Nancy Grigsby decided shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer that she wouldn’t be living with the disease.
The cancer would have to learn to live with her.
The Niceville mother of two was diagnosed 10 years ago and since has gone on seven mission trips and travels across the country as an inspirational guest speaker.
“I tell people I have good news and bad news,” Grigsby said. “The good news is I’m still here. The bad news is that I will always have cancer.”
Since learning she had colon cancer that spread to her liver in 2003, Grigsby has gone to chemotherapy every week and been through five surgeries.
She’s also continued to work, ski, go on boating trips, climbed a volcano and watched both her sons graduate from high school.
“She is an inspiration to the women in our cancer support group and to everyone who is blessed to meet her,” said Carol Rose, who is in Grigsby’s cancer support group. “(Everyone) would be inspired by the courage and life of this woman.”
Grigsby’s cancer, she says, typically kills those diagnosed with it within the first five years. She said her first few years living with cancer, she would pack the Christmas decorations wondering if she’d get to pull them out the following year.
Now, she says anything she can do, she will.
“This is just a testament to the fact that God exceeds expectations,” Grigsby said. “I’ve gone on more mission trips with cancer than without. So I’m now saying, ‘Let’s go. Let’s keep going’.
“Yes, cancer has changed my life. But it’s not the end. This has been an incredible journey.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.