You Can Do This by Beverlye Hyman-Fead,
author of I Can Do This: Living with Cancer

Beverlye's Bio

You get the diagnosis and you're in shock! This can't be true. I take such good care of myself. I work out. I eat healthily. It can't be me but it is true and it is me. I was convinced my life had stopped. But the good news is it is usually up to us how we will spend the rest of our lives.

Cancer still kills. I won't kid you, but its happening less and less now. Most people get diagnosed, receive treatment, and go on with their lives. We can choose how much we receive and give after that.

I was given the worse diagnosis possible: two months to live if I didn't agree to extensive chemotherapy, surgery and then more chemo. I opted for an experimental treatment and five years later I'm living with my cancer. and gusto!

I love to talk to new cancer patients to give then hope. Giving them hope energizes me. It makes me feel I was spared for a reason. You would feel the same.

After your treatment kicks in, start planning for your future. What new plans can you come up with for yourself? How can you help others? Plans are exciting and give you something to look forward to. I think it is interesting to join cancer organizations. They all do wonderful things so pick one that is near you and fits your needs.

Doing something personal is always more rewarding. For instance, volunteering to help women who don't speak English get their mammograms. It is very gratifying. Write your feelings down if you can. (I wrote my first book after I was diagnosed. I was sixty-nine years old.)

Walk in cancer walks. Go to cancer talks. Work with children and have fun with your own.

This birthday I am turning seventy-four. I am thinking of taking up karate with gusto.

Address on the web: beverlyehymanfead.com
Author of I Can Do This! Living with Cancer: Tracing a Year of Hope.