Diana’s Story

Site created on January 15, 2023

Thank you for joining CaringBridge.  Your support, encouragement and prayers are so greatly appreciated.


At some point in life, we all get hit with a “knock your socks off moment” and decide - bitter or better.  Some of us will get hit with more than one of those moments.  I went to college to play basketball and tore my ACL the week after I made the team.  Thankfully, at the time, I was reading Viktor Frankl’s A Man’s Search for Meaning and Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  I was able to practice firsthand the importance of staying positive and remembering no matter what happens, no one can take away my freedom to choose my response.  

9 years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer near my left eye (sebaceous carcinoma of the left caruncle).  In 2014, I had planned to celebrate a year of turning 40.  Instead, I spent a lot of time with surgeries to remove the cancer and meeting some of the most talented eye surgeons in the world.  I am thankful for 5 years of being cancer free.  In 2019, 2021 and now, the cancer has returned.  We have tried multiple alternatives to beat the cancer (immunotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy), and it’s not successful.  On April 6th, 4 surgeons will operate to remove my left eye at the UHealth Tower in Miami, Florida.  The procedure is expected to take 10 hours.  I will be staying in the hospital in Miami for about a week.

Again - appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement for my family, surgeons, friends and all those around those journey.

PS. Some of my favorite verses on this journey: Psalms 13:3, Psalms 46:11



Newest Update

Journal entry by Diana Fritz

After sharing my story a few weeks ago, a friend came up and shared about the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery.  Rather than repairing the broken pottery with adhesive, the Japanese use a special sap to connect the crack and then dust it with gold, silver or platinum.  The “scar” becomes a beautiful seam and a one-of-a-kind work of art.  

As I was preparing for that time to share, I asked Ben what he thought was most impactful about my story.  He said, “ Mom, that you don’t cover the scar, and that you don’t get bothered when people stare at you or ask about your scar.”  

Once we allow the wound from the scar to heal, it allows for a unique way to connect with others.  

On the one-year anniversary from surgery, I was able to say thank you to the nursing leaders at UHealth/Bascom Palmer.  This was an emotional talk as they were so key in helping me heal from the scars.  https://youtu.be/quto_7MWHus

At times, the scars bring laughter.  Ben thought the attached magnet was very fitting for me.

At times, the scars bring hope.  Last week, I was able to talk with another mom who just had her eye removed and is starting radiation shortly.  We talked about her fears and questions and what would be next on her journey.

Our next set of appointments is July 1 for a PET Scan, MRI and appointment with the ENT.

Right now, I'm working on the section of the book from 10 years ago when I was going through the first set of surgeries in Miami.  If you have any memories from that timeframe, please send my way.

Thank you for encouraging me on this journey & to use my scars.

 
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