I survived both breast cancer and ovarian cancer and, through my experiences, discovered how difficult and overwhelming it was to navigate treatments, emotions, and overall life after diagnosis. In talking with many other patients, I learned they all felt the same way. Thus, the creation of my book, which contains the personal experiences and practical advice from 19 amazing cancer survivors, among other information included to benefit the reader.
Been There, Done That: Practical Tips & Wisdom from Cancer Survivors for Cancer Patients is, first and foremost, an HONEST, true-to-life book. It contains detailed first-hand information of cancer experiences and personal advice from 19 brave and amazing cancer survivors — ranging in age from 21 to 91, — some of who survived multiple cancers and even metastasis.
I was born and raised in an international community in Taiwan, where the Dominican nuns there engrained into me the vast importance of being the personification of my name, Amor, meaning Love in many languages. My mother, Angela, also impressed into me the value of promoting peace and sharing love and joy. Since then, I have lived my life trying to represent my name as best I can with everyone.Before cancer, I was a successful human resources executive in the corporate world. I was also an active community volunteer with the Lions Club International branch in Foster City, California where I lived.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and then ovarian cancer in 2016. I also suffered a serious staph infection as one of the treatment side effects. Amidst my many challenges, Iwas not fazed. Not only did I NOT dwell on my negative circumstances, I embraced life and found a higher purpose: a mission of life for life! I believe that I survived so that I can share my knowledge and wisdom, borne from experience with others and help them cope and continue living life, despite the disease. Thus, the creating of my first book, Been There, Done That: Practical Tips & Wisdom from Cancer Survivors for Cancer Patients.
It is scary to think of possibly getting cancer, how much more actually having it! None of the 19 featured survivors in my book ever thought they would get cancer, but they did. None of the 5 featured survivors thought they would have stage IV advanced cancers, but they did. Nevertheless, how they dealt with their diagnoses and moved on was what made all the difference!
Fear is natural when you have to face your mortality. However, allowing fear to take control of your life and how you deal with your cancer should NOT be an option. Below are some reflections and advice to help bring out the power you inherently have within you to be strong, especially when you have cancer.
Stage IV Pancreatic cancer survivor Susan Merport had this to say,
I try not to dwell on the sad things that are not within my control,
and to keep life in perspective, appreciating what I do have.
Today, I just want to thank God for the gift of life.
No requests, no complaints.
I’m just thankful to be alive.
Rev. Linda Siddall, another stage IV Pancreatic cancer survivor, emphatically states,
My cancer is my cancer
and side effects are side effects.
I have high-energy days and I have low-energy days.
For the former, I enjoy what I can.
I have Girls Night Out with girlfriends
I’ve known since we were kids.
We laugh often and hard.
I am just trying to stay alive.
I have wasted so much time on the petty nonsense
that consumes far too many of us …
time we won’t get back.
Today that stops. No more.
I am more awake and aware now more than ever,
and I hope you wake up too
and begin living life fully while you can.
And according to stage IV Colon cancer survivor Scott Michelsen,
Life is too valuable.
It’s too precious.
I just can’t imagine giving up on it,
no matter how tough.
There are days when I think,
“Oh, I can’t do this anymore.'”
But then I remind myself that I can.
I just have to.
I try to find the good in everything.
So what if my feet hurt.
I can get some medication to lessen the pain.
It’s still a beautiful day,
and I’m enjoying the blue skies with the gentle breeze.
You just have to find the good in life and move on.
Cindy Reading, a stage IV breast cancer survivor, wants readers to know:
Even though I went through feelings of uncertainty
that were crazy,
because they actually gave me an ‘expiration date’
saying,
‘You have three months to live,’
I knew that it wasn’t 100% guaranteed either.
So, I kept telling myself,
“Okay wait, I only have today really.
Whether or not I have cancer, I have today.
So what I’m going to do is make it good for me
and make it good for others too, as much as I can!
I feel that even though we go through all this painful experience,
we can still have fun and be into the things we enjoy.
Sure, I get tired and sometimes don’t feel good,
but life is short.
It is.
However, we can also make it just a BLAST!”
Each of us has more greatness than we give ourselves credit for. Whether the strength and courage we need are deep within or just there by the surface, we owe it to ourselves to tap into them and learn how we can be strong in the face of cancer.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cancer, this book would be a valuable, one-of-a-kind gift that will help save time trying to cope and navigate life with cancer.
Since surviving two cancers (breast & ovarian), helping as many cancer patients and survivors as I can cope with their diagnosis and thrive in life has been my mission. And I’m inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words:
What lies behind us and what lies before us
are small matters compared to what lies within us.
And when we bring what it is within us out into the world,
miracles happen.
My very special book is available on Amazon…in paperback https://www.amazon.com/…/dp/1619848376/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0…
and eBook (Kindle)
https://www.amazon.com/…/dp/B07T1MW893/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0….
Penn Valley, California
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