Healing Through Art & Games
- “Top Gun” legend and throat cancer survivor Val Kilmer, 54, is continuing to share some “limited-edition” memorabilia and recently took to social media to show off his “special” collection of playing cards, including one with a poem.
- Throat cancer is cancer that develops in your throat or voice box. It can cause symptoms in the throat including sore throat, pain with swallowing, difficulty swallowing, the sensation of a lump or mass in the throat, ear pain, and less commonly voice changes, hoarseness or difficulty opening the jaw.
- Going through a major life change, like overcoming cancer, often inspires people to do more in life, like joining new activities or making art, in Kilmer’s case.
- Additionally, looking for ways to give back can be a wonderful part of your own healing journey, just like Kilmer is doing so by selling off meaningful items and art.
Kilmer recently took to social media to announce that his second-edition Doc Holliday Signature Playing Cards are back up for sale on his website, and one of them includes a unique poem.
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He continued, “Featuring a new portrait of Doc Holliday himself on the back of each card these decks are a real slice of history and of course, I’ll be signing each one!
“Whether you’re dealing a hand of poker with friends or just enjoying a bit of Doc’s legendary spirit, these cards are the perfect addition. They come in a classic 1850s Faro style, just like Doc would’ve used, and I’ve thrown in a special poetry card just for good measure!”
The signature playing cards are being sold for $85.00 and still in stock.
The product description explained how the cards have 52 period faces, a new photo of Doc Holliday on the card back, and “2 ½” x 3 ½” classic poker/faro sized deck,” with one “secret card” that includes two poems written by Kilmer himself.
It also includes, commemorative Tombstone graphics on the box and each deck is sealed with a “Doc” stencil sticker.
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Meanwhile, one of his creative poems was also seen in his Instagram post. The poem, titled “Progress Proves the Infinite,” reads, “I’m saying what we’re praying/How it’s neighboring delight/To spend eternity in this hour/Holding hands throughout the night/Never checking for relevance (Our proof is what we pray for)/We single-handedly groove/With cosmos mirrored on the dance floor.”
It continues, “Purity and purpose/And Pulpit and Press I salute you, siblings/Everywhere/Whose process/Whose projects/Whose progress/Proves/The Infinite.”
Underneath the poem, the card reads, “Dr. Kilmer’s Swamp Root Universal Poker Deck.”
Val Kilmer’s Throat Cancer Battle
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, however, he chose not to speak publicly about it until 2017.
The actor wasn’t considering conventional treatment at first, thinking his Christian Science faith would heal the tumors. But he ultimately agreed to undergo chemotherapy for the sake of his adult children, Mercedes and Jack, whom he had with his ex-wife, English actress Joanne Whalley.
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Kilmer also underwent a tracheotomy, a surgical procedure that connects the windpipe to a hole in the front of the neck, which greatly impacted his speaking voice.
Expert Throat Cancer Resources
- Majority of Throat Cancer Diagnoses Are Caused by HPV – Here’s What You Need to Know
- Throat Cancer Is Increasing in the United States, New Research Suggests; Did You Know A Virus That Causes It Can Be Prevented With a Vaccine?
- 7 Signs of Throat Cancer That Aren’t As Obvious as You’d Think; Knowing What to Look for Is Key
- Get the Facts: What Do We Know About HPV-Linked Throat Cancer?
- Having Oral Sex With Multiple Partners Can Increase Risk for Throat Cancer, Says New Study
Thankfully, Kilmer continued acting as “Top Gun: Maverick” filmmakers were able to help give Iceman a voice again thanks to artificial intelligence technology that used samples of him speaking to recreate his signature speech patterns.
And though he originally kept his cancer battle out of the public eye, Kilmer eventually shared more about his journey through interviews, his autobiography “I’m Your Huckleberry,” and his documentary, “Val.”
RELATED: Watch this Inspiring Film About the Impact Art & Music Can Have on the Cancer Journey
“I have been healed of cancer for over four years now, and there has never been any recurrence,” he wrote. “I am so grateful.”
Art Through Cancer & The Importance of Doing What You Love
Alongside treatment or after beating cancer some people may turn to various artistic outlets (i.e. singing, dancing, painting, crafting) to help them cope with their cancer journey, just as Kilmer has done and continues to do.
RELATED: How I Made It Through Cancer: Painting & Dreaming
Others may also art to handle feelings of grief after suffering a cancer-related loss. Whenever and however you turn to art, in whatever form it may be, its healing benefits in terms of mental health are well-documented and substantiated.
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Very Well Mind previously reported that a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association says that less than an hour of creative activity can reduce stress and have a positive effect on your mental health. And that’s true regardless of artistic experience or talent, the author notes.
Meanwhile, Marianne Cuozzo, a three-time cancer survivor, can also attest to the power of art. And despite the fact that cancer has essentially been her whole life, Cuozzo has recognized herself as a lot more than a diagnosis by focusing on her life as a mother and an artist.
Three-Time Cancer survivor Marianna Cuozzo On How Art Helps Her Express Herself
Cuozzo was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994 at the age of 28. In 1997, she had a recurrence, and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She had a double mastectomy and originally got implants with reconstruction.
But after years of infections, she decided to remove her implants and “go flat.” Her artwork reflects a deeply personal exploration of body image and sexuality. In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Cuozzo tells us how she found comfort expressing herself through her work.
Cuozzo added, “My artwork is very reflective of my cancer journey. I’m doing the best I can to feel beautiful in this new body.”
Do What You Love
While battling cancer, it can be difficult to focus on anything except the treatment you’re going through. However, studies prove that patients who are able to stay positive during treatment typically see better results.
Doing activities that bring you joy play a huge part in lifting spirits and improving attitude and mindset. For those battling cancer, doing activities you love can sometimes bring some much-needed positivity into your day. Whether it’s a picnic with friends, hike in the great outdoors, or sitting down with a paint brush and canvas, it’s so important to find those special pockets of joy.
Related: Stay Positive, It Matters
“We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview.
“So working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment [and] your emotional well-being are important and can impact your survival. If that’s related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities.”
Dr. Dana Chase encourages those facing cancer to find moments of joy during treatment
There’s Life After Cancer
We love how Kilmer never allowed his cancer diagnosis to stop him from doing what he loves, including creating art.
Sometimes it can be hard for cancer patients to see the light at the end of the tunnel especially after being hit with a diagnosis. However, SurvivorNet has shared thousands of stories from cancer warriors that prove everyday challenges tend to improve over time. With the support of loved ones that make up your support group, you too can find a way to navigate your emotions.
Your support group also helps motivate you while undergoing the rigors of cancer treatment. While every cancer warrior’s journey is unique, one thing is certain, you are more than your diagnosis.
Kilmer and many other cancer survivors continue to demonstrate there’s life after cancer every day by focusing on what brings them joy, happiness, and gratitude.
WATCH: Living In Gratitude
Gratitude means being thankful for what you have and showing appreciation for it. It’s a mindset that helps people going through tough times, and the experts SurvivorNet spoke with encourage cancer warriors and their loved ones to practice gratitude.
Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal cancer surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told SurvivorNet that his patients who live with gratitude tend to handle treatment better because this attitude is one way to stay mentally healthy.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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