Chattanooga Metro

News & Notes

The American Cancer Society Endurance Event Program

DetermiNation

Winter 2011
BOARD Of Directors (Hamilton Co.) Laura Robinson, President BOARD MEMBERS Amar Singh, M.D. Angela Doggett Brooke Daniel, M..D. Cheryl Brown David T. Lewis Faith Edwards Gloria McKeldin Jeff Eversole Laura Withersopoon, M.D. Lisa Nausley Lynn Whisman Monica Dean Nancye Wilson Regina Rose Rob Praino Rosalind Connor Sue Culpepper Valoria Armstrong Lisa Bishop, Executive Director Lisa.Bishop@cancer.org 423.499.2601 TO SUBMIT NEWSLETTER ITEMS PLEASE CONTACT Monica Morrell Dean, Communications Chairman monica3470@gmail.com 423.280.2974
24-HOUR CANCER INFORMATION

hat is the American Cancer Society Endurance Event program?

About the DetermiNation Endurance Event Program

The American Cancer Society DetermiNation program will help you do the unthinkable, achieve what seems impossible, and change the course of cancer forever. With access to professional training, an unparalleled community of support, and inspiration every step of the way, the American Cancer Society will help you finish a half-marathon, marathon, or triathlon. Your personal race victory will change your life, but the finish line will be just the beginning. Because your triumph also means a triumph over cancer where every step you take and every mile you conquer will create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Who can participate?

Anyone with an interest or passion to participate in an endurance race can join the ACS DetermiNation program. From professional athletes to first time runners, swimmers and cyclist, all athletic abilities and experiences are welcome. Weather it is your 10 event or their first, the American Cancer Society will provide the support and training to help each athlete achieve his or her personal victory. We always encourage athletes to check with their doctor to make sure they are physically able to participate in an endurance event before signing up.

Expectations of DetermiNation Athletes: Each DetermiNation team member is making a commitment to help save lives. The American Cancer Society has established realistic fundraising goals for each of our race participants and we provide the tools theyll need to make it easy and fun. We work to keep DetermiNation program cost low to ensure that every dollar raised is wisely spent. Each race has a fundraising goal Visit acsDetermiNation.org to learn more about fundraising minimum. If they are unable to do so, they will be required to fulfill the balance through a personal donation. The FUTURE Nashville EVENT DATES April 30, 2011 April 28, 2012

Country Music Marathon & 1/2 NASHVILLE

The event is 26.2 mile & 13.1 mile footrace; YMCA Country Music Kids Marathon ; Wheelchair Race; Post Concert Race

The audience
Participants= 35,000 -Marathon= 7,000 -Half Marathon= 25,000 - YMCA Kids Marathon= 4,000 Spectators= 100,00 Volunteers= 3,000

Benefits of participation:
There are many benefits athletes will receive to help them achieve their race goals and keep them motivated. Benefits vary from event to event, so please visit www.acsDetermiNation.org to view the benefits associated with your particular event.

The Marketplace
Two-Day Health & Fitness expo Nashville convention Center Attendance 50,000+

Here are a few benefits athletes may enjoy:

Paid race entry into endurance event Free team training to help achieve race goals Invitations to social events in and around the community Race-weekend VIP amenities Exclusive American Cancer Society DetermiNation Racing shirt Personal fundraising web site. Recognition for fundraising success The opportunity to dedicate training a race efforts in honor or in memory of someone effected by cancer and receive ribbons to wear Mentor support and e-newsletter with important race information.

1.800.227.2345 | cancer.org

The Musical ingredient

Nashville Streets come alive as 50 bands play on 27 entertainment stages along the course while hundreds of high school cheerleaders motivate participants to the finish line. A post race concert follows at night featuring DetermiNation | page 1 a major country music artist. Director ;LGFB; Soup Recipe | page 2 Join the ASC, get your group together and join the fight! Please call your local chapter for details and options. This marathon is for beginners and alumni , what will you be doing April 30, 2011? Call 1.800.227.2345 or visit www.acsDetrmiNation.org

Contents:

Get to know your Board of Directors | page 3 Breast Cancer Awareness | page 4&5 ACS NEWS CENTER | page 6 & 7 The Nancye Wilson Story | page 8 & 9 Hope Loge | page 10

L.G.F.B. Locations & Info

No cost to cancer patients.

From the Executive Director/Chattanooga

Local Workshop Locations & information

Erlanger Hospital 975 E. Third Street ( 423) 267-2613
Jan 10 day March 10 May 9 July 14 Sept 12 Nov 10 1pm-2:30 pm Mon4pm-6pm Thursday 1pm-2:30 Monday 4pm-6pm Thursday 1pm-2:30 Monday 4pm-6pm Thurs

di-

2010 was a very successful year for the Chattanooga Market as we were able to serve over 1,200 cancer patients in Southeast Tennessee with approximately 2,800 rect services (i.e. financial assistance with medications, Transportation, 356 overnight stays in our Nashville Hope Lodge, etc.). Through our Road to Recovery program, we were able to provide 26 cancer patients in Hamilton County with 584 trips to lifesaving cancer treatments! We certainly could not have accomplished all we did without the help of so many dedicated volunteers who were focused on one goal... TO ENSURE THAT MORE CANCER SURVIVORS CELEBRATE MORE BIRTHDAYS!

A Soup RECIPE for you!

If there are no fresh tomatoes at hand, use canned. The soup is delicious and silky if you thicken it with tapioca. Optional garnishes: Garlic croutons (thin slices of baguette, lightly toasted and rubbed with a cut garlic clove) Grated or shaved Parmesan

Provenal Tomato and Basil Soup

Memorial Hospital 2525 DeSales Ave 423) 267-8613

January 24 1pm-2:30 Monday March 7 1pm-2:30 Monday May 16 1pm-2:30 Monday July 11 1pm-2:30 Monday Sept 19 1pm-2:30 Monday Nov 7 1pm-2:30 Monday

Memorial North Park Hixson 2015 Hamill Road (423) 267-8613

April 7 1pm-2:30 Thursday June 16 1pm-2:30 Thursday August 4 1pm-2:30 Thursday Dec 1 1pm 2:30 Thursday

1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 4-6 garlic cloves (to taste), minced Salt to taste 1 quart of water Fresh ground pepper to taste 1 parmesan rind (optional) 1/2 cup of rice or tapioca 2 pounds tomatoes, cored and diced, or 1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice Pinch of sugar 2large springs of basil, or about 16 leaves, plus 2 tbs slivered basil for garnish

1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about five minutes. Stir in half the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Add the tomatoes, sugar, basil sprigs or leaves, and remaining garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, 15 to 20 minutes. 2. Add the water and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes. Add the tapioca or rice, and simmer for another 15 minutes until the tapioca is tender and the soup fragrant. Remove the basil sprigs and Parmesan rind. Puree in a blender in small batches, taking care to place a towel over the top of the blender and hold it down tightly. If you used fresh unpeeled tomatoes and want a silkier soup, put through a strainer, using a spatula or the back of a ladle to push the soup through. Return to the pot, add pepper to taste and adjust salt. Serve garnished with garlic croutons and/or Parmesan, if desired, and slivered basil leaves. If serving cold, refrigerate until chilled. Yield: Serves four. Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories; 4 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 22 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 3 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 9 grams protein

Parkridge Hospital: Sarah Cannon Cancer Center 2333 McCallie Ave ( 423) 267-8613
Feb 14 April 18 June 20 Aug 22 Oct 24 Dec 12 1pm-2:30 Monday 1pm-2:30 Monday 1pm-2:30 Monday 1pm-2:30 Monday 1pm-2:30 Monday 1pm-2:30 Monday

American Cancer Society 6221 Shallowford Road #102 (423) 267-8613 March 15 5:30-7pm Tuesday June 14 5:30-7pm Tuesday Sept 13 5:30-7pm Tuesday Dr. Ghandis Office
February 7 June 6 Sept 12 2-3:30 Monday 2-3:30 Monday 2-3:30 Monday

Get to know the Board of Directors

Gloria McKeldin

What is your favorite words to live by? Let the words of my mouth and medication of my heart be acceptable n thy spirit oh lord my strength and my redeemer. What is your favorite movie? Jungle Book What is your favorite Chattanooga restaurant? Outback Steakhouse. What do you do in your free time? Tennis, Golf & travel What is your favorite vacation destination? Hilton Head You know all the words to what song? Silent Night Dinner with (famous) person of choice? Michelle Obama, I admire her What is your favorite TV show? ALL the CSI! What was your favorite subject in high school? Math Are you a night owl or early bird? Early Bird

Cheryl Brown

What are your favorite words to live by? Laughter is the best medicine. What is your favorite Chattanooga restaurant? The Meeting Place What do you do in your free time? Spending time with my son and hubbie What is your favorite vacation destination? Playa Del Carmen, MX You know all the words to what song? Star Spangled Banner Dinner with person of choice? The guy in the grassy knoll, to find out if he did it!. What is your favorite TV show? West wing is my favorite, still watch re-runs. What was your favorite subject in high school? English Are you a night owl or early bird? Early bird What is your favorite words to live by? WTH? What is your favorite Chattanooga restaurant? The Melting Pot, St.Johns, What do you do in your free time? What free time? What is your favorite vacation destination? Any beach You know all the words to what song? Almost every song, oddly. What is your favorite TV show? The Amazing Race What was your favorite subject in high school? English Are you a night owl or early bird? Night owl Hollywood crush? George Clooney would be okay How would you describe your perfect day? Wake up, breakfast, beach, great dinner w/ a nice bottle of wine. What is your favorite words to live by? Find something positive in everything What is our favorite movie? Dr. Zhavigo What is your favorite Chattanooga restaurant? St. Johns What do you do in your free time? Walk my dogs What is your favorite vacation destination? Europe You know all the words to what song? National Anthem Dinner with person of choice? Pat Summitt (to learn about her secrets of motivation) What is your favorite TV show? Seinfeld What was your favorite subject in high school? Math/Algebra Are you a night owl or early bird? Early bird Who would you want to play you in a movie? Meryl Streep

Rob Praino

Sue Culpepper

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

BREAST CANCER AWARENSS

DID YOU KNOW?

he ACS role in the impact of breast Cancer. RESEARCH: 226 research projects amounting to $121.2 million dollars. A few areas of research now being investigated by American Cancer Society grantees are: Reasons for breast cancer treatment differences between African American and white women, including differences in delays in starting treatment, less frequent treatment, and choice of mastectomy over lumpectomy in African American women Exploring new breast cancer treatments that target immune system cells Identifying and cataloging ribonucleic acids (RNAs) that are characteristic of normal and breast cancer tissues, with the goal of generating an RNA fingerprint of breast cancer. This may prove useful predicting breast cancer disease progression, detecting breast cancer at an early stage, and may also allow for more effective treatments. Evaluating factors that influence mammogram interpretation by radiologist. This project cofounded with the National Cancer Institute, was designed in direct response to the Institute of Medicines report. Improving Breast Imaging Quality Standards, which highlighted the need to decrease variability in mammography interpretation in the United States and identified issues stalling the reauthorization of the Mammography Standards Act.

Trivia
Women who began having periods early (before age 12) or who went through the change of life (menopause) after the age of 55 have slightly increased risk of breast cancer. They have more menstrual periods and as a result have been exposed to more of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Women who have not had children, or who had their first child after 30, have slightly higher risk of breast cancer Being pregnant lowers a womans totals number of lifetime menstrual cycles, which may be the reason for this effect. The use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of getting breast cancer. Women who have one drink a day have a very small increased risk. Those who have 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1 1/2 times the risk of women who drink no alcohol. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a women having invasive breast cancer sometime during her life is a little less 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. For more breast cancer facts visit us online at www.

Breast Cancer
Screening Guidelines for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Average-risk, Asymptomatic Women Aged 20 Years and Older Breast self-examination
Beginning in their early 20s, women should be told about the benefits and limitations of breast self-examination (BSE). The importance of prompt reporting of any new breast symptoms to a health professional should be emphasized. Women who choose to do BSE should receive instruction and have their technique reviewed on the occasion of a periodic health examination. It is acceptable for women to choose not to do BSE or to do BSE irregularly

Clinical breast examination

For women in their 20s and 30s, it is recommended that clinical breast examination (CBE) be part of a periodic health examination, preferably at least every three years. Asymptomatic women aged 40 and over should continue to receive a clinical breast examination as part of a periodic health examination, preferably annually and prior to mammography.

Mammography
Begin annual mammography at age 40.

Access to MAMMOGRAMS
Mammography Screening in the United States

Early detection & Prevention

American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer vary depending on a womans age, and include mammography and clinical breast examination (CBE) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for women at high risk. In 2007, an expert panel convened by the Society reported new recommendations for the use of MRI for women at increased risk for breast cancer. The panel recommended annual screening using MRI in addition to mammography for women at high lifetime risk (~20%-25% or greater) of the disease. Women at moderately increased risk (15%-20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%. Women at high risk include those who: Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation Have a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of approximately 20%-25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30 years Have LiFraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have a first degree relative with one of these syndromes.

ow can breast cancer be detected early?

Women at moderately increased risk include those who:

National breast cancer screening data that measures screening within the past year is available from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The NHIS has tracked trends in mammography screening rates since 1987. Only 53 percent of women ages 40 and older reported having a mammogram within the past year. The lowest prevalence of mammography use in the past year occurred among women who lack health insurance, followed by immigrant women who have lived in the United States for fewer than 10 years. Racial and ethnic minorities are significantly less likely than whites to have had a mammogram in the past year.

Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 15%-20%, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history Have a personal history of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) Have extremely dense breasts or unevenly dense breasts when viewed by mammograms. Although the American Cancer Society no longer recommends that all women perform monthly breast selfexams (BSE), women should be informed about the potential benefits and limitations associated with BSE. Research has shown that self awareness is more effective for detecting breast cancer than structured BSE. Women who detect their own breast cancer usually find it outside of a structured breast self-exam while bathing or getting dressed. A woman who wishes to perform periodic BSE should receive instruction from her health care provider and/or have her technique reviewed periodically.

ALL WOMEN DESERVE ACCESS TO A MAMMOGRAM Millions of women are going without lifesaving breast cancer screenings and treatment because they are uninsured or simply can't afford it. Last year, Congress provided funding for only 1 in 5 of these women to get mammograms through a community-based program run by the CDC. Tell Congress that all women deserve access to a mammogram. Sign our petition online at:
www.acscan.org/breastcancergetinvolved/

http://www.facebook.com/?ref =home#!/Strides

Colon Cancer
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer may cause one or more of the symptoms below. If you have any of the following you should see your doctor: A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal) Cramping or abdominal (stomach area) pain Weakness and fatigue Unintended weight loss Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. Still, if you have any of these problems, it's important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

hone Counseling May Help With Cancer Pain & Depression

Many cancer patients suffer from undetected cancer-related pain and depression. Phone counseling and automated symptom monitoring may help change that, according to a study published recently in the Journal

From the ACS News Center

patients with all types of cancer and in both rural and urban communities. HOWEVER, there were some limitations to the study. The researchers didn't collect the data by cancer type, so there may be some variations in the programs effectiveness depending on the cancer being treated. Also, the researchers didn't collect data on costeffectiveness. More research is needed, the study authors write.

of American Medical Association (JAMA). Because oncologist are busy with testing, chemotherapy and other treatments, they often have too little time left for quality of life issues, like pain and depression. Said
Kurt Kroneke MD, professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and lead author of the study. We felt one

If you have cancer related pain or depression

If you have cancer-related pain, talk with your doctor or nurse about it- Where it is, when it began how long it last, what it feels like, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your life. A pain Diary can help you keep track of these details. If your prescribed pain medications don't work as expected let your doctor or nurse know. If pain increases, c a l l y o u r d o c t o r . Pain and depression often go hand in hand. Some symptoms of depression include having a sad or empty mood of the day, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, eating problems (loss of appetite or overeating) sleep changes (either to much or too little), loss of energy, among other. If you think youre depressed, talk with your doctor . Caregivers can play an important role in helping doctors and nurses identify pain and depression. DONT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP, If you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one, be sure to report them to his or her health care team. For more information with and addressing the side effect of cancer. ACS.ORG (caring for the cancer patient at home)

solution might be a partnership between a telephone-based symptom management team and community-based oncology practices
TO test this solution, researchers from the

Last Medical Review: 02/22/2010 Last Revised: 02/22/2010

Registries Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine recruited 405 cancer patients who were experiencing pain, depression, or both and separated them into 2 groups. One group received usual care ( results of their pain and depression tests were given to their oncologist, but the researchers did not do any follow-up), and the other group received regular phone calls from nurses trained to recognize pain and depression symptoms. That group was monitored via automated interactive phone calls or Web surveys. Technology, in the form of automated calls repeated until an adequate treatment response occurred, allowed us to gather data on symptoms severity at a time convenient for the patient, making the process very patient-centered, said Kroenke. The results were promising. Over 12 months, patients in the phone-counseling group saw greater improvement in their symptoms than people in the usual care group regardless of whether they were suffering from pain or depression. Improvements were also seen across the board in

New Health Initiatives put spotlight on preBy Robert Pear Published: April 4, 2010
Washington Amid all the rancor leading up to passage of the new health care law, Congress with little fanfare approved a set of wide-ranging public initiatives to prevent disease and encourage healthy behavior.

From the ACS News Center

Cancers of the uterus and endometrium
Sarcomas are cancers that start from tissues such as muscle, fat, bone, and fibrous tissue (the material that forms tendons and ligaments). Cancers that start in epithelial cells, the cells that line or cover most organs, are called carcinomas.

More than 95% of cancers of the uterus are carcinomas. If a carcinoma starts in the cervix, it is called a cervical carcinoma. Carcinomas starting in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, are called endometrial carcinomas. These 2 cancers are discussed in our documents Cervical Cancer and Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer. This document is about uterine sarcomas. Most uterine sarcomas fall into 1 of 2 categories, based on the type of cell they developed from: Endometrial stromal sarcomas develop in the supporting connective tissue (stroma) of the endometrium. These cancers are rare, representing a little over 1% of all uterine cancers. These tumors can be divided into 2 groups: lowgrade and undifferentiated (high-grade). Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas tend to grow slowly - patients with these tumors have a better outlook than those with undifferentiated (high grade) tumors. Undifferentiated tumors are more aggressive and respond differently to treatment than low-grade tumors. Uterine leiomyosarcomas start in the muscular wall of the uterus known as the myometrium. These tumors make up about 2% of cancers that start in the uterus. Another type of cancer that starts in the uterus is called carcinosarcoma. These cancers start in the endometrium and have features of both sarcomas and carcinomas. They can be classified with uterine sarcomas, but many doctors now believe they are more closely related to carcinomas. These cancers are also known as malignant mixed mesodermal tumors or malignant mixed mullerian tumors. Uterine carcinosarcomas are discussed in detail in the American Cancer Society document Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer.

Health Care Conversations

The initiatives provide a big dose of prevention in an effort to counter the powerful fatty, high-Calorie foods. The emphasis on disease prevention comes nine months after President Obama signed a law that gave sweeping authority to the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products. Republicans supported many of the health promotions initiatives and objected to a few, but had much bigger concerns about the overall law. The proposals largely escaped public notice as lawmakers fought over abortion, taxes and government run public option. Under the new law, chain restaurants will have to provide nutrition information on their menus. Under the health care law, chain restaurants with 20 or more locations will have to provide a calorie count for each standard item. The data must be displayed on the menu in clear and conspicuous manner. Salad bars and buffets can satisfy the requirements by placing signs next to food items. Department, said consumers experienced tremendous sticker shock when the saw how many calories were in the food they were eating. about 15percent of people who come in to chain restaurants say the calorie information makes a difference in their purchasing decisions, Ms. Nonas said. Supports of the law said the emphasis on fitness, physical activity, improved nutrition and disease prevention would keep people out of the hospitals and cut heath cost.

Benign tumors
Several types of benign (non-cancerous) tumors can also develop in the connective tissues of the uterus. These tumors, such as leiomyomas, adenofibromas, and adenomyomas, are also known as fibroid tumors. Most of the time, these tumors require no treatment. Treatment may be needed, however, if they start causing problems - such as pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, frequent urination, or constipation. In some cases, the tumor is removed, leaving the rest of the uterus in place; this surgery is called myomectomy. Some treatments can destroy these benign tumors without surgery, by blocking the blood vessels that feed them, by killing the tumor

A love story, a true love story.

In the GAP By Nancye Wilson:

Edited by Monica Dean

He just had a cold

2004 During the holiday season he caught a cold that was very difficult to shake and afterward he could not seem to get his strength back. January he progressed to the point that I suggested that he needed to go to the doctor On February 3, 2005 we went to the doctors office for what we thought would be another routine test but instead my husband of 36 years, my lover, my friend and my buddy was diagnosed with Stage IV Stomach Cancer. Bill was only 59 years old and we were just beginning to do all the things that we wanted to do! The doctor, with tears in his eyes, put Bill in the hospital that day and the darkness descended Hours later, after everyone left and Bill and I were alone, I climbed onto the bed with him and the tears flowed freely from both of our eyes. I had been strong all day, in fact I had been strong all of my life, but I was not strong now. I needed to comfort Bill but I couldnt. Instead he was comforting me. After crying for a long time suddenly Bill wasnt crying anymore he was just letting me cry and whispering its going to be okay over and over. I sat up and looked at him and I could see that he believed what he was saying. That is when Bill looked at me and said its going to be okay because God is not through with me yet. There is still something I have to do. I looked at him and I could see, no! I could feel that he believed what he was saying. He was not just saying something to make me feel better. He was literally saying that God had something for him to do! Those were not words that my husband would normally say. I felt peace flow through me at that moment and thus began our real journey

At that point we began our journey of living with cancer. Over the next few days we learned many things and with each bit of new information we felt again and again as if we were falling into a deep, dark pit. But at the end of each day Bill would say, it is okay, God is not finished with me yet. Each night I would leave him at the hospital and drive home, crying in the dark as I drove the 35 miles to our home. I remember one morning laying flat on the floor of our dressing room with my face in the carpet telling God that I surrendered all to Him because I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this cancer was not something I could fix or control and that He was our only hope. Bill had been diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Cancer with metastasis to the liver or Stage IV Stomach Cancer. Surgery to remove the cancer from the stomach lining could be performed but it would require removal of the complete stomach and part of the esophagus. In the medical world chemo was our only hope. After 5 days in the hospital and went home with a port that had been surgically inserted in Bills chest to receive the chemotherapy that was our only course of treatment. The oncologist promised that if Bill was willing to fight he was willing to fight with and for him. Life expectancy at this point was 3 6 months. Bill began his chemo, I worked when I could and stayed with him when I needed to. Bill slipped into a depression which the doctor said was to be expected while I was determined that we were not going to be just another casualty of cancer. How I hate that wordcancer! Cancer is an ugly, spiteful, alien thing that can mutate and become immune to the chemo at any time, or hide only to come back later and destroy. Words cannot truly tell you what to expect from the chemo. We heard the phrase kill you or cure you and we quickly began to understand the truth behind the phrase.

eptember 12, 1969 I married William Bill Wilson, one of my best friends in the whole world! In April of 1969 he came home after 13 months in Viet Nam and two years in Germany before that. He had been home for about 30 days when we accidentally saw each other for the first time since before he left for Viet Nam. We saw each other every day as many times each day as we possibly could. We discovered that what we thought was friendship through our years of school was actually the youthful stages of what grew in time into true love. During those early years we went from the euphoric days of being newlyweds to the days of what in the world have I done! We started a family, went through Soddy Daisy Kids Club activities, Brownies and Girl Scouts. We lived in a house with one bathroom and two teenaged daughters and we all survived. Time passed we both grew up, and suddenly our daughters were grown, getting married and giving us grandchildren. Life was good! I knew that my husband was a Christian because over the years he had told me that he had been saved and I had seen glimpses of God working in him, Bill was not a bad person but was easily tempted by external stimulus. He actually believed that Budweiser beer would make you have gusto and that Aqua-White toothpaste would make your teeth really white. He never understood that true gusto comes from within the person and is a God given attribute. On February 3, 2005 when Bill said that it was going to be okay because God had something else for him to do, he not only believed it, he knew it and so did I!

In the days and weeks to come there were many lessons for us to learn. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 Lesson # 1We had cancer. Going forward I will be referring to almost everything in plural terms. Remember I said earlier on that because we are one, we have cancer. Bill has the disease in his body but because we are one, I could feel it in mine. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavenEcclesiastes 3:1 Lesson # 2: No one is promised tomorrow. As I was having this pity party the Lord reminded me of the fact that our days are numbered from the beginning. Our days had not been cut short, we still have the exact same number of days to be together as we had on our wedding day in 1969. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13. Lesson #3: We are not alone. God is standing in the gap with us. I was loving Bill by standing in the gap for him while he could not stand for himself. I read scripture with him, I prayed with him, I went to the doctor with him, I learned about chemo so that we could be prepared for things as they came, I listened to what the doctors said so that he didnt have to concentrate on anything but living. Standing in the gap meant me doing what Bill couldnt and Bill living through what I couldnt. Standing in the gap meant listening to God and no one else. We are not alone. God is standing in the gap with us. The oncologist helped us navigate this uncharted territory by being brutally honest. He told us that in our circumstances and the advanced stage of our illness that we did not need to worry about a cure. We needed to understand that living with cancer was a good thing! Life is good!

Phew!!! Now we are through those earliest

and scariest days and we are in the sunshine of spring! By April we knew that the chemo was having an effect on the cancer and that it was shrinkingall of it was shrinking. Awesome! More chemo...In July we finished the 10th round of chemo and had a new CT scan. The scan revealed yet more decreases to the lesions on his liver and the oncologist was convinced that the primary tumor is dead. The oncologist is just amazed at how far we have come, but also says that we need to give his body a rest from chemo. On July 27 our oncologist said no more chemo for a while! Our scripture verse for that day was: Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Psalm 63:7 And we did rejoice We waived at people we didnt know, we laughed and we cried and we said thank you Lord for Your grace and mercy. Remember, only six months before we given three to six months to live and here we are six months later alive and being given the opportunity to rest because we are doing so well. Coincidence? I dont think so. The belief that God still has something for Bill to do is just as strong today as it was that first day. Writing our experience has been good for me. Going back through the journals has been a wonderful experience. The scriptures were so perfect for each day in 2005, but they are perfectly beautiful for today and for all of our tomorrows. I dont know how to end our story because our story is on going so I think I will stop writing and leave you with our scripture verse and comment from July 13, 2005In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. Psalm 77:2. Bill, Keep seeking Him. I love you!

ithin the first 3 weeks Bill lost all of his hair. Not just the hair on his head, but all body hair, facial hair, eyebrows, lashes and nose hair. We always thought hair was just something to comb or shave off and some of it we never gave any thought too at all until it was gone Early on I started buying novels for Bill to read to keep his mind off of the treatments. Gradually Bill was so sick and weak he couldnt read. He just sat and stared or slept, when he wasnt in the bathroom throwing up. Bill was never a big man, but he was losing weight at an alarming rate. He would go for days on end without being able to keep anything on his stomach. Not water, not broth, not jello, ice creamnothing. One day I gave Bill a spiral bound notebook in which he could write his thoughts. I had read somewhere that journaling helps people during times of high stress and I thought it sounded good so I naturally thought it would sound good to him. He only made two entries into that journal. On February 17, 2005 he wrote that he went to the doctor today. Listened to what he said. Bob went with me. All and all a good day and night. On February 18, 2005 he wrote the date and then nothing more On February 22, 2005, I read a verse that especially gave me comfort. I thought since it offered me comfort maybe it would do the same for Bill. I picked up that spiral bound notebook and I dated it and then wrote that verse down in that notebook along with a personal thought. And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. Genesis 2:18 We are in this together and we are in it, to win it. Today is a good day!

Every day he read the scripture that I left for him along with my thoughts and that began our daily worship together as one.

Is our journey over? Nothere is still much to do. Remember at the very beginning Bill told me that God was not finished with him and had something else for him to do. Today in February of 2009, four years later Bill still knows there is something else that God has for him to do. We dont know what it is, but that knowledge is deep in both of us. I have watched my husband grow into the man of my dreams. He was always a hero in my mind, but now he is my hero.

Hope Lodge Nashville TN

Hope Lodge on the horizon for Memphis TN

Hope Lodge Arrives in Memphis Cancer patients fighting for their lives wont have to worry about where theyre going to stay when receiving treatment in Memphis, or how theyre going to pay for it. The American Cancer Society Harrah's Hope Lodge was dedicated in Memphis on Nov. 18, a culmination of the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers, donors, and medical professionals. The American Cancer Society Harrahs Hope Lodge will help lessen the financial burden on adult patients traveling to Memphis for treatment at one of the metropolitan areas many cancer facilities. Patients can require daily treatment for multiple weeks, and staying in a hotel for that long would be expensive. The American Cancer Society Harrahs Hope Lodge allows patients and a caregiver to stay at no cost and be with others going through the very same experience. Patients will be able to concentrate on their health and getting well. Three years ago you were asked to imagine a place where many could find courage, strength, assistance, and comfort during one of the most difficult periods in their lives, said David Popwell, co-chairman of the capital campaign committee. Today, I am so happy to welcome you here this afternoon as we dedicate that place. The facility includes 40 guest rooms, each with a private bath and sleeping accommodations for two. There is a community dining, kitchen, library, and recreational areas, and each floor will have a day room and guest laundry with 24 hour access.

ACS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION HOPE LODGE

Nashville, TN 615-342-0840

ighting Cancer is hard. Finding Help shouldn't be.

Imagine the prospect of fighting cancer. Now imagine you will be treated at a facility two hours away from your home. The unexpected travel and lodging expenses can place a huge burden on family finances. Since 2004, The American Cancer Society's Memorial Foundation Hope Lodge in Nashville, Tennessee has offered a solution to cancer patients who must undergo treatment far from home. The Hope Lodge provides housing free of charge on a first-come, first served basis to cancer patients and their families during their course of treatment. The lodge not only reduces the financial burden, but also provides a much needed supportive environment. Guests of the Hope Lodge enjoy rooms with a private bath and television. Other amenities include a shared kitchen, library, dining room, living room and laundry room. Guests are able and encouraged to make themselves very much at home, engaging in such normal everyday activities as buying groceries, preparing meals, doing dishes, working at a computer terminal or watching television Getting emotional and social support from other survivors can be as important as getting the proper medical care. At the Hope Lodge, patients live with other people going through similar experiences, and are supported by caring staff and volunteers. The nurturing, com-

Im thrilled by the outpouring of support from across our community to help ease the financial and emotional burdens on those who have been affected by this terrible disease, said Peter Pettit, co-chairman of the capital campaign committee, past president of the American Cancer Society board, and a two-time cancer survivor. The American Cancer Society Harrahs Hope Lodge in Memphis joins four other Mid-South Division Lodges located in Nashville, Birmingham, Lexington, and New Orleans. In the Societys most recent fiscal year, which ended August 31, these four homes away from homeJoin us for Making Strides on Oct. 10. lodging to more than provided over 75,000 nights of free 4,800 patients and caregivers, saving them over $9.4 million in lodging expenses. The American Cancer Society Harrahs Hope Lodge is funded in part by a $2 million grant from the Harrahs Foundation. The grant is the largest one-time donation received by the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society. The Harrahs Foundation is the charitable giving arm of Harrahs Entertainment, parent company of Harrahs, Tunica Roadhouse, and Horseshoe Casinos in Tunica, Miss. "Harrahs is committed to supporting our communities and is proud to help fund the American Cancer Society Harrahs Hope Lodge through this substantial Harrahs Foundation donation, said R. Scott Barber, advisory board member, Harrahs Foundation and regional president, Harrahs Mid-South. It is our hope that through this donation, the American Cancer Society will make a positive, life changing impact in many of our neighbors and families lives when they need it most. Other leadership gifts include a no-cost lease of land valued at $1.5 million from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and $1 million grants from The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc., and the Plough Foundation. To make a donation to the American Cancer Society Harrah's Hope Lodge or for more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.