The Joy of "Living with Cancer"

For the past year I have been writing about what it is like to live with a diagnosis of cancer. My column is published in the Charlotte Sun’s “Feeling Fit” section each Sunday. It has been a joy to write for the newspaper each week and then to receive feedback and encouragement from the Sun’s readership. My purpose in writing the column was to provide hope and encouragement to other cancer patients – and there are many in our community. What I have received instead is love and prayers from many readers.


Any cancer diagnosis is devastating. The biggest question in the minds of newly diagnosed cancer patients is “what comes next.” My column was intended to provide cancer patients a vision of a future living with cancer. My message has been that cancer is NOT a death sentence, but something we eventually come to terms with and, in time, learn to live with.


As a result of writing a weekly column on cancer, I have been asked to serve as honorary chair of the Port Charlotte Relay for Life representing cancer survivors. I’m honored and I am more than glad to do it, although I question my credentials.


Since being diagnosed with cancer, I’ve wondered about the term “survivor” as it is typically applied. In current usage it seems that a “survivor” is anyone diagnosed with cancer who is not dead. But after my diagnosis I learned that, in the medical world, cancer survivorship is measured by living five years or more from the date of diagnosis. Technically, to be a survivor, don’t I have to live five or more years? It has been just two years since my diagnosis of inoperable Stage IIIA adenocarcenoma, which has a survivorship rate of about 15 percent. Don’t I have at least three more years before I am officially a survivor and not a victim?


I consider myself to be a victim of cancer ….but I aspire to be a survivor and to lead my life in an exemplary way. My cancer diagnosis has, for me, made clear my mission in life, which is to help others and make every day count. My life is a blessing not to be wasted. I’ve come to realize that material things in life do not make you rich. The real measure of the value of your life is what you do for others.


Being part of Relay for Life is another opportunity to make a contribution to the lives of others, and I am glad to be a part of it. Thank you to everyone who helps our common cause to beat cancer and help cancer patients continue to lead rich and fulfilling lives!


If you are interested in becoming involved in Relay for Life and creating a team to benefit our local American Cancer Society, contact Amanda Tiseo at c_a_tiseo@comcast.net