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Recently someone referred to me as a cancer victim, at which point I nearly came unglued. To some extent our society and the 24/7 up close and personal media wants to color everyone who has ever had a tragedy in their lives with the victim crayon. While I have had my share of tragedy I have never been a victim and don’t intend to start now, and if you are reading this, I am virtually certain you feel the same way.
I think of victims as people who are found murdered in alleyways or have their identity and social security numbers stolen by thugs in search of a quick buck. Survivors are those of us who have heard the words “you have cancer” and continue to move forward. We persevere even in the face of what may be certain death from our cancer. We continue to survive, day after day. That is what we do. We survive. We may also be mothers, fathers, accountants and movie stars, but first and foremost, we are survivors. <PREVIEWEND>
When most of the world thinks about cancer survivors, they probably think of Lance Armstrong who, without a doubt, is the cancer survivor most of us hope to become. When I think of cancer survivors I think of my friend Susan Pollack. We met when she volunteered to have legendary makeup artist Sandy Linter and Lancôme Cosmetics give her a makeover for some of the “Self-Image” videos on the BreastCancerSisterhood.com.
Since then I have learned Susan Pollack is an amazing woman who possesses a quiet inner strength, steadfast determination, deep love of family and friends, a nurturing compassion for other survivors and a disarming sense of humor. What started as a makeover for my website has inspired Sandy Linter and her legion of fans, the fabulous Kerry Diamond and the team at Lancôme Cosmetics, plus the women I hear from who view Sandy and Susan’s makeover videos on the BreastCancerSisterhood.com. Did I mention Sue Pollack was diagnosed with breast cancer 27 years ago and has been living with metastasis to the bone for over 14 years? Fourteen years!!! I am speechless!! In my opinion, Sue Pollack is proof of answered prayers.
When she was first diagnosed her daughter was four-years-old, and Sue prayed she would live to see her grow up or at least to grow a little bit older. Sue Pollack’s prayers were answered and for 13 years she was cancer-free. When her breast cancer came back, instead of thinking of it as a death knell, Sue decided to continue to be there for her family and for herself. As she modestly says, “I simply chose to live a life.” What she won’t tell you is that she’s done that without hair and eyebrows but with lymphedema and all the aches and pains and other indignities that come with chemotherapy, or that she volunteers at SHARE, a survivors’ resource in New York City that counsels and supports breast and ovarian cancer survivors.
For 14 years Sue Pollack has continuously taken chemotherapy. As one chemo has become ineffective, her doctor has given her another one and another. For those of you who have never had chemo, you cannot begin to imagine what this special woman has endured. Sue Pollack is an inspiration to breast cancer survivors everywhere. She is my inspiration. She is the face of, and role model for every woman who has ever had breast cancer. She has defied the odds beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. In many ways she is like Lance Armstrong: the Stage IV cancer survivor many of us hope to become.
I am certain Susan Pollack’s name is etched in God’s book of remarkable survivors whether they are survivors of the Holocaust, battlefields strewn with intrepid soldiers, or families who have endured suffering and loss. Call Susan Pollack brave and courageous but please, do not call her a victim.
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JBBC commented on 14-Feb-2010 12:33 PM I find myself shouting out loud here - YES! in agreement with everything you are saying. It is one of my pet hates too - the language used to describe the cancer experience. The very words used to describe dealing with cancer have become infected with connotations of suffering and war. I never saw myself as a victim either and the label "sufferer" does not sit well with me either. If we talk of metaphors as describing reality, then they can also create reality and calling someone a victim or sufferer does no favours to anyone. Thanks for giving voice to something I feel so strongly about too Brenda.
Kim commented on 14-Feb-2010 06:18 PM Brenda - you are anything but a victim, and never have been! You are inspirational to all. Keep your great work. I'm always glad to read your blog entries.
Peter commented on 17-Feb-2010 10:20 AM Good to see the spirit on this blog, please help us raise awareness of breat cancer by giving hope and leaving some comments on the floowing page from NHS http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-female/Pages/Introduction.aspx.
Patricia San Pedro commented on 19-Feb-2010 11:27 AM No feedback was left by this visitor.
Ellen Woloshin commented on 26-Feb-2010 05:20 PM I have known Susan Pollack since we were 5 years old. God blessed me to have such a wonderful friend who is such an inspiation to all who know her. Her out look of life and sense of humor is what keeps me going whenever I get down as knowing all she has been through makes my problems seem trivial, Everyone should be inspired by her.
Jill commented on 02-Mar-2010 07:27 PM What a lady! If only there were more Susan Pollacks. God bless you.
Texas breast reduction commented on 04-Mar-2010 11:52 PM Hmmm doing nice,Keep It Up brenda...
Stacia commented on 09-Apr-2010 08:58 AM Hello.
Please read how IVF medications led to my breast cancer and how a breast cancer study using genetic testing to check estrogen metabolism is saving my life. Please share my story with all women who have used or are considering IVF, HRT and anyone with estrogen positive breast cancer.
Thanks
Stacia
http://www.ivfbreastcancer.com
Please read how IVF medications led to my breast cancer and how a breast cancer study using genetic testing to check estrogen metabolism is saving my life. Please share my story with all women who have used or are considering IVF, HRT and anyone with estrogen positive breast cancer.
Thanks
Stacia
http://www.ivfbreastcancer.com
internet dating commented on 06-Sep-2010 03:44 AM I really thankful to you for this great read!! You did a very great job, keep it up.
internet dating commented on 06-Sep-2010 03:50 AM I really thankful to you for this great read!! You did a very great job, keep it up.
Nick commented on 18-Sep-2010 06:14 PM Hi Brenda,
I have been thinking of you lately. Please give me a call if you have time next week.
Best as ever,
Nick
I have been thinking of you lately. Please give me a call if you have time next week.
Best as ever,
Nick
Susan Pollack commented on 18-Sep-2010 06:51 PM Wow, that was some article. Thank you. You should include yourself in that list of survivors. Thank you too for mentioning SHARE. You are a most unusual woman and am glad you are having so much success with your site.
Love, Susan
Love, Susan
Susan Pollack commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:34 PM I don;t know if you got the email. I am having trouble sending replies. I just opened your email and have tears in my eyes. You are an unbelievable person who is making a big difference in a lot of peoples lives. Thank you.
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