BUILDING - Yale-New Haven Hospital

9
DEBBI ZERGIEBEL
I did not hide
I feel wonderful today and life is good. But in early 2004, I was
diagnosed with a malignant parotid (salivary duct) tumor. After
surgery to remove it, I underwent more than six weeks of radiation
therapy.
Although each person with cancer has their unique struggles,
it’s just a fact that with most cancers, the scars can be hidden. Not
so with the cancer I had. My face virtually melted and everyone
could see the change. But I made the decision early on that I would
not hide.
Maya Angelou has said, “I can be changed by what happens to
me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” That has been, and continues
to be, my philosophy. After my surgery and during my radiation
treatments, I came to work every day. I found something deep
within myself that allowed me to keep going. I also benefited
from the support of my husband Kent, my wonderful family and
my dear friends.
My message to other people with cancer is to keep going,
keep fighting. It doesn’t have to beat you, emotionally or physically.
About a year after my treatments, I saw a woman seated in the
waiting area of radiation oncology with a scarf partly covering her
face. After a while, I approached her and said, “You’re going to get
better. Don’t hide.” We talked for a long time, and after that day,
she left her scarf at home.
To me, the new cancer center will also be about increasing the
awareness about what having cancer really means. Because of it,
more people will learn that those with cancer can survive, can live
their lives to the fullest.
Debbi Zergiebel has surpassed the two-year mark cancer free, after being
diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer. She works in the department
of protective services at Yale-New Haven Hospital.