Stories of Gratitude - Nancy's List

What allows one to heal from the wicked thing called cancer? Sitting under a lotus tree in Bhutan? A magic pill from a shaman? Kale? Genetics? Or something else? I am always asked what I did that was so unique, so mysterious, that I survived a lethal dose of cancer, the silent killer as ovarian cancer is often called.

I have thought about this, obsessed about this, beyond the beyond.

I have pondered the power of courage, strength, acceptance, grace, good luck, resolve, bravery, persistence, love. For me, it was very helpful to have an excellent psychologist who encouraged me to define my relationship to my own cancer. And the workshops I took with Dr. Rachel Remen further refined that understanding. I was blessed with significant trust in my clinicians and a magnificent A-team of friends and family and so many angels that embraced me. I came to realize that, for me, the opening of my heart to new loves and old brought forth an attitude of blessed gratitude that I had never known before.

When I read the stories written by cancer survivors on this website, I see the universality of the attitude of gratitude in the process of healing.

I dedicate my work to the cancer patients with whom I have walked the walk, to the mentors who appeared to give me the lessons I so needed to learn, to everyone who held my hand and my heart through my mysterious and magical journey.

And now for essays from wise men and women who continue to inspire and bless me. May they do the same for you.

With immense gratitude …

Gratitude
Oliver Sacks

The Nature of Pets
Rachel Naomi Remen MD,

The Generosity of Strangers
Nancy Novack

This Might be the Best Day Ever
Anne Lamott

The Doctor-Patient Relationship
Rachel Naomi Remen M.D.

Inner Strength
Sue Glader

Gratitude
Nasha Winters

Calling Up Gratitude
Amy Rothenberg ND

Thanks, Cancer! 5 Things to be Grateful for Despite Disease
Jason Decent and Jeff Tomczek

Being Thankful, Even Through Cancer
Stand Up 2 Cancer