Calling all Cancer Heroes

I am always looking for positive stories about people who have had a recurrence (local or metastatic) to post to this blog. I call the subject of these posts “Cancer heroes", because anyone who is a role model of how to live a full life with cancer is my hero!

If you have had a recurrence of cancer and are living your life with meaning and purpose, I would like to add you to my list of cancer heroes. If you are willing, please send me your answers to the questions below, along with a picture or two that I can post to the blog.

I may not use all of your comments (I like to keep my posts rather short), but will put together something that will hopefully capture the spirit of your story.

Thanks!
Chris
christine.lynds@rogers.com
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Questions:
When was your original diagnosis?
When did the cancer return and how?
How did having the cancer return affect you? (Mentally, physically, emotionally)
What changes have you made in your life since the cancer returned, if any?
Where do you draw your strength from? How do you look at life today?
Do you have any advice for others with a recurrence?
Anything else to add?

Read Cancer Hero stories

A good-news story about cancer

Read about Princess Margaret's one-day service from biopsy to treatment plan in Julie Mason's Ottawa Citizen column:
A good-new story about cancer.

Read other columns by Julie Mason

Sue Hendler's latest column

In today’s Kingston Whig Standard column, Sue Hendler writes about new math, my results and a potential solution to the parking problem.

You can read other columns by Sue by clicking on her name below, after Labels.

Energy Therapy

Last summer I saw an energy therapist in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. His name is Rene Grieder and he practices Yin-Yang Frequency Neutralizing and Homeopathic Plant Essences Therapy using Needleless Acupuncture. The treatment is based on the theory that healthy cells have a different vibration than pathologic cells. Using acupuncture points, natural medicine essence frequencies target areas of the body which are most in need of healing.
I don’t claim to understand how it works. What I do know is that since seeing him last fall, the tumors in my lungs have disappeared. My oncologist claims it’s the chemo. My mother claims it’s prayer. But maybe it’s a combination of everything, so I saw Rene Grieder again last week.

I was impressed on my first visit when Rene told me that I had bacteria in my right jaw, without me telling him that I have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. During my most recent visit, he said that my pancreas is not healthy. I hadn’t told him that I went to emergency after my first chemo treatment with a pancreatitis attack.

I did tell him about the swollen lymph nodes in my chest wall and he said that my lymphatic system was stressed and spent a good part of the 2 hour visit working at unblocking it. I have a CT scan scheduled for next week. It will be interesting to see if the size of the swollen lymph nodes has changed since my last scan.

Return to Peggy's Cove

No trip to Halifax would be complete without a drive out to my ‘special place’ – Peggy’s Cove. I’ve been there in all kinds of weather: on a beautiful day when the sun warms the rocks; in the evening as the sun sets and the lighthouse reflects on the water; and even at 3 in the morning (in my teens, after the prom). Whenever I go, it’s always special.

I don’t usually repeat blog postings but I think this one from almost 2 years ago captures how I feel.

September 2007. It's half-way through my week alone in Halifax and a perfect day to visit one of my favorite places in the world - Peggy's Cove.

I find a lovely little shelter from the wind on a rock that looks designed to be a seat, as if it was waiting for me. "Welcome back Chris" the rocks and the ocean seem to say. "We've missed you. We have life and energy to share with you. We'll be here whenever you need to come back and long after you are gone".

Sitting on the rocks, looking out at the water makes me feel alive, as if the world is full of possibilities. I am filled with joy and wonder in this magical place. I would think that such a powerful place would diminish me and make me feel small. Instead it shares it's power with me and I draw strength from it. The rocks are worn and broken, yet beautiful. Maybe it's OK to be broken; maybe I too am a beautiful work of imperfection. Maybe life isn't meant to be smooth, unblemished or organized.

I breathe in the salt air and feel life and health fill my lungs. I may not be as indestructible as the rocks and the ocean, but I am strong and tough and, like them, can take a beating and weather a storm. Because the rocks and ocean will be here for another million years, so will I. Because there will always be a part of me here at the edge of the world at Peggy's Cove.

Jennifer: Cancer hero

Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. Despite a recurrence in her bones, lungs and liver 3 years later, she hasn't let cancer keep her from doing the things she loves, or from trying new things.

“I have done more things in my life in the last 3 years then I did for the first 28 years. I have experienced life and done things that I always wanted to try. Some of the things I tried were photography, kayaking, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, hiking, snorkeling, singing, swing, Latin and ballroom dancing. I received my Reiki master, scuba diving certification, directed 2 plays, and I'm working toward my black belt in Kenpo (martial art). I have traveled more and have been to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and Paris among my favorites. I also returned to school for something I have wanted to do almost my whole life.”

Jennifer’s advice for others:
“You made it through the first time so that means you have the strength and determination to make it through again. Take one day at a time and still continue to live your life. Don't let this run your life, take control.”

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"Cancer Heroes" are people with cancer who are continuing to live life in a way that inspires others.

Read Jennifer’s full story, in her own words

Read about other Cancer Heroes

Welcome to Halifax!

This is the view this morning from my sister’s condo in downtown Halifax. I am looking forward to actually seeing my home town, but we certainly can’t see it from the 15th floor this morning. On the other side of the fog (which is common in Halifax) is a beautiful view of the harbor.

Nadine, the family chef, is leafing through magazines, planning a belated mother’s day brunch. Mom arrives late today and Erin (my niece) arrives home from a school trip on Thursday, so ‘the girls’ will at least have a few days together at the end of the week.

Even though I haven’t lived here since I was 17, it feels good to be ‘home’.