A Dancer Uses Attitude, Exercise to Beat Cancer
“The tumor is cancerous.”
After getting the word from my doctor three years ago in a 2 p.m. phone call, I still went on to teach my 4 o’clock dance class. Through the anger, fear and possibility of death, I danced harder and faster until I dropped at the end of class. By 5:30, I was much more relaxed and felt better about discussing my future with my husband, who’s a physician, and my new doctors.
What changed? What didn’t?
I never stopped teaching my aerobics and dance classes. No matter how I felt, I was positive every day and gave all I could to my students. And in return, I received the most wonderful support from them. In my hip-hop class, I was so cool with my bald head.
Was it easy?
No, but it was the best medicine anyone could have to survive double mastectomy, removal of ovaries, radiation and chemotherapy. At first, surgery limited me for a short time, but when the stitches came out, I busted out (pun intended) and tried to show others that life goes on and that cancer does not have to consume you. It’s only a roadblock, which I will drive around and continue on my journey through life.
Did it change my life?
It didn’t stop me from continuing to move, to teach--and completing the California AIDS Ride (the 600-mile, seven-day annual fund-raiser for AIDS research). I still think positively. One thing that did change was my love for life: It tastes better. I appreciate so much more of what I have and quit worrying about what I don’t have.
I strongly believe that I was able to get through all the treatments with few adverse side effects because I was in top physical condition, and never stopped exercising or dancing. Exercise isn’t a magic bullet but a major component for a healthy life. That’s why I keep on moving. By the way, my latest adventure was climbing Mt. Whitney in one day with 12 other women. Why? Because you go around only once, and when opportunity is at your doorstep, go for it!
Debby Feldman, 59, is a three-year cancer survivor.
How Did You Do It?
Do you have a story about how you lost weight and kept the pounds off? Or a story about how you learned to mountain climb or in-line skate, trained for a half-marathon or discovered a unique way of keeping fit, dealing with a nagging ailment or persevering with a fitness regimen despite some obstacles?
If so, we’d like to hear from you. Tell us your story in a 500-word essay listing what worked in terms of diet, exercise and encouragement, as well as any emotional and physical changes.
For weight-loss stories, send us full-body color photos of yourself, before and after. For other types of stories, send a color photo of yourself doing the activity you’re writing about.
Send essay and photos to How I Did It, Health, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Include daytime and evening phone numbers. Submissions cannot be returned. And, please, no phone calls.
In addition to publication, winners will receive a Los Angeles Times Health section gym bag.