Fort Smith (Feb 23/04) - Lillian Kristensen is not letting cancer stop her from enjoying life.

"You don't sit down and take it," she says. "You just go on living."

Lillian Kristensen and her dog Pax at home in Fort Smith. Kristensen has experienced cancer three times, but retains a positive outlook on life. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Her positive outlook -- despite having experienced cancer three times -- impresses all who know her.

The deeply religious Kristensen says she is never angry or bitter at God because of her illness. Instead, she is thankful for what she doesn't have. For one thing, she has never had any pain from the cancer, only discomfort from chemotherapy and medication.

"I don't call myself sick," the 69-year-old said. "I have some cancer in me, but most of my body is fine."

She credits her outlook to her faith, encouragement and prayer from friends, as well as the support of her husband, Ib.

Kristensen was first diagnosed with intestinal cancer -- primary peritoneal neoplasm -- in 1995.

"It was devastating the first time," she says, noting doctors originally gave her five months to live.

It was the first time in her life that she was sick.

While an operation was not required, she began chemotherapy and the cancer went into remission.

It returned, however, in 2000. Then she had an operation and more chemotherapy -- and for the first time lost her hair.

The cancer again went into remission.

Last year Kristensen recalls talking to her doctor on the phone and hearing the cancer was back once again.

"One sure sign was my dog. One day my dog started following me like a shadow," she says. "And I said, 'Do you know something that I don't?'"

It was the same type of cancer and chemotherapy was once again the treatment.

"I thought, well, it's becoming a routine and I could handle it," Kristensen says.

The latest chemotherapy was completed a couple of weeks ago, and she is now looking forward to her hair growing back.

Never give up

Kristensen is well-known in Fort Smith from working with her husband at the North of 60 Bookstore. She has also volunteered in the community, most notably as one of the driving forces behind the local animal shelter.

She and her husband -- both originally from Denmark -- have lived in Fort Smith since 1971.

Kristensen expects her cancer may return in two or three years, though she has been told her illness is not curable.

"Most likely it will claim my life one day, but I won't be ready for a long time," she says. "You just don't give up. Never."