Mesothelioma - A story of hope and survival!

A truly courageous and touching story. Please watch ... and share. Heather is a survivor, and an amazing inspiration. She shows us that where there is hope, there can be a cure.

Tricia's Story

My Story began on August 22, 2011, when I went in for my annual exam. During my exam my Gyn found a lump that he thought was a Fiber Cystic Mass in my Right Breast (which most women have). I went for my 40 yr mammogram that same day and was a little nervous because nothing has ever been felt during any of my annual exams. My films were compared to my last exam in Orlando and everything came back normal. However....normal didn't feel right to me. I had mentioned to a couple girlfriends and to my best friend Cindy that I didn't think something was right. That Monday after Thanksgiving I called my Gyn for an appt....this is when My Story really begins. I was able to see him on Nov. 30. He confirmed Fiber Cysts in both breasts but the mass was even more tender than before. He told me he was pretty sure nothing was cancerous and the pain I was feeling was other cysts forming inside the cyst and the nerves that run through. We discussed having a Diagnostic Mammogram and Ultra Sound to be 100% sure that was it. I needed those for my piece of mind because I wasn't convinced. From here that's where the whirlwind began. On Monday, Dec 5, I was scheduled for the Diagnostic Mammo and Ultra Sound. I was then sent back to my Gyn for the results that same day. I remember seeing the RED DOT on my chart and reading possible malignancy. He said they have to do that so that if I left the office without any further treatment I was flagged in their system. Before he saw me he had already called a Surgeon with the Louisiana Breast Specialist office downstairs to see me and discuss options and possible biopsy. So I went downstairs. Sure enough he wanted to take a biopsy that day. I was amazed that they could do so quickly and in the office. So...we did it. The nurse held my hand and he walked me through what he was doing. It only took about 10+/-minutes. I left with an ice pack and a sore boob. Results were to come back in 2-3 days. My gut was telling me it was Cancer but I was hoping that it was just a benign cyst and we would eventually remove it. I kept hoping and praying that is what he would call and tell me but it wasn't. I received the call on December 8 at 9:26 am. I was at work in a co-workers office. I stepped out in the hallway and then he said the words you never want to hear "unfortunately the tests have come back and the tissue is cancerous." I began shaking and stepped into the conference room. I had to have him repeat the type of cancer I had three times in an attempt to try to right it down. I finally got it...Infiltrating Ductile Carcinoma. I was in shock, scared, and just ran to my bosses office where she was with my safety manager who already knew I was having tests and I just broke down crying like I haven't cried since my moms funeral. She just stood and hugged me. Took me under her wing and got me back to my office and began Goggling information about my type of cancer. The Surgeon told me next steps were to come into his office and discuss treatment options and he had an appointment at 2:30 pm that day. I began calling and texting friends who knew that I was having tests done that week so that I could begin my support group. I cried so hard that day. I still cry actually. It's scary hearing those words. One of my girlfriends Theresa offered to come to the appointment that afternoon with me so I wasn't alone. I kept praying and asking God to let me be in Stage1 knowing that was early detection. When we got to the office he confirmed it was Stage 1 due to the size of the mass which is small 1.5 cm. He explained tons of stuff that day...how we want one test to be positive so we can treat it this way and one test to be normal, and we want the Genetic test to come back that I don't have the Breast Cancer Gene. They took lots of blood and are running lots of tests for my baseline and to see what treatment steps we take. Right now I am a candidate for a Lumpectomy or a Mastectomy (depending on Gene indicators could be double Mastectomy). I have a other tests and 2 oncologists to meet with ASAP. I have always loved the color hot pink and butterflies have always been my thing for years....God must have known that for some reason I have loved them for so long and they both would truly be my symbol for HOPE. I am so thankful I listened to my gut and had a friend who kept pushing me to get back into the doctor. My message now is: FEEL YOUR BOOBIES; SAVE THE TATAS; FIGHT LIKE A GIRL....I am going to beat this!!! With all your help and prayers I will be a survivor and will focus my volunteer work towards breast cancer fundraising to find a cure.

Cancer and Fitness - The Benefits Are Endless

Many thanks to David Haas, who submitted this post.
Hope you find it helpful - please pass it on.

There remains little doubt to this day as to the importance of fitness and exercise for a healthy mind and body. The vast majority of doctors recommend exercise as a vital addendum to an all over health regime. There are many known and well-studied benefits that exercise has on all bodies: lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular endurance, better flexibility and more muscular strength. Exercise has a whole other effect on our mental capacities as well: it reduces the occurrence of depression and low self-esteem, and increases confidence and motivation.

Despite these known benefits, often the last thing that cancer patients of any kind want to do is exercise. Whether one is suffering from a more common disease like breast cancer or a rare one like mesothelioma, exercise does have some tremendous benefits if done properly and to one’s own level. But, it is of the utmost importance, as physical fitness can play a vital role in fighting the disease and getting you back into health. The harshness of traditional cancer treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can be alleviated by engaging in a total health program - with proper diet and exercise, these treatment can be made much more effective. Exercise not only improves your health, but also gives patients a sense of control over their bodies during a time when many feel things are out of their control. This is an important psychological effect to consider when medical physicians are prescribing treatment.

Physical exercise can strengthen the bones, which cancer (and old age) more often than not take a toll on. If your bones are stronger and healthier, then the negative effects of cancer will be very lessened. Exercise also provides an opportunity for patients to engage in social activity - another important component of full body health. Social engagement, in a healthy environment such as exercise classes or the gym, provides another important component, and that is a social support web.

With much research having been focused on the benefits of exercise specifically for cancer treatment, it has been found that any exercise is the best exercise. Patients need not go through the perceived hassle of signing up for and joining a gym - walking out the front door and going for a brisk walk (or run if you are up to it) is considered moderate exercise. Patients can easily purchase personal free weights to lift in the comfort of their own home. Yoga mats, and home yoga video programs, make it easy to do in the living room. Many exercise beginners may want to find a workout partner - this often makes it easier to find the drive to exercise, as the partners motivate each other and can provide a push if one person finds their drive flagging.

Many patients think that rest is needed to regain strength - but the truth is that rest can make one weak. Exercise is the best answer. And given the many physical, physiological, and psychological benefits, as well as the ease with which a broad range of exercise can be had, there remain no excuses to be inactive!

Please Tell Us Your Story

We'd love to hear from you. If you have a story of survival, courage, or hope to send to others, please tell us! We welcome your comments.

Cynthia's Story

Cynthia is a breast cancer survivor. She told us how she would go to the hospital for her chemo treatments, sit there, and look at the “Cancer … Beat It!” poster hanging on the wall. She would say to herself, “Damn it!! I have two kids, and one is only six years old. I’m going to beat it!”. She is the mother of two children, ages 15 and 6 and is married to James. She was diagnosed in November of 2005 and finished her treatment August of 2006. She is currently a financial planner with a major international financial services firm and lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This is a story she shared with us, in her own words. A story of courage, strength, and determination.

I was under treatment for breast cancer and was in the process of chemotherapy. I had no hair, wore a wig to the office, however, I would remove it once I was in the car, etc. It was uncomfortable and hot. We were making a “big girl’s” room for Loren, and I had been to every store this particular day looking for the right items to make a girl’s Super Heroes bedroom.

Wal-Mart is not a favorite store of mine - for many reasons. I grew up with Wal-Mart and that was the highlight of our life - to get to drive the hour to the Wal-Mart, and I always hated how pathetic we were at the time to be so excited about this store. So, that day, Wal-Mart was our second stop, and much to our surprise, they had a pink Super Heroes Girl’s bedspread and canopy. We bought only the bedspread, and raced home to finish our creation of her room.

James took the children out, and I was finishing Loren’s room. I was exhausted, however, determined to finish this project, as I longed to see the delight in her eyes. I really wanted that canopy and was sorry I had not bought it earlier. So I jumped in the car and ran to Wal-Mart.

Next thing I knew, I was in the middle of Super Wal-Mart, thousands of square feet of merchandise and people, purchasing anything from milk to lingerie to motor oil. And much to my shock, I realized I was in the midst of this chaos with no hair. No wig. No hat. Nothing. Bald as could be. Naked in Wal-Mart. I froze. I had never been in such a situation before. What was I going to do?? How horrifying is this? To be humiliated and embarrassed in a place that I am embarrassed to be in the first place!!! Why??

I then took a breath and realized I had choices. I could go home and get a hat, however, I knew I would never make it back due to my energy level. I could buy a hat, however, let’s be honest. It was Wal-Mart! If by chance they had a hat I liked, which is unlikely, I would have to carry it up to the cashier, as I did not need the extra humiliation of being accused of shop lifting, and I would never wear that hat again because the ending of the price tag would scream .97- a Wal-Mart true trait. Or, I concluded, I have one final choice. I could say, “F*** it”, put on a great big confident smile, look every man in the eye and let him know, “I know exactly how you feel…” and look in the eyes of all the women and send them the message of “Don’t you wish you were me??...” That is the option that I chose. I got the canopy, made it back home and slept the rest of the day with a smile.

Since then, my hair has grown back in, and I have had it cut more than I did before I got sick. In fact, I like it as short as possible. Why? It is a constant reminder to myself of what I can do. It is also a constant reminder that “life is a state of mind…” (from the old Peter Seller’s classic performance in “Being There"). I wear this short hair and a huge smile, and people – random people - men, women, people I would have never connected with, stop me and say how beautiful I am and how beautiful my hair is! How confident I am to wear it so short! How they never could! I just smile, graciously thank them and say to them, “you would be surprised as to just what you can do…”

The Passion Behind the Icon

“Cancer … Beat It!” was created in 2003 by Jeanne and Steve Gordon when they received shattering news. Jeanne was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and brain cancer. Jeanne, who brought an infectious positive strength to life, refused to give up. Although she was given only six months or less to live, she battled her illness for two and a half years.

The inspiration for “Cancer … Beat It!” came when Jeanne was undergoing treatment. As she and Steve sat in waiting rooms at doctors’ offices and cancer treatment facilities, they looked for things to give them encouragement – something positive to read or something that offered hope. What they found was depressing: brochures on Hospice or how to purchase a wig.

Jeanne and Steve felt compelled to create a message of hope and defiance for themselves and others. “Cancer … Beat It!” is that message. The bold, primary-colored icon with the two-line slogan – “Cancer … Beat It!” expresses vehemence … Cancer – GET LOST! Beat it!!

Although Jeanne’s battle with cancer ended in 2006, the campaign continues. Please tell us your story so we may spread the message of hope and help others say, "Cancer ... Beat It!"