Valerie Harper Shows What She's Made Of – Love

03/08/2013 at 01:10 PM EST

"When the smoke clears, I'll be standing," the amazingly upbeat Valerie Harper tells PEOPLE in a touching video message and cover story this week.

Having received the shocking diagnosis on Jan. 15 that she has a rare and terminal brain cancer, the Emmy-winning Rhoda" star, 73, wanted to share the news with her fans, because they have given her so much, she says – just as she has given them.

Here she is this week carrying a bunch of flowers into her Santa Monica home after doing a day of interviews. Looks like she's blossoming herself.