Alice Bauer, 70, retired high school teacher (short hair, colored light brown, could give a teacher’s look when necessary): My maternal grandmother and two sisters had cancer so I wasn’t surprised. At the time I thought I would never leave the hospital. I wasn’t afraid to die, I didn’t even think I was about to die. It was just that after the surgery to remove the tumor, I had one set back after another. I was serving a life sentence and would never leave. I was so unhappy. Lon is still teaching at the university—guess I’ll just support him—what else can I do.
Janet Marsh, 62, retired assistant to an insurance executive (trim, bleached blonde hair, tight lips): I resented having cancer, I resent it now. I’ve had good health habits all my life. Why should I have cancer? I didn’t like the doctors or the hospital staff but they did their jobs and they say I’m cancer free. You all seem to think there can be life after cancer. I don’t know.
Albert Garcia, 57, owner of an appliance store (light complexion, black hair, full chest and shoulders): Why me? Is God punishing me? I don’t believe that buy why me? I was sure this was the end even though the doctors told me I had a good chance of surviving. The oncologist explained about the seventy percent chance of living five more years. It wasn’t until I joined this group and heard your stories that I began to believe and hope. Now one of my sons manages the store and I don’t know that he needs me back.