Mesothelioma survivors have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving.
In my family, and many others around the country, it’s a tradition to share what we are thankful for before we fill our bellies with Thanksgiving food. This year, I asked mesothelioma survivors to participate in the tradition by asking them each what they are thankful for.
Kendra Ferreira
Kendra Ferreira was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2002. Her doctors estimated that she would live about 2 years. Kendra did her research, joined a rigorous clinical trial, and kept healthy habits like doing yoga and eating healthy, organic foods. It has now been 14 years since her diagnosis and she’s thankful for her continued survival.
Happy Thanksgiving!”
Kendra is a strong believer that keeping a positive attitude is the most important part of dealing with mesothelioma.
Jerry Griffith
Jerry Griffith is a 15-year pleural mesothelioma survivor. He was diagnosed in 2001 and was told he had only months to live. One of Jerry’s best tips for patients with mesothelioma is to be thankful for caretakers and medical professionals. Jerry has made incredible memories with his family since his diagnosis.
What am I thankful for? I do not know where to start! My family and friends helped me to stay positive even when times looked quite bad for me. All the doctors, nurses, test givers have been wonderful and continue to be that way. They all made it possible for me to still be around, and live a wonderful life with many great trips and experiences! When I first got sick 15 years ago I did not even expect to see my daughters get married. Not only did I get to see those weddings, our only grandson just got engaged, and I shall be here for that wedding!”
Alexis Kidd
Alexis Kidd was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2006 when she was only 37 years old. Her prognosis was six months to two years to live. It’s been almost 10 years since Alexis was diagnosed. She has a lot to be thankful for, including her marriage. She and her husband celebrated their 5-year wedding anniversary just a few days ago.
When asked what she is thankful for Alexis included a quote from a blogger:
Alexis shared this quote because it reminds her to be thankful:
Thankfulness: Not Just For Thanksgiving
Being thankful is not just a Thanksgiving tradition, it’s also a strategy in coping with the emotional stresses of cancer. Gratitude can go a long way. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, people who make an effort to be grateful have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and fewer illness symptoms.
Psychologists believe optimism and gratitude can improve a patient’s immune strength.
Tips for practicing gratitude from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America:
- Keep a gratitude journal of things you are grateful for, write in it regularly.
- Write thank-you notes for people who you are thankful for, even yourself.
- Give thanks mentally when you aren’t able to write a note.
- Pause to reflect on the positive aspects of your life.
- Focus on people’s good intentions when a kind deed is done for you.
- Pray or meditate about the people and things you have to be grateful for.
How Sharing Helps Mesothelioma Patients
Support groups exist because people want to know they are not alone. Hearing other mesothelioma survivors explain what they are thankful for can help mesothelioma patients understand what they have to look forward to. Mesothelioma survivors share their stories to offer advice for current patients and to give them hope for the future.
Take time this Thanksgiving to hear and share stories of hope and gratitude. Get inspired by what other mesothelioma patients and survivors are thankful for and spend time thinking about the positive aspects of your own life. Share your experiences and your gratitude. You never know how your story might inspire others.
What are you thankful for? Let us know on our Facebook page.
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