Providence Regional Cancer System Survivorship Blog

Entries by Providence Regional Cancer System (69)

Monday
Apr222013

An afternoon of yoga and support

Editor's Note: This article is written by Maureen Oar, RYT at YOGA Loft. She has met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the national Yogo Alliance and has pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications to yoga.


As I turned up the heat, turned on the lights, put on the music and swept the floor at the Yoga Loft, I wondered, “How many will come this afternoon?”

People began to arrive. I greeted familiar faces and welcomed new ones. Before I knew it, we had 21 people join us.

Within the group we had, men and women, old and young, people that had never done yoga before and those that were returning for more.

I thought to myself, “This is what yoga is all about.”

Yoga is for every body and can be adapted and adopted to fit all needs. As we introduced ourselves, some people shared what they felt comfortable with and others just spoke their name. What they shared wasn’t important; we knew we were all there to support one another.

Yoga is a way for survivors to manage the symptoms and the stress of cancer, beyond diagnosis and treatment. Just as important for the caregivers, yoga helps us manage the stress of a loved one dealing with the challenges that arise. Next Month, Sunday May 5th, the doors are wide open as we welcome you onto the path of Yoga...

Yoga for the Cancer Journey

Come and learn how yoga can help you to create, stimulate and maintain an optimum state of physican and emotional health.

Cancer survivor and certified yoga instructor Maureen Oar, RYT has met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the National Yoga Alliance and has pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications of yoga. This class is created to meet the needs of any level of health and fitness and to support you in modifying your practice appropriately.

Anyone living with cancer, survivors and caregivers are welcome. All classes are located at The Yoga Loft, 219 Legion Way SW, Suite 202, Olympia, 98501. View Flyer >>

  • Sunday, May 5, 1-2:20 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 2, 1-2:20 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 7, 1-2:20 p.m.
Monday
Dec102012

Supportive Care Social Work

My name is Terry Furst and I am a Supportive Care Social Worker at the Providence Regional Cancer System, Lacey Clinic.

Research has shown that patients who receive Supportive or Palliative Care Services early in their diagnosis experience less pain, distress, anxiety and report a better quality of life than patients who do not receive these services. Read more about this study.

I am available to all of our patients and families here, in Lacey, and next door at RadiantCare, free of charge. Providence provides all of our patients the additional support we know is needed when you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening illness.

The fear and confusion many experience early in a diagnosis is overwhelming—that’s where I come in. I can help you with:

  • Decision making
  • Managing your health care
  • Planning the future
  • Recommending financial resources
  • Supporting family members
  • Emotional support

Facing your feelings, while understanding where they are coming from, can help you face the journey ahead.

I am also available to talk about the most difficult of thoughts and feelings many people have when diagnosed with cancer but are afraid to talk about with family or friends. We all need somewhere to express our feelings.

If you think I can be of support or assistance to you or your family members, please contact me at (360) 412-8956 or ask your doctor or nurse to make a referral and I will contact you.

Friday
Nov302012

When someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer

Tifany Palmer, RN, Lung cancer navigatorLung cancer navigator Tifany Palmer, RN, shares tips to help family and friends of someone diagnosed with lung cancer.

Listen. Please be there to listen with an open heart. Let them talk freely and express concerns, hopes, and fears. Don’t offer advice, unless asked. Don’t offer your ideas on how they developed cancer or question them about potential smoking history or being exposed to second hand smoke. This can make lead to feelings of depression and guilt. Listen without feeling you have to fix things.

Support them. Attend appointments and support group meetings. Be their second set of ears at  appointments, because they may miss hearing information because so many things are happening at once. Plan on bringing a notepad and take important notes to help recall key things that were discussed. Call them on the phone and show you care. Tthis lets them know that you are thinking of them and showing your concerns. Help them heal and provide emotional support. Be positive and share success stories, but also let them express fears. Hold thier hand while they cry.

Make them laugh. Be silly and tell funny stories and jokes. Watch a funny movie.

Be patient with them. Going through cancer treatments can take a toll. They may be feeling a variety of emotions and symptoms: sadness, fear, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Don’t give up on them. They can be very fragile at any given moment, so be compassionate and let them know that you will be there for them.

Help them. Please don't suggest that they call you if they need anything – instead, be proactive.  Prepare a meal in a disposable container. Offer to grocery shop or drive to an appointment. Help clean the house for an hour or mow the lawn. Offering to help can save their energy expenditures for healing. Treatments can make them very physically and emotionally tired. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Tuesday
Nov202012

Providence employees share Thanksgiving recipes

STUFFING

Awesome Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing
By Abigail, Progressive Care Unit

  • 1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread
  • 3 3/4 cups cubed white bread
  • 1 pound ground turkey sausage
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup chopped celery
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and chopped
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 cooked turkey liver, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup turkey stock
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:  1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Spread the white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. 2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors. 3. Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries, parsley, and liver. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill…OR bake in casserole dish.

Turkey Stuffing
by Tonya, General Surgery

  • Two bags bread crumbs
  • Two packages of bacon (substitute turkey bacon for a healthy alternative)
  • 3 celery sticks
  • 1 can chicken broth

Directions: Chop bacon and celery sticks and sauté in a pan then mix breadcrumbs and broth, milk may also be used. Set aside in fridge while getting Turkey prepped. Wash your turkey pat dry. Then  melt butter and sage and base the turkey inside and out. Then take another package of bacon and wrap the turkey around legs and breast. Then put ¼ of stuffing around turkey in pan and in cavity of Turkey then cook according to chart.

Raisin Stuffing
By Mary, Providence Regional Cancer System

  • 12 ounces of “Stove Top” or any seasoned brand of stuffing
  • 1 onion, chopped and sauteed
  • 1 handful of raisins
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Chicken or turkey broth (in the amount suggested on stuffing box)
  • 1 can “Campbell’s” mushroom soup
  • Optional sauteed mushrooms and celery

Directions: Bring broth to boil, stir in all ingredients except bread crumbs. When mixed thoroughly, add crumbs and gently toss. Stuff turkey.

SALADS

Spinach Jell-O Salad
By Joni, Nursing informatics

  • large bunch of fresh spinach  ,cut up not too fine
  • 1 cup fresh chopped (not real small) walnuts or pecans, whatever you wish
  • 2 large packages lime jell-O
  • 1 large celery stalk cut into half inch bits
  • 2 large cans pineapple bits, drained well
  • 1 large onion cut up
  • 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese
  • 2 large cans of mandarin oranges, completely drained
  • 1 small pkg of marshmallows (optional-adds calories)

Directions: Make the jello and harden it overnight in the frig.  Fold in carefully all the ingredients in am after jello is hardened, cover it  and then refrigerate for 4 hrs before serving.  If you make it in a glass dish, the colors look lovely. – Remember, we first eat with our eyes!

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
by Paula, St. Peter Chemical Dependency Center

  • 4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp each salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 1/2 Tbsp canola oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed through a press
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil or roasted peanut oil
  • 6 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions:. Heat oven to 425F. In a large, heavy roasting pan, toss potatoes, bacon, 1/2 tsp each of the salt and pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp of the canola oil until evenly coated. Roast 35 to 40 minutes, stirring potatoes every 10 minutes, until potatoes are lightly browned and tender, and bacon pieces crisp. Cool in pan to room temperature. In large serving bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 tsp each of the salt and pepper, remaining 3 Tbsp of the oil, lime juice, mustard, garlic, and sesame oil until combined. Add potatoes and remaining ingredients. Gently toss salad with large spoon until evenly dressed, being careful not to smash the potatoes.

Crunchy Cranberry Salad
By Edna, Boldt Diabetes Center

  • 1-9oz can crushed pineapple (1 cup)
  • 1 small package cherry gelatin
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 small orange, quartered and ground in food processor (including rind)
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped

Directions: Drain pineapple.  Reserve juice and add enough water to make 2 cups.  Heat juice/water mixture then add gelatin; stir to dissolve.  Add cranberries, orange, celery and walnuts.  Cover, and chill until set.  Looks jewel-like and beautiful in cut glass or crystal containers.

VEGGIES & SIDES

Misty’s Texas Corn
By Misty, PMG-Centralia Urology

  • 1lb. bag frozen corn
  • 1 block of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (use fat free or low fat for healthy alternative)
  • 1 small can of green chilies (drained)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Cook corn as directed on package, drain all of liquid off and place back onto burner on medium low heat. Add block of cream cheese to corn, stir until completely melted. Stir in can of green chilies (you can also add chopped jalapenos for more spice!).Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn off burner and let sit for 15 min. (gives you time to set up).

Thanksgiving Healthy Squash Carrot Souffle (plus soup leftovers!)
By Laura, St. Peter Lymphedema Clinic

  • 1 onion
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1 acorn squash
  • 1 sweet dumpling squash
  • 4 carrots
  • ¼ c orange juice
  • 1/3 c butter

Directions: Roast the squash in the oven and puree with immersion blender or food processor, set aside. Cook the onion and peeled chopped carrot in butter and orange juice-blend with immersion blender—add to squash. Place in a oven safe soufflé dish and cook uncovered in oven at 350 for 30 minutes. You can add cinnamon, cloves to alter taste. The leftovers can easily be turned into soup the next day by adding chicken stock and 1 small container of low fat half and half.

Sweet Potato Casserole
By Shawna, St. Peter Pharmacy

  • 4 Cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed – can use fresh or canned sweet potatoes
  • 2 Cups organic granulated sugar
  • 4 Eggs, beaten
  • ¾ Cup butter, melted
  • 1 Cup evaporated milk (or fat free milk for healthy alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 Cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1 Cup flaked coconut
  • 1 ½ Cups crushed cornflakes cereal
  • ½ Cup packed organic brown sugar
  • 1 Cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ Cup butter, melted

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepared a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes. Mix together sugar, eggs, ¾ cup melted butter, evaporated milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, marshmallows, and coconut. Scoop the mixture in to the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes, brown sugar, pecans, and remaining ¾ cup butter. Spread the topping over the baked casserole. Return the casserole to the 400 degree oven and bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

Grandma’s Dip
by Joni, Nursing Informatics

  •  2 fat free cream cheese pkgs
  • ½ cup Kechup
  • ½ cup French or catalina fat free dressing
  • 2 tbspoons mustard  (honey or plain)
  • 2 tblspoon sweet pickle juice
  • dash of garlic salt
  • dash of onion salt
  • dash of  pepper

Directions: mix to dip consistency. Taste to tell if a little more sweetner is needed and then use a calorie free sweetner like sweet and low. My family loves this with fresh cut up vegetables, chips or fresh fruit like apples.

TREATS

Pumpkin Cake Cookies
By Tonya, Providence TeleStroke Program

Take 1 box of spice cake mix, add 1 can of pumpkin and stir. Once well blended, scoop cookie size amounts onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. Let cool and then frost with cream cheese frosting and add sprinkles in fall colors (or for a healthier alternative skip the frosting).

Light Pumpkin Pie
By Alisha, Family Birth Center

This pumpkin pie saves 151 calories and 12 grams of fat per slice compared with traditional versions, and it tastes identical.

  • 1 1/2 cups ground ginger snaps
  • 16 oz can pumpkin (or fresh pumpkin you baked)
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice or your favorite combination of cinnamon, ginger and cloves.
  • 12 oz can non-fat evaporated milk

Directions: Grind cookies in a food processor and pat into a lightly oiled pie pan.  Mix ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, pour into crust, and bake for 15 min at 425 degrees, then turn down oven to 350 degrees and bake for 50 min until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve topped with fat-free whipped cream.

Per serving: 165 calories, 1.5 g fat, 1.5 mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 6g protein.  Diabetic exchange: 2 bread

Apple Pumpkin Bake
by Sherrie, Providence Medical Group Administration

Makes 12 pieces

  • 3 tart apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2″ chunks
  • 2-3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 12 large eggs
  • 14 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup ribbon coconut

Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×13″ baking pan well with coconut oil. Toss chopped apples into the pan, spreading evenly over the bottom. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Whisk in eggs, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine well. Pour over apples in pan. Sprinkle the top of the mixture with sliced almonds and ribbon coconut. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes; until set. Cut into 12 pieces and serve hot or refrigerate to serve cold.

Easy Pumpkin Cream Pie
by Debra, Providence Regional Cancer System

  • 1 9-inch (6 oz.) prepared graham cracker crust
  • 1 can (15 oz.) Pumpkin
  • 1 pkg. (5.1 oz.) sugar-free vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
  • 1 cup low-fat evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 cups light frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions: Combine pumpkin, pudding mix, evaporated milk and pumpkin pie spice in large mixer bowl; beat for 1 minute or until blended. Fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Spoon into crust. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Let stand in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and raspberries, if desired. Serve immediately.

Cranberry Apple Pear Pie with oatmeal crumb topping
By Shawna, PMG-Centralia Women’s Center
*This filling is enough for 2 small pies, or one deep dish pie.

Cranberry Apple Filling:

  • 8 gala apples or honey crisp apples
  • 4 bartlett pears
  • 10 ounces fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom (optional)
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp ½ stick of butter (sliced)

Oatmeal crumb topping:

  • 2/3 cup flour
  • ½ cup old fashioned (not instant) rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom (optional)
  • 6 tbsp cold butter (sliced)

For the crust: You can use the pie crust of your choice, but here is a perfect recipe

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water

Prepare crust in advance and then refrigerate for at least 1 hr or until ready to use.

Directions: Mix flour and salt in medium bowl. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost leaves side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).

Gather pastry into a ball. Shape into flattened round on lightly floured surface. Wrap flattened round of pastry in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm, which helps make the baked pastry more flaky. If refrigerated longer, let pastry soften slightly before rolling.

Roll pastry, using floured rolling pin, into circle 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate, or 3 inches larger than 10- or 11-inch tart pan. Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate. Unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side and being careful not to stretch pastry, which will cause it to shrink when baked.

Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of pie plate. Fold and roll pastry under, even with plate; flute as desired. Continue with directions in pie recipe.

For the Filling: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F with the rack in the lower third.

Peel, core and slice the apples. In a large bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, brown sugar, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Place the filling inside the prepared pie shell.

For the Oatmeal Pecan Crumb Topping: Measure the flour and oatmeal into a food processor. Pulse to combine and blend the oatmeal. Add in the remaining ingredients: brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, butter, and pecans. Pulse until a crumbly, mixture is achieved. Dot the top with the sliced butter. Set aside until after the first bake cycle.

Bake the Pie

Cover the edges of the pie loosely using foil. Bake at 425 degrees F for about 35 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F. Remove the pie from the oven. Discard the foil. Sprinkle with the crumb topping.

Bake for an additional 45 – 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender, crumbs are browned and the filling is bubbly. Let cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.

BACON Warning: not healthy, but delicious!

“Bacon Blanket”
By Anita, Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice

I weave a pound of bacon into a “bacon blanket” and place on top the turkey while it’s baking. It is a self-basting feature, and makes for some super tasty drippings and gravy!  It protects the skin from burning and drying out too. About 45 min prior to the turkey being finished remove the bacon to let the top skin brown.  You can then crunch up the bacon to add to your stuffing or on top your green bean casserole, or even for putting on turkey sandwiches later.

Monday
Nov122012

Standing in the quiet

“The air's so heavy, it could drown a butterfly, if it flew too high.”
–from the song Falling and Flying by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

 

From the moment I came to, after receiving the diagnosis, my world started moving at 150mph 24/7. I met the breast surgical oncologist. I met the reconstructive surgeon. I went for a PET CT scan, a breast MRI, a pre-op orientation, a DNA test, and a post-op camisole fitting. I told people. I made lists and arrangements and wrote newsletters and emails so everyone who I had told could keep up on what was going on. I bought bathrobes and journals and soft oversized shirts: Things that would make me happy and things that would make me comfortable. Every day I was talking until my voice was hoarse and driving from here to there to get everything done… and then there was the mastectomy and lymph node dissection, and recovery, and visits. There was learning how to sleep without rolling over on my drain. Figuring out how to get out of bed without engaging my chest muscles. Working toward being able to open the refrigerator door all by myself. Researching anything and everything I could to heal my body and make it stronger than ever before. I had always thought of myself as a go-go-go type of girl, but the kind of “busy” cancer brought into my life was something I never could have imagined. And the busy of it all, in many ways, is what saved me.

For me, Cancer was a full time job added to my actual full time job and overbooked life. I think that’s why my first day of chemo hit me like a freight train. There is no hurry in chemo. There is no anesthesia. No hustle and bustle of people moving to get you from here to there. Nothing to organize. Nothing to do. There is an attentive staff preparing for your marathon. There is stillness. There is waiting. And there is a profound state of quiet.

Five other people were in the room receiving chemo on my first day. There was a bit of privacy, but we could all see each other. I was the new girl. The only one with a glow to my skin. The only one with hair. The only one standing in a paralyzing state of terror over the unknown of what I was facing.

I had made the decision to spend the day alone. I was feeling good, strong...fierce. I knew my first treatment would be a long haul. Anywhere from four to seven hours depending on how things went. I wasn’t terribly nervous going into it, but everyone in my world was. On the insistence and foresight of my friend Olena, she and Ruth picked me up at home and brought me to my office for a few hugs and then Mary Beth dropped me off at chemo. Ruth would pick me up, but until then I was on my own.

It was after my blood panel had been taken and the wonderful nurse assigned to me was looking for a vein to thread the chemo needle when the reality of what I was facing took hold of me. That was the moment I saw the scope of what was happening. That was the moment I lost control.

The tears that followed poured through my eyes, but my whole body truly wept and I could feel it in every way. I didn’t move. I’m not sure if that was because I couldn’t move or because the nurse was threading the needle. And apparently I didn’t make a sound because it was quite a few minutes before she looked up and me.  “Allison” she finally said. Her voice full of surprise, tenderness and great concern. The seemingly fearless warrior who had walked through the door less than an hour earlier was crumbling and they hadn’t even begun the first drip.

I’m not sure exactly what went on or how distraught I appeared to be, but while my world went into slow motion, as I contemplated the fact that I was about to douse my body with poison so that I wouldn’t die, people were being assembled. I completely lost sense of time. I was in a moment that felt like forever. Then somewhere along the way I opened my journal and started writing. It was the only thing I could do to get from one second to the next. And they were all so long. The seconds… at a certain point the head chemo RN was sitting in front of me. She was amazing. We talked about so many things. I can’t remember what exactly, with the exception of my asking her if she was familiar with the play No Exit by Jean Paul Sarte. That I remember clearly for some reason. Looking back it makes sense, sitting in a chemo chair, grabbing for something to relate to and coming up with a one act play consisting of three people that are trapped in hell for all of eternity.

The nurse was so good with me. Who knows what kind of sense I was making. Holding her hands and getting it out, I heard another voice, “Chemo Sucks.” someone said. I remember that because it threw me. It was my well mannered, always composed and cheery nurse navigator speaking in a tone I’d never heard and using a word I never would have imagined her saying. Looking up to see who was talking, I knew it was her, but I was expecting someone else. In a sense it was. She had revealed another side of herself. What I saw was a face of a woman who knew. A woman who had seen it all.

And together we sat. The chemo nurse, my RN navigator and the chemo RN running the team. I’m not sure how long we talked and I’m not sure when the drip started, but I wasn’t left alone for quite some time. I must have cried for two hours, and then talked for another two. It all came out. Every question. Every fear. Every ounce of control over my mind and body was gone. It was the most intense experience of my life and then, in the midst of that poison dripping into my body, something shifted.

The scariest thing had happened. It was happening. That’s when I fully realized the quiet. I was being given a moment. A day. A place with no phones, no email, no bombardment of questions and information. I was alone with myself, at my very core, to think and feel and experience at my own pace. My hell had become my oasis.

I spent the rest of my treatment alone with my heart and a heightened awareness of my soul, and as crazy as it sounds, it was beautiful.

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