Cover Girl

Have you seen the Newsweek cover story written by mantle cell 
lymphoma survivor Jonathan Alter?


After a friend sent me the link, I tore into the page-turner of a story 
with the same vigor that I used to rip into the delivery pizza two nights ago. 
Engaging style. Fascinating content. Good use of tension.

And then it hit me. This wasn't just Alter'sstory; it was mine. Yes, every 
cancer patient's story is unique, as Alter out, but the similarities go 
way beyond the fact that we both have the same rare form of cancer. As writers, 
we both approached the diagnosis in the same ferocious way of researching, second
guessing and escalating.  We both were lucky enough to have connections to get
immediate appointments at a top-rated cancer center. We both turned to blogging for
support. He endured an autollogous stem cell transplant as I likely will. 

After three pages, I couldn't keep reading. I sobbed. I hyperventilated. I cursed. I didn't
want this to be my story.

But it is my story. I took a break, gathered the mail and opened cards. I came back and 
finished reading because I want my story to end just like Alter's - filled with hope and
optimism.  I especially needed to be reminded of the quote from Shawshank Redemption
(one of my favorite movies): "You can get busy living, or get busy dying."

For both Altler and me, it's no contest.