Meeting Brian Regan

Shannon Knight and Brian Regan Comedian

Joy is sometimes fleeting when you’re going through stage four cancer. When I had stage three, it wasn’t as difficult for me to find little escapes to have fun and take a break from cancer because my symptoms were not screaming at me. When I had a recurrence at stage 4 in 2010, I was terrified and suffered from anxiety attacks. They came on suddenly, usually when I was alone and were awful!

Even though I had faith in God, I was terrified because UCLA told me I only had months to live and when someone tells me frightening news like that, there is no other feeling I’ve ever gone through that made me feel moments of hopelessness.

My family knew, so my brother gave me a DVD of Brian Regan when I had stage four breast cancer. He wanted me to smile, and I had those joyful moments. The Brian Regan DVD kept me laughing through stage 4 cancer. I always send videos to women with cancer who reach out to me scared after we’ve had a conversation.

Brian Regan does not use profanity in his shows. His comedy helped me laugh and get through stage 4 breast cancer. When you’re that sick, you feel trapped, like there’s nowhere to run. I was scared, and listening to him took me away from all of the thoughts that were frightening for me.

The story that goes with this photo is nothing short of extraordinary. I had had a premonition. It was very strong, and I am used to trusting it. I knew I would meet Brian Regan and get to thank him for all the laughter he brought me during the darkest time in my life. So, I bought a ticket for his show, and I must admit, I was very curious, waiting to see what would happen. Was my intuition correct?

As usual, his show was amazing. I got a front-row seat! When the show was over, I walked around the casino a little bit in Temecula and then went to the Oak House for dinner. I met these wonderful people who were opera singers, literally singing for their supper. They were amazing. They invited me to their table, gave me a piece of chocolate cake and sang, and then sang an Andrea Bocelli song for me. Seriously how in the world did all of this happen?

When I was hugging them goodbye and thanking them and in comes walking in Brian Regan with his family!

No one came in after him. The doors of the restaurant were now closed to new patrons. They kept singing, and Brian and I got to talk a bit. He introduced me to his family, and I shared how his comic performances pulled me out of the brink of darkness when I felt terrified.

I told him that his comedy acts probably are far more powerful than he realizes in the cancer community where it’s difficult to find joy in these sometimes long journeys fighting for our life. He got tears in his eyes and asked me…cautiously … if I was doing OK now. If the cancer was gone. I said yes, it’s been three years I’m still cancer-free. He hugged me and said he was happy.

We were supposed to see him for my birthday this year, but the roads were blocked because of the snow! That was a bummer, but I still listen to him.

As a Christian woman, I understand it’s crucial to have faith to read devotionals that will strengthen my faith and scriptures, but you can’t leave out joy and silliness because it’s very healing.

I recommend his comedy to anybody who is overthinking possible grim outcomes. Sometimes you need a break from ruminating thoughts - those scary thoughts that keep running through our minds do not serve us at all.

Fear and worry can’t produce anything to help relieve our stress and worries.

My two favorite acts of his are Big Family Stuff and The Emergency Room.