I read a post on X this morning from a gentleman whose niece was taken to the ER with a severe headache. She was quickly admitted to surgery, where they discovered a rare and aggressive brain tumor. The doctors told her family she had, at most, six months to live.

As tragic as this scenario is, I was grateful to see one commentor reference a friend who chose to ignore a similar prediction and focus on recovery instead. Ten years later, that friend is cancer-free and doing great.

For those who have shared similar stories throughout my journey, I am grateful. For so long, cancer has represented an automatic death sentence, particularly when diagnosis is delayed.

To hear that many of you have overcome the odds and are faring well is encouraging. And it reiterates that I am more than just a statistic. While studies may be helpful in projecting overall efficacy, their numbers are nothing more than estimates based on a collection of outcomes. Thankfully, I delight in being above average. =) The clinical trial I’m currently on estimated a 30% reduction in tumor size based on study findings. To date, mine have shrunk almost 80%.

Attitude definitely plays a role, as do the continued prayers of friends and family. But a supportive care team has also been essential. Not once did I leave my oncologist’s office feeling depressed or helpless, despite my diagnosis. It was quite the opposite, actually. And I feel the same optimism from my team at MD Anderson.

I have no window into the future — no guarantee of what’s to come — but I choose not to let someone else’s prediction dictate my outcome. I pray the same revelation for anyone else currently facing a daunting diagnosis.