Diana and Rigo
[In 2005, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) launched World Cancer Day to increase awareness about the growing cancer crisis with the public, government leaders and health policymakers across the globe. In 2011, Feb. 4 is designated World Cancer Day.]
About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime, and 1 in 4 cancers in women are breast cancer, with breast cancer death rates being higher than any other cancer besides lung cancer (http://www.breastcancer.org/). These are disturbing statistics — even more so when you’re the 1 of 8 women with cancer.
In September 2010, a routine mammogram revealed a lump in my left breast. After a more thorough investigation via ultrasound and a core needle biopsy, it was confirmed that I had invasive ductal carcinoma. The diagnosis of cancer was the most intensely frightening experience I have ever had, and the ensuing treatment regimen of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is the most challenging task I have ever faced. Cancer attacks a person on many more levels than just the cellular one, and it is taking every fiber of my being to battle it effectively. Cancer is life-altering in every aspect of a person — emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. The fact is that, while I had no choice in being diagnosed with cancer, I did have a choice in how I will react to it and the degree to which I will allow it to control my life. This is what I want to share with you — some of the lessons I have learned in just a few short months.
I am in a very early period of my total cancer journey, having recently gone through two surgeries and completed 50% of my chemotherapy treatment. More chemotherapy, radiation and ongoing treatment lie ahead. I can, however, begin to talk about how cancer has impacted me. I have chosen to embrace my battle with cancer and learn as much as I can from it. First, my experience has taken my level of compassion and empathy for those who suffer to an entirely new level. Having interacted with hundreds of oncology patients over the years with animal-assisted therapy, never did I imagine that I, myself, would be in their place someday. Now I know exactly how it feels and, hopefully, through my experience, I can help others through their journey. Second, I am astounded at the resiliency of the human spirit to fight a battle which, at best, is relentlessly both emotionally and physically exhausting. Cancer interferes with a person’s “internal possessions,” those uniquely personal and vulnerable parts of our being such as health, self-image and will. It is easy to succumb to an attitude of “why me?” and drown in pessimism and a seemingly solitary sorrow. The will to survive and the perseverance never to give up the fight is, I believe, stronger than cancer and pivotal to beating it. Yes, the physical body is altered by surgery and made sick by powerful chemotherapy drugs, but external appearance doesn’t define who we are inside and treatment doesn’t last forever. The true proof of a person’s resiliency is not in how much cancer took from them, but by what kind of a person they were going through it. As vital as an expert treatment team of doctors and loving caregivers are to recovery, ultimately, the real power to battle and defeat cancer lies within the patients themselves. Keeping a positive attitude, managing fear, seizing the day, and refusing to give up are four daily goals of mine. Also, no matter how bad a day may be, there is always something I can be thankful for. I think of three each day (for instance, how after many years of serving others through animal-assisted therapy, I can now enjoy being on the receiving end by being comforted by my own, and other, therapy dogs; or how quickly I can get ready in the morning with no hair to style!). Third, life takes on new meaning and perspective because cancer causes one to re-examine choices involving priorities about what is most important in life. Cancer forced me to slow down and be more introspective about the importance of relationships and developing my spiritual life. Cancer is a uniquely grounding and humbling experience. Receiving weekly infusions, sometimes for 5 hours at a time, or being a patient in the oncology unit are definitely not pleasant; however, I choose to use them as unique opportunities for personal growth.
For those of you reading this who are going through cancer, I wish you peace and the ability to thrive in the midst of challenges. Always remember that cancer does not define who you are. Refuse to give it the permission to weaken your spirit and determination. Be encouraged by the tremendous strength you have within you to win the battle and be well again. Those of you not personally experiencing cancer probably know someone who is. Your encouragement and support is incredibly important and uplifting and fuels the road to recovery more than you can know. I have received such amazing support from my family, friends, my fellow teammates in American Humane Association Animal-Assisted Therapy, and work colleagues that I can’t begin to tell you how much it has meant to me and how important it has been in the healing process. Together, we can help one another through the cancer journey and, through this same collective spirit, continue to make great strides toward preventing, detecting and treating it.
American Humane Association’s Animal-Assisted Therapy Program and Child Protection Research Center are currently engaged in an exciting research project examining the medical, behavioral, and mental health impacts of animal-assisted therapy on children with cancer and their families. The goal of this study is to promote innovation, evidence-based research, practice improvements, and knowledge advancement, thus furthering the field of research on human-animal interaction and the treatment of cancer in children. It is our hope that this important research will help facilitate the healing process for pediatric oncology patients and their families so that they thrive while coping with the considerable challenges of childhood cancer.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@americanhumane.org should you have any questions about this promising research project.
One comment
Dearest Diana,
You are a true inspiration. Your strength in choosing to address this as a life opportunity and your dedication to live each day so fully is admirable (and good advice to anyone, not just those dealing with cancer). I went through similar treatments in 2002, and you are so right: it is WE who choose how to face our circumstances. I cannot put into words how much your bravery, your compassion, and your dignified journey mean to me and, I am sure, to all who read your posts. We are proud to call you “friend”. Rob G
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