Rochelle
On accepting the diagnosis…
“Before I went in, I did what everybody did.
I bought books; Dr. Love’s book. I printed things off the internet.
And then I realized, you know, that I could have a medical degree. What bothered me most is that I didn’t want to be a doctor nor a statistic.
I decided ‘I’m not going to be a statistic.
I’m just going to get on with it.’ ”
“So I just slowed down.
I decided to take one day at a time and attempt to live the Serenity Prayer.
I could not change the diagnosis, I could change the way I acted, and I definitely had the courage to choose to live.
I did have my meltdown.
I had 5 minutes of ‘Why me?’ I ate broccoli, and I exercised routinely.
I didn’t understand.
But once I got that off my chest, and I did have a good 5 minute cry, I figured I’m going to live my life the way I normally do.
I choose to be happy.
I like to laugh.
I try to find the humor in everything, and God knows there was a lot of humor in treatment.”
Rochelle Lustig | 65 | Fort Pierce, FL | wife to Donald | mother of Jill, Steven, Evan and Marla | semi-retired
Diagnosis: infiltrating ductal carcinoma January 1997 | Lumpectomy December 1996 | Chemotherapy January – July 1997 | Radiation April 1997 | Survivor
12 Comment to “Rochelle”
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Oh my dear, long-time, sweet friend — I am smiling at your smiles, your body language. Ann captured your determined spirit and the happy effect you have on everyone who knows you. You are so beautiful, to me (thinking of that song – forget the artist!) This day together, reunited with you and Lamarcia after all this time, and all three of us looking like a MILLION BUCKS — WOW. Thanks for saying yes. Donald’s pin-up girl. ENJOY.
WOW! You look wonderful!! You are my hero!! I love you very much. I am very proud of you and all that you do!! XOXOXOXO
Rochelle…my buddy…you make me smile just looking at your body language in these photographs and remembering all the moments of the last 13 years…I remember…and will always love you, never mind how drop dead gorgeous you look…
Sista, you look GORGEOUS – you are so photogenic I’m jealous. But from that top photo, I wouldn’t want to run into you in a dark alley. You’re right – laughter is the best medicine. Maybe that’s why we’re always laughing??? I love and admire you – you are the wind above and beneath my wings.
Your children and grandchildren have learnded so much from you. Thank you for being a role model and such a great friend.
Rochelle,
I will never forget the day you came to see me in the hospital. Until then I was sort of confused about the whole thing, although I was old still I wanted to find out what the future years still had for me. You gave me hope, you helped me and encouraged me to join a support group. I did and I met wonderful gals, including Lamartia, such a warm and great young woman. Thank you dear friend.
Rochelle; first let me say “thank you” for all the photos you took at Nicol’s house. Just wonderful. Second I just love your attitude. When I was hairless that is just what I did. I coped an attitude & wore my bald head as a badge of honor. Now mind you we were living in Montana at the time & that bald head got mighty coooold at timea.
It is my pleasure to know you.
Hi Rochelle! This is a touching tribute to all women who have conquered breast cancer. Yes, you are radiant in all the photos. Love the photo where you are standing and slightly leaning back. That would look good in poster size on your living room wall!! Ya think Uncle D would mind?!
Love & Kisses, Grabelle & Giuliano Families!
OK Miss Smarty Pants,,,,,,
You look absolutely awesome!! I love you and love talking with you and sharing my stuff. I am glad that you understand and I am so very thankful that you are a good listener. Mostly I love you sense of humor!!!! See you soon … you are so good to me and i thank you for that. I have your phone number memorized so you know that means something.
Love you and so glad that you are a part of my life,
Betsy
Rochelle dear, I’m blown away by your courage, your strength, your fortitude, your positivity and your focus. I remember how when you were going through your own private Hell you bought, rented and stole everything you could that was humor related: books, movies, everything that made you laughed, in your belief that laughter was the best medicine. It worked…humor, in conjunction with good doctors, supportive family and friends, positive attitude, prayer and help from G-d. I often think about how I would deal with such adversity. I would like to think I could do it the way you did, but I don’t believe I could. You are not only my dear friend but you are my hero, and I love you.
Laverne
A great philosophy. I may have to take your advise because so far, old and bitter isn’t working so well. Also, I don’t know who took these pictures, but they are great. I would have said “fantastic” but….. I agree with the others; your my hero too!!
Beautiful you always were, both on the inside and out. For those who do not know, you are also both courageous, talented,and I’m extremely proud to call you Niece. You have showed me, and i assume others nothing but kindness and love in a time I needed both of them. Stay strong, and healthy my love, for yourself, and the people that need you. If you didn’t know, Rita felt the same way about you. Your old Uncle MK