The power of positivity is subjective when it comes to cancer survival. There are those who argue that keeping up a positive attitude puts too much pressure on cancer patients. I think it depends on who you are at the time of cancer diagnosis, and what your individual personality style is in facing adversity, that is far more relevant to being a survivor. Last Wednesday, when the news broke that Farrah Fawcett had been diagnosed with cancer, she asked that her privacy be respected. As is the case with most celebrities, it was not likely to happen. We have seen almost constant coverage in the details of her cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the paparazzi have captured in photographs her every movement.
On Friday, Fawcett issued a statement that she is remaining positive that she will survive cancer. However private she desired her battle with cancer to be, it seems the only thing she could do was make a public statement -- considering the news coverage.
"Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one's own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
I am resolutely strong and I am determined to bite the bullet and fight the fight while going through the next six weeks of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatment. I should be able to return to my life as it was before at the end of my treatment.
I am so grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of concern, love, prayers and compassion from all over the world. You are all a source of enduring strength."
From what I understand, Fawcett has faced all of life's adversities with a fighting spirit. It is in her character to do so, but for other cancer patients, who have different personality styles, a fighting spirit may not have been the coping style that has gotten them through life thus far, and would not be the coping style they need now to survive cancer. So it is important to note, that the statement Fawcett issued, entitled Positivity is a Necessity, is true for her. We negotiate through life, and face the inevitable adversities that will come our way, with a spirit uniquely our own.
I, as a cancer survivor, have a fighting spirit and so I know intimately what Fawcett is referring to when she talks about the power of a strong positive will. But I have seen others approach cancer survivorship with a gentler approach, and survive as well. The human spirit can rise up out of the abyss of unimaginable tragedy, but there are many ways to ascend. In being a survivor -- go with your strengths and do what works for you.











1. BEING A CARCINOID CANCER SURVIVOR OF 50 MONTHS WITH USUALLY COMMON GASINTESTIONAL PAIN DAILY AFTER REMOVING LIVER LESSIONS AND RADIATION I STILL HAVE DAILY PAIN INTERMITTINGLY. HOPING THAT SHE HAS GOOD MEDICINE WITH THE BEST PHYSICIANS AS POSSIBLE SUCH AS THE MD ANDERSON, SLOAN-KETTERING AND OTHERS. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YA ON TV AGAIN. BE A SURVIVOR. JOHN
Posted at 5:30PM on Oct 7th 2006 by JOHN R HALL JR