Once a month, I will feature a woman, historical or modern day, who exemplifies what it means to be an empowered woman in her own unique way. Her story will inspire and guide you as you learn to unearth your own inner Goddess.

Want to share another empowered woman's story? Please submit your Goddess Spotlight nomination by clicking on the link on this page.

2008-04-08

Gigi is the first woman in the "Goddess Spotlight" who is not a part of our L.A. group. I've gotten to know a bit about Gigi on Myspace and here on this site. She's always so warm, supportive, and positive that I asked her to nominate herself for this month's spotlight. Her initial reaction was "I don't think so. Nominating myself seems a bit conceited." I told her that not only would her story inspire everyone who reads it, but we as Goddesses take every opportunity to shine that is presented to us. : ) Thanks for shining, Gigi! Tomiko


I am Gigi, & I'm nominating myself for this month's "Goddess Spotlight". Why? Whether my tale is interesting or inspiring remains to be seen, but perhaps I can convey that there is strength -- inner strength -- no matter the trial. In October, 2006 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer; the same disease that has claimed the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Pavoratti, Michael Landon; the same disease that's been recently brought to the fore as it now has touched Patrick Swayze. I'm one of the lucky ones, however, in that pancreatic cancer is a swift & quiet killer that is not typically detected until it has spread to other organs. Upon my diagnosis (after getting up off the floor) I had to laugh because, while I knew there's a pancreas "in there" who really knows what it does or that cancer of that organ can be 95% fatal? Treatment is typically palliative because it's rarely caught early, but I was able to have the surgery -- the Whipple, which removes part of the pancreas, the gallbladder, part of the stomach, & part of the lower intestines. I was out of bed & WALKING the morning after surgery. I was home in a week. Now nearly a year after chemo & a year and a half after surgery, I'm still shaking my head in disbelief. Even still I'm thriving & feel well, overall, ramping back onto the highway of my life with such completeness that my doctors are astounded. My research on various cancer inhibitors was exhaustive in the 10 days between diagnosis & surgery, and as such, I take approx. 20 vitamins and supplements daily. My diet includes nothing fried, very little fat, & consists of "no MEDS" -- no Meats, no Eggs, no Dairy, no Sugar. Cancer cells feed on sugar, which is why one of the most accurate diagnostic tests, the PET scan, works. During the scan, glucose is injected into the body and the scan pinpoints cells that absorb the glucose at an accelerated rate. Three of the key elements that have sustained me throughout this ordeal are my sense of humor, scathing wit, & dear friends and family. If there's funny to be found, I've got it. If there's irony and insanity, count on me to point it out...while rolling on the floor laughing at its hilarity, nudging my loved ones to do the same. I marvel that I am able to hold onto these things and keep my head in a positive place. It's not an easy task considering that pancreatic cancer has a high rate of recurrence -- only approx 2% - 5% live beyond 5 years of diagnosis, with most perishing within the first year. I don't like those odds. They suck. This is my new reality, the strong possibility of recurrence. There are times when I feel nearly hobbled by fear of the unknown, but fear of what I do know is emotionally crumbling. Yet I remind myself every moment of every day that I AM A STATISTIC OF ONE. There are 2 people whom I've heard of who are 30+ years post-diagnosis and a handful who are 10 - 12 years past. My morning mantra is: I am CURED/healed. I am STRONG. I feel GREAT. I EAT & THINK HEALTHY 24/7. I am LIVING to be a healthy, happy, vital 80-year old. On my 80th birthday I expect to see each of you at the party. We're having French fries & chocolate cake...& a 28-year-old stripper. Make sure you save your singles. :)