Attitude Matters!

According to Ann, it takes a lot of attitude, exercise and proper nutrition to beat cancer. All of which Ann Miksch, age 66, has. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in October 1999 with a slim chance to survive. It all began when Ann went for a yearly physical and the physician noticed a sore area in her abdomen. She was referred to a surgeon for further testing. They didn't have any openings for the next three weeks but they had an opening that day from a cancellation if she could make it in within one hour. Luck was on Ann's side as she not only made the appointment but was scheduled for surgery later that week!

After surgery, Ann received radiation therapy for 2½ months. Her doctors advised Ann to get lots of rest and not to eat many fruits and vegetables due to the expected bowel trouble. Well Ann has eaten a well balanced diet since she was a dietician's aide in a hospital as a teenager. It took her all of two days before she resumed her exercise routine and diet high in fruits & vegetables. Ann recalls she just couldn't handle lying around feeling sorry for herself. If she was going to beat this thing she would do it through diet, exercise and positive thinking.

Ann resumed her 5 miles per day walks (three 30-minute sessions) and exercising with the TV show "Sit-&-Be-Fit". "It wasn't easy but it felt good afterwards" noted Ann "and I knew I was doing something good for my body." She became an inspiration for others receiving treatment at the cancer center. They turned to her for guidance and leadership. Ann's cancer is now in remission. She gets check-ups regularly and continues with her exercise regime plus healthy eating habits. "Life is a gift from God. You have to help yourself and not feel sorry for yourself" reports Ann.

by Carol Glasscock, MS,PT