Survivor: Cancer was an ‘odd blessing’
Posted: Monday, October 06, 2008 11:44 AM by Rina Raphael
Filed Under:
Health, Kathie Lee
Kathy Brickman, the 66-year-old winner of “Everyone Has a Story,” has a particularly interesting and inspiring tale: she credits breast cancer for “saving her life.” A few years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but when she went in for testing, doctors found something even more alarming – stage-4 lung cancer. No one thought she would live long, but she managed to beat both cancers, and this Thursday, she will celebrate her victory with TODAY.
“Cancer can knock your socks off,” Kathy said, “but once you catch your breath, you realize there is so much hope – you should never let go of that.” Watch video
Learn more about Kathy’s journey by reading her winning essay:
"Everyone has a story" – my goodness! I hear that phrase all the time, because I am a cancer survivor and survivors can all relate to that phrase.
My story began in January 2005, when I was diagnosed with the earliest stage of breast cancer. Easy. Have a lumpectomy, some radiation and be cured. Even so, there's nothing like the word "cancer" to knock your socks off.
My husband and I planned to go to Florida early in February, so my lumpectomy was scheduled later in the month, after our return. I had the usual blood work, an EKG and a chest X-ray during the week before the Sunday we were to leave. The surgeon's office called on Friday to say there was an abnormality in my lung and I needed a cat scan. The CAT scan was done that same day. My oncologist called and said she would push for the results on Saturday because she did not want us to go to Florida with that hanging over our heads. She called again Saturday evening to say we would not be going to Florida and that I needed a biopsy on Monday. Tuesday evening we met with her and learned that I have stage-4 lung cancer. The breast cancer was put on hold. I have always said "God bless the breast cancer." I had no symptoms of lung cancer and would not have found it expect for the breast cancer. Scary. You would think your body would tell you.
It has been over three and a half years and I have beaten the odds so far. In fact, my surgeon told me that when I was diagnosed, no one thought I would live very long, so the breast cancer was a non-issue. But since I fooled them, I had to have a mastectomy this month to take care of the breast cancer. Now I can forget about that little pest.
People I come in contact with tell me that my attitude is terrific. All I know is that although I would never wish cancer on anyone, it has been a sort of an odd blessing for me. The other patients I have met during chemo are the most wonderful people. It's almost like we belong to this private club that no one wants to join. We don't sweat the small stuff anymore. And I realize how this cancer thing isn't just mine, it belongs to my whole family -- my husband, our son and daughter, grandchildren, my sisters and then to my wide circle of friends. I am so fortunate to have such support.
No one is promised tomorrow. We need to fill our days with hugs and lots of laughter.
Tune in to TODAY this Thursday for a musical performance inspired by Kathy's essay.
Related: He’s immobile, but his song has the power to move
