|
 Brumbaugh has been diagnosed with cancer twice, the
first in 2007 and the second in winter 2014. In 2007, after finding
out she had breast cancer and cancerous lymph nodes, Brumbaugh had a
double mastectomy along with a removal of some lymph nodes. This
year, after Brumbaugh suffered from a chronic cough for several
months, doctors discovered that her cancer has returned and
metastasized to other parts of her body. At this point, chemo pills
seem to be keeping the cancer at bay.
Brumbaugh stated that each time she has had cancer, her church has
been behind her as a support system, sending her cards and notes of
encouragement or giving her money to help with expenses. Church
members have also helped her with rides to doctor's appointments,
chemo, and radiation, and this time, to her biopsy. She has always
asked for and appreciated prayer support, too. Friends keep in touch
with her about her progress.
Brumbaugh asserted that this treatment has been easier and seems to
be working fairly well with almost no side effects from the chemo
pills. Now it is about minimizing the effects since the situation is
different from her previous bout with cancer. When she was diagnosed
in 2007, she had recently turned 40 and her goal was to live to age
80. Now, Brumbaugh says, "My decisions are based on whether I will
live to 60. I am facing mortality. The cancer is causing blood
clots, so I will be on blood thinner for the rest of my life."
As Brumbaugh explains, "This new reality has hit me lately. Right
now I am fighting a 'what does it matter' mindset. Even if I feel my
life has been shortened, I don't want to give in to harmful
impulses-- such as too much comfort eating--that might make it even
shorter." She advises, "As with most big decisions in life, follow
your heart. Get all the information you can to make educated
choices. Some need to fight boldly, while others need to make more
subtle options. Don't let others stop you from asking questions or
force you into quick decisions."
Brumbaugh shares that she has known people who have pushed for
options that have added time and some who decided against further
treatment and says, "I like to support and respect both ideas."
Cancer survivor Carolyn Motley agrees that it is important to ask
questions and know your options. Her cancer diagnosis was over 30
years ago in July 1983. Motley said that she saw a doctor about a
spot on her skin that caused her concern. She had a biopsy that
showed melanoma and when the doctor called to share the news with
her the evening after the biopsy, he asked Motley if her husband was
there with her and told her to sit down. Motley reports that she was
anxious when the doctor shared the news with her, but he covered
everything kindly, patiently, and carefully.
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Motley states that she was released the day of her surgery and the
doctor told her husband that she came through surgery like a
trooper. She did not have to have chemotherapy or radiation, though
the doctor did have to do a second surgery to get all the cancer.
Motley declares that support means so much and goes a long way. She says the
support during this time came from friends, family, coworkers, and church
members. Motley said two coworkers even offered to go with her for the surgery.
Her coworkers also sent her a flower arrangement. Motley appreciates that
friends are there at these times and do whatever they can to help. She has
provided support to others with cancer, too, working with the Relay for Life
since 2004.
As far as how cancer has affected her life, Motley says she wears protective
clothing now that keeps her from getting too much sun. She explains, "It has
changed my life. I am more aware of time spent outside."
Motley said, "It has helped me cherish life more." She encourages everyone to
"enjoy each day as much as you can."
Motley also states, "I let people know I think about them. I try to be there for
people [because people have] got to have support. I have provided some with
rides to Springfield."
As Motley notes, I like working with the Relay because it helps people right
here in Lincoln with wigs etc..."
She is also happy to see that, "They have come a long way with treatments."
As these stories show, support of family and friends is an essential part of the
cancer journey. Both grateful survivors see participation in, and support of,
the Relay for Life as a way to support others battling cancer.
[Angela Reiners] |
