Thanks for the positive story and the demonstration of commitment and attitude. While there are more nuances than perhaps you are allowing for, your basic premises -- statistics are not the defining element, take responsibility for your own recovery (i.e. quit smoking), and adopt a "can do" attitude --- are very sound.

Regardless of the varying physical challenges that we endure, depending on our treatment regimens and responses, we all share the terror of the diagnosis, the anxiety over outcomes and the uncertainty of the future.

Thanks for sharing a positive story, and putting some basic things into focus.