Cancer Survivors Take Day to Savor Life, Search for Renewal

National Cancer Survivors Day was somewhat of a bittersweet occasion for those who observed it here Sunday.

A group of two dozen people who gathered at Glendale Adventist Medical Center for a luncheon and to plant a tree included some who had prevailed in their bouts with the disease and others still learning how to fight.

“I’m getting healthy, but emotionally I’m not doing so well,” said Ginger Smedley, 53, a Burbank resident who first learned she had ovarian cancer in 1993. “God has given me a reason to be alive today. I just have to see that reason.”

The first Sunday in June was designated National Cancer Survivors’ Day by the National Coalition of Cancer Survivors, said Karen Byczynski, Glendale Adventist’s administrative director for cancer services.

Hospitals and other organizations around the country observe the day with activities similar to those held in Glendale. The idea is to set aside time for patients to reflect and find strength.

“We are celebrating people living with cancer and surviving cancer,” said Cindy Smith, the hospital’s oncology care coordinator.

Cancer is the No. 2 cause of death in the United States, second only to cardiovascular disease, Smith said.

Glendale Adventist--which diagnoses about 500 cases of cancer yearly--maintains a fraternity of cancer patients, many of whom try to encourage one another through support groups, including one at the hospital, Smith said.

“It makes you feel good that there are still people that care for one another,” said Jesse Valles, 53, a truck driver until six months ago, when he learned of his prostate cancer.

At Sunday’s tree planting in the hospital’s Anniversary Garden--where lunch tables were decorated with yellow cloths and marigolds--the reality of the disease was not forgotten.

“I still don’t know where I stand,” said Joanna Wesler, 46, who less than a year ago found a lump in her breast as she dressed for her birthday celebration. She had an operation to remove the tumor and is awaiting test results to see if she is cancer-free.

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The fight against cancer is twofold, patients say.

After diagnosis, first comes an aggressive attack against the disease through surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.

But patients also fight an emotional struggle that engulfs them, family and friends.

“It’s amazing how many people disappear from your life when you get diagnosed,” Wesler said.

Matters were even worse for Smedley, who was in this country alone with her husband because her family lives in her native Scotland.

Her husband--a heavy drinker already--began drinking even more after her diagnosis and died three years ago, she said. Because of her depression she has even attempted suicide.

“I just have to listen to my friends,” she said. “They all tell me to stop having negative thoughts.”

Indeed, supportive friends is what cancer patients need.

Said Smedley: “If I have any advice for those who know people with cancer, it’s to support them.”