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My name is Nancy Novack. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Nancy’s List and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer (there is no stage 5). My right ovary was the size of a grapefruit. My liver was filled with cancer and was twice its appropriate size. My chances for survival were exceedingly slim. Despite an extraordinarily bleak prognosis, my brilliant oncologist at Stanford said the most important words to me, “I am with you.” Those heartfelt words have sustained me, given me hope, and transformed my understanding of the healing process of cancer. I had 21 extremely aggressive and oftentimes grueling chemotherapy treatments, surgery, infections, the blues, but I never ever gave up my attitude of gratitude.
My doctor was always impressed by my ability to respond to the intense treatments and my willingness to continue the chemos even though my body was oftentimes depleted and exhausted. He remained vigilant and very cautious in his comments after receiving promising reports on my countless tests and scans. He always said, “Good, BUT…” About two years ago, he told me that he was quite convinced that I was cured and that my cancer would never return. There were tears in all our eyes. It is a miracle. I hope to always remain in my favorite role as Stanford’s poster child.
I created Nancy’s List in response to my own particular needs as a cancer patient/survivor and to those I believe are shared by men and women and children and teens facing this challenge. During my treatment, I was blessed with a magnificent “A-Team” who held my hand and my heart every step of the way. Many, way too many, cancer patients go through this struggle without the support they need. I watched their desperate lonely faces as they sat alone in the chemo room while I entered with a friend or two, in one of my many flamboyant wigs, with bags of food. They always listened closely while my companion guided me through a visualization exercise. Oftentimes, the room became very still and one person might ask if my friend could speak a little louder. I was truly touched and, even now, I am haunted by their aloneness. I know that survivors worry about feeding their children, losing their jobs and their courage, facing bankruptcy and foreclosures and defaults on college loans, the loss of their insurance or funds for their medications. I know that they suffer with feelings of isolation, fear, and deep sadness while, all the time, praying for resilience and independence.
I am grateful to be alive. When I was so challenged to survive, my cancer gave me permission to truly live and love. I am committed to blending the teachings of my mysterious experience of cancer and my therapeutic skills as a licensed clinical psychologist to do whatever I can to enhance the quality of the lives of these brave people in my community who are living with cancer, so that they may hold onto their spirits and their hopes and their love. My goal is to share the power of those simple exquisite words, “I am with you.”
With my immense gratitude to Dr. Brandy Sikic... |
