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Joan Smith

The day I found out I had cancer I was not surprised. My mother and grandmother had both had breast cancer and my oldest sister had died of ovarian cancer years earlier.

My second thought was, “If it had to be someone, I’m glad it was me.” I felt I could handle it better than any of my three remaining sisters. I had grown up doing what I had to do.

Then I thought, “Wait a minute! I have lots more to do with my life. I WILL survive.”

That was my mantra throughout my treatment, and it remains my mantra today, eight years later.
I’ve packed a lot of living into those eight years. I joined a writing class at City of Hope, and saw our class’s dream of publishing a book become a reality. I’ve worked with the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Program as a volunteer. I’ve mentored two teenagers, both of whom are doing fine.

Even better, I’ve seen a grandchild marry, three more graduate from high school. One grandson has starred in productions of a children’s repertory theater, one plays soccer, another swims. Now I have a great-granddaughter to spoil and enjoy. I’m writing my memoirs ….. and I’m not done yet..