Blog

January 1, 2021

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

My Plan A included a tall, dark, and handsome husband, 3 children, a dog, a cat, a woody station wagon, a two story house and a successful career. We would travel the world over, entertain weekly with fine china and crystal, and be respected in civic organizations. My check list of accomplishments have included marrying my high school sweetheart (who is only an inch taller than I), two sons, innumerable animals, and modest cars and homes. My career included 29 years as a small business owner, and we have traveled to far more places than I ever dreamed possible.

Check, check, and check! Everything was going according to plan. Life was good. Then 2016 arrived with a Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis and a need for a Plan B. Surprise!

I quickly learned to review, remodel and revamp my Plan A. And, you know what? Plan B is pretty great!  Sure, it has demanded some modifications on my goals and activities. I have learned that a successful Plan B is most oftentimes a result of some good luck, thoughtful planning, and an excellent attitude.

America’s Oldest Sweetheart, Betty White, turns 99 years old this January. You might be surprised to learn that her decades long career in television is a result of a Plan B. Yes indeed, with 21 nominations and 5 Emmy Awards, Betty White has made the most out of her Plan B. Her first choice of a career, was to be a Forest Ranger! But women were not eligible to become Rangers at that time, and so she turned to acting. For all of us, I say, “Thank Goodness!”

In a recent interview focusing on her impending birthday and announcing her NEW television series, Ms. White shared some thoughtful advice relevant to our Neuroendocrine Community. She says a sense of humor is necessary and not to take yourself too seriously. “You can lie to others-not that I would-but you cannot lie to yourself”.  She encourages others to not dwell on the downside and to stay focused on the positive side of situations. “Being negative takes up too much energy.”

So, let’s take Betty’s lead and embrace our Plan B’s with a smile and a positive attitude. You never know where it could lead you. And if you need a little help putting together a Plan B, C, or D don’t hesitate to CALL US or E-MAIL US. That’s what we are here for.

Happy 99th Birthday, Sue Ann Nivens and Rose Nylund (AKA Betty White), from all of us at NCAN!

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Disclaimer: NCAN blog posts are the opinions of its writers and are not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please consult your Health Care Providers for individual concerns.