Embracing Hope and Renewed Passion After Breast Cancer
Q&A with Author
Ann Bancroft
October 2024
Ann Bancroft
Photo Courtesy: Ann Bancroft
Photo Courtesy: Ann Bancroft
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“Ann Bancroft gives voice to thoughts most of us don’t dare say out loud, writing as only someone who has ‘been there done that’ could.” ~ Cass Brown Capel, Ph.D., co-founder of Save Ourselves Breast Cancer Organization |
Author Ann Bancroft discusses her journey with breast cancer and how she has soldiered on as a mentor for others as well as finding hope and optimism through writing and self-care.
Your career as an accomplished journalist ended in early retirement after your first bout with breast cancer. You then started writing fiction and mentoring breast cancer patients. How did this professional change help you in your cancer journey?
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By retiring early from a full-time-plus job, I was able to spend more time outdoors, get more exercise, and slow down my pace a bit. I accepted a few short-term writing and consulting projects, which was important for transitioning from years of full-time work, because it limited my anxiety about entering a new phase of life. Overall, I was able to reduce my stress levels and, at the same time, get in better shape — both good for keeping breast cancer at bay.
I started mentoring other cancer patients a couple of years after my treatment ended, when my own fears had subsided enough for me to present a genuinely optimistic and helpful presence to newly diagnosed patients. This experience helped me see my own progress, and giving back enriched me spiritually, emotionally and, I believe, helped to keep me healthy. In terms of dealing with the emotional and psychological challenges, what helped you the most in those first days and months after diagnosis? I was fortunate to have wonderfully supportive family and friends. Knowing that people truly care and will be there for you is healing. Still, in many ways it’s a solo journey. I relied on music, nature — even sitting in the backyard and appreciating the trees — and, as much as possible, looking for the humor in life to get me through. Our dog, a sweet Australian Shepherd, never left my side. |
Ann Hiking in Switzerland (2018)
Photo Courtesy: Ann Bancroft |
Being curious helped. Because I’m a writer, I was curious about this strange and scary thing I was going through; so, I wrote about it, sometimes only in my head or in notes for myself or emails with friends. Being able to fully experience and describe it helped me to put it in perspective and took away some of the feelings of helplessness.
What piece of advice would you give someone who has just been diagnosed?
If someone has just been diagnosed with treatable cancer, I’d say: It’s of course natural to feel frightened, possibly numb, after learning you have cancer. It’s also normal for it to feel as if cancer will forevermore dominate your life to the exclusion of all else. But it is possible to get past this. It may take many months, but eventually you’ll be able to put cancer in perspective as just one bad thing you’ve had to deal with in a full, rich life of high, low, and everyday moments.
Cancer brings with it the opportunity to focus on who and what’s most important. So, even after a new and serious diagnosis, try to notice little moments of positivity — everyday slivers of joy. Serenity can be found in a child’s laughter, the beauty of nature, music, the deep pleasure of creativity, whether through art, journaling, cooking, or fully engaging in meaningful conversation.
What piece of advice would you give someone who has just been diagnosed?
If someone has just been diagnosed with treatable cancer, I’d say: It’s of course natural to feel frightened, possibly numb, after learning you have cancer. It’s also normal for it to feel as if cancer will forevermore dominate your life to the exclusion of all else. But it is possible to get past this. It may take many months, but eventually you’ll be able to put cancer in perspective as just one bad thing you’ve had to deal with in a full, rich life of high, low, and everyday moments.
Cancer brings with it the opportunity to focus on who and what’s most important. So, even after a new and serious diagnosis, try to notice little moments of positivity — everyday slivers of joy. Serenity can be found in a child’s laughter, the beauty of nature, music, the deep pleasure of creativity, whether through art, journaling, cooking, or fully engaging in meaningful conversation.
How are you doing now? What challenges are you still dealing with?
I’m feeling and doing well. I exercise daily, eat well, and nurture my relationships. Most of my limited health challenges are things that come with the territory in one’s 70s. I don’t think about cancer daily, but I am aware that a metastatic recurrence is possible. I am on daily endocrine therapy (just one tiny pill with no side effects). I still see my oncologist every 6-12 months and get one scan or another at least twice a year. I’ve experienced some scary false alarms: ‘It’s probably nothing, but we can’t rule out…’ and later found that a suspicious spot was, in fact, ‘nothing.’
I’m feeling and doing well. I exercise daily, eat well, and nurture my relationships. Most of my limited health challenges are things that come with the territory in one’s 70s. I don’t think about cancer daily, but I am aware that a metastatic recurrence is possible. I am on daily endocrine therapy (just one tiny pill with no side effects). I still see my oncologist every 6-12 months and get one scan or another at least twice a year. I’ve experienced some scary false alarms: ‘It’s probably nothing, but we can’t rule out…’ and later found that a suspicious spot was, in fact, ‘nothing.’
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Almost Family was excerpted in our July issue. This is your debut novel. Would you like to share any challenges you had as a first-time author?
For the most part, getting my novel published has been gratifying and fun. It’s been a challenge being ‘out there’ and promoting in a way I have not done before. But I’ve loved hearing from cancer survivors that the book touched them and made them laugh, and it’s been terrifically satisfying to have total strangers who aren’t connected to anything cancer-related give positive reviews. It was a lot of work, from studying the craft of fiction to writing and revising countless drafts, but I’m glad I persisted. Your protagonist, Liz, finds strength and friendships through a support group. How important is it that cancer patients nurture bonds with others who are facing similar challenges and experiences? While you can certainly make it through cancer with the support of family and friends, having someone in your life who’s been there, or who ‘gets it’ because they’re in the same place, offers a particular kind of comfort and encouragement. |
Support groups can offer that and sometimes lead to long-term friendships. I don’t think it’s helpful to put too much energy into the (many) valid complaints about cancer, though; and this can be tempting with some people, in the way that sharing complaints about relationships, say, or a job, can offer temporary relief but keep you stuck in negativity. (That’s why the characters in my book ditched their group and went off on their own, aiming to get the most out of their lives).
I’d say it’s a delicate balance, which is why having a mentor — someone who’s been there but isn’t there at exactly the same time as you — might be more helpful in some cases. As in most interactions, it depends on the people you click with, or don’t.
Despite the subject matter, your book seamlessly weaves in humorous moments. How important is it for those facing a battle with cancer to embrace laughter?
I’d say it’s a delicate balance, which is why having a mentor — someone who’s been there but isn’t there at exactly the same time as you — might be more helpful in some cases. As in most interactions, it depends on the people you click with, or don’t.
Despite the subject matter, your book seamlessly weaves in humorous moments. How important is it for those facing a battle with cancer to embrace laughter?
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Oh, I think it’s very important. Look for the humor in any given moment, and it lightens the load. I’m the last person to advise slapping a smile on your face at all times or to pretend things are lighthearted when they are not. But finding humor in dark places is both healing and empowering.
You are a two-time cancer survivor. What was different the second time around? Were you able to navigate the journey any differently than you did the first time?
The second time was very different. It was just as shocking, but not as overwhelming as the first time, because I’d already been through treatment once, and I knew I’d survive again. The first time, I convinced myself I only had a couple years left to live. Thirteen years later, when cancer returned, I had a more optimistic attitude, even though the odds were, in fact, worse. I’m nearly four years ‘out’ from that second diagnosis, and I haven’t spent those years in fear. While I underwent the same chemo regimen both times, the second time was much easier because I was actually in better physical shape, due to making a point of being active in nature — the redwoods, a beach or park, the mountains — the day before each chemo session. It really made a difference. |
Ann Hiking Monument Valley (2022)
Photo Courtesy: Ann Bancroft |
Do you worry about the cancer returning, or have you learned to focus on the present, to embrace joy?
Both are true! I don’t spend much time worrying, but I am aware recurrence may happen. Because of that awareness, I do consciously focus on the present and look for, and appreciate, moments of joy.
Where do you find sanctuary?
I find sanctuary in nature, walking outdoors, writing, cooking meals for others, and enjoying simple, everyday moments with people I love.
Both are true! I don’t spend much time worrying, but I am aware recurrence may happen. Because of that awareness, I do consciously focus on the present and look for, and appreciate, moments of joy.
Where do you find sanctuary?
I find sanctuary in nature, walking outdoors, writing, cooking meals for others, and enjoying simple, everyday moments with people I love.
Ann Bancroft began writing fiction after a career in journalism and communications. Her first job after graduating from UC Berkeley was as “copy boy” at The Oakland Tribune, at a time when there were few women in the newsroom. As a reporter, she worked in the State Capitol bureaus of the San Francisco Chronicle, United Press International and the Associated Press. She wrote editorials for The Sacramento Bee and was later appointed communications director for the State Department of Education.
After a first bout of breast cancer, she retired early and began writing fiction, leading generative writing workshops, and mentoring breast cancer patients. She’s an alumna of the Community of Writers, the Tomales Bay Writers Workshops, and Everwood Farmstead artist’s residency. Almost Family is her debut novel.
Ann and her husband are avid travelers and hikers, and when not writing, she loves to cook and entertain. They live in Sacramento and Coronado, California.
After a first bout of breast cancer, she retired early and began writing fiction, leading generative writing workshops, and mentoring breast cancer patients. She’s an alumna of the Community of Writers, the Tomales Bay Writers Workshops, and Everwood Farmstead artist’s residency. Almost Family is her debut novel.
Ann and her husband are avid travelers and hikers, and when not writing, she loves to cook and entertain. They live in Sacramento and Coronado, California.
