Frances Fisher
When she was 89, Frances Fisher was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. According to an article by Eric Mungenast, which appeared in a recent issue of the East Valley Tribune, she was given two choices: go through six months of five days a week of intense chemo therapy and the pain it would induce or go into hospice care and wait for the end. The courageous Mrs. Fisher chose the chemo therapy option. She used her imagination to help her escape the reality of what was actually going on. According to the article, “The IV pole she toted around with her in the hospital was actually a Christmas tree; the people who worked with her transformed from hospital employees to Sir Galahad and Sir Lancelot; and the room she visited to receive her treatment turned into a room with a view…Even the scale she used in the mornings to maintain her weight wasn’t immune to her imaginary machinations. The scale remained a scale, but Fisher imagined she was a jockey getting weighed before a race. ‘I had a name for everything. It wasn’t the corridor, it was a walk in the park,’ she said.” Today she is in remission and has moved back home. The article quoted her as saying, “I’m going to get better, I have determination. There’s so much to see in this world.” What an inspiration Mrs. Fisher is for all of us.
Fran is my oldest sister, and she has always been an inspiration to me. She raised 2 wonderful children, was a great wife, and always took good care of herself – ate healthy – exercised – and was always cheerful and adventurous. I have always tired to emulate these attributes and am still trying. I hope that when my health challenges come, I will face it with her courage and determination. .
That is such an inspirational story. It really demonstrates the power of attitude along with good medical care. Do you happen to know who her oncologist was?
Fran is my mother. Her wonderful oncologist is Javier Munoz, M.D. with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona. I believe my mother’s positive attitude together with fantastic support from her doctor and the incredible staff at Banner MD Anderson all worked together to support her determination and courageous mindset.