctor I chose and to myself. For eighteen years, despite one recurrence, I have been cancer-free. I am a fortunate and grateful woman. I have lived, learned, and loved over these past eighteen years.

In between my cancer journey, I have, like you, experienced other types of turmoil: the loss of my beloved parents and two of my best friends. I am also facing my Ultimate Concierge’s illness and the estrangement of one of my adult children.

The Power of Positivity

At times, I fear my cancer will return from the stress of these heartaches, but so far, so good. I see my glass as half full, and every negative thought that passes through my mind ends with the word hope. I view my problems in shades of gray, never black. Gray leaves room for hope. Black brings only doom.

I count my blessings and take on new and passionate endeavors: serving on the national board of ZOA, the Zionist Organization of America; knitting a blanket for a new grandbaby; taking guitar lessons; and being my husband’s Florence Nightingale. I constantly work to resolve unpleasant situations. I continue to live life to the fullest, believing that positive thinking and doing are truly great medicine.

The Disruption of Cancer

Like other women who struggle with a life-threatening illness, I mourned the loss of good health. It was a frightening disruption in my life. I spiraled from the top of the mountain to the depths of despair when I learned I had cancer. I told my friends and family:

“Please do not call me, Suzi Good.”

“But, you are a, Suzi,” they said.

“Not anymore,” I replied. “I am forevermore a Susan.”

You see, darling, on the day I learned I had two types of cancer, a certain innocence died within the girl from Kankakee by the Sea, an innocence that would never return. I felt like Chicken Little crying, “The sky is falling. The sky is falling.”

It is now eighteen years later, and I rather doubt I am the woman I would have been had I not gone through fighting cancer. Let me explain how my experience with the Big C affected me.

My Authentic Self

I began to notice subtle yet positive changes that ultimately led to profound growth and transformation. Over time, I went through stages of reflection that revealed shifts in my behavior and thinking. Those thoughts guided me to connect more deeply with my authentic self. I have come to own my unique perspective and realize that authenticity gives me the freedom to feel marvelous, darling!

My empathy for others grew stronger. My love of nature and my faith deepened to a new realm. My relationships became fewer in number but richer in meaning. I have always relished giving back, and my curiosity has long been one of my greatest gifts. Now, I am even more grateful for both. I learned that cancer, or any unexpected trauma, can add new and positive layers of depth to one’s life.

“Every unpleasant experience will have a silver lining if you seize it and don’t allow it to seize you.” -Honey Good 

My Cancer Story

Eighteen years ago, I went to the dermatologist for my yearly body check. A small spot on my leg turned out to be a melanoma that required major surgery. Thank goodness I needed a chest X-ray before the procedure because that X-ray revealed a mass in my lung. In a ten-second timeframe, I learned from my doctor that I had two different types of cancer! Fortunately, they were not related. It was a double shock.

I would not be alive today if I hadn’t gone to the dermatologist for that annual check-up. Early detection is one of the true spices of life! Darlings, being proactive about your health is a responsibility you own, so make your appointments on time. I had zero symptoms. In fact, I never felt better! Early detection is crucial. I owe my life to timely, regular check-ups.

I had two surgeries, two weeks apart. Both cancers (the melanoma and the lung cancer) were diagnosed at Stage 1. Luckily, because of early detection, I did not require chemotherapy or radiation. I did, however, lose half of one lung. Still, I am alive today because I took proactive steps, even when I thought I was perfectly healthy.

Cancer Recovery

In no time, I was out and about: physically recovered and smiling at the world. But I carried a constant ache of fear in my heart. You see, many told me how lucky I was that my cancer was detected early. I didn’t feel lucky. In fact, I was terrified of the word cancer.

Every night for years, when the lights were out, I would whisper to my Ultimate Concierge, “I am terrified.” I still am (eighteen years later) each time I have a CAT scan. My emotional recovery took five years. With each passing year, I felt a little less like Chicken Little crying, “The sky is falling.”

During that five-year period, I continued to live my life to its fullest. I did not lie in bed bemoaning my fate. Instead, I put on my red lipstick, spritzed myself with my favorite perfume, Baccarat 540, and I was out the door for my early morning walk with my pooch. Darling, I lived and had immeasurable self-growth.

The Power of Showing Up

Eighteen years later, I still never miss my CT scan appointment. I begin worrying about the results two or three weeks beforehand, but I still go. This diligence has served me well. Five years ago, another small cancer was found in my other lung and successfully removed. If I had missed that appointment out of fear or neglect, I would not be writing this story today. So, sweet reader, be proactive about your health and about everything in your life.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to fly to New York and meet the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. It happened to fall on the same day as my dreaded CT scan. Instead of meeting the Prime Minister, I met my CT scanner and surgeon, because keeping lifesaving appointments truly saves lives.

Living Life to the Fullest

For the first three years, when I had a CT scan, it would put me in “fear mode” at least a month before the actual scan. I graduated to scans every six months for the following two years, and now I have a yearly scan that still frightens me. Darling, I know this fear will never go away, and I have accepted it as best I can.

It is interesting that in those first five years after being diagnosed with cancer, I had the ability to live an exciting and fast-paced life. I actually accomplished more in my life than I had ever done before. Now I realize that the magical transformation I mentioned earlier in my story was stirring within me.

I studied and had my Bat Mitzvah, then became a writer and the owner of an online magazine. Additionally, I adapted to a Mediterranean diet, which has contributed to a healthier lifestyle. We built a home in California; I traveled with my Ultimate Concierge to countries most Americans will never see, such as Syria, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

In addition, I became an author, made new friends around the world, and became even more curious and grateful. I watched my grands growing up. I lived outside the box. It was the time when I began journaling and realized how authentic I was. I began to ride my own wave, and today, eighteen years later, I own my wave.

Emotional Healing After Cancer

I cannot explain why, but I never felt sorry for myself. I only occasionally wondered what went wrong in my body to create this disease. The cloud hovering over my head that made me think, “The sky is falling,” was a cloud of fear. I believe I started to heal emotionally because I did not cover up my fear of “The Big C.” Instead, I talked about it and lived through the pain of trying to understand how to accept what I could not change. Ongoing research in cancer treatment has given me hope and a better understanding of my condition.

I showed my vulnerable side to family and friends who cared, and I allowed myself to express my fears rather than hide them. I sobbed more than a million tears—buckets full—for months and months. I expressed my feelings of fear to my Ultimate Concierge, who gave me the strength and confidence to want to survive and stay well.

Showing Vulnerability

Showing my vulnerable side made me feel powerful because I was able to share my fears with others. I realized being a vulnerable woman is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.

On a summer day, I walked into the Chanel Boutique to visit a saleswoman who had had Lung Cancer. When I saw her, I broke down in tears. She sat me down on the sofa to convince me to visit her psychologist. I paid the psychologist a visit and she gave me tools that help me:

1. Live openly through your emotional pain.
2. Stay involved with life. Put on your red lipstick and dare yourself to dare.
3. Smell the flowers and smile!
4. Keep your body strong with healthy foods and healthy thinking.
5. Be proactive about your health. Never, never miss your doctor appointment.
6. Be proactive about your health.
7. Be authentic.
8. Be vulnerable.
9. Be curious.
10. Be grateful.

Understanding Cancer Risk

Exploring the factors that contribute to cancer risk and how awareness can empower us.

Understanding cancer risk is like piecing together a complex puzzle. Various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices, all play a role. According to the American Cancer Society, certain habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in processed meats, can significantly increase your cancer risk. On the flip side, embracing a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, can help lower your risk.

Awareness is a powerful tool. By understanding the factors that contribute to cancer risk, you can make informed decisions about your health. For instance, if you have a family history of breast cancer, regular mammograms and genetic testing can be crucial steps in monitoring your risk. Similarly, if you’re a smoker, quitting and undergoing regular lung cancer screenings can make a significant difference.

Empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps to reduce your cancer risk. Your health is in your hands, and every positive change you make can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life.

Cancer Prevention Strategies

Practical steps and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of cancer.

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk. Here are some practical strategies to help you on your journey:

1. Eat a healthy diet: Fill your plate with a rainbow of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods like berries, cruciferous vegetables, and leafy greens are packed with cancer-fighting nutrients.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping your weight in check through a balanced diet and regular exercise can lower your cancer risk.
3. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. Physical activity helps keep your body strong and healthy.
4. Don’t smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer and many other types of cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
5. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can increase your cancer risk. Stick to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
6. Get vaccinated: Vaccines like the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can help prevent certain types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.
7. Get regular cancer screenings: Early detection is key. Regular screenings can catch cancer early when it’s most treatable. Discuss with your doctor which screenings are appropriate for you.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily life can help reduce your cancer risk and enhance your overall well-being. Remember, every small step you take towards a healthier lifestyle is a step towards a brighter, cancer-free future.

One last message:

Don’t see your problem as black. See all your problems the color grey because most problems are solvable. Amen.