Author Archive
Resource List
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CancerCare
1-800-813-HOPE (4673), website: www.cancercare.org
Provides free professional support services to anyone affected by cancer including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help and are provided by trained oncology social workers free of charge
American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345, website: www.cancer.org
Focuses on cancer research, education and advocacy; and provides patient and family support services, which vary by locality.
Gilda’s Club
1-888-445-3248, website: www.gildasclub.org
Support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events are available for people with all kinds and stages of cancer.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
1-800-422-6237, website: www.cancer.gov
Information specialists can answer questions about cancer and provide materials. The NCI website provides comprehensive information on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, statistics, research, clinical trials and news.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
1-877-622-7937, website: www.canceradvocacy.org
Advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and the empowerment of cancer survivors through federal policy initiatives.
Wellness Community
1-888-793-9355, website: www.thewellnesscommunity.org
Offers professionally led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body programs.
Mortality-The Big Lesson
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The cancer diagnosis caused my world to spin in the opposite direction. I was a teacher for over 30 years. I was accustomed to being energetic, independent, and of course, in control. Suddenly, I was not in control; instead of giving help and support, I was accepting it. One night I was an active, strong and healthy tango dancer, the next I was a fatigued cancer patient who could not find the energy to put on my heels.
The next year my life revolved around taking care of myself. Try as I might, I could not resist the lure of the information and research available on the Internet.
Although there was no evidence of cancer outside my breast or in my nodes, the doctors recommended chemotherapy following the surgery. Again, I was absolutely terrified but I felt taking the doctor’s suggestion was the right thing for me. Six months of hard chemo passed; the side effects were unpleasant, but not nearly as bad as I had imagined.
I suppose it is natural to take stock of the past when the future is so seriously threatened. Strange as it may sound, I feel like one very lucky woman: the cancer was discovered on a mammogram while in stage 1 before it had spread; I was blessed with a network of family and friends to care for me; I had access to the very finest doctors and medical team available anywhere. I know that there is a possibility of a recurrence, life is uncertain and fragile for all of us, but I also know (if we ask) that God will always be with us.
In our society, it is easy go through the life rushing to get things done. Cancer is a reminder to live each day fully; to seize the opportunity to express love and appreciation to those we care about, to take the time to stop and notice little things that can make life so enjoyable, to help others and to remember to be thankful for the many blessings we have.
Rosemary from Iowa, Survivor July 2008
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.
Hair Loss is Temporary
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I thought I was prepared for the being bald. But everyday when I brushed my hair each handful of hair could bring me to tears. The last few strands of hair in front of my ears remained for several months I felt reassured whenever I rubbed them with my fingers. Nothing made me feel like cancer more than seeing my bald head in the mirror. I reminded myself that baldness was a sign that the chemo was doing its job. I’m grateful to my friend who kept reassuring me that my hair lost was only temporary and that it would grow back. I feared losing my eyebrows and worst yet would be losing my eyelashes. Luckily my eyelashes didn’t go until after I was finished with the chemo and I was feeling better. They were also the first to grow back.
Rosemary from Iowa, Survivor July 2008
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.
Preferred a Port
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My best piece of advice came from my medical oncologist who recommended that I have a port-a-cath put in below my shoulder to protect my one good arm and the veins in my other hand and arm during the infused treatments. The big plus was that it took only one quick needle stick for the oncologist nurse to get blood and get the IV infusion (chemotherapy) started. Inserting and removing a port-a-cath is a surgical procedure and has some risks but I’ve certainly been happy with mine. I haven’t had mine removed yet but I will need to get that done when I’m finished treatment.
Rosemary from Iowa, Survivor July 2008
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.
Stay Positive and Active
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When faced with my cancer diagnosis, I thought things wouldn’t change all that much. Yes, my hair would fall out and there would be a need for surgery, chemo and radiation; but how bad could that be? Maybe my rose colored glasses helped in the long run because I did keep doing and going.
What did change was the need for rest, lots and lots of rest. I had to accept the fact that everything wasn’t going to get done and I had to accept that as being okay. I would go home from work and take a nap instead of eating lunch and a normal bedtime hovered around 7:00 p.m. Treatment was manageable but in looking back, there were some really difficult times; both emotionally and physically.
My friends and family kept me busy though and that really helped. They got me out on weekends and made sure I got exercise and had things to look forward to other than the next treatment date. In a nutshell, my advice would be to stay positive, keep active and do what you normally would to the extent possible.
Don’t let cancer define you or take your power because you are so much more than a diagnosis. Live well.
Barb from Iowa – Survivor October 2008
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.
One Thing I Learned
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What major thing did I learn about myself: Since my diagnosis I have done a lot of research and reading about cancer in general because I believe there is power in knowledge. Many women who have written books reference their epiphany or life altering event. I’m still waiting for some indicator of the purpose of this diagnosis I was given although it is slowly emerging.
I consider myself to be an independent person and I think those who know me well, would agree with the description. It was very difficult for me then, to let people know when I needed something or to admit I even needed anything.
It was very humbling for me to realize that not only was it okay to need others, it actually helped my family and friends to know they were needed and that they could do something concrete that would help me. Needing others isn’t a weakness, it is truly a blessing that binds us closer to one another. It is just one of many gifts I have been given on this journey.
Barb from Iowa, Survivor October 2008
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.
Regarding Hair Loss
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While I couldn’t control the fact that I would loose my hair as a result of chemotherapy, it was important for me to control how I lost it. My doctor had indicated approximately when it would be gone and after how many treatments so I planned accordingly. Ironically, I had worn my hair very short for several years and the year of my diagnosis had decided to let it grow. While it was still short by most standards, it was long for me.
My approach was to have it cut in stages and by Christmas of 2008 it was once again about two inches long. I had reached my goal however, which was to have hair for Christmas. The week after however, it was getting quite thin so I decided to have my head shaved. For me, this decision was less traumatic than having it fall out in clumps or to have long strands mixed with bald spots.
I must admit that there were moments in the ensuing months when I would look in the mirror at my shiny bald head and cry. I am still uncertain whether the tears were from the baldness or the process of treatment in general. Most likely from both. I do know that there is no right or wrong way to approach the loss of your hair. Hair loss doesn’t come with a manual of right or wrong answers. Your reaction is uniquely yours and it is perfectly okay however you choose to deal with it.
Barb from Iowa, October 2008
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.