Angie
On keeping a sense of humor…
“I laughed – a lot.
I decided that a completely inappropriate sense of humor was exactly what I needed to get me through all of this.
I would tell my best friend, ‘Why couldn’t they have told me I have LOVEHANDLE cancer and they are going to need to COMPLETELY remove my lovehandles, with no chance of reconstruction?’ Or, ‘How come it couldn’t be inner thigh cancer? Sorry! We need to lob off a big chunk of each of your inner thighs!’
When we would go away somewhere I would tell my husband Marc that it was my ‘Make a Wish’ vacation.
Laughing was soooo much better than crying.
I did cry, and I let myself have a pity party when I needed to, but laughing helped me keep going.”
“I never really thought of myself as someone who needed a ‘wake up call.’
I always felt that I already knew what was important in life, and tried very hard to value those things.
But, going through breast cancer allowed me to experience a lot of things I don’t know if I would’ve seen otherwise. I saw my husband be a knight in shining armor and be my most fervent advocate and supporter. People were so kind and generous – it was absolutely humbling.
All those things give you perspective, you know? I think it’s hard, sometimes, to KEEP that perspective.
So now, I am almost a 3 year survivor, and I think about what little ‘nugget’ have I kept? What stays in the forefront of my mind?
I think I am aware, on a daily basis, that I want my life to be FULL.
Full of family and good friends, good food, fun trips.
Full of love, full of laughing.
I try to check myself and make sure that the things I put energy into, are things that add value to my life. It’s my own personal mission statement, and I love that.”
Angie Viscuso | 40 | Arlington, Texas | wife to Marc | mother of Olivia and Sofia | hospice social worker
Diagnosis: DCIS April 2007 | Lumpectomy May 2007 | Radiation June-July 2007 | Bilateral Mastectomy November 2007 | survivor
20 Comment to “Angie”
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One thing I try to do in my own life is to remember that there are others who struggle and cope with what life deals them every day. Not that I lose sight of all of the good, but it is difficult to carry something worrysome or hurtful with you everyday, even in the midst of the “best day”. Angie, I read your words, and look at your face and am so touched. The strength required to hold on to your perspective… …well, it’s nothing short of amazing. I admire you and your dedication to a full life. I send you my love and congratulate you for your accomplishments- this project included.
POWERFUL! You go girl!! Jill just sent me this link and would be proud to be a part of it!
Keep laughing Angie…..it is working for you! I can feel the strength as I read these testimonies. I still have days of some weakness but overall, never felt better!! The cancer doesn’t define me just makes me appreciate the good in life! Would love to connect with you and I have survivor friends that I am sure would love to be a part of Fight like a Girl!
Thank you for this!!!
Inner thigh cancer? Ha! Girl, laughter is the best medicine, isn’t it? What an amazingly inspirational and empowering concept you have here… with these photographs and stories. I love it. You are a ray of sunshine, my dear, and a powerful force of which cancer cannot shake. Two feet planted firmly, fists up and eyes focused. Kick ass, Ang. Big Love, Jett
Dear Angie,
What a wonderful project! Congratulation to you both!! This is so touching so inspirational!! What a great idea, beautiful people in and outside. Thanks to God you are here with us, sharing you experience and motivating people to enjoy life!!!!.
My love
XOXOXOX
LIANI
I just finished crying long enough to write this! I am so touched by your beautiful, brave words and I’ve never seen you look more radiant. What an incredible project of love and hope you and Ann have put together. I know no one who loves life more than you, Ang and I am so grateful to see you here inspiring others to do the same. All my love- Jane
Dear Angie, I really don’t have words to say how proud I am to have you as my niece!!! I have been crying after reading your testimonies and think this is such a wonderful idea and a very good project for other people. May God bless you all, taking care of you and helping you to go on and keep on inspiring other girls to join you in this project of love and hope. I thank Marc for being so good and giving you the strength you needed to fight like a girl….. All my love….
Licha
xoxoxoxox
There is no one luckier than me!! Unbelievable project Hon. I am so proud of you – your strength, determination and commitment to everything you do is simply amazing. I love you with all my heart.
Me.
Angie,
This is an incredible and beautiful undertaking. I remember the first e-mail you sent for Nancy C. address. You are making such a difference in the fight for breast cancer.
“Laughing is so much better than crying” I have discovered that too over the last five months. You have been such an inspiration to me and I thank you for being one of my first responders
You are a wonderful friend.
Love,
cindy
PS I love all the pictures
Dearest Angie,
I have already said it to you a couple of times today, and I will again… WOW!!! What an amazing and meaningful venture for you. I can hear your giggle as I look at the pictures with your beautiful smile, so it doesn’t surprise me that laughter got you through and continues to do so. It’s one of the most pleasant sounds there is. =) Bravo, my dear friend, BRAVO!
Love you!
Jenifer
Hi Angie,
I’m Jen’s big brother. Your site is awesome and your story inspiring. Thanks for telling it and I am sure so many will draw strength from it. You have been a very important part of my “little” sister’s life and it’s clear why that is so. Good luck and keep speading the good vibes.
Best Regards,
Dick Merk
people value a lot of different things in life, but i have come to know that HEALTH is THE most valuable thing. i am so glad you regained yours. i am impressed that you kicked the big “C’s” *ss with such finesse.
I am sniffling and struggling to see my computer screen through my tears! You have always been an inspiration to me, and now, after reading this and seeing your beautiful photos, you are even more of one. No one could have given cancer a better beat-down and ass-kickin’ than you did–or delivered it with such beauty, grace, style and humor. Your ongoing fundraising in search of a cure, this amazing project . . . we, your family, are bursting with pride. Love you mucho,
d.
Angie: Beautiful and Stellar=like a star as in brillance!
Having seen you very briefly at Our 20th High School Class Reunion Happy Hour at the Old Corner a few years ago, of course I NEVER imagined that you had endured this experience. My hat goes off to you and the grace you exhibit to rise above such a challenge.
I will share your story with others so that they may be inspired. Cheers to a FULL life!
XXOO
Angie,
I am a friend of your cousin Denise and heard every report on your battle step-by-step! You are one incredible lady – a survivor and a doing! Your smile and outlook on life is wonderful – I can hear you laughing now. Enjoy everyday to the fullest – you go girl! and Good luck with this project. It is amazing!
You are amazing and I am so proud to be your friend! It’s SO like you to conquer something this difficult in your life and then immediately turn around and try to help others overcome their fears. You are inspiring and enouraging people in your same situation, but it goes way beyond that. Thank you for being honest, real, and relatable….and for reminding those of us who haven’t been through a hardship like this to live FULL lives, surrounded by love, filled with laughter!
Love you!
Angie, I LOVE THIS PROJECT!!!!!!!!!! There have always been “help groups” available to me in the past 9 years and I am grateful for their existence, but this venue could offer so many women a more personal, less clinical way of navigating the world of “breast cancer.” I would love to be a part of this effort. Just let me know how I can help.
Love,
Barbara
Angie – you are still the most inspiring individual I know. You amazed me with your strength of character as a teenager. That strength has carried through – and your sense of humor coupled with your love of life makes you a phenomenal and beautiful woman. I’m so proud to say that you are my friend.
Angie
I knew the day we first met you that you were beautiful and strong from the inside out! A true phenomenal woman who teaches life’s lessons through your smile, love and sheer determination. You are not only strong … your strength is contagious.
Continue your journey – you are truly our phenomenal Niece!
Love to all
Awesome! I’m so glad you’re my Aunt.(: Love you!
Love,
Madie <3
Angie & Ann, Thank you sooooo much for the web site & all that you two do. This project has to take a toll on you. Thank your families for sharing you with all of us. The more the word is out there “maybe” the fewer cases we will hear of.
Keep up the gooooood work.
AGAIN A BIG THANKS