Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/244291
Being the sixth-winningest coach in NBA history, with more than 1,100 victories, can bring a smile to George Karl's face. But the former Nuggets coach considers his two most significant triumphs his wins over cancer: first, prostate and then throat cancer. While those experiences started in fear, Karl says they ended in a change of life focus. We recently sat down with Karl, 62, who shared his experiences and lessons learned from battling the disease. Here is some of what he had to say: H&W: Have you put your cancer scares behind you? Are you cancer-free? Karl: Life is a lot better when you don't think about dying every day. Living in fear is not healthy, but 90 percent of cancer patients have that fear. I don't think about dying every day now, but when I get some random pain, I do think, 'could this be cancer? Everything looks good, but you never really know for sure. My energy level is high and I feel good. This April will be my five-year anniversary, and there is a lot of confidence that comes with that, so I am hoping I am done with cancer. When you learned you had cancer the first time, what were your thoughts? H&W: My first thought was: Am I going to live? Everyone, when they learn they have cancer, goes to Google, gets all Googled up. They want to learn all about the kind of cancer they have and whether it is treatable, and how it is treatable, and what doctors to go to. And that's what I did. I told my family. You don't want to scare them but you have to let them be supportive. Karl: Have your ideas of healthy living changed since getting cancer? H&W: I've tried to develop a consciousness of being in tune with my body. If I have a headache, I ask: What did I do or what did I eat or drink that could explain this? If I feel the arthritis in my knees acting up, I ask: What did I do to cause this pain? In the past, I would have just taken a pill. Karl: Health and Wellness Magazine • 89