[Joanne S]

I always tell my daughters everything. They were 16 and 21 years old at the time of my initital diagnosis. I wait 5 days until the initial shock has worn off some and I've got better handle of my emotions. I tell them I got bad news and explain all the facts to them honestly. Of course, as a mom, I want to protect them, so I soften it up just a bit so it's just not so traumatic and scary for them. I actually feel some anxiety relief once they know.

I understand why staging is used by the medical professionals, but I quit putting much weight on staging, statistics and survival times, etc. I used to wonder where I fit in those risk statistics? Will I be in the 30%? or in the 70%.... No more, no matter what the statistics say, I see my changes are all 50/50---either I will ... or I won't... Any worrying I do isn't gonna help or benefit my chances, and worrying just makes me feel worse. We all know, it has a negative effect on our health. Of course I have times when I get concerned and blue, I remind myself of the serenity prayer and try to live each day one day at at time. I'm thankful for where I am and what I have - it could be so much worse. The following is a pledge I recently made to myself:

I will live sincerely.

I will learn from each person and each day on my journey
and will share ideas and wisdom from my own experiences.

With a grateful spirit, I will acknowledge my need for others
and will in turn be loving and generous,
remembering that every member of a community plays a unique role.

I will remain strong in my convictions
while keeping an open mind to perspectives beyond myself.

Courageously, I will respect each movement of my heart,
through fear and joy, grief and peace.

I will cultivate my passions with delight
and also take time for honest introspection.

I will love the person I am today
while constantly striving towards my best self.

I will keep a healthy balance between the rewards of discipline
and the growth and wonder that spontaneity brings.

I will acknowledge both the marvel and the limitations of my body
and respectfully take care of it the best I can.

Accepting the reality that there are circumstances I cannot change,
I will seize my power to actively change that which I can control
with hope and creativity.

I commit to living each chapter of my story:
honoring the lessons and gifts of my past,
fully participating in the fleeting beauty of the present,
and bravely walking towards the unknowns of my future.

Knowing that life is an enduring but glorious struggle,
I pledge to live each day with purpose.

I will live sincerely.
http://thelivesincerelyproject.com/pledge/