Cancer Gifts: Lessons in Gratitude, Acceptance and Perseverance

By Linda Kopec

What do you do when you hear them say, "It's cancer"?

 

Whether the diagnosis is for you or a loved one, you'll want to know how to chart a meaningful path on this reluctant journey through unfamiliar territory.

 

Two-time cancer survivor Linda Kopec shares how gratitude, acceptance and perseverance made a difference in her own experience with cancer. Her inspiring story is interspersed with messages from her family and caregivers, who were all part of her support team.

 

As you read, you'll discover that even in the midst of the unknown, you can find comfort, peace and healing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emerald Lake Books
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781945847370

Linda Kopec

Linda Kopec was a payroll bookkeeper for over twenty years. After surviving both colon cancer and breast cancer, she decided it was time to retire and write her inspiring story of surviving cancer twice.While writing was not Linda’s natural strength, she was determined to learn how to do it well. It was important to her to share her stories of survival to encourage others, and it pleases her that "Cancer Gifts: Lessons in Gratitude, Acceptance and Perseverance" is ready to bring hope, love and support to all who read it.Linda now works at home with her husband Dennis. They have an accounting business called Sea Bluff Accounting, LLC.Linda and Dennis have been married for over fifty years and make their home in West Haven, Connecticut. They have two grown daughters, who live out of state.If you’re interested in having Linda come speak to your group or organization, either online or in person, you can contact her at emeraldlakebooks.com/kopec.

Book preview

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Cancer Gifts

Lessons in Gratitude, Acceptance and Perseverance

Copyright © 2021 Linda Kopec

Cover design and illustration © 2021 Mark Gerber

This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his or her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

Scripture quotation is from Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952 and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Books published by Emerald Lake Books may be ordered through your favorite booksellers or by visiting emeraldlakebooks.com.

ISBN: 978-1-945847-36-3 (paperback)

978-1-945847-37-0 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021901098

Dedication

In loving memory of my mother Alice and all those who have lost their fight with this disease called cancer.

And in honor of my loving husband Dennis, our two amazing daughters Jen and Emily, and our son-in-law Ed, who has a heart of gold.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

A Very Unusual Day

Family Love

Message from Dr. Dawn Kopel, Gynecologist

A Mustard Seed

The Lap Lady

Chemotherapy

Message from Dr. Vijay Chhabra, Oncologist

The Outings

The Carrot

Sharing My Cancer Story

Being of Service

Message from Pastor Sungmu Lee

Summer Days

Facing New Feelings

Message from Lou Friedman, Physical Therapist

The Mastectomy

Message from Lynore Aaron, Certified Fitter

Radiation Oncology

Message from Dr. Suzanne Evans, Radiation Oncologist

The Healing Garden

The Surprise

Message from Emily Alberts, Linda’s Daughter

Final Thoughts

Afterword

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Foreword

This book is an inspiring memoir written by my mother, Linda Kopec, about surviving cancer, not once, but twice. It is a story of hope, determination, perseverance and faith. If cancer has touched your life in any way, I believe you will find yourself engaged from the very first paragraph.

Mom’s determination through her cancer treatments repeated itself in her determination to write this book, which has been a collaboration in the works for eleven years. It’s not just her perspective, though. It includes contributions written by her doctors, my father Dennis, and my sister Emily.

My mom’s heartfelt down-to-earth stories also include important medical information and reflections on choices that had to be made.

This book is purposely written as short helpful chapters and is presented in chronological order. There are also captions with food for thought on every few pages called Ringing the Bell to help you explore the lessons that my mom learned on her own journey with cancer. The chapter titles are clever and witty, leaving you wanting to know more. For example, one chapter is called The Lap Lady. What is that about, and who is the lap lady!?

Writing this book was a labor of love. My mom felt led to tell her story so that it might help someone else. Early readers have already expressed how it has helped them, and if you are holding this book, we hope it encourages you too.

My mom is always willing to talk with anyone who has questions or just to listen. When you have been through something like cancer, you become an asset and advocate for others as well. You never know when your life experiences may help someone else.

Chances are, you either know someone who has had cancer or have had it yourself. I don’t know anyone who has not been changed by this disease. It doesn’t even have to be cancer. It can be any medical situation. The principles and feelings are similar. You’re overwhelmed with uncertainty and confusion, wanting answers, feeling scared, and just downright upset. It takes over your life and needs attention. These moments touch places in you and impact your life in ways you would never realize or think of. It is a journey. It really is. Just show up the best you can. Ask questions and take someone with you to be your support.

It is with deep love, gratitude and honor that I write this foreword for my mom Linda. She has been changed by cancer. We all are changed by cancer, and we are continually learning from this. Yet, she has shown such courage, strength and faith as she faced her cancer journey that she touched the lives of those around her. You would never know how hard it was for her. She carries herself with such a positive attitude, always moving forward, moving on to the next thing. She has taught me that life is meant to be lived. So, keep learning from experiences and moving forward.

To all the caregivers out there, make sure to be good to yourself. Eat well, drink water, get rest, and consider joining a support group. Whatever you do, make sure you have support. Cancer is too much for someone to go through on their own. One thing this book gets across is it takes a team effort on every level. Stuff you would never even think of. Be open to the experience. You never know what’s next…

— Jen Kopec

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Jen, Linda, Dennis and Emily

Introduction

If you’re picking up this book, you have probably been touched by cancer in some way. Perhaps a diagnosis was recently received by a friend, a family member, or even yourself. No one wants to hear the dreaded C-word. But when you do, it’s natural to want to know what you are in for. More importantly, you are looking