Cancer Survivor Accepts the Challenge

I cannot express enough the anger and disbelief I experienced after reading your article, “Cancer’s Long Shadow” (Aug. 20). The title itself set a somber mood--that cancer, like a dark shadow or shroud, can be a menacing, intimidating force over cancer survivors.

True, anyone who has had cancer cannot deny or escape the potentially negative effects or influences the disease will have on their lives, but what was not mentioned in the article was how many survivors continue on with their lives with an unrelenting passion to overcome all obstacles and pursue all goals.

I speak from experience. Fourteen years ago, at the age of 17, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Within the course of the year, I was treated and recovered. Although my illness was short-lived, I will never be able to hide from my past. My cancer affected a facial muscle, and as a result of treatment and multiple reconstructive surgeries, my face is now slightly deformed.

The bottom line is that cancer affected my physical features, not my mind and not my spirit.

I speak for myself and other young adult cancer survivors when I say we have not all been stigmatized by our illness. Fear of rejection or lack of acceptance is not part of our personality profile. Instead, achievement, pride and perseverance are key in our vocabulary--and we eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead.

JUDY RYAN

Glendale