February 17, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 3 Comments
Cathy holding husband Pat's hand while in labor with Johnathon. Photo by Joseph C. Garza.
Tomorrow is my “little” girl’s birthday. She will be 11, sniff, sniff! She always enjoys the time leading up to her birthday when I tell her stories of my pregnancy and labor. “At this time, 11 years ago, we were waiting for you to make your debut, but you weren’t ready yet. (she was five days late).”
I remember truly realizing what people mean when they call babies a miracle. Holding her in my arms, I couldn’t believe this beautiful, perfect child was ours.
Miracle Survivor Cathy Wolfe knows a thing or two about miracle births. I met Cathy at a Camp Kesem reunion this fall. Both our children attended this wonderful summer camp for kids with parents who have/had cancer. We chatted briefly about her amazing story, and I knew I had to share it in my book.
Cathy was early into the pregnancy with her second son Johnathon when she learned she had ovarian cancer. Her doctor told her she could only guarantee her survival if she immediately had a hysterectomy, thus terminating her much-wanted pregnancy.
Cathy had already gone through an agonizing miscarriage, and her greatest desire was to have a large family. She pleaded with her doctor to wait until the baby could be delivered prematurely. The doctor finally relented and Cathy embarked her perilous journey to save herself and her child.
I was unable to keep food down and survived on ice chips and water. The pain was unbearable. The tumors were getting so big that any fall or pressure could cause them to rupture. Dr. Soriero likened it to a dandelion. When you blow on the seeds; they go wherever they want. So I was confined to a wheelchair.
At almost 15 weeks, I couldn’t stand it any longer. I felt like I was dying. I was rushed to the hospital where I learned my body was starting to become toxic because the cysts were obstructing my bowel. I prayed, holding my rosary the whole time.
When my blood levels stabilized, they called Dr. Soriero to lead the surgery. During the procedure, she gently held my uterus with one hand while removing the tumors. That alone could have caused me to go immediately into labor. The smallest one was 22 centimeters, much larger than the fetus at that time.
About five and half hours later, I was back in my room. The first thing I said when I awoke was, “Baby?” Pat said “Yes.” Then I said, “Cancer?” And he said I’d have to ask the doctor. I knew my baby had survived and was so very happy.
Miraculously, I carried my son to term, delivering him on November 6, 1997. We named him Johnathan, and he was healthy and perfect. When he was born, Pat went over to him and said, “Welcome to our world. It’s OK, Mommy and Daddy are here.” At that moment, he reached his hands up to Pat’s face. What a beautiful moment!
Today, more than 10 years after her diagnosis, Cathy remains cancer-free. She now helps other women who are pregnant with cancer through an organization called Hope for Two, http://www.pregnantwithcancer.org/.
February 15, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 3 Comments
Evan likes to ride his bike around the mountains near his home in Salt Lake City.
With Valentine’s Day behind us, I wanted to reflect on the title of this post. It seems like an odd statement to make, unless you hear it from Evan Mattingly. Evan started following me on this blog, and I soon noticed his positive, encouraging comments. He finally contacted me with his story, which I’m sharing in my book.
Evan wasn’t exactly “feeling the love” in 2007 when he was scammed by a house builder, losing his home and more than $100,000 in equity. Then he learned he had neuroendocrine carcinoid cancer, a rare form of cancer with a very grim prognosis.
Despite this, Evan has an extremely positive attitude and a mischievous sense of humor. Early on in his treatment, he walked into his oncologist’s office and somberly looked at the women sitting at the front desk. “They just told me I have terminal cancer and have three to five years to live,” he told them. (dramatic pause) “But the good news is …,I just lowered my cholesterol!”
Although his cancer has not disappeared – yet – he is planning on a long life filled with camping trips and fun with his many friends. Last month, he hosted a party for 100 of his “closest friends.” Here’s what he says about cancer and love.
A friend once told me, “Cancer is the disease of love.” I asked, “How in the world can that make sense?
She answered, “Because if you get in a car accident and die, you never had a chance to turn your life around or tell people in your life you love them. But if you get cancer, it’s like a warning that you better make some changes in your life. You tend to tell people you love them more often and become more compassionate. It’s almost like a gift.”
My mom died of lung cancer 18 years ago. Before she died, she sat down and typed a letter to each of her children, knowing she didn’t have much time left. She put them in sealed envelopes and gave them to my dad saying, “When I’m gone, I want you to give these to each of the kids.” We all have her letter, and it’s special to each of us.
In her letter, she expressed how much she loved me, my family and the Lord. I’ve taken this to heart and never miss the opportunity to tell people in my life I love them. So, I’m blessed.
That doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere soon. After my first surgery, I told my doctors it was my first birthday. The next year, it was my second birthday. This coming year, it will be my third birthday. I plan on having a lot more birthdays.
Check out Evan’s blog at http://fourfightinghearts.blogspot.com/.
February 12, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 6 Comments
Left to right: Randall Reese, Paul Falk, Yvonne Cooper, Nancy Hamm, Hannah our waitress, Mark Lyons, Steve Scott, me and Beth Franks. Cathy Lyons is behind the camera, taking pictures!
Call it luck or divine intervention. Last month I was having lunch at Noodles & Company with a friend and put my card in their fishbowl. I didn’t think much about it until I received a call congratulating me that I won a “Hero’s Lunch,” a meal (actually lunch or dinner) for 10 people. Basically, people can order anything they want and you get treated ike royalty, making you (the person who won it) the hero of the day.
Right away, I knew who I’d invite: all the people here in town who have made this book and blog possible. Everyone has contributed either by offering their services at no cost/reduced price or sharing their stories. They are the real heroes, in my opinion. My only wish was that I could invite all 27 people who will be in the book. But they are all scattered around the country.
Attending were Miracle Survivors Steve Scott, Nancy Hamm, Yvonne Cooper and Paul Falk, each who have shared their incredible stories for the book and this blog. Also there were Beth Franks, my amazing and caring editor/friend; Randall Reese, who is designing my cover; and Cathy and Mark Lyons, fabulous photographers responsible for my headshot and family photos you see on this site.
Unfortunately, my dear friend Jami Elliot, who is funding my expenses for publishing the book, couldn’t attend. He made it all the way down from Indianapolis only to succumb to a nasty bug he caught from his son.
It was wonderful to have everyone meet each other and have such a great time. It really felt like a book launch party even though the book is not yet launched. Cathy started taking a bunch of pictures (like the one on this post) and the people at the table next to us asked if someone famous was there! I laughed and jokingly said to the person next to me, “Not yet!”
Well back to the nuts and bolts: finishing the book. I need to have it done soon if I want it out by spring! Have a fabulous weekend!
February 10, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 1 Comment
"Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all," as the song says.
With Valentine’s Day soon upon us, I wanted to share another story from my book, which I think exemplifies the healing power of love – especially self-love.
Patty Mele has had to overcome many challenges in her life – the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in college and a son (Andrew) with mitochondria, a metobolic disease that zaps his energy. She handled both beautifully until she was suddenly diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in 2007.
She was terrified she would no longer be there to take care of her teenage son. But she learned she needed to take care of herself in order to be around for him. Today she is cancer-free with a new perspective on life.
I asked my doctor if I was going to die. She told me, “We’re going to do everything we can do to save you and beat this.”
And I did everything I could do, too. I fought so I could be there for Andrew. I felt horrible; it wasn’t fair to my son. As a teenager, I had lost both my parents within two years of each other, and I didn’t want that happening to him.
I was so mad at this cancer; it was not taking me! I thought, “This can’t fall apart. If he lost me, it would change the whole outcome of his life.”
Perseverance kicks in when you have a goal. I was determined to beat this and be there for my child. So I had this attitude that we’ll get it done and get through it.
I think Andrew was a little angry and scared during this time. Mom’s always been there and cleared the path for him; then suddenly, he couldn’t depend on Mom. But I realized I had to take care of myself if I was going to make it.
Facing death has helped me slow down. I finally put the brakes on and took a real good look at my life. Now I try to put myself first instead of just tending to my son’s and every one else’s needs. I’m not as much of a people-pleaser as I was prior to my diagnosis, and am rediscovering what brings happiness to my life.
February 8, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 1 Comment
It's pricey and awful-tasting, but it just might work!
One of the things Dr. Huber has prescribed to me is Avemar, a fermented wheat germ supplement that has great promise in fighting cancer. I first heard about it through my friend Pattie, who learned about it when receiving care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I also received information when I stopped by Avemar’s table while at the Annie Appleseed Conference.
My first impression of Avemar when I took home my box was, “Damn, this is expensive!” My second impression was, “This stuff tastes awful!” Actually, I used another word, but you get my drift. Thank goodness, it is much more palatable mixed with juice.
This weekend, I finally had time to dig through my materials from Annie Appleseed and look at the Avemar data. Since 1996, more than 100 studies were done on Avemar, and it’s pretty impressive. Still, I tend to look past what retailers provide and seek other sources.
One study that I found on Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Web site, http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69418.cfm, showed that Avemar (known as Ave’ in Europe) increased the efficacy of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. The site points to other studies that showed Avemar has beneficial effects for patients with colorectal cancer, melonoma (when combined with chemo) and pediatric cancer.
Of course, they state that larger studies are needed, but I wonder how much of that is limited to the fact it is a supplement, not a chemo drug. Therefore, it does not have the big money behind it to fund these large studies.
According to an article in Health Sciences Institute’s December 2005 newsletter (which was provided to me at Annie Appleseed by the vendor), Avemar …
- Reduces cancer recurrence – one study of 170 colorectal cancer patients showed a 67 percent reduction in metastasis and 62 percent reduction in deaths in the group who used Avemar compared to the control group that didn’t.
- Cuts off cancer cell’s energy supply by selectively inhibiting glucose metabolism in cancer cells (the higher the glucose; the greater chance of spreading)
- Speeds cancer cell death by inhibiting the production of PARP, which enables DNA replication of cancer cells
- Exposes “undercover” cancer cells by helping the immune system identify cancer cells for attack by suppressing their ability to generate a surface molecule called MHC-1, which tells natural killer cells not to attack.
All of this information made the cost and taste of Avemar go down a little easier. Cancer is a tricky thing, and I’m not advocating forgoing traditional treatments. I’m calling my doctor today to make sure I can take Avemar with the Arimidex he prescribed.
Now, my disclaimer: I’m not even close to being a doctor or scientist, so please talk to your doctor and do your own research.
February 5, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 0 Comments
Here's a picture of Cyndi. Can't you tell what a sweet person she is by her picture?
Around the holidays, I put out a call for my friend Cyndi Wenck and her family. If you remember, Cyndi’s family was already facing a hard time financially after her husband lost his job and their house foreclosed. Then Cyndi was told her cancer came back and it was Stage IV. Now her family is facing mounting medical and other bills.
I just received an invitation for a fundraiser for the Wenck family. If you live in the Cincinnati area, here’s your chance to help a worthy family and relive your high school prom – in a good way! Cyndi gives the details:
Mark your Calendars! ….. Back by popular demand is the:
4th Annual “PROM NIGHT BENEFIT” in memory of Gregg Brinkdoepke – The Prom King. (Gregg passed away about two years ago from melanoma.) This year the benefit committee has chosen for their proceeds to go toward my on-going medical expenses. In my case, I will be going through chemo treatment indefinitely until a Cure is found 
This fun benefit will be held at the: Nathaniel Greene Lodge Ballroom, 6394 Wesselman Rd., Cincinati, OH 45248. (513)598-3100 – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, from 8PM – MIDNIGHT. The cost is $10/person. Soft drinks, snacks, and appetizers are included. BYOB. Music and Dancing by Earl Epich & Bruce Pendleton, DJ Services. There will be a Silent Auction.
To make reservations call: Joanne(513)- 598-6170, Deena (Hair Mgmt)(513)-574-3337 ext.14, or Sue (Hair Mgmt)(513)-3337 ext. 45
Directions: 1-74 to Rybolt Rd. exit, turn onto Harrison Ave. Go past Meijer, etc. about 3 miles to Wesselman Rd. (United Dairy Farmer on Right), turn right onto Wesselman Rd. Go about 1/4 mile on the right. Look for the Nathaniel Greene Lodge sign.
My entire family will be attending and I hope you can join us. It would be great to see you again and enjoy this fun event together… so put on your party clothes and CALL any of the 3 phone numbers listed above to get your reservations in and Let’s PARTAY!!!!
If you can’t make the party, but still would like to donate, you can send them to: Joanne Brinkdoepke; 6979 Bridgetown Road; Cincinnati, OH, 45248.
February 4, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 7 Comments
Shannon has since shed hats and scarves now that she's out of treatment.
The last couple of months, quite a few people have contacted me through this site to share their stories. I really wish I could fit them into my book, but I’m determined to meet my editor’s deadline and finish it finally. Who knows, I may do a sequel with more stories!
Shannon Wood, age 30,was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer in February 2009. After three chemotherapy treatments, she sought a second opinion from another doctor, who changed the diagnosis to stage IV.
Less than a week later, she had full hysterectomy and removal of her spleen and part of her bowel. After five hours of surgery and a blood transfusion, they were able to remove all cancer except for one small tumor because of the location.
Shannon faced more surgery when fluid built up after the surgery and she needed a drain placed in her stomach. She also discovered, after feeling shortness of breath, that she had three pulmonary embolisms, which doctors treated with medication.
Thorugh it all, she kept her faith. Today Shannon is cancer-free and sharing her story:
I completed my last chemotherapy treatment in September of 2009 and went for my three-month CT scan. Everything was and continues to be clear. My CA-125 ( a tumor marker for ovarian cancer) is staying at 8 (anything under 35 is considered normal).
I know first-hand what it is like to go through a storm and I tell you, you have to keep your focus on God. He gave me so much peace through all of this. I started my journey with the attitude if it was my time to go, then I was going to count my blessings for everything in life. I have a wonderful husband and three wonderful kids. I consider myself blessed.
I look back now and am thankful for all I went through. I know that may sound crazy to some, because no one wants to go through cancer. But I look at the bigger picture. I met so many amazing people. I strengthened my relationship with God and my family. I have found a deeper understanding and appreciation of life.
I never take any moment for granted. I feel God has a plan for me and part of it is to encourage others to never give up hope. Miracles happen every day, and I am one of them. May each and every one of you stay strong.
Shannon asked me to share her email address so she can connect with other survivors: talk2shannon2002@yahoo.com.
February 2, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 5 Comments
Oh, if it were only as easy as coloring my hair!
Remember those Preference by Loreal commercials where the model emphatically states, “Because I’m worth it”? Well, that’s going to be my mantra these days. It strikes me how absurd it is to worry about money when it comes to saving my life.
Over the past two years, I’ve read books, researched the Internet and piggybacked on what other fellow survivors are doing when it comes to approaching cancer holistically.
I’ve done a lot: adding supplements, going organic, eliminating sugar, drinking turbo-charged green tea, juicing … But go to an integrative practitioner? No, that’s too expensive!
After going to the Annie Appleseed Conference, http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/, I learned there’s a lot of solutions out there, and I needed guidance. So yesterday, I had my first visit with Dr. Gary Huber, www.healthyalterego.com, a Miracle Survivor guest blogger and integrative physician extroidinaire.
Tears almost came to my eyes when he told me how we’re going to create an environment where cancer can’t thrive in my body! Yes, I’m finally doing a regimen that heals rather than something toxic and temporary like chemo! Finally a doctor is saying, “We can do this,” rather than, “You know you’re going to die from this,” as two doctors who I sought second opinions told me.
They started out with a metabolic assessment with an instrument called eletro-dermal screening. It’s FDA-approved, but pretty wild-looking. I held a metal bar attached to this probe that they press onto pressure points in the hands and feet. A graph comes up and shows problem areas, such as the liver, spleen, sinuses, etc. They even use it to determine which supplements to prescribe.
After that, he prescribed a course of action. Basically, we’re using diet, supplements, exercise and even an old-fashioned prescription to hit this cancer at all levels:
- Detox my body of all toxins, heavy metals, fungus, etc.
- Starve the cancer of things it feeds on like sugar/carbs
- Promote healthy metabolism of estrogen (which feeds my type of breast cancer)
- Build up my immune system to ward off cancer activity
I came home with a bag of supplements, a container to pee in, and a revived sense of hope and enthusiasm. I’m going to get some lab work this week to determine my Vitamin D, hormone and insulin levels, among other things.
The bad news is that most of this is not covered by insurance - which I think is just plain stupid, by the way. Someday our health care system will catch up with our eastern counterparts and even some European countries that promote holistic health. In the meantime, I’ll shell out some bucks to save my life … because I’m worth it.
February 1, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 0 Comments
I am so excited to report that Mary Jacobson, a world-champion Strongest Woman and miracle survivor is going to be in my book. I interviewed her today, and you won’t believe her story! I’ll share more in later posts, but in the meantime, take a look at this video that AARP (her employer) produced and posted:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/reinventing/articles/mary_jacobson.html
January 29, 2010 - Posted by tamilb - 1 Comment
- Flowers – and love – do have power.
It’s in the teens here on this gloomy, winter day. What better time to think about spring with all it’s beautiful, fragrant flowers?
Miracle Survivor, Susan Farmer, was facing an extremely gloomy period of her life in 2001 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. Debilitated from treatments and diabetic complications, she could barely walk and rarely left the house.
Luckily, Susan had wonderful friends and family members who came to her aid and brightened her days. Letting go of her hesitation to ask for help, Susan soon starting seeking out cancer organizations to assist her. She discovered Hope in Bloom, a non-profit organization that plants indoor, patio and outdoor gardens free of charge at the homes of Massachusetts’ residents undergoing breast cancer treatment.
When I found their Web site( www.hopeinbloom.org), I started crying with joy. The founder Roberta Hershon formed the organization after she lost her best friend Beverly to breast cancer. She wanted to share what she did for Beverly while she was in treatment: taking care of her garden and keeping her house filled with flowers.The landscape designers asked me what I like, and I responded that I enjoyed going to Cape Cod. So they planted a beautiful healing garden with plants you see growing on the Cape. They even installed a lovely bench with a tree overlooking it.
I happened to be one of the first people to benefit from the program. On the first day, I saw this army of people coming to my house. The youngest person was in high school; the oldest was my neighbor who was in her 70s. They came up to me and wrapped their arms around me. They sincerely meant from their heart to give to another human being. It was such a beautiful experience; everyone was crying.
It was great for my spirit and for my husband’s too. He thought his wife was dying from cancer. Having a garden was and continues to be such a great distraction for him.
For me, my garden is something to love that loves me back. I’m a very nurturing person, and the biggest heartache of my life was my inability to have children. When you love these flowers, they bloom over and over. It’s something to look forward to.
It’s wonderful that I’m now able to plan for the future instead of thinking, “I’m not going to be here next year, so why plant tulips?”
Thanks to aggressive surgery, Susan has been cancer-free for more than three years! You’ll hear more about her amazing story when Incurable to Incredible is published – another spring arrival. To see Susan and her beautiful garden, go to http://www.hopeinbloom.org/gardens/jamaica.htm.
