October's Spotlight - Andrea Warner

This month, I have the pleasure of introducing Andrea Warner, a survivor and member of Lifting Hearts. This year, at the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Andrea spoke. Instead of the usual interview questions, I'd like to share her talk with you. I hope you enjoy learning more about Andrea...



Thank you for coming today to participate in this Making Strides event. I know that each of you has come here as a survivor or a person supporting a survivor of breast cancer.

I believe that each person is a survivor every day. Sometimes our battles are obvious, such as cancer or chronic illness, but each time that we press forward, get out of bed or fight our private battles we are survivors. So to each and every one of us I say, congratulations!!!!

We have come here today to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Some of you have experienced the programs offered by ACS, but many of you have not. I want to tell you of two programs that I was able to benefit from.

The first was Reach to Recovery. This is where a person who is at least a year out of treatment is matched with a newly diagnosed individual. This program assists with the transitions necessary to navigate the cancer experience and gives the newly diagnosed person an opportunity to connect with someone who has made it to the other side of the journey. This meant so much to me to have hope and a sister to lead the way. I now am a coordinator in Utah County for this program and love the opportunity to give back and be a mentor to someone else in this experience.

I also really enjoyed the class called Look Good, Feel Better. This was great for me because I learned how to use scarves and hats to look better and feel more comfortable going out when I was follicularly challenged! On some of the hardest days, I was able to get up and shower and used the mantra, LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER! I may not have been able to do anything else that day, but this mantra got me through many days and the class served me very well.

These are two of the programs that ACS provides. There are many more services offered and many ways people can be served. This fundraiser is one of the biggest sources for funds, so thank you for your donations.

I have also been asked to take just a moment to speak of my journey. My experience started as so many others with the finding of a lump. My family has an extensive history of breast cancer, My mother had and survived breast cancer more than 20 years ago, so this was not a surprise to me. I went to the doctor and had confirmation of the cancer. I had to make some decisions and with genetic testing and BRCA 1 positive results I decided my course. My twin sister and mother were also positive for BRCA 1 mutation, so we all had several surgeries and much recovery. We were able to support each other in this journey. For this I am grateful. My father told me recently that with my cancer and several trying life experiences this was the worst 2 1/2 years of my life. I told him that I do not agree. I feel that due to this experience and the many gifts of love and service I received, I am now a better and stronger person. I live, really live from moment to moment and am so grateful to have had this journey and to learned these lessons. I got to hear from so many people what I mean to them and how I have touched their lives. I would not have heard these things or had the chance to receive such love without this opportunity. I have also realized the gift that every day is to me. So for this I say thank you and I am, as the name of my team states, Walking in Gratitude.

Thank you again for your time and your support and especially I say thank you and I love you to my friends and family who have been here for me every step of the way.

September Spotlight - Nancy Jackson

I'm pleased to introduce one of our newer members... Nancy Jackson.

I met Nancy right after she was diagnosed, and had a mastectomy. She has attended the support meetings that she could during her chemo treatments. I've enjoyed getting to know her a little bit, and hope you do, too!

Lifting Hearts: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"

Nancy: "I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carncinoma, Stage 2b. I had a mastectomy and about 9 lymph nodes from under my arm removed. Then I had 8 chemo treatments, which I just finished. In about 2 weeks I will start 5.5 weeks of radiation therapy. I'll also be taking an Estrogen inhibitor for 5 years. My oncologist is Nathan Rich, my surgeon was Jennifer Tittensor, and my radiologist is Jay Clark."

Lifting Hearts: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

Nancy: "All of them were shocked & devastated at first because there is no history of breast cancer in my family, and cancer is such a frightening diagnosis - one you hope you never hear about someone close to you! But, they also wanted to be involved and know about everything that would happen during treatments. They have all been very active in the process."

Lifting Hearts: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

Nancy: "The hardest thing for me to go through has been the emotional lows. I have had, and continue to have, moments of fear and discouragement: fear of the cancer coming back, fear of what the next treatment may mean for me, fear that I won't ever feel like my old self again. Sometimes the 2 weeks between treatments felt like months - that was discouraging."
Lifting Hearts: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

Nancy: "The first biggest change - my husband and I had to come home from Jerusalem. He was serving as the Associate Director over the BYU student program there. We were supposed to be there for 2 years and had finished only 8 months when I was diagnosed. We came home immediately. Next change -- cancer treatment has become my life. Everything I have done since April has had to be scheduled around doctors' appointments, treatments, and low-immune days. I've missed several family gatherings and time with friends because the events fell during my low days."

Lifting Hearts: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

Nancy: "Things I've learned: Beautiful music can lift your soul. Laughter is good medicine. God knows who I am and He sends angels to answer my prayers. They come in the form of family, friends and even total strangers. I have been absolutely overwhelmed and amazed at the outpouring of love, support, help, and prayers of these angels."

Lifting Hearts: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

Nancy: "I'm trying to eat healthier. I count my blessings more often. I'm taking my oncologist's advice: "Don't let cancer keep you from living your life."

Lifting Hearts: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

Nancy: "A hymn - "How Great Thou Art"."

Lifting Hearts: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

Nancy: "Let people help you. They feel awful about this too, and don't know what they can possibly do besides bring in a meal or do some laundry, or run an errand for you. You'll both love each other more if you let them. When you get really discouraged - talk to someone who has been there and can encourage you. Never give up!!"

Lifting Hearts: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

Nancy: "Even if they "look" healthy - they cannot do everything they could before. Cancer and treatments take a toll on the body physically and emotionally. Even after treatments are over it will take quite a long time for them to be back to where they once were - don't get impatient or unrealistic in your expectations. On the other hand - do encourage them to stay as active as they can - just don't push if they don't feel up to it."
Lifting Hearts: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”

Nancy: "I am a lucky and very blessed lady! I can't comprehend the love from my Heavenly Father - but I feel it!"

July Spotlight - Beth Crowley

This month I did an interview with our newest board member, Beth Crowley. She has been a member of Sister Survivors support group since almost the beginning. She has accepted the position of Secretary, and we are so excited to work with her. I'm sure you'll all love Beth. Here is our interview... ENJOY!



Lifting Hearts: " What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"

Beth: "I was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ, grade 3. My surgeon was Jennifer Tittensor. My plastic surgeon was Jon Bishop, and my oncologist is Steven Wallentine."

Lifting Hearts: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

Beth: "I was the first member of my family to have cancer so no one really knew what to do or how to handle it. We talked about it a lot but did not let it take over our lives. We tried to laugh as much as possible even at the scary things."

Lifting Hearts: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

Beth: "Physically the hardest thing was recovering from surgery. I had never been seriously ill before. Mentally, getting used to my new reality as a cancer survivor with a very altered body. My family was so helpful and supportive with everything I needed."



Lifting Hearts: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

Beth: "It made me realize I am human and vulnerable. It was time to think about changing what I could to become as healthy as possible. "

Lifting Hearts: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

Beth: "Oh….. I am still learning every day. "

Lifting Hearts: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

Beth: "I try not to sweat the small stuff and I DON’T WEAR A BRA ANYMORE!!"

Lifting Hearts: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

Beth: "My T-shirt from “So Much More” that says across the chest - “Of course they are fake, the real ones tried to kill me.”

Lifting Hearts: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

Beth: "Research everything only on reputable websites and get many opinions from doctors and other cancer survivors."

Lifting Hearts: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

Beth: "They need to hear you say that everything is going to be alright, but be careful not to minimize their fear and what is happening to them."

Lifting Hearts: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”

Beth: "WOMAN… hear me roar!"

June Spotlight - DeLayne Dayton

DeLayne Dayton is one of our members who I don't know very well, so I thought interviewing her would be a good way to get to know her story. I hope you enjoy the interview...



Sister Survivors: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"

DeLayne: "First of all, I was MIS-diagnosed in Sept. of 2009 after my very first mammogram when the doctor thought it was a cyst. Bless his heart. I did not know I should have had an ultrasound done, in which they would have done an immediate biopsy. This is what they did a year later when I returned having watched the "cyst" lump closely, noticing it change and grow. Diagnosis was DCIS-Ductal Carcenoma in Situ and Invasive Carcenoma.

Chemo medications were TCH-Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin (which I get every 3 weeks for one year). I had 6 chemo treatments total and went every 3 weeks. Following chemo was Radiation treatments for 28 times.

My doctors are Dr. Tittensor (surgeon), Dr. Clark (radiation oncologist), Dr. Bott (oncologist), and Dr. Bishop (reconstruction)."

Sister Survivors: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

DeLayne: "My husband and kids first thought (and frankly, mine too) was if I would die from breast cancer. We were very open with our 6 children ranging in age from 3-14. Of course the older ones understood more than the younger. We really came together as a family. The biggest blessing for us was the immediate and overwhelming support extended from family, friends, and neighbors. It was quite amazing and incredible for my children to see the goodness that comes from service, feeling the blessings of that service and many prayers. We were provided with meals, house cleaning, child care, laundry, home repairs, yard care, entertainment, listening ears, prayers and more prayers and much, much more.

Sister Survivors: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

DeLayne: "The hardest thing for me to get over during this cancer journey was my double mastectomy surgery. I remember the night before, looking at my saggy, droopy breasts and wishing that I could keep those darn things, knowing that I had been ungrateful for what I had. I vowed to never complain about the body I was blessed to have--and all it's parts. The anesthesia of the surgery did not sit well with me, and I struggled with that as well as the recovery process. I allowed myself sort of a mourning period, I suppose, but tried hard to stay upbeat and work hard to get to a new normal. Chemo also brought about a low I had never experienced in my life of such depressing and uncontrollable fatigue that I would often say, "I miss me." I got through these tough times with lots of prayer and lots of visits from amazing people. They helped me to laugh and cried with me and listened to me. A visit from a loved one always uplifted my soul."

Sister Survivors: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

DeLayne: "My cancer diagnosis has changed my life by giving me a bit more understanding of the fragility of life, and to live it to the fullest. I want my time with my husband and children to really count and be meaningful. I'm still learning and trying. I don't operate at full throttle yet, but we are patient --well, trying to be."

Sister Survivors: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

DeLayne: "During my cancer I learned that I love my husband, children, friends, and family very deeply. It is your relationship with people that counts and brings about the biggest blessing. I learned that people are really good. I learned I can do hard things, even if I'm not happy about it. I learned to be proactive when it comes to your health."



Sister Survivors: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

DeLayne: "Changes I have made are going to bed earlier, napping every day, be more conscious of my eating and exercise, to be more vocal in my love for others, real gratitude for others, and the amazing power of prayer."

Sister Survivors: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

DeLayne: "I loved the book, "When Times Are Tough" by John Bytheway.

Favorite quote: "Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired... But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. You've always got to make the mind take over and keep going." George S. Patton, U.S. Army General and 1912 Olympian

Sister Survivors: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

DeLayne: "Advice for family and friends is to be a part of the journey. Be a great listener. Sit with them. It's not about what you do for the person, it's just being there for and with them. Set goals for things to look forward to when each step is done and past. Be optimistic."

Sister Survivors: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”

DeLayne: "I am... full of life and hope. I am happy. I am anxious to never get cancer again. I am optimistic. I am blessed!"

APRIL SPOTLIGHT - DENISE ANGELO

We are please to introduce Sister Survivor member, Denise Angelo. We love Denise - she adds so much to our meetings. She has a knack for winning the give-away! And, she graciously donated items to our auction last year. If you haven't met Denise yet, make sure you look for her at one of our support meetings. Enjoy reading about Denise...

Sister Survivors: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"

Denise: "My diagnoses was Stage 1 breast cancer--right side only--in 2 places--for safety and surety I had a mastectomy--then total hysterectomy because the cancer was estrogen driven--no chemo or radiation--5 years of Femara. Doctors are Tittensor, Bishop, Wallentein, Thorpe."

Sister Survivors: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

Denise: "Mixture of emotions. But, when they realized that I wasn't going to let this illness win--everyone has been great!"

Sister Survivors: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

Denise: "Change in sleep habits due to hot flashes--also, mental changes--forgetfulness, etc. Medication helped some with the hot flashes. Love and support helped lots!"

Sister Survivors: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

Denise: "Because I had family history on both sides of my family--the diagnosis didn't come as a complete shock--plus we got the cancer way early--which is such a blessing. I have always loved life--but, now I appreciate life and health and family and friends--even more."

Sister Survivors: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

Denise: "That I am really loved." :O)

Sister Survivors: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

Denise: "My personal fears of the "C" word--I used to fear the word and the unknown that is associated with cancer--now I know that cancer is truly just a word not a sentence."

Sister Survivors: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

Denise: "Quote - "It is what it is"--My Aunt Barb was diagnosed with ovarian cancer @ the same time--she and I supported each other and both came through with flying colors."

Sister Survivors: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

Denise: "You are not alone. It can be scary--but, act on it--get rid of it."

Sister Survivors: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

Denise: "Don't be afraid to be there for the patient."

Sister Survivors: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”

Denise: "Survivor!"

March Spotlight - B-Jo Laing-Dumler

Our March spotlight is B-Jo Laing-Dumler. B-Jo has been part of our group since the beginning. She is a talented, happy person, and since she will be helping us out with a few thing over the next 6 months, I thought it would be fun to get to know her a little bit better. Enjoy the interview!



SISTER SURVIVORS: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"

B-JO: "I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, I had two types, ductal and invasive. I am also HER2+. I had a mastectomy on Dec 2, 2009, port implant Dec 28, 2009 and first round of chemo Dec 29, 2009. I did four rounds of chemo; Cytoxin and Taxotere, along with Herceptin. I did the Herceptin treatments for a year (actually it went longer than a year, my last one of those was Feb 15, 2011). I had my tissue expander placed in July, (the 22nd, I believe) and the rest of my reconstruction was postponed from October, but is happening March 10th. I also get to have my port removed--wa-hoo!!!!! So, I am almost at the end, I am so excited. I had Dr. Tittensor, whom I believe truly saved my life. If she hadn't been such a caring doctor, willing to treat despite the lack of insurance and willing to remove an infectious growth from my breast, I might not have found out about the cancer until it was too late. She also performed my mastectomy and my port placement. Dr. Wendy Breyer is my oncologist. I did all of my chemo treatments at IV therapy at AF hospital, but I was able to do some of my Herceptin treatments at the cancer clinic next door. Dr. Bishop will be doing my reconstruction, he has taken exceptional care of me.

SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

B-JO: "It was hardest on my husband, he had lost his parents earlier in the year, his mother (actually grandmother, but his grandparents raised him so he thinks of them as mom and dad) passed in April 2009 and his dad in July 2009. The day I found out (November 17) I called to tell him about my visit and he was kind of being a jerk to me on the phone, so instead of being nice I just told him I had cancer and how did he like that. One of us hung up on the other, but I do not recall which. When I finally convinced him I was not dying he did a little better. I think it was really hard, cause he is the one who is sick and has to go to the hospital, not me, so seeing me this way was really hard for him. Most of my friends and family rallied for me, and in a way, it has made me a stronger person, although, I have noticed when people tell me how much they admire me and my strength, it is usually when I am feeling at my weakest. I have also made so many new friends in the club we did not ask to be a part of, but is exclusive to us. I know that much of my strength comes from those who have prayed on my behalf, if not for that I would not have made it."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

B-JO: "I am currently going through some of my most difficult right now. As hard as it was to be diagnosed, as hard as chemo was, it wasn't nearly as awful as I thought, as hard as other moments have been. Recently I have been dealing with anxiety and depression and a little feeling of worthlessness. I keep telling Satan to get out of my head, but I was diagnosed with depression ten years ago and have been off on medication that time. I am currently on meds, but winter is always harder for me than any other time of year. I think last year I had to focus all my energies on getting through chemo and that helped to distract me. This year, there has been uncertainty, and it has been more difficult, my husband's health is getting worse too, and that plays a roll as well."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

B-JO: "My mom had always told my brother and I while we were growing up, that cancer wasn't so much an 'if' but a 'when'. We had too much familial history of different kinds of cancers. And while I may not have an immediate or direct family history of breast cancer it is still a possibility. I can remember being in my early twenties and hearing of a girl my age being diagnosed and worrying that it might happen to me. Actually having cancer and having it caught early on, it made me realize the Lord has his own plans and I am blessed to have my life. There is a plan for me and I have something to accomplish in this life."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

B-JO: "I am capable of a lot more than I thought, and while things may seem bad for me, there is a chance that someone is worse off. While I knew this before, it was reiterated time and time again. Also, one very big lesson, I am loved and I am worth something to someone somewhere.

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

B-JO: "Not as much as I feel I should, in fact there are some areas where I feel like I have backslid somewhat. There are things I want to change, but I am not sure if it is fear or laziness that is stopping me. I do feel like after my surgery, I am having a new start again, so, I hope to make some big changes, but in little steps.

SISTER SURVIVORS: "Do you have a favorite book, quote, or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

B-JO: :I'm not sure if there is one thing. I know that I will sometimes hear a song or see a show, that I had heard or seen before, and it will hit me just a little differently. I am still the same B-Jo, I am learning and growing all the time. Whether it is going forward or back is up to me and I have done both, even after diagnosis. But please remember, I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and I can cry at the drop of a hat. I cannot watch animal movies, and almost every time I see the flag or hear the National Anthem, I cry, from pride, from sorrow for those who have given their lives, over babies born, over death. I am a crybaby, but I probably would not have me any other way."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

B-JO: "If you need to cry, do it. If you have questions, research or ask someone, don't blindly follow what they tell you. Trust your instincts, and somebody somewhere is likely worse off than you are. Don't wish this on anyone, but don't feel like you won't make it through yourself. You are strong, there is hope, and God will care for you no matter what."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

B-JO: "If she says she want to eat something crazy, let her. If she's tired, let her rest. If she needs to cry, be her shoulder. If she needs to vent, be her ear. If she cannot stand the smell of something, don't use it around her, or get it out of the house. If she says she cannot, tell her she can!"

SISTER SURVIVORS: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”

B-JO: "...a child of God, a daughter, an aunt, a woman, a friend, I am sensitive, emotional, caring, eclectic, funny, weird, but I am a survivor and I will go on!"

February Spotlight - Kathy Howard

This month, our interview is with cancer survivor, Kathy Howard. We love to see Kathy's smiling face at our meetings each month, and it was wonderful to get to know her better - hope you enjoy the interview...

Sister Survivors: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors? "

Kathy: "The original diagnoses in 2001 was stage 4 breast cancer. Recurrent breast cancer in 2008. In 2001 8 doses of Taxol and Adriamycin. In April of 2002 I went through a High Dosage Chemo with Stem Cell rescue, followed with 6.5 weeks of radiation. 2008 8 doses of Cytoxan and Taxotere. My doctors were Barry McKenzie from Springfield, Oregon. Richard Maziarz from Portland, Oregon. Wendy Breyer from American Fork.

Sister Survivors: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

Kathy: "They were in shock, denial, and very supportive."

Sister Survivors: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

Kathy: "The hardest part to me was explaining everything to my daughter who was 5 years old at the time. She didn't know what was happening and at times didn't even recognize me. The support and love of my family gave me the strength to fight and helped me get through it."

Sister Survivors: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

Kathy: "Physically I will never be as strong as I was before all the chemo and drugs. I miss not being able to do some of the activities I enjoyed doing. Mentally I now have "chemo brain" and hope for the best each day.

Sister Survivors: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

Kathy: "I realized life is too precious to take for granted. You have to live each day to the fullest. Enjoy your family and friends!! Never ask the question "Why Me", just accept what has happened and concentrate on beating the odds."

Sister Survivors: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

Kathy: "Let the little things in life stay little. Don't make a big deal out of stuff. Changed my diet to a much healthier one."

Sister Survivors: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

Kathy: "Songs by Reba McIntire "I am a survivor" and "I'll be"

Sister Survivors: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

Kathy: "Have a positive attitude and never ask the question "Why Me". Never give up."

Sister Survivors: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

Kathy: "You will probably never understand what your loved one is going through, but be very supportive and listen. They will always need a shoulder. Listen to everything that is being said by the doctors, because once you are told you have cancer everything else is a blur. Always be positive even when things seem really bad.

Sister Survivors: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…"

Kathy: "Fighter and I said from day 1 when I got the diagnosis that I was not going to let this disease beat me!!!"

January Spotlight - Cressent Page

The spotlight for January, here at Sister Survivors, is Cressent Page.

Cressent has accepted the position of Treasurer on our board, and will be joining our team shortly. I'm excited to get to know more about her, as I'm sure all of you are...

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What were you diagnosed with, what treatments did you have, and who were your doctors?"

CRESSENT: "Invasive ductal carcinoma stage 4. I had 6 chemo treatments every three weeks, mastectomy with reconstruction, then I had 33 radiation treatments. My doctors were Doctor Rich and Doctor Tudor."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

CRESSENT: "My two older girls took my my diagnosis the worst. They thought I would die, and so did I. My husband was the positive one from the beginning. He said, "You are tough and you will get through this and your body will recover."
Cressent, and husband, Mark

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

CRESSENT: "My gull bladder - Days after my fourth chemo treatment, I was really sick and threw up for nine days. I was so weak I could not even walk. My family doctor admitted me to the hospital and the next morning they took out my gull bladder. It was really gross, it had 60 to 70 large stones. My surgeons said it was the worst they had ever seen. My attitude toward having cancer changed after that. Being sick with a bad gull bladder was a lot worse than having cancer. I knew, I would survive cancer."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

CRESSENT: "I eat really healthy now and exercise a lot. I try to make more meaningful time with my kids, husband, extended family and friends. I also make and take time for myself to learn and grow and enjoy new things."
Twins, Jori, and Joshua

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

CRESSENT: "Enjoy every minute of your life. Don't let a good opportunity pass you by, and surround yourself with things that make you happy!" :)

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

CRESSENT: "I am more compassionate towards others. If I see someone in need I am right by their side trying to help with their situation."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

CRESSENT: "A friend made me a sticker for my vehicle that said Cancer Sucks. So, I pretty much stuck with that statement."
Daughter, Drew

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

CRESSENT: "Cry, it's okay to do that. Learn as much as you can about your kind of cancer and find a doctor you like. Surround yourself with positive people in your life. Make cancer a learning journey, have a good attitude. Cancer sucks, but your life dose not have to!"

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

CRESSENT: "Talk about the situation together and openly. Cancer is not something one should whisper about. Be there for each other - comfort the hard days and embrace the good days."
Daughter, Amber

SISTER SURVIVORS: Finish this sentence… “I am a…”"

CRESSENT: I am a... tough cookie, who loves to stop and smell the roses. I live each day to the fullest. I am a strong willed, wonderful, courageous, sometimes demanding woman who loves pleasing others."