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Gloria Gaynor Got it Wrong

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Since being diagnosed with Lymphoma, there have been two moments of attitudinal shift that I continue to refer back to. They were moments of a switch being flipped - devoid of rumination, processing, mulling or contemplation. Adjustment, quick and clean; no transition necessary.

The first came when I was talking to my friend Chris. In my 53 years on earth Chris is the most positive person I have ever encountered, literally. (And I mean “literally” in the literal sense.) He exudes it, and it is sincere. He laughs at my snark without judgement, responds with love, and I love him for that. I was telling Chris the tale of how a mysterious kidney stone led to the discovery of my Cancer, and his immediate response was, “Thank G-d for that kidney stone!” Consider the notion of thanking the almighty, whatever version thereof you do or do not embrace, for the affliction of a kidney stone. My natural reaction was, “Oh my G-d, I’ve got a fucking kidney stone,” but Chris was right. I owe that kidney stone a huge debt of gratitude. Shift.

The second came from my wife. She told me that I became a survivor from the moment I got diagnosed, and asserted that there is no need to wait until Chemo is over and PET scan results are in to adopt the guise of survivor. I am surviving Cancer as I type this blog. In other words, and I know this is akin to blasphemy, Gloria Gaynor got it wrong. “I Will Survive” looks to the future, not the now, and sometimes the now is all that matters. I purposefully avoid the banality of talking about myself as a survivor, or referring to my Cancer journey, but I appreciate Shawnna’s admonition, and it’s something I can own for myself. Shift.

"Gloria Gaynor" by Towne Post Network is licensed under CC BY 2.0

So, with apologies to Diva Gaynor, and gratitude to Chris and Shawnna, I offer some alternatives to Gloria's disco anthem. Here, instead, is the start of a playlist comprised of songs that bring intent into the now, and propose that survival is not aspirational. I appreciate any additional suggestions.

The Impressions – Keep on Pushing

When is Curtis Mayfield not the right answer?


The BeeGees – Stayin’ Alive

Have you actually listened to the lyrics?


Pat Benatar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot

What can I say, I’m a child of the ‘80’s


Cake – The Distance

Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course; He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse; He's going the distance






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  1. GailJanuary 26, 2022 at 6:11 PM

    This song has great lyrics and catchy tune, although not up there with the 80's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoG-r34LokE&ab_channel=Lukeliu
    Thanks for your blog. Funny and informative! Our thoughts and prayers are with you every day.

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