My feeling is that something can be learned from all cancer and survivor stories. All treatment plans, lifestyles, support systems, family and community events can and will affect the way that a cancer patient receives and survives their treatment.
Yes, I mean survive. I learned from past cancer patients that you must be a self-advocate. All cancers, all treatments, all patients, all doctors, meds and family circumstances can and do impact your journey through treatment. Having a positive support systems affects your daily outlook and frame of mind, which in turn, affects the outcome of your treatment.
A great example of positive support is when my hair started falling out after my second chemotherapy treatment. A wonderful friend buzzed my hair and my 9-year-old daughter was there to give me support. That night I tried to sleep, but my scalp was very uncomfortable from the fine hairs that were still attached. So, my husband and I stood in front of our bathroom mirror and he took the shaving cream and razor and shaved my head bald. All we could do was laugh, it was better than crying. I remember saying to my husband “Did you ever imagine, when you married me 13-years ago that you would be shaving my head?”
I have so many great memories of how people affected me and helped me survive my surgery and chemotherapy treatments. One of my fondest memories is coming home from Assateague with my husband and daughter and finding that my wonderful family and friends had planned a surprise cook out for me.
During the cookout, stations were set up and the kids made me best wish/get well cards, handmade hats, jewelry and a t-shirt. They had also made a tote, named “Crystal’s Angels”. This tote had pictures of all the children that are such a huge part of my life. This tote went everywhere with me. It carried all my meds, along with my chemotherapy binder. The nurses and doctors loved looking at the angels that inspire me so much.
They had also hand-painted flower pots and placed annuals in them so that I could put them on my desk at home. How great was that on days that weren’t so bright to look out my window and see a beautiful array of planters with bright flowers to cheer me up?
Throughout my treatment, I received so much love and support. Not only from family, but from many wonderful and generous people. The cards, letters, flowers, messages, gifts, meals, etc. They are true angels. I view all the people that touched me throughout my adventure as a flock of geese that flies south in the winter. When the lead goose becomes tired and needs to rest the strong take the lead and help the weak. I am so blessed!
I will be honest it was not a piece of cake to walk the “adventure” of breast cancer treatment, but it sure has made me a more humble, positive, passionate and confident person. My advise to all cancer patients is to ask questions, receive second opinions, be brave don’t dwell. Never give up or give in! There will be many times that you feel out of control, tired of being stuck and down right angry. Just remember we are the brave ones that inspire other cancer patients to look past their disease and see the bright future that is waiting for all of us. We just have to reach for it!
Best wishes to all patients and survivors! Love… Crystal
This article first appeared in our May 2008 Newsletter. This is a photo of Crystal (front
row center in pink) and her “Angels” at our 2008 Regional Walk for Awareness in Salisbury, Maryland. Thank you, Crystal, for all you do!
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