CANCER SURVIVORS CELEBRATE EACH YEAR THEY BEAT ODDS

When Jan Pettigrew was diagnosed with lung cancer, her doctor gave her three months to live. That was three years ago.

She's among thousands of cancer survivors beating the odds against the disease.

On the first Sunday in June each year cancer survivors celebrate living past the diagnosis of cancer. National Cancer Survivors Day was started by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. On Thursday, local cancer survivors planted a rose bush to symbolize their victory over cancer and the thorns experienced along the way.

A survivor is defined as anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer and is alive today, including anyone still living with cancer.

An estimated 8 million Americans with a history of cancer are alive today.

Pettigrew, who still has a cancerous growth in her lung, says she is a survivor. "I believe God hears all prayers and I just feel he's not through with me yet," said Pettigrew, who lives in Cape Girardeau.

"I truly believe attitude is a big part of it," said Pettigrew, who is 58.

Her lung cancer was discovered after she had a stroke. "During a routine check at the medical center they found it," she said.

When she was first diagnosed, Pettigrew tried to convince her surgeon that she didn't have a malignant growth in her lungs. "I told him it was probably heartworms, like dogs get. People can get them too."

Her doctor wasn't convinced. Because her blood pressure was so high, the surgeon didn't risk surgery. He estimated she would live three months.

Pettigrew began chemotherapy, but was allergic to the drugs. "Most people do just fine," she said. "I'm just very allergic to a number of drugs."

She then completed 33 radiation treatments. "Each day I just pretended I was going to school," she said. Her last radiation treatment was on Halloween. "I dressed up like a black cat. A cat has nine lives. I've got at least eight left," she said.

Pettigrew said her positive attitude is thanks to self-help groups and a number of books on healing she has read. "Research has shown that cancer patients who participate in self-help support groups live longer," she said.

Pettigrew recommends self-help groups. She belongs to two: "We Can" at Southeast Missouri Hospital and "Champs" at St. Francis.

The Champs support group at St. Francis Medical Center, beginning in June, will meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Friends Lounge.

Southeast Hospital along with the American Cancer Society sponsors a We Can Weekend for cancer patients and their families, planned June 10-12 at Sunnen Center in Potosi. Twenty-five patients and their families participate in workshops to provide information on dealing with cancer.

A support group spun off from the weekend event. The We Can group meets the third Thursday of each month at Southeast Missouri Hospital's cancer center in the lobby at 7 p.m.

Both groups are open to cancer patients with various diagnoses and their family. Other support groups are available for patients with specific cancers, like breast cancer.

"I think you have to find an inner peace within you and then share it," Pettigrew said. "You have to forgive the past and get on with life."

A year and a half ago, doctors told her the cancer had spread to her left lung. She began looking for alternative treatments. One doctor suggested she try a drug called Interferon. "But there was only a 10 percent chance it would do anything," she said. "I'm not a gambler."

Doctors at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis said she could try another round of chemotherapy and risk the side effects of the drugs or go home and enjoy life.

"I decided I would just get involved in life and enjoy to the fullest," she said. "I feel great." She does aquatic aerobics and walks regularly.

"No matter what happens in your life, you can live with it," she said.

Pettigrew's daughter died with cancer 11 years ago. "None of us know how long we've got," she said. "But I know I've got 10 grandkids, and I plan to enjoy them as long as I can."