SURVIVORS: CANCER VICTIMS SAY POSITIVE ATTITUDE LEADS TO SUCCESS

Fifteen years ago Eunice Scott was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the possibilities terrified her. But she was determined not to let the disease get the best of her.

After extensive medical treatment, including surgery, Scott remained cancer-free until four years ago. The cancer suddenly reappeared and attacked her bones.

But Scott no longer fears the possibilities, instead she looks forward to the challenges ahead.

A lump in Ken Parsons's throat turned out to be a rare type of neck cancer. But after two years of treatment, his cancer is in remission.

He's been through radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. And, like Scott, Parson's personal outlook remains upbeat.

"People are very fearful whenever they hear the word cancer and they really think that is it," he said. "But there are ways to take care of the problem. It is possible to be a survivor. We made it."

Working to ensure that more cancer patients become cancer survivors is a goal of the American Cancer Society. On March 7, the society will hold its largest fund raiser, the annual Cancer Gala.

The event is known for its elegant theme, and the proceeds help cancer patients like Scott and Parsons.

Money raised by the gala is split 60-40. Sixty percent goes to local programs. Forty percent goes for research.

"The statistics say one out of four people have somehow been touched by cancer," said Brian Yarbrough, development specialist for the American Cancer Society.

Local programs include educational and preventive measures, informational videos and pamphlets and direct assistance for patients.

The American Cancer Society has provided support throughout the course of Scott's battle with cancer. In particular, she applauded the We Can Weekend, a weekend retreat for cancer patients and their families.

At the retreat, information is available on diet, exercise, pain management and treatments.

"We can also let our hair down and express our emotion," she said. "We can inspire others or be inspired. We can cry with each other and rejoice with each other."

For Scott, part of the therapy of attending the weekend is spending time with other cancer patients and their families. "I'm amazed because often I can't tell who is the patient and who are the family members."

"I've had some setbacks but mostly gains," Scott said. "For the most part, I'm really able to maintain a normal lifestyle. Most everything is as it was before."

For Scott, that means spending lots of time working with antiques. Her home is filled with family heirlooms, which she call "free antiques." "Those are my favorites," she joked. "I don't have to spend any money."

Scott has received a variety of treatments in the past four years for her cancer. Research is funded in part through American Cancer Society donations.

"When one treatment would fail, miraculously enough something new would come out and I would take to it," she said. "Last year seemed to be a banner year for new treatments. And I felt they were designed just for me.

"I never get discouraged," she said. "We just try something new."

Currently, she is undergoing hormone treatments with virtually no side effects. Her doctors are inspired. Scott also credits God for her response to varying treatments.

"People always talk about alternative medicine these days, and this is a biggie for me. There is a spiritual dimension to all of this."

Scott and her husband, Roger, are retired. She exercises daily and loves to eat. "I always did," she said. She volunteers for the FISH Ministry community food bank and for her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran.

Last week, the couple celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. "Oh, it's really just another day," Scott said, although a bouquet of roses was nearby.

"The cancer society has been wonderful to me and my family," Parsons said, echoing Scott's comments.

He recently had treatment in St. Louis and stayed at the cancer society's Hope Lodge. "It's a very nice place, sort of like a Drury Inn," he explained.

In addition, the society has helped his family with some expenses associated with treatments. "It's very expensive and insurance doesn't cover everything," he said.

Parsons has to watch that he doesn't become over-tired and has trouble swallowing. "But I get up and about every day," he said. "It's not that bad."

Parson's doctors originally gave him a 40 to 50 percent chance of surviving his cancer. "But with the help of the doctors and family and the Lord, I have just been blessed," he said.