Tammy Faye OK With Losing Eyelashes

LANCASTER, S.C. (AP) _ Former televangelist Tammy Faye Messner says losing her trademark eyelashes during her struggle with cancer was a liberating experience. <br/><br/>``I realized I wasn't just

Monday, April 25th 2005, 10:11 am

By: News On 6

LANCASTER, S.C. (AP) _ Former televangelist Tammy Faye Messner says losing her trademark eyelashes during her struggle with cancer was a liberating experience.

``I realized I wasn't just eyelashes,'' said Tammy Faye, adding she glued on false ones. ``A person is more than just what you look like on the outside.''

Messner was diagnosed with colon cancer nearly a decade ago and last year announced that the disease has spread to her lungs.

Messner said she cannot say she's cancer-free and has scans every three months. ``Don't let fear rule your life,'' she said. ``Live one day at a time, and never be afraid.''

The former Tammy Faye Bakker divorced televangelist Jim Bakker in 1992 while he was serving a sentence for financial fraud. The pair founded PTL Ministries and Heritage USA, a Christian retreat.

Messner was a celebrity judge for a beauty pageant where men dressed as women Thursday at Lancaster High School. The event raised money for the American Cancer Society.