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Five Diagnoses Haven't Kept Szabo Down
Bob Riter
bob@crcfl.net
Ithaca resident Sue Szabo recently told me that she has been diagnosed with cancer five times: breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, another breast cancer, and then another colon cancer.
My professional response to hearing this was, ”HOLY MOLEY!”
As an afterthought, she added that also had a “little” skin cancer, but didn’t really count that because it was “nothing.”
What’s especially remarkable is that Sue pulsates with life and vitality. When she’s not volunteering at Cayuga Medical Center, she enjoys cooking, antiquing, and being with her family. She’s just like you and me – only nicer.
Rather than bemoaning what most people would consider bad luck, she said that she felt lucky because the cancers were caught early and she’s doing so well. “I never doubted that I would be OK,” she said. “I trusted and liked my doctors – I knew that I was in good hands.”
One of those doctors smiles and shakes his head whenever their paths cross in the hospital, as if he’s seeing the Energizer Bunny in human form.
Like nearly everyone else with cancer, Sue has had her share of down days, but taking part in a support group helped her get over those humps. Being with others in the same situation made it more manageable.
I asked Sue if the cancer changed her. After a moment’s thought, she said that it’s made her more tolerant of others. “You learn what’s important in life and you let people be who they are.”
A lesson that’s both simple and profound. Thank you, Sue Szabo, for being you.
From the Ithaca Journal, July 24, 2008
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