Patient Inspiration & Stories

"I learned that I had colon cancer from a routine colonoscopy recommended by my doctor. Treatment was surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Diagnosis was October 2003. A surgeon performed an abdominal resection and removed half of my colon one month later. Out of 25 lymph nodes that were removed outside the colon, one lymph node was malignant. My Oncologist decided that my colon cancer was staged at level 3. I required six months of chemotherapy and radiation. All medical treatment was complete by June 1, 2004. I am now five years with no evidence of disease."

—Patient


After Cancer

"After cancer, a brush with death, life becomes precious and vibrant. I see beauty I missed before. Die? Lose my body? The end of my life? Not yet. I get to start over! A new day. I am not wasting time. We get a short time to live our lives. Live in the moment. Let go of the past. Forgive. Clear the clutter and get on with living. Cancer gave me the nudge to live each day fully."

—Douglas


The Healing Garden

"My perfect healing garden would be at my own house. There would be flowers: impatiens, roses, and daisies, all enclosed so no deer could eat them. There would be a waterfall that rotated water gently over small pebbles, making a quiet sound. The natural sounds of the local animals would be my music. The scrub jays fighting with each other, the wild turkeys gobbling, and the cows up on the hills.

My garden would be surrounded by oak trees but the sunlight would still shine through. It would be blocked from the wind. My garden would offer protection to voice my thoughts, either verbally or on paper. Time would stand still when I was there.

In one corner would be a huge overstuffed chair, which you could lie in for hours. I think there would only be one chair. It would be a solitary place just for me. However, if one of my daughters wanted to join me we would just lie together."

—D.A.


Cancer

"Cancer is like rain on a hillside. When it is like a mist the ground can handle it and there is no erosion. When it becomes a light rainfall it may cause gentle erosion that repairs itself with the return of the growing season.

As the rainfall increases, erosion becomes deeper and despair elevates. What is the best way to rebuild the hillside? Can we avoid a landslide? That's when the “experts” appear. All have a suggestion. New retaining wall. Plants with deep roots to hold the soil. Drains inserted at strategic places.

The decision is yours.

When the right “expert” is found, breathe a sigh of relief and hope that when the rains return the hillside will hold."

—Melissa