VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 8

Letter from the Editor . . . . . . . . . .2Pink Ribbons & Blue Genes . . . . . .2Signature Class Series . . . . . . . . .3Complementary Med Programs . . .4Never Too Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Gurl About Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Valuable Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Jumping for Joy with . . . . . . . . . . .6My New PupOctogenarian Ermelinda Sgro . . . . .6For Whom the Bell Tolls . . . . . . . . . .7My Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

in this issue :

As I write this, we are having anunusually warm early March. Justrecently, I was basking in the

bright sunshine streaming in my win-dows, musing over the fact that we hadsuch a mild winter this year. Then, like athunderbolt from the blue, (picture meslapping my forehead with my openpalm), I realized that the month of Feb-ruary had slipped by without my notingthe “Days of Infamy” that started onFeb.1st, 1999, with my gynecologist mur-muring, during my breast exam, “I thinkI feel something here.” It was just a rou-tine exam and I was tired after workingall day so I didn't grasp the full implica-tions. But subsequent tests and a biop-sy confirmed that I did indeed have

breast cancer. I felt the world as I knewit was changed forever.I confess to a fair amount of “wal-

lowing” and a few Pity Parties everyFebruary in the ensuing years. Whocould blame me? After all, I had suf-fered the indignity and assault to mybody from cancer.I was dumbfounded! I went to my

calendar to see just what had occupiedmy time this February that had kept mefrom commemorating the days Ithought I would never forget. I discov-ered to my pleasant surprise that I wasliving my life to the fullest with all sortsof pleasant activities that included ex-ercise, volunteer work, interactions withmy large family, movies and luncheswith my friends, book club, knitting/cro-cheting for myself and others, follow-uphealth and beauty appointments,

I realized the “secret” to enjoyinglife after cancer, is to just engage your-self in what gives you great pleasureand satisfaction, what puts a smile onyour face. Maybe it is something as sim-ple as knowing you have a favoriteshow/good book/the person you lovewaiting for you at the end of the day.You, like everyone else, have a way tobring comfort or beauty to yourself orothers which is a great way to forgetyour troubles. Even our smallest actscan have major effects. So, my dear fel-low survivors, be happy and enjoy life tothe fullest in whatever way is personalto you.You deserve it! The world is wait-ing for the unique contributions thatonly you can make.

Life After Cancerby Louise Flannery

NOW SHOWING

2 SURVIVOR TIMES • Volume 3, Issue 8

Welcome to the eighth issue of theSurvivor Times — a newsletter for can-cer survivors, by cancer survivors.

This very special publication honorsthe challenge and journey of cancersurvivorship by encouraging cancer sur-vivors to ‘give voice to your experience.’

If words are the voice of the heart…then the contributors to this issue serveas shining ambassadors of hope and in-spiration. Their personal stories are fullof humor, grace and wisdom.

The Dr. Diane Barton Complementa-ry Medicine Program is part of the manyclinical and educational programs andservices offered through Cooper CancerInstitute. This program is committed toproviding cancer survivors with accessto an array of complementary medicineexperiences. Our programs are designedto help survivors discover ways to copewith the stress and anxiety of their di-agnosis, and to alleviate some of the sideeffects of their treatment by focusing onhealing the mind, body and spirit. My goalthrough this program is to bring together,empower and engage cancer survivorsto incorporate complementary medi-cine options into their lives. The incep-tion of this newsletter is the outcome ofone such special program offeredthroughout the year.

If you would like to submit an article,please contact me at mehr-bonnie @cooperhealth.edu.

Bonnie MehrEditor, the Survivor Times NewsletterManager, the Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program

Letter fromthe Editor:

Pink Ribbons & Blue Genesby Norma E. Roth

Iwill never forget myfirst pair of bluejeans. It was 1973, Iwas ten years old, on afamily vacation to Cal-ifornia. Mom took mythree sisters and me tothe Levi’s flagshipstore in San Franciscoand bought us eachour denim babies. Theywere a scrumptious,gorgeous shade ofblue with the iconicred label flashing inthe back pocket. Wetreasured these special jeans. But it’s myother pair of genes, which has defined mylife and my relationship with my sistersand our dead mother.

Over the past 55 years, these genesbrought us much heartache and pain.These genes are responsible for mom’sdeath from breast cancer in 1994. A yearlater, my aunt, mom’s sister, was diagnosedwith it. Auntie learned she carries aBRCA mutation, confirming decades offamily suspicion, that something in ourDNA caused us to develop breast cancer.

In 1997, I eagerly joined a BRCAstudy through Cooper University Hos-pital. This forged my relationship with on-cologist, Generosa Grana, Director,Cooper Cancer Institute. I even invitedmy sisters to join the study. They refused,trying desperately to talk me out of test-ing. But I didn’t listen. I learned I amBRCA mutation negative. The reliefwas enormous. I remained pro-activewith my breast health.

In 2004, at age 40, I was stunnedwhen I was told I have breast cancer. I wasthe ninth woman in mom’s family to bediagnosed. And worst, me and two oth-er cousins with breast cancer were BRCAnegative. We began wondering what iswrong with our genes?

I had bilateral mastectomies and re-constructive surgery. My sisters finally hadgenetic testing. One sister tested BRCA2positive, the same mutation as our aunt.We also learned mom was BRCA2 posi-tive. So much for hand-me-down genes!

My genes brought me back to Dr.Grana. Pathology from my mastec-tomies revealed one breast diseasedwith ductile and lobular in situ cancer.Invasive lobular cancer is what killedmom. Mom also had a cousin who diedof ovarian cancer.

I’m BRCA negative but felt some-thing was seriously wrong with mygenes. Dr. Grana agreed and recom-mended I remove my ovaries to pre-vent ovarian cancer.

Oh, how I longed for the simplici-ty of my Levi’s jeans! But at age 41, Ijust couldn’t embrace menopause,and instead opted for heavy screening.These past few years, my genes be-came quite uncomfortable. I was con-stantly squirming, trying to makethem fit properly but nothing worked.I finally had prophylactic oophorec-tomies. Ah, perfect fit!

My journey has taught me to wearmy genes like my favorite Levi’s, withcomfort and confidence. I authoredPink Ribbon Journey, a distinct bookcelebrating breast cancer survivors andthe physicians who care for them. Ichose to feature Dr. Grana. I knew thatsharing her positive energy wouldbring hope to others in their pink rib-bon journey. Writing the stories of thesecourageous women and men broughtme unexpected comfort and healing.I share my genes proudly and offer sup-port to others, so they can feel thesame as I do.

Dr. Generosa Grana and Norma Roth.

Volume 3, Issue 8 • SURVIVOR TIMES 3

T H E D R . D I A N E B A R T O N C O M P L E M E N TA R Y M E D I C I N E P R O G R AM

MAY – AUGUST 2012

Signature Class S E R I E SA FREE series of classes for cancer patients and their caregivers.

4 SURVIVOR TIMES • Volume 3, Issue 8

Complementary Medicine ProgramT H E D R . D I A N E B A R T O N

Location:Town Square Building931Centennial BuildingVoorhees, NJ 08043

Time: 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.

Dates:• May 23: Mini Herb Gardens• June 13: Pick Your Project Day

This class is free for cancer survivors and there is no cost formaterials. Please register for each class so the appropriate

number of supplies can be provided. Please call:

1.800.8.COOPER (1.800.826.6737).You can also register online at events.cooperhealth.org.

Therapeutic Massage & Reflexology DaysAttention all cancer survivors: Come enjoy the mindbody spirit benefits of therapeutic chair massage andreflexology.

Dates: May 22, June 19, September 11 & 18, October 9 & 23, November 13 & 27

Time: 9:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

Location: Town Square Building931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043

2 0 1 2

Bonnie’s Book ClubA story is always better if you have someone to share itwith… what could be better than sharing it with a groupof friends who have read it too?

•May 30: Then Came Youby Jennifer Weiner

• June 27: Straight Manby Richard Russo

• July: Movie Outing

• September 19: Steve Jobsby Walter Isaacson

Time: Noon – 1 pm

Location: Town Square Building, 931 Centennial BuildingVoorhees, NJ 08043

This book club is for cancer survivors. If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Bonnie Mehr at 856.325.6646

Volume 3, Issue 8 • SURVIVOR TIMES 5

Bonnie’s Book Club

One of the things my cancer experienceaffected me was my loss of interest

and enthusiasm in reading. I used to bean avid reader. I always had books, mag-azines or newspapers nearby. Many timesI stayed up late trying to finish a book.Once I was so engrossed in reading thatI put sugar instead of salt in the food I waspreparing for company. It became a joke

among my family and friends. During my chemo treatment, I was taking Ativan and was

always drowsy. I hardly read anything. After I finishedchemo and was off Ativan, I still had problems concentrat-ing on reading. I’d read a few pages and then couldn’t keepmy eyes open. Gradually I stopped reading completely.

When Bonnie Mehr, Manager of the Dr. Diane Barton Com-plementary Medicine Program at Cooper Cancer Institutestarted the book club a few years ago I signed up right away.I figured that I probably needed a push and some encour-agement to get back into reading again. After three plus yearsand many books later, I can say for sure that the book clubhas really helped me. Even though I still have problems con-

Never Too Youngby Judith Marquez

by Teresa Kao

centrating, I try to read at least the book for the monthly bookclub meeting. The discussions are always lively and interesting.I’ve gained many insights and new perspectives from thebooks and enjoy discussions with my fellow club members.

Camaraderie is indeed balm for the soul.I enjoyed reading The Help, The Guernsey Literary and

Potato Peel Pie Society and Half Broke Horses tremendously.The stories and characters gave me a lot of inspirations; TheLost Symbol was a fun book to read. The story and the au-thor’s knowledge and creativity really captivated me; The Im-mortal Life of Henrietta Lacksmade me very grateful for theadvancement in cancer treatment. I’m really thankful for thedoctors, researchers, patients, especially Henrietta Lacks,who made the advancement possible. We just finished read-ing The Paris Wife, a story about Ernest Hemingway and hisfirst wife, Hadley Richardson, and their lives in Paris in theearly 1920s. It is a fascinating book. I read The Old Man andthe Sea and saw For Whom the Bell Tollswhen I was a young-ster. But before I read The Paris Wife, my only impression ofHemingway was a white bearded older man. I never thoughtthat he was a young man once. Reading The Paris Wife gaveme more understanding of Hemingway as a person

We will be reading Straight Man, Steve Jobs, The Senseof an Ending and Unbroken in the next few months. We willalso have a movie outing in July. I am really looking forwardto these activities. Come join us for the fun!

(continued on page 8)

Gurl About Town

In November of 2007 whilein my dorm room while atcollege I felt a small hardlump on my right breast. Iquickly made an appoint-ment. The doctor said I wastoo young to have anythingwrong. I was denied a mam-mogram because I was youngat the age of 24.

In May the lump grew tothe size of a golf ball. It beganpressing through my skin and wearing abrassier became unbearable. I graduatedfrom Stockton College on May 12, 2008 and2 days later went for a second opinion. Abiopsy was taken and I received a call tellingme that indeed I had breast cancer.

I was staying with my sister until I wentaway for an internship in Washington, DC.My sister asked me to leave her home andstay with my mother. Unfortunately, at mymother’s house paying rent was of moreimportance than my health. My circum-stances were of little importance to my

family and they weren’t as supportive, asI had hoped. I wasn’t going to be a bur-den and found my own way.

I found somewhere to livewith little means, short noticeand moved in after surgery.Surgery was on May 26th. Ihad a lumpectomy. My friendsand sisters visited me but mymother was nowhere to befound. My sister went to getmy mother but no one evercame back. I spent that nightat the hospital alone.

During chemo my hairquickly fell out. I went to the

salon alone. I cried as the last of my hairwas shaved. I drove home and stared inthe mirror all night crying.

That fall I decided to go back to school.I traveled to treatment every Monday andcommuted back to school for class. Iwent to treatment alone and studied. Myboyfriend broke-up with me and friendswalked away. I walked the halls in pain hid-ing behind my wig because breathingeven hurt. I drove myself to the hospitalwhen the pain became unbearable.

I found something better and was ac-

cepted into the 3-year masters programat Philadelphia University with a fullscholarship. I had radiation every morn-ing. After treatment I commuted to thecollege, worked on campus until 5 p.m.and went to class from until 10:30 p.m.every night just to travel back to New Jer-sey and do it all again the next day. Manyadvised me to take time off school but thatwasn’t an option for me. This experiencenever defined me but helped me grow andprove how strong I was to myself.

I just graduated Philadelphia Uni-versity in December and my thesis fo-cused on Breast Cancer. I created a so-cial networking website, interviewedsurvivors, organizations, and specialists.My creation SurvUnity represents Sur-vivors United to Serve by SpreadingAwareness, Encouragement, and Unity.I chose to share my story in a creativemanner by developing SurvUnity. I hopeto bring an end to the stereotype thatonly women over the age of 40 are at arisk for breast cancer. Remember to stayencouraged and motivated through ad-versity. It’s nothing but a temporaryroadblock life throws ones way.

Judith Marquez

6 SURVIVOR TIMES • Volume 3, Issue 8

Valuable Lessonsby: Jaime Amorosi

Dear Bonnie,

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words…

so let me show you how an octogenarian cancer

survivor loves her life and enjoys it!

My Best,Ermelinda Sgro

Being diagnosed at theage of 27 years old was

a tough reality. Throughoutmy adventure I havelearned some really valu-able lessons.

We are taught a lot ofthings while we are growingup: have patience; be re-spectful; respect your elders;look both directions beforecrossing the street; wait yourturn; ask questions becausethere are no stupid questions.We are taught to makefriends, not enemies; raiseyour hand; wash your hands;cover your mouth; help those who are in need; We are raised withvalues and morals that may differ from one another but all in allwe are raised to be well-rounded individuals.

Over the past year there have been many situations whereI have to dig deep and think back to when I was a child and whatmy parents have told me. You haven’t learned it all until youhave experienced it all. Experience is the key word here. I haveto say you can teach me right out of the book but the only wayto truly learn something is by experiencing it.• The countless hours sitting in the waiting room = Patience• Watching the people who have appointments after yougo first = Take Turns

• The endless tests that have to be run before you canmove further through your journey = Patience

• Being your own advocate to make sure you are receivingthe best care possible = Ask questions

• Sharing my story with others to let them know they arenot alone = Helping those in need

• The cranky nurses that seem to always have a bad day (I found out bring them candy and they will be your best friend) = Make friends, not enemies

• Going through chemo you always have to be careful of germs = Wash your hands and cover your mouth

• Parking lots at the hospital or doctors office are alwaysdangerous — everyone is in a rush to get to nowhere = Look both directions before crossing the street

• The comments of our elders sometimes are not the com-ments we are expecting, sometimes they do not have avery nice way of saying something or just say somethingthat really gets under your skin = Respect your elders

• The countless times you have to make doctor’s appoint-ments and you need to be put on hold = Patience

• Recovery time from chemo, radiation, surgery = PatienceYou will notice a common word throughout this blog and that

would be PATIENCE.Many of us can say we have patience butit is not until our patience is tested to the max that we develop

Jaime with her family.

Jumping for Joy with My New Pupby: Loretta O ‘Donnell

As a recent empty nester after my daughter moved for her newjob and took her wonderful dog with her, I decided to get a new

dog for company. One like my daughter’s — older, not too big, trainedand mellow, content to sit by my side and stare adoringly at me nomatter what I looked like or how I felt.

I went to my county’s animal rescue showing at a nearby petstore and arrived as they were unloading some of the dogs. A bigexcited puppy with big feet and one ear up and one ear down jumpedout of the van and into my heart — love at first sight! I followed themin and looked at all the other dogs — older, smaller, trained and mel-low, content to sit by their keeper’s side. Smart choices for some-one with advanced stage cancer and chemo every two weeks.

But the heart wants what it wants and I was in love. We walkedthe 9-month-old black and brown male shepherd mix around thestore and past the kittens because I have a cat. He didn’t care aboutthe kittens and didn’t pull; great! He licked my ear, put his paw inmy lap and stared adoringly at me with his big brown eyes. I wassold. I could have him the next day. That night I went to a churchfundraiser and won the 50-50 raffle for the exact amount of theadoption fee! That was a sign from above I thought, it must be fate.

So, he arrived at my house the next day and I named him Reesebecause he was dark brown on top and light brown underneathlike the peanut butter cup. Unlike my cat Hazelnut, who like mostcats doesn’t show happy excitement about anything, Reese wasthrilled with his new master, home and yard. He jumped aroundand ran from side to side of the back yard barking to announcehis arrival and new turf to our neighbors and their dogs! Our cat,who we had inherited by default from our daughter, was anythingbut thrilled. She had just gotten rid of our daughter’s dog thatshe had learned to tolerate. Now a big goofy pup; Reese wantsto play, of course, and still tries, but Hazelnut will hiss, swing herclaw and chase him to show who’s boss. She is curious to watch

(continued on page 8)

Volume 3, Issue 8 • SURVIVOR TIMES 7

him though, in fact,she follows us downthe block andaround the cornerwhen I walk him.

His energy andenthusiasm is con-tagious and rejuve-nates me like a beau-tiful spring day. He’s so happy to play fetch, go for a walk, get abelly rub or just hang out with me. Like all dogs, he has his ownfunny personality and quirks. He likes to push his bones and toysunder the sofa and then look at me to retrieve them for him. He’sgood about doing his business outside, not chewing shoes or fur-niture and coming when called but has had a few lapses. One dayI placed my leftovers from a restaurant on the counter and turnedmy back and woof, they were gone in a second. Of course, he knewhe did wrong and hung his head with a look that said I’m sorry, Icouldn’t help myself!

One of the first times we left him alone for awhile, he founda piece in the Berber carpet sticking up and chewed at it to en-tertain himself. I came home to a large pile of pulled fiber andemailed a photo on my I phone to my husband with just the cap-tion Rug! Luckily, I had an area piece to cover the tear and weare planning to replace it with a wood floor this spring.

Now when my daughter comes to visit with her dog, Kolby, heand Reese are like brothers and I feel like a grandmother in train-ing when I dog sit and act as referee. “Now, play nice and shareyour toys.” They say kids keep you young and seeing the worldanew. Man and woman’s best friend gives me another reason tolaugh, love and live in the moment. Carpe Diem! Seize the day.

For Whom the Bell Tollsby: Marietta Solimeo

Iexpress in art about what I cannot speak of my healing processat Cooper Cancer Institute, from diagnosis to cure. I begin withpreparing my pallet with all of the colors available to me so thatI have some control over what may be unmanageable. I do notquite know how my picture will manifest, so I let go and pick upmy brush to stroke the first feeling I have with dark, irregularlines crossing each other in an erratic pattern throughout mysystem, especially the core of my being, depicting the panic andconfusion I feel at first. My limbs are weak of a muted gray. Mystomach churns with a myriad of pigments, when combined, aremuddy and undefined. My heart beats rapidly with crimson red.I choose black for the deep hole I think I will disappear into asI anticipate the arduous journey I am about to encounter.

I take my first step on the road of the medical community,my first test. My foot is dark brown and heavily-clad, suspend-ed off the ground, fearful of taking this step. Nonetheless, I be-gin my walk and do not look back because I know that the onlyway to cure is through my trepidation. My walk then begins anda momentum occurs. As I continue onward, my arms and legscontract and release, the path twists and turns, narrows andwidens. The dark blue ebbing waters that I create threaten toswallow me up, yet, as it flows, I get carried to shore with greatrelief. Again, fear, and I paint fallen branches and limbs of treesthat I tumble upon, only holding my gait steadily as I reach outto guides who give me direction and family and friends who giveme physical and spiritual food for the road. Feeling safer now,I add occasional vibrant pinks and blues and oranges, those flow-ers on the sideways, allowing me some hope, and I think, I mightget through this relatively unscathed. I feel somewhat giddy, soI release my adult authority and become like a child, thrilled bypainting a rainbow of which all things seem imaginable. By now,I am feeling more secure, and the billows of powder blue in thesky signify peace and confidence, as I am encouraged by my med-ical caregivers that I am doing well.

I find out I am cancer-free and I come to a clearing of an ex-pansive lush green field with a blinding yellow sun that is healthand freedom to me. I ring the bell of survivorship and dabbleon my canvass streams of tears, not on a face of innocence andwonder anymore, yet a contemplative yet colorful one that speakof life, and I embrace my strength that I have lived through thelast year. I put away that painting, only to retrieve it for the sakeof remembrance, and now I can start a new painting…

Loretta O ‘Donnell and Reese.

In March of 2007 I had surgery to replaceboth my knees. After weeks of rehab andtherapy I returned to work and to live mylife. I felt wonderful and pain free. In thistime frame I had dropped 35 pounds. I wasa happy woman.

One night I was turning in bed and I felta lump in my right breast. I rememberedthat I was 2 months overdue for mymammogram. I went in to work the nextday had my study and because I felt a lumpan US was ordered. The radiologist want-ed to perform an US guided biopsy and Ischeduled it for the following week. I wasconfident this was going to be negative.Thursday June 14, 2007 I was at workwhen I was told at 11:00am I had breast can-cer. I was devastated. I was on my way tohave lunch with 5 co workers. I rememberdriving down Route 70 and getting stuckin traffic. I found myself looking aroundacross the street when my eyes locked onthe Cancer Foundation wig store. I knewthen God was giving me a sign and thatI would be in for a long haul.

The next week was a whirlwind; officevisits, tests, phone calls to relatives andplenty of tears. My head was spinning. I hadmade my decision to have a bilateral mas-tectomy and so on June 26th I returnedto surgery for the 2nd time in 3 months.

I healed very well from my surgery andon July 16th I started my first round ofchemotherapy. I would have 6 sessions anda year of Herceptin. I was very fortunate.I worked thru the chemo. I will admit I didhave some days when I was tired howev-er I was determined I could do this.

I also discovered that there is humor incancer. One day I was leaving work and thefirst thing I would do is take off my wig andlay it in the passenger seat. This day wasa beautiful Indian summer day with a coolwind and as I was driving down Kressonroad, the winds had picked up and lifted mywig and it blew right out the window. I pulledover and trudged up the road to retrievemy wig. Cars had slowed down to see whathad happened. Imagine the looks on theirfaces when they see this bald headedwoman picking up hair off the side of theroad. The looks on their faces is somethingI will never forget.

I will always be grateful to my husbandCharlie, my daughter Trisha, and my co-

8 SURVIVOR TIMES • Volume 3, Issue 8

Never Too Young(continued from page 5)

About The Dr. Diane BartonComplementary Medicine ProgramThe Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Programenhances the quality of life and wellness of individualstouched by cancer — including patients, their caregiversand family.

It utilizes therapies that focus on mind, body and spir-it while supporting mainstream medical care. The com-plementary therapies offered through CCI are designedto lessen the pain, stress and anxiety associated withcancer. Therapies also assist in managing the side ef-fects of traditional treatments such as radiation andchemo-therapy. While complementary therapies can-not cure cancer, many patients have found them to behelpful in managing and coping with their cancer. Whiletraditional medicine and healthcare treat the illness,complementary medicine therapies help promotewellness in the whole person.

In addition to the therapeutic benefits, taking part incomplementary medicine therapies empowers par-ticipants — providing survivors with an opportunity totake a positive, active role in their care and treatment.

All therapies and programs offered through the Dr. DianeBarton Complementary Medicine Program are avail-able at no cost and are open to all cancer patients andtheir caregivers, regardless of where they receive theirtreatment. These programs, lectures and activities of-fer patients access to social, educational and supportopportunities. Programs are offered weekly through-out the year. Our outpatient complementary medicineprograms include:

•Restorative Yoga •Therapeutic Chair Massage •Meditation for •Qi GongRelaxation •Body Movement Classes•Behavioral Health •Creative ArtsWorkshops •The Tea Cart (brought•Educational Seminars to outpatients while•Horticultural Therapy receiving chemotherapy)

This program is wholly funded through philan-thropic support. As the reputation and demand forour programs and services grow, so does our needfor funding. If you are interested in learning moreabout The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medi-cine Program or would like to make a donation, pleasecontact, Bonnie Mehr, Program Manager, at856.325.6646.

Be a Monthly Sponsor of the Tea Cart Why The Tea Cart should be called the “Heart Cart”

Every delicious snack given to our patients while theyare receiving their chemo is given from the heart. Ourpatients are always pleasantly surprised when sittingin the chemo unit for hours and perhaps feeling a lit-tle down, when a beautiful flowered cart filled with freejuices, a sumptuous variety of baked goods, healthycheese sticks, yogurt, fresh fruit, candy, pretzels, choco-lates, program updates, the Survivor Times, and manymore surprises, comes along and serves them a littlespot of sunshine. It’s an inspirational initiative throughthe Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Programthat serves as a symbol and a testament of the spir-it that defines Cooper Cancer Institute as unique andfocused on our patients and their families.

For more information or to become a sponsor,please contact Bonnie Mehr, Manager, The Dr. DianeBarton Complementary Medicine Program at856.325.6646 or mehr-bonnie@cooperhealth.edu.

My Story By: Pat Stienes

I am now doing better than ever andam cancer free. May 2012 marks my 4years as a breast cancer survivor. Forin-depth details of my story and thoseof other survivors please check out mywebsite dedicated to all survivors outthere at www.survunity.com.

workers and friends at Cooper for their loveand support. At this time I would like to pub-licly thank the physicians in whose care Iwas entrusted: Drs. Lydia Liao, Lisa Atte-bery, Jenny Grana, & Ann Leilani Fahey.

There are days when I may think backto that time, however I don’t look back.I have learned not to sweat the small stuffand any time I think I may be having a badday I remember that dark time in my lifeand suddenly my day is not so bad.

This June I will celebrate 5 years beingcancer free. I look forward to my daugh-ter’s wedding, grandchildren, and gettingolder with my husband. Life is very preciousto me and I am very happy to be in it.

Valuable Lessons(continued from page 6)

an understanding of the meaning of patience.

I am so tired of not being 100% andfeeling great. I have learned that thingstake time to heal and after surgery, youcan’t heal over night. You need time andpatience to allow things to heal. Youneed patience for the end result; youneed patience with yourself, your bodyand your mind. So take a deep breathsit back and relax and learn to be pa-tient. It’s not easy, but it is possible.

Pat Stienes and daughter Trisha.