6 2015 RELAY FOR LIFE MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com June 23, 2015
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.
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.
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