Survivor Diary: Maria Digiuseppe

I was diagnosed on...
"The first time was Memorial Day weekend, a few months after my 40th birthday. The second time was around Thanksgiving, seven years later."

My immediate reaction was...
"There was anxiety and sadness, but overall, I thought that I could get a minor procedure, and that would be the end of it. The funny thing about cancer is that it highlights your weaknesses and strengths. If you're a complainer, then you'll have plenty to complain about. But, if you fight and take one day at a time, you’ll discover that you’re doing all you can. The rest is not up to you."

Now, breast cancer means to me...
"That I'm not in control. A large part of the experience is surrendering to the doctors, to the treatment, to surgery, and to God. It also means re-prioritizing. You get so busy with fighting cancer that you have to eliminate certain things in your life, and, by default, you start to see what's most important to you. That helped me recognize that I already had everything I wanted. To be able to see this in my hardest moments is a real victory."

I'd tell someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer...
"Just like weight training or sports, beating cancer requires focus, discipline, and effort. It's painful and takes up a lot of your time. There's healing and growth that comes later, but it's comes as the result of trial, testing, and refining who you are as a person. I would also say that even in the worst times, God is with you as are those who truly love you, so you know you can lean on them."

I'm inspired by...
"Music, love, friends and family, working out, scriptures, and Dancing with the Stars.

I'm pretty fantastic at...
"Motivating and encouraging others to be their best."

The things that keep me strong are...
"Strength training keeps me physically strong, and God's word keeps my spirit strong."

In my spare time...
"I'm trying new recipes and writing my fitness book. I would love to take up ballroom dance—I even bought the shoes—but I’ve only taken one lesson. I also want to start playing tennis, but it's difficult in NYC."

I get stressed out about...
"Spoiled, critical, and narrow-minded people."

I unwind by...
"Enjoying a good book or movie in my recliner. I also love yoga!"

If I were to stand in the middle of the street and scream something, it would be...
"You are not the center of the universe! Be considerate, please!"

I first felt comfortable in my own skin...
"In my late 40s. I think the cancer had a great deal to do with that. I'm more honest with myself now; I don't do things that make me uncomfortable or go against what I believe."

Breast cancer is...
"A pause button. It's a reminder to serve others. It's a reminder of how much I've been blessed. It's a reminder of my mortality. It's a reminder of what's really important."