Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2011
SPECIAL ISSUE>
The BIG list of ideas, inspirations and tips on how to live
healthy, happy and confidently with or without cancer!
11 11 11 11 >
Books to read Ways to get Questions to Super Foods to
this year! Organized ask your Doctor boost health! PLUS
much more!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gordon L. Black, MD., Honorary
in
As we ready to greet 2011, it is
this issue:
11 Things You
Should Know
favorite list handy for frequent review.
know
understanding the cancer experience Issue 16
complimentary
magazine
in the
Robert Ash with the universal hope that the This past October, the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation was
Sam Faraone New Year will bring more stability, blessed by the kindness of some very hard-working groups.
certainty and, as always, a fresh The Bicycle Company and Chris Oaxaca sponsored their
Jeanne Foskett
start. 2011 will be the first full year second annual mountain bike race in honor of one of their
Juan Herrada, M.D. of health reform with Medicare riders, Suzanne Nolan. Suzanne, diagnosed with breast
Kent Hummel supporting new preventive benefits cancer, was unable to ride in this year’s race, but was present
SPECIAL ISSUE>
Victor Mascorro, Jr. at no out-of-pocket costs. For
The BIG list of ideas, inspirations and tips on how to live
healthy, happy and confidently with or without cancer!
at the event to cheer on the 300+ participates who rode in her
Dan Olivas some former uninsurable, 2011 honor. Read her touching story and see some of the photos in
Books to read
this year!
> could enable them access to health
Ways to get
Organized
Questions to
ask your Doctor
Super Foods to
boost health! PLUS What I Know Now. We are enormously grateful to those who
Kathrin Berg Pettit
much more!
insurance with the elimination of participated in the event which resulted in a $3,000 donation
Irene Pistella pre-existing conditions. In a state where many Texans are to the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. What a ride!
Shelly Ruddock without health insurance, twenty-eleven may well be a new Speaking of generosity, check out the photos of the
Amy Stewart Sanders year of hope and a better path. fundraiser “Bras for the Cause hosted by the Women’s
In this issue inaugurating the New Year, we are focusing on Council of Realtors. (It must be a monster fitness regime that
Patsy Slaughter the number eleven. Called a Master number (11, 22, 33), it is puts those kinds of pecs on the El Paso Fire Fighters!) Thank
Polly Vaughn a double-digit number that, according to some numerologists, you to the WCR for their support of our efforts. We were
Patti Wetzel, M.D. is the most intuitive of all numbers. It is believed to have humbled to be the beneficiary of this great organization.
Steve Yellen physic properties and can represent impractical idealism (why For both the Bicycle Company and the WCR, it was
not?), revelation, artistic and inventive genius. Let’s hope the important for them to know that their funding supports the
positive characteristics of the number eleven translate to a people who live in the community in which they live. The Rio
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR banner year! Grande Cancer Foundation is your local resource for cancer
Patricia Tiscareño In our quest to help you get and stay healthy in 2011, the programs and services. All the money you contribute stays in
RGCF staff offers our Lists of Eleven. Green House El Paso to assist El Pasoans who are undergoing a cancer
Coordinator, Izzy Mora shares his list of eleven foods you experience. Give us a call at 562-7660 to inquire about how
PROGRAM OFFICER
should eat during treatment and eleven must read books next you can become involved in our activities!
Jutta Ramirez year. Program Officer, Jutta Ramirez will enlighten you with Thank you to all our readers for your positive response to
eleven travel tips for cancer patients and her list of eleven In the Know: Understanding the Cancer Experience. We will
GREEN HOUSE ‘gotta try’ exercises. Our Office Manager, Cindi Martinez be focusing our 2011 efforts on promoting the journey toward
offers eleven ways that you can make your doctor visits more health and wellness and will keep you up on the latest
COORDINATOR
meaningful as well as eleven ways to make home a more programs for meeting your personal goals of keeping cancer
NEWSLETTER EDITOR restful place. We also feature Eleven ‘don’t miss’ Events in at bay.
Izzy Mora 2011 and lists of eleven things you can do for a caregiver, Happy New Year!
eleven gifts for a cancer patient, and eleven little mini
meditations courtesy of my pen. We hope you’ll keep your
OFFICE MANAGER
Cindi Martinez FEATURES
6 10 18
Let’s eat! Ways to prepare
for your Doctor’s
Appointment
Gifts
for Caregivers
know
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know
understanding the cancer experience
in the
6
Let’s eat!
N
o single food or food component can protect you against
11
cancer by itself. But scientists believe that
the combination of foods in a predominantly plant-based
diet may. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and
phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways that boost
their individual anti-cancer effects. In addition, vegetables, fruits,
whole grains and beans are low in calorie-density and protect
against weight gain. Expert reports say that carrying excess body
Super Foods to fat is implicated in the development of cancer. Eating a
boost health! predominantly plant based diet can help prevent weight gain and
protect against those cancers whose risk is convincingly increased
by higher body fat (cancers of the colorectum, esophagus,
endometrium, pancreas, kidney and breast in postmenopausal
women).
By Izzy Mora
Ways to
stay Fit!
Get Moving!
By Jutta Ramirez
P
eople undergoing cancer treatment choose; one may be just right for you!
“You will never reach your goal
traditionally have been told to rest as 1. Walking
much as possible and avoid exertion, until you start to take action, any 2. Swimming
to save all their strength to battle ther cancer action.” 3. Yoga
diagnosis. But a growing number of Byron Pulsifer, 4. Tai Chi
physicians and researchers now say that from Take Action; Don't Procrastinate 5. Pilates
people who remain physically active as best 6. Bicycling
division director of breast services in the 7. Resistance Band exercises
they can during treatment are more likely to
radiation oncology department at Henry 8. Isometric exercises
beat cancer.
Ford Hospital in Detroit and lead author of 9. Bicycling
The positive evidence for exercise during
an ongoing study on exercise for cancer 10. Dancing
and after cancer treatment has piled so high
patients. Evidence has found that regular 11. Daily living activities – household chores,
that an American College of Sports Medicine
workouts can attenuate the wasting away mopping, vacuuming, washing windows,
panel is revising the group's national
that comes both from the cancer itself and gardening
guidelines regarding exercise recommended
cancer treatments. “Exercise is so important for cancer patients,
for cancer survivors.
The panel's conclusion: Cancer patients and but so many doctors and health professionals
• Improved quality of life. People with cancer are concerned about safety issues -- is it safe
survivors should strive to get the same amount
feel better overall when they exercise. for people undergoing treatment to exercise?"
of exercise recommended for everyone else,
Fatigue is less, but there also are emotional said Colleen Doyle, director of nutrition and
about 150 minutes a week of moderate-
benefits to be had. "There's such a sense of physical activity at the American Cancer
intensity aerobic exercise. Resistance training
fear, such a sense of loss of control, a lot of Society. "And this group has decided that yes,
and stretching also are recommended.
stress -- and we know that exercise helps it is. These guidelines really help lay some of
calm those fears and restores a sense of those issues to rest. This clearly delineates
Benefits for cancer patients and
control," Dr. Walker said. that it is safe and it is feasible and we should
survivors include:
• Reduced fatigue. Aerobic activity has been be recommending exercise for cancer
Doctors do not expect cancer patients to patients."
found to lessen the need for drugs to
always be able to keep up a high level of But overall, the new message is clear: If you
increase production of red blood cells
physical activity. Workout plans also will have cancer, you'll have a more successful
because of chemo damage. The loss of red
have to be tweaked to best fit the person's fight against it and a better recovery afterward
blood cells is responsible for much of the
condition, according to the American College if you exercise as much as possible.
crippling fatigue that people often feel while
of Sports Medicine panel. For example, some You didn't make it through chemo just to end
undergoing cancer treatment. You need less
types of cancer therapy can make bones more up on the couch. Get together with your
medical attention for your fatigue during
brittle, requiring exercise that places less doctor, get an exercise program, and get
chemotherapy if you are physically active.
stress on them. Other cancer patients could be moving!
so vulnerable to infection because of their
• Reduced loss of muscle and bone mass. “A
embattled immune system that they would Sources: Health Day News, Dennis Thompson, reporter;
lot of patients lose muscle mass and bone www.UnitedHealthcare.com :
need to exercise away from other people.
density during chemotherapy or hormone www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/
Here are eleven activities from which to
therapy," said Dr. Eleanor M. Walker,
11
Travel Tips for
patients
3. Check your health insurance. Before 8. Practice good airplane health. Stay
traveling, check with your health insurance hydrated by drinking plenty of water and
company to determine whether your plan avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Get up and
will cover health costs in other states, or if stretch during long flights to prevent blood
you should visit a certain provider for clots. If you have had surgery that affected
treatment (if needed). If you are traveling lymph nodes, consider a compression
overseas, verify if your health insurance garment to reduce risk of lymphedema,
covers costs outside the United States, or if chronic swelling that can occur as a result
you need to purchase travel health of damage to lymph nodes.
insurance.
9. Find a local health-care provider. If you
4. Do you need shots? If traveling abroad, are planning to be away for several weeks,
check the vaccination requirements, as find a local doctor who can help coordinate
some vaccines needed for entry into certain your care. Your doctor may be able to
countries may be contraindicated for provide recommendations. Should an
cancer patients. For example, certain emergency arise, you will know exactly
cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, where to go and what to do.
radiation therapy, steroid therapy) can
weaken the immune system and may limit 10. Save adventure for travel another time. If
the effectiveness of vaccinations that are your immune system is weakened by
required to travel to some parts of the treatment, be a little more cautious than
world. you normally would during your trip.
Skip roadside food carts for better
5. Get a doctor’s note. Tighter airline established restaurants. Drink bottled
security may require you to carry a letter water. Carry hand sanitizer and wash
from your doctor if you have metal in your your hands frequently.
body as a result of surgery or if you need
to take certain medical supplies, such as 11. Take your time getting there. Allow extra
syringes, on board. Call your doctor well time at the airport due to long lines,
in advance to get a letter. delays going through security checks or
managing carry-on luggage.
6. Don’t put medications in checked bags.
Be sure to keep medications with you at all And finally...enjoy yourself!
times. If your luggage gets lost, you don’t
11
10
Ways to prepare
for your Doctor’s
Appointment
?
11
Questions to ask
your Physician
Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure
February 20, 2011
ents i n 2 0 1 1
r S peci al Ev
M i s s ’ C ance
n’ t
Eleven ‘Do
cer Society
American Can
ll
Borderland Ba
May 14, 2011
Candlelighters
University Breast Care Center’s Border AIDS
Walk of “Celebrate Life” Fashion Ronald McDonald
“Spotlight”
Hope Show October 2011 September
House
“Lights of Love”
September 2011
25, 2011
December 2011
14
Medical Oncology/
(EMATOLOGY
Maria C. Aloba, M.D. EL PASO CANCER TREATEMENT CENTER
Byron H. Chesbro, M.D.
Medical Oncology 2ADIATION /NCOLOGY
Jesus A. Gomez, M.D., F.A.C.P. s #HEMOTHERAPY s )-24
Nanda K. Gopalon, M.D. s )NFUSION 3ERVICES s 0%4#4
Juan Herrada, M.D., F.A.C.P. s 0HARMACY s .UCLEAR -EDICINE
s ,ABORATORY s ($2
Arsenio G. Lopez, M.D.
s 3OCIAL 3ERVICES s -AMMO3ITE®
Raul M. Portillo, M.D. s .UTRITION 3ERVICES s )'24
Ragene R. Rivera, M.D. s (EREDITARY #ANCER s 323 3"24
Spiritual
11One Minute
Meditations M
Journeys
editation has been used for centuries to train the mind. Not only
does meditation increase wellness in general, it reduces stress,
anxieties and cultivates positive emotions. In addition, with
consistent use, it reshapes the cortex of the brain resulting in an increase
in attention span, sharpening of focus and improved memory.
By Patty Tiscareño
Sounds like just what the doctor ordered you say? But practically, how
does one fit this into a busy schedule? Try implementing a quiet spot into
your busy day. We all have 1,440 minutes in each day, so take one minute
to enjoy the simplest act of pondering on a thought. Making time to engage
thought provoking, soothing and uplifting works may just help you
embrace the challenges that each new day brings!
Gifts
for Caregivers
• Give the gift of a journal • Arrange for an evening/afternoon out new shade of nail polish, some particularly
For as long as people Most people of the baby boomer generation scandalous Hollywood magazines, and
have lived, they have can list “babysitting” as one of their earliest anything else that might appeal to your
written things down. job responsibilities. In my days, it was $.50 caregiver. Have a child decorate the outside
In caves, on scrolls, per hour and a couple’s evening out could of the bag with stickers or crayon drawings if
in books, such as the amass a small fortune for the sitter! Three that’s appropriate. Oh, and don’t forget the
Bible. Our longing to dollars went considerably further in the chocolate!
write is as old as our 1960s. Consider arranging for a ‘babysitter’
thoughts. Possibly one of the most potent to stay with the patient while you take the • Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
forms of communication is a person caregiver for some time out. The ‘sitter’ If you have one of those ‘members only’
communicating to his or herself. Although might just be a welcome respite to the shopping cards, you well know that buying at
many caregivers may keep a notebook with patient. Ask the ‘sitter’ to bring along a a discount also means buying in bulk! Got
the medical appointments, medications logs DVD or a book to share. A puzzle or paint by an extra package of toilet paper or paper
and emergency numbers at hand, many may numbers kit might be just the thing! You and towels? That two for one special on dish
not appreciate that a journal of their own your caregiver might consider a trip to the detergent or bath soap can always be shared.
thoughts can be a way to store memories, zoo on a perfect fall afternoon. How about How about sharing some stash from your 90
capture moments and make connections. dinner and a glass of wine at a quiet diner? pound bag of dog food? And those copious
The gift of a journal can give a caregiver the A silly movie accompanied by a large, overly loaves of bread freeze nicely. Drop by your
opportunity to distance themselves from the buttered popcorn tub is always decadent fun. caregiver’s house with a load of non-
source of frustration or pain and relieve The opportunity for a temporary respite from perishable extras; you really don’t have the
stress. You can pick up any number of caregiving duties is not only welcomed, but room to store all that stuff anyway.
decorated journals at your local bookstore. necessary.
• Care and Feeding of “The Dog”
• Include the caregiver on your church • A Clean House is a Happy House During the time I was a caregiver to my
prayer list Short of freshly baked bread, nothing is folks, I also had four (that’s
Prayer is perhaps the most important strategy quiteas satisfying as the smell of fresh sheets four, count ‘em) dogs under
one can engage during a battle with cancer. It and a clean house. If you have the time, my roof. While they were
isn’t rare to find the name of a sick person on spend a day in spring cleaning your excellent caregivers to my
the church prayer list, but how often do we caregiver’s home. If you can’t arrive with a parents and a source of
include the caregiver in our prayers? Send a bucket , mops, rags, Windex and Fabuloso, comfort, levity and lively
“thinking of you” card to the caregiver letting spring for a cleaning service to spruce up the conversation, there were
them know you’ve included them on the place! times when they generally
prayer list. It affirms that their needs and smelled like dogs! Couple
concerns are ever as important as those of the • The Grab Bag that with the scents that typically accompany
patient for whom they are caring. (P.S. If Why does the patient always get all the good a patient’s environment and the need for
your caregiver needs time to worship, offer to stuff!! Put together a grab bag of goodies for candles and room freshener become
spend the morning with the patient so they your caregiver. Even a plain brown paper bag paramount! How about arranging for the dog
can attend service without worry.) can be filled with delights like a music CD, a to have a spa day? If you can’t physically
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transport the canine to the groomers for your
caregiver, there are services that will come
directly to the home – a sweet smelling pet is Why wait for a holiday or special occasion to give
a treat for the dog, the caregiver and the
a gift? If someone you love is going through the
patient!
cancer experience, what a perfect time to provide a
• Arrange for an evening in Gifts little pick me up! Here are eleven ideas for gifts
There were many times when, as a caregiver, for Cancer that may bring a bit of relief to a stressful
I did not feel comfortable leaving my patient Patients situation.
in the care of another. Worry about Dad’s
blood sugar levels would invade my mind
even during the most exciting, chase scene in 1. Gift Certificates 7. Puzzles
Some people feel that gift cards are too Crosswords, Sudoku, and search-a-word puzzles
the movie thriller. Why not sponsor a ‘night
impersonal, but they really do make the perfect can be therapeutic for people undergoing cancer
in’? Get the girls together and gather at the gift for someone with cancer. Choose a gift treatment. They can ease the mind and help pass
caregiver’s home armed with junk food, certificate/card to their favorite restaurant, store, the time. Check out your local bookstores for
wine, music, board games or a sappy movie. or spa. They can use their gift card at time that is entire sections devoted to puzzle books.
Involving both the patient and the caregiver convenient for them and their treatment schedule. Considering buying two copies of a book and
provides an enormous sense of wellbeing for accompanying your friend to chemo so you can do
all the parties involved. 2. iPad or iPod them together.
If you are in the market to purchase a big ticket
• Be a Good Listener item, splurge for an iPad or iPod. These handy, 8. Baskets, Baskets, Baskets
portable gadgets are perfect for long chemo An empty, inexpensive basket can become a
As simple as it may sound, the gift of your
sessions and hospitals stays. Your loved one will fabulous repository for all kinds of things!
full attention, uninterrupted, non-critical and never miss an episode of their favorite TV show, Consider a theme and then act on it. The Soothing
unbiased listening to your caregiver’s the release of a new album, or playing addictive Soul basket might contain a “Chicken Soup for the
complaints, angst or confidence is a most games. They can even read their favorite Soul” book, a soup mug, herbal teas, cozy socks
valuable offering. Call your caregiver and newspapers, books, and magazines with the help and a comforting lip balm. The possibilities are
ask when it might be a good time for a long of the Amazon Kindle app. limitless and you can create a basket designed
visit. Perhaps after the patient has gone to exclusively for your patient to enjoy. Have fun
bed. Listening with empathy and with your 3. Throws, Blankets and Caps putting it together!
heart can help relieve the caregiver of things If you have sewing skills, a homemade blanket or
knitted cap can be both a practical and heart- 9. Aromatherapy Wraps
they just need to get off their chests. How
warming gift. Especially in the winter months, it is Anti-stress wraps, like those for shoulders and
many times have you said to someone important for a cancer patient to keep warm, neck, are available at most drug stores and natural
“thanks for listening.” especially on their head. Make sure your gift is products stores. Sometimes infused with blends of
soft and luxurious. Machine washable is a real lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus, the wrap can
•Help! There’s too much mail! plus! be heated or frozen to alleviate muscle pain. They
The U.S. Postal are often available in an array of designer fabrics,
Service doesn’t have 4. DVDs so choose one that mirrors your patient’s
a clue that you are If you have ever stayed home sick for a few days, personality!
overwhelmed with you know there is only so much daytime television
you can tolerate. DVDs of movie and television 10. Inspirational Keepsakes
bills, catalogues, get-
series are perfect for someone with cancer. They Cancer and cancer treatments have maximum
well cards and can be watched at home and even in most hospital effect on the mindset of the patient. Cancer
solicitations from the rooms. Don't limit yourself to just movies. patients usually suffer from low morale and
masses. They just Television series, documentaries and concert dipping confidence. In such a case, keepsakes
keep coming. If you are comfortable with DVDs make excellent gifts, too! engraved with a few words of encouragement can
helping to sort and arrange mailbox contents, go a long way in making the person feel better.
offer to set up some folders for your 5. Magazine Subscriptions There are any numbers of items, like key chains,
caregiver. For Immediate Attention. Junk Magazine subscriptions are also excellent gifts for jewelry, photo frames or awareness bracelets that
Mail. Get Well Cards. Ensure that the someone with cancer. Choose subscriptions to will have just the right message!
publications you know your friend likes, but also
caregiver has a passel of mailing envelopes,
throw in some unexpected selections. A
return address labels and stamps. Get the subscription to Smithsonian or Archaeological 11. Sweets and Bubbly
silly ones, like the Simpsons or Comic Book Digest might be something your friend probably Even if their current diet forbids
Heroes. Offer to respond to inquiries about would have never subscribed to on their own. indulgence into chocolate and wine,
the patient’s health and keep a record of the both these gifts keep nicely. Include
kindnesses people send. 6. Pajamas, Robes, and Slippers a note with a box of candy and a
Nothing is more unflattering and uncomfortable bottle of champagne that says
• A Care Voucher than a hospital gown, so why not spoil your loved “save this to enjoy when you’ve
The gift of your time is the most important with special PJs, robes, and slippers? Robes and completed treatment!”
pajamas that open in the front work best for both
you can give to anyone…especially a
men and women, so look for things that button up
caregiver. Why not consider giving your or have elastic waist pants. Slippers and non-skid
caregiver a “care voucher” that they can socks are also a great gift idea as well.
redeem for a much-needed break.
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Read all
Books
Caregivers
Should Read
about it!
M
ost people that find themselves as principle caregiver’s through a
loved one’s serious illness find themselves in that role with little
knowledge and a deep sense of responsibility. They are often
isolated, over-whelmed and fumbling through the day to day challenges of
living two lives; their own and that of a caregiver. There is so much to know
and so little time. Fortunately, many authors have set down in print these
beautiful texts that offer encouragement, practical tips and reminders to the
caregiver to take care of themselves in the process. This list is comprised of
some of The Green House library’s most valued manuals and guides.
And Finally...
One of the most incredible phenomena to come out of the difficult challenge that
is cancer has been the many stories, tips and advice laid out by cancer survivors
the world over. These very thoughtful voices choose to share their experiences
Books with others so that they can make the journey an easier path for others while
Cancer Patients finding closure and understanding in their own journey. Listed below are some of
Should Read the most beloved by patrons of The Green House Library. There are many that are
not in this list but alas, this is an issue of elevens.
By Izzy Mora
50 Essential Things to Dr. Susan Love's Cancer as a Turning Point by It's Not About the Hair:
do When the Doctor Breast Book Various, Joan Borysenko, And Other Certainties of
Says It's Cancer by Susan Love. M.D. Michael Lerner, Jean Shinoda Life and Cancer
by Greg Anderson Bolen, Deena Metzger by Debra Jarvis
The Cancer Eat, Pray, Love It's Not About the Bike: A Cancer Battle Plan :
Conqueror by Elizabeth Gilbert My Journey Back to Life Six Strategies for
by Greg Anderson by Lance Armstrong, Beating Cancer From
Sally Jenkins a Recovered
"Hopeless Case"
by Anne E. Frahm with
David J. Frahm
You Are Not Your Illness Time on Fire: When God and Cancer Meet
by Linda N. Topf My Comedy of Terrors by Lynn Eib,
by Evan Handler Lisa A. Jackson
what I know now
Suzanne
Nolan
Suzanne Nolan was initially diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ on June 8, 2010 at the age of 41. While ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is considered
the earliest form of breast cancer, Suzanne chose a double mastectomy followed by a reconstruction option. During her surgery, surgeons encountered a
second cancer. A diagnosis of HER 2+ stage, an aggressive form of breast cancer, required that Suzanne endure treatment protocols of six rounds of
chemotherapy, coupled with radiation therapy and a year of Herceptin (an oral chemotherapy). The reconstruction process will take place 4-6 months
after the completion of her radiation therapy. Suzanne and her husband, Robert have two girls, ages 11 and 7. She has worked as a Physical Therapist
Assistant for 14 years and is the Clinical Coordinator for the Western Technical College PTA program.
1. What was your initial response to 4. What have you learned about yourself 6. It has been said that life after cancer is
hearing the words “you have cancer?” since your cancer diagnosis? the beginning of a “new normal”…life is
I thought this couldn’t be happening to me, I have worked for 14 years in healthcare not like it was before cancer. What is
I am too young and in good shape and don’t and have always been the caregiver, having your new normal?
have time to be sick or deal with the to be on the other side of the spectrum has I am having to incorporate a constant diet
treatments. In my case, it was especially helped me appreciate the efforts of the of health check-ups. With my type of cancer
hard to hear ‘those words’ twice. healthcare team and how important it is to I will always be at risk of recurrence, so
have their knowledge and support. I thank part of the new norm is adjusting to that
God everyday for all the individuals who fact. I have to get used to living with the
2. What has been the greatest challenge have worked so hard over the decades to possibility of hearing those words “you
about having cancer? improve cancer treatment. I am not ready to have cancer”. I try not to focus on the
Having to put my life on hold to have the die and through their work I don’t plan it “what if’s” right now and my family and
treatment is most difficult. I watch all my anytime soon! friends help me focus on what is important
friends continue with their normal routines in my life right now.
and my normal is now medical
appointments. I have tried to keep our 5. After cancer treatment, many
family activities as normal as possible so survivors want to find ways to reduce the 7. What advice can you offer someone
my children don’t feel the effect of this chances of cancer recurrence. As a result facing a new cancer diagnosis?
experience as much. of your cancer experience, what lifestyle It’s very easy to become overwhelmed
changes have you incorporated? when you first hear those three words.
I already had lead a healthy life style, I My first reactions were fear … am I
3.Who or what has been your inspiration work out at the gym two times a week, I going to die? Talking with your oncologist
during the cancer journey? ride my bike 2-3 times a week, I race and getting all the facts about your
The support of my family and friends has mountain bikes in 24 hour races and follow diagnosis will help you set a plan on living,
been very inspirational. I enjoy racing a healthy eating style. My main concern is not dying. Getting a good circle of family
mountain bikes and have a close group of to keep up on my check up and report any and friends to help you deal with all that
friends that keep me motivated to get back changes in my health-- no matter how comes with the treatments will help relieve
on my bike as soon as possible. My small-- to my healthcare team. the stress on your family. Cancer is not a
husband has taken on more responsibility solitary disease; you have to keep in mind
and I see his efforts and realize that I have that you are not the only one who will feel
to work hard to get through this for him. the effects of this whole process.
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