Entangled: Why This Anthology Matters to Me
I was thrilled when I was asked to participate in this anthology. I have such a personal stake in a cure for cancer being found. I’ve been fighting the GCB (Great Cancer Battle) for more than fifteen years. I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, and after a mastectomy and chemo I enjoyed nearly seven years of being cancer free. In 2002, it returned in my hip. It has since metastasized to my back, my skull, and my liver. Since that time, I’ve undergone radiation and have been pretty much under chemotherapy for the past eight years. I’ve lost my hair four times, my cookies once, but never lost my sense of humor.
I’m a huge believer that attitude will get you through most anything. I had my moments of pity, but determined that twenty minutes of feeling sorry for yourself is quite long enough and flung myself into the GCB.
I just recently got the news that the current chemo that I’m on is ineffective and will be starting yet another. That makes about eight different chemos in the past year … and yes, I’ll be losing my hair once again.
So, as you can see, myself and millions of other women and men can only benefit from the money raised in this anthology. Entangled represents hope for me. The fact that so many wonderful authors came together to participate in this project only demonstrates their generosity. It seems like no matter who you talk to, that person has been touched by cancer in some way, shape, or form. Whether breast cancer, ovarian cancer, liver, or pancreatic … everyone knows someone, is related to someone, or is undergoing the GCB themselves.
I’d love for this rat-bastard disease to be eradicated in my lifetime. That can only happen through the efforts of people like these wonderful authors who participated in Entangled.
Liz, I think of you as my warrior writer friend. I know how strong you are. And I know that you will kick cancer’s ass.
My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy, which did help and she lived a great many years afterward. My mother and I were concerned, of course, as the years went by, and we’ve been thankfully blessed that the rat-bastard disease has passed us by, at least according to the law of averages – we’re aware that anything can still happen. I’m not sure I could maintain the attitude you’ve taken to heart, Liz. But because of it, you’re an inspiration to women everywhere.
Thanx for the kind words. I think that every woman is far stronger than she gives herself credit for. Personally, I think getting hit by this has made me a stronger and better person. Would I want to go through this? Not on your life … nor would I wish it on anyone else. We all do what we have to do to get through any life-threatening disease. I chose to meet it head on, on my own terms and I’m of the “take no prisoner’s” attitude. I have far too much to do in this lifetime, so there is no way I’m going to let something like cancer stop me. I have a lovely family (a 12 year old daughter), my day job … which I’m proud to say that I rarely lose time at, a writing career and countless friends. Its through the support of everyone that a cancer patient gets through the day. Believe me … I know how lucky I am in that respect.
You’re an inspiration, Liz.
My mother had cancer just before she hit eighty. Stomach cancer, probably the same kind that killed my father (his had gone too far by the time he was diiagnosed). Today she’s well and sprightly.
So whatever age you are, and whatever you have, you can get through.
The other lesson? If it doesn’t feel right, get it checked out. Don’t try to struggle through.
My best friend is battling breast cancer for the second time. this is such a personal journey. great project. thanks for sharing your story
This is such a great cause to support and one I dearly wish we didn’t have to fight anymore . . . my gorgeous fella passed 3 years ago and a dear friend is in the final stages of this hideous disease.
Looking forward to adding my support and getting Entangled between the pages .. .