I have always had a natural ability to look on the bright side of things. I’ve been an optimist for as long as I can remember, and I like to help those around me find the positive in every situation. I have never been so thankful for this optimism as I was when I was 36 years old. That was the year that I became a mother to a perfect baby girl. It was also the year that I discovered that I had a deadly form of cancer. I immediately quit my job so I would have as little stress as possible and so I could spend as much time as possible with my daughter before surgery… also to just take care of myself.

On November 21, 2005, my doctor looked at me and told me that I had malignant pleural mesothelioma. I did not know much about the disease, but I knew that my life would be changed forever. On this day, my daughter was only 3 1/2 months old, and I was experiencing all the joy that comes from being a new mother. I never expected my joy to be marred by this shocking news. I did not get to decide whether or not I would get cancer, but I knew I had to decide how I was going to handle it. Part of me wanted to scream, blame God and mope around, but thankfully, my optimistic spirit convinced me to fight for myself and for my family.

Most cancer survivors that I know agree that cancer has both terrible and wonderful results. On one hand, cancer is painful and terrifying. On the other hand, cancer can teach you how strong you are, and turn an ordinary person into a warrior. I did not want to face my disease with fear, so I chose to laugh instead of cry. I could not waste valuable time moping around as a victim, because I needed all my energy to fight for my health. During my mesothelioma treatment, I saw the struggles that many other patients faced. I knew that I wanted to spend my life sharing my positive outlook with other people who were affected by cancer.

Thankfully, I was referred to an incredible specialist, who was one the world’s leading mesothelioma doctors. His expertise and positive outlook gave me hope, and my surgery was scheduled for Groundhog’s Day, 2006. I saw the humor in this situation, so I named my tumor Punxsutawney Phil! I also called the date Lungleavin Day instead of Groundhog’s Day, since that would be the date my lung was removed. Not only did I have my entire left lung removed, but the lining of the lung, where the cancer was, the left half of my diaphragm, the lining of my heart and my 6th rib from the top, as well as all the lymph nodes in the area. The diaphragm and pericardium were then replaced with surgical Gore-Tex. After surgery, I recovered for a couple of months, and then did 4 rounds of chemo, 3 weeks apart, and 30 radiation treatments, every day, Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. All in all from diagnosis to my last radiation treatment it was 11 months. Almost exactly 1 month shy of my diagnosis date. I now celebrate Lungleavin Day every February with an upbeat party.

Many people ask me what life is like with one lung, and honestly, it is a lot like life with 2 lungs… the body has the amazing ability to heal and improve on what it has to use. My lung has actually expanded, and although I do get winded easily, I try to stay active. I do have a 6 year old and she keeps me going. I love to garden, cook and shop. So although sometimes my breathing is not the best, it doesn’t prevent me from being active.     

Thanks to the lessons that my cancer taught me, my life is now filled with purpose. It is my purpose to help others who have mesothelioma and stand as a means of inspiration and hope for them.