CCS helps area cancer survivors live life
Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series about Community Cancer Services to support Leadership Sandpoint’s “Got Gas” fundraiser. For more information please call (208) 255-2301 or email jess@communitycancerservices.org.
I am a breast cancer survivor with a diagnosis in 1996. Following surgery I was considered 99 percent cancer free. My oncologist prescribed chemotherapy “to save my life,” then four years of Tamoxifen. In 2000 I was declared clear of cancer.
In my naivety I didn’t understand the chronic nature of this disease but in 2000 I was not alone in this belief. In 2005 I was shocked to discover a “stiff neck” and a MRI revealed metastatic estogent HER2 cancer that had C1 and C2 with lung, lymph, and bone involvement. My newly-assigned oncologist recommended chemotherapy and radiation … then I’d be gone in two years. Gone where? I fired him! With my positive energy and my current oncologist inspired both hope and faith in me to believe cancer is a treatable disease and no one but God knows the future. What makes all this work is a “wellness team;” the medical professionals comprised of doctors, nurses, counselors, and social workers.
My peer groups support and nurture each other through the good and challenging issues, and my prayerful family and friends who truly support my journey with love and appreciation. Most of all, my hero, my husband who attends all oncology appointments and provides tremendous assistance with another pair of ears. While on this journey with me, my husband Daniel has earned from M of I bachelor and master degree … amazing.
Recently my doctor called me a miracle patient. My belief in a “higher power” gives me strength and comfort to be one. The support of Community Cancer Services has alleviated much stress. I’ve been the recipient of travel cost to meet many appointments throughout the month. Kris Carr has a movie and a book currently released called “Crazy, Sexy, Cancer” that inspired me tremendously with an extremely powerful message: Cancer taught me how to live and not die! I agree!
After speaking at “A night to Remember” in October 2008 I was the proud recipient of an exquisite “hope” jewel designed and donated by Sunshine Goldmine Jewelers. When the auctioneer said one person in this room deserves this — me — what a thrilling night! All this and more on Oct. 3, 2008, is the birthday of my third Lhasa Apso in my life. Surprise! In December just to keep him warm Dasheil popped up in my husband’s jacket 10 weeks old and adorable, waiting for the doctor in the oncology office with the blizzard of the year outside. So there he was; the doctor loved him. I asked maybe I shouldn’t have gotten him and the doctor asked why? I replied because he will outlive me. The doc then replied, “We’ll see about that!” Golden words from the oncologist who was fighting for my life!
Fast June forward, July 2009 I went on a clinical trial that placed me in remission. Seventeen doses of TDM1 and one year no chemo! Hallelujah! 2011, at the insidious nature of cancer’s return, from that time on a variety of medical cocktails with good and bad results. Currently and hopefully the trial medicine was approved from FDA Kadula would work.
While in the year 2011, making memories, an organization dedicated to granting wishes for patients with my exact qualifications. My husband and I requested a flight to San Francisco, stayed at the Marriott, and ate at San Francisco Bistro. We got to see wonderful sights of Golden Gate Bridge, oceans, the wharf, De Young Museum, cable cars, and city fun! Then onward to Sonoma, wine country, where we visited and stayed with loving friends and in-laws. Plus of course a glider ride with an old friend with fun and unreal sights of the mountains and clear lake. Not only was San Francisco on my radar scope but also whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, “river of no return.”
With cancer survivors each day taking on the challenges of a week. White water rafting was granted by Wilderness Outfitters, wonderful people. Each day we set up and down tents, helped prepare delicious meals on the beach of the river. Taking on the challenges of everyday life in the back country; I found the importance of being present, embraced this new peace, confidence, and freedom. One wave would douse us, lots of froth, and then another wave from another direction. More please more! We felt elated and the adrenaline of completing the challenge solidified the ties between us. Blessed with new friends, fun, exciting rapids, at the end of the day soft stillness and the realization of our uninterrupted day of peace and serenity. River time ahh, may it go on forever.
Life itself is a gift. Some of us need your help to survive to acquire the walk on the planet.