The Power of Positivity
- Gary Breshears’ wife was diagnosed with lung cancer 13 years ago.
- She is on her third round of chemotherapy.
- He tries to put himself into her shoes when caring for her, giving her pep talks when needed.
- Hope for the future helps him keep a positive outlook.
"My wife is tough," says Gary Breshears. He should know. They've been married for over 40 years. Their faith has bound them together over those four decades, but 13 years ago, that faith was tested when his wife was diagnosed with lung cancer.
She went into remission, but her cancer eventually returned. Now, she's undergoing her third round of chemotherapy. Breshears has remained steadfastly by her side throughout her diagnosis and treatment.
Read More "I’ve always tried to treat my wife with respect and kindness and patience, but even more so as a caregiver. I've just tried to put myself in her shoes," he tells
SurvivorNet. "At times I need to give her a little pep talk." Though cancer has undoubtedly thrown many challenges their way, working in a Christian ministry has given the couple a much-needed sense of perspective. "Sometimes you think you have a lot of problems, but then you meet other people and you realize they have it worse than you do," Breshears says. No matter what happens, the couple has resolved to remain optimistic. "Hope for the future can help you have a positive outlook," he says. "We may not be able to control what’s happening right now, but we can have hope for the future."
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