What Cancer Cannot Do - Cooper University Hospital · bodies one of my favorite survivorship quotes: “Today we fight. Tomor8ow we fight. The day after we fight, and if this disease

A newsletter for cancer survivors, by cancer survivors.A newsletter for cancer survivors, by cancer survivors.Sponsored by The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program.Sponsored by The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program.

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 9

Our Empty Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7The Further Adventures of Loretta O’Donnell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8A Different Kind of Love Letter . . . .9Women Just Want to Have Fun . . . .10I’m A Survivor! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Letter from the Editor . . . . . . . . . .2Why Me? Why Not Me? . . . . . . . . . .2Gurl About Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5My Other Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Susan’s Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6I’m Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

in this issue :

What Cancer Cannot DoCancer is so limited....It cannot cripple love.It cannot shatter hope.It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot eat away peace.It cannot destroy confidence.

It cannot kill friendship.It cannot shut out memories.

It cannot silence courage.It cannot reduce eternal life.It cannot quench the Spirit.

Author Unknown

2 SURVIVOR TIMES • Volume 3, Issue 9

Welcome to the ninth issue of the Survivor Times: anewsletter for cancer survivors, by cancer survivors.

This issue pays homage to the resilience and strength ofthe human spirit.

While the survivorship journey is distinctly an individualone; there is true grace and honor in sharing your story if some-where, even one person is inspired by it.

The contributors to this issue have courageously demon-strated that a cancer diagnosis does not have to define theway you choose to live your life…

Their feisty spirits and indomitable approach to living em-bodies one of my favorite survivorship quotes:

“Today we fight. Tomorrow we fight. The day after we fight, and if

this disease plans on whipping us, it better bring a lunch, ‘cause it's gonna have a long day doing it.”

— Jim Beaver, in Life’s That Way: A Memoir

The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Programis part of the many clinical and educational programs andservices offered through Cooper Cancer Institute. Thisprogram is committed to providing cancer survivors with ac-cess to an array of complementary medicine experiences.Our programs are designed to help survivors discoverways to cope with the stress and anxiety of their diagnosis,and to alleviate some of the side effects of their treatmentby focusing on healing the mind, body and spirit. My goalthrough this program is to bring together, empower and en-gage cancer survivors to incorporate complementary med-icine options into their lives.

The inception of this newsletter is the outcome of onesuch special program offered throughout the year.

If you would like to submit an article, please contact meat [email protected].

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

Letter from the Editor:

Why Me? Why Not Me? Reflections on my Journey with Cancer

On April fool’s Day, 2010,my life was forever

changed! While on a vaca-tion in Israel with my hus-band, I found “The Lump”on my right breast whileshowering. I knew at thatmoment that somethingwasn’t right. When I gotback home my “biggestfear” was confirmed! I wasdiagnosed with Stage 2breast cancer. My first re-action was “Why Me?” andhow unfair life was. Afterthe initial shock and muchresearch, I learned that 1 in8 women develop invasivebreast cancer over the course of herlifetime. So, “Why not me?” This iswhen I went into “automatic pilotmode.” I was fortunate to find the bestdoctors from Cooper Cancer Institute,

Cooper University Hospi-tal. Dr. Grana, my oncolo-gist, sat down with myhusband and me and dis-cussed what my worldwould be like for the nextyear or so! I felt like myhead was “spinning” andwas beyond overwhelmed!Fortunately, as my anxi-eties, fears and questionsarose, Ann Steffney, RN,Lead Nurse Navigator/Breast Cancer Nurse Navi-gator came to my rescue.

One of the biggest andmost difficult issues tograpple with, aside from

the diagnosis of the “Big C,” was the hairloss I would experience from my “chemococktail mix.” I am the first to admit thatI have always been rather “high mainte-nance” when it comes to my hair. The

thought of me being “bald” and havingmy children and the rest of the world seeme like that was devastating. Ann imme-diately sensed my anxiety and spenttime with me, reviewing the many hairreplacement options within our commu-nity. I was fortunate to find the best fitfor me and my needs.

Somehow, I got through the exten-sive treatment protocol, consisting ofsurgery, chemotherapy, radiation and ayear of herceptin treatment. I stayed inmy “auto pilot mode” and on the sur-face tried to stay strong and positivefor my loving family and friends. Mydaughters were my biggest inspiration,I wanted to make them proud and be apositive role model for them. I wantedthem to see that there was a “light atthe end of this journey.”

Fast forward, two years later and mytreatment is over; my hair is back, and

by Donna Forman

Donna Forman and husband.

(continued on page 10)

Volume 3, Issue 9 • 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

SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2012

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


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

Location:Town Square Building, 931Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043

Time: 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.

Dates:• September 19: Fall Wreaths• October 3: Funky Jewelry• October 17: Decorate 5x7 Picture Frame• November 7: Paint Ceramics• November 29: Decorate Your Own Cupcake

This class is free for cancer survivors and there is no cost for materials. 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: 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?

• September 19: Steve Jobsby Walter Isaacson

• October 24: The Sense of an Endingby Julian Barnes

• November 28: Unbrokenby Laura Hillenbrand

Time: Noon – 1 pm

Location: Town Square Building, 931 Centennial Blvd.Voorhees, 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


Laughter Yoga and Broadway Moves

This spring, the Live and Learn seriesof the Dr. Diane Barton Comple-

mentary Medicine Program at CooperCancer Institute offered classes onLaughter Yoga and Broadway Moves.I had never heard of such classes be-fore but they sounded pretty interest-ing. I couldn't wait to attend the class-

es. Now I can say that I am very happy that I went. I amalso grateful for the opportunities to experience them.

We all know that laughter is the best medicine; but nor-mally we use our minds to control our bodies. We laughbecause something is funny or we feel happy. At the Laugh-ter Yoga class, I learned to use my body to affect my mind,i.e. to use the process of laughing to change how I feel. Wewent through the motion of laughing regardless ofwhether we were happy or wanted to laugh. The practiceincludes several different exercises. Each exercise includesa few repetitions of simple movements of hands and bodyand laughing. The instructor also told us to look at oth-ers in the class and laugh with them. Initially everyonelaughed awkwardly and reluctantly. But gradually the laugh-ers became more genuine. At the end, we couldn't stoplaughing and even had tears in our eyes. We’d look at eachother and laugh uncontrollably all over again. It was sucha wonderful and enlightening experience. Now I know theact of laughing actually brings smiles to my heart and light-ens my mind.

After a good workout, I always feel elated. But whenthe exercises were accompanied by uplifting music, funkymoves, attitudes of invincibility and camaraderie, I defi-nitely had feelings of euphoria as when I attended the Broad-way Moves class in June. It was great fun learning the dif-ferent moves and putting them together into a show dance.We did the moves standing on our feet or sitting on chairsif our bodies felt like it. The instructor told us to move ina way to show our indomitable spirits. There were quitea few of us in the class. Everyone had smiles on her face.There were so much good feelings among us. I worked upa good sweat. After the class, the day seemed so muchbrighter to me. The sense of euphoria was with me for therest of the day.

I’ve always enjoyed attending the Dr. Diane Barton Com-plementary Medicine Program’s Live & Learn classes. Learn-ing something new/gaining some new perspectives real-ly stimulates my mind, keeps me focused and makes memore appreciative of all the opportunities afforded me. WithLaughter Yoga and Broadway Moves, I felt the boost of spir-its and energy during and after the classes. I also learnedtwo very effective tools that I can use when I’m in needof a pick-me-up.

by Teresa Kao

Gurl About Town My Other Job by: Barb DillonGoing through cancer treatment often feels

like a full time job. In the beginning, there aremany tests and procedures to schedule—the “due dili-gence” of determining the extent of disease and formulat-ing a treatment plan. Next (for me, anyway) camechemotherapy treatments. My particular chemo startedout every two weeks, and then switched to drugs whichwere given weekly. After that, surgery, recovery, and radia-tion followed. Of course, appointments and more testingwere also thrown into the mix.

Now, I suspect that, like me, most of you are not inde-pendently wealthy. Cancer is expensive!! I am fortunate tohave very good health insurance which is covered by myhusband — no referrals, yay! — but even so, I do have a job…a job that isn’t cancer… a job that I enjoy… a job that was injeopardy because of cancer.

I am proud to say that I worked through 4 out of my 6months of chemotherapy treatments, stopping only whenmy side effects began to interfere. I stayed out through thesurgery and recovery period, and started back to work thesame week I began my radiation. I did not miss any time atall from that, even though scheduling was at times diffi-cult. However, I did miss time while receiving chemo. Again,I was fortunate in several respects: my position is part-time, and my boss suggested I apply for “intermittentleave,” where if I called out sick, it did not go against myattendance record. I am thankful she told me about that; Ididn’t know that existed. Most importantly, I have a won-derful group of co-workers who were very understandingand helpful during this time period. I wouldn’t have gottenthrough without their support. One of the nicestthings that happened was how genuinelyhappy people seemed to be to see mewhen I returned (I work in ahospital, so that’s a lot ofpeople). It made goingback to work easier — Iwas really nervous aboutreturning!

If you are able to…it is worth it to contin-ue to work during can-cer treatment, and Iam proof that it can bedone. When most ofyour life is being turnedupside down by your cancerdiagnosis and subsequent treat-ment, it is good to have somethingthat is steady that helps you to feelconfident in your abilities and remindsyou that not everything has to change.It is one more way that we can beatcancer instead of letting it beat us…and we all know that’s worth doing.


I’m Backby: Sandy Lacher

It’s been awhile since I’ve writtenan article for the Survivor Timesnewsletter. It will be a year since mylast chemo session in March of 2011.

In 2006 I was diagnosed withuterine cancer, and went throughthe normal feelings of dealing withthe dreaded disease and wentthrough the usual chemo treat-

Icall her my “little” sister not only be-cause I’m older, but I’m also taller. How-ever, there is nothing little about her ex-perience with sarcoma. Three years ago,Susan felt a slight pain in her right sideand ignored it for a while, later going tothe doctor to check it out. After an in-conclusive ultrasound and CAT scan, anMRI suggested possible surgery.

Dr. Jenny Grana Director, of CooperCancer Institute was consulted, andshe recommended David WarshalMD, Head, Division of Gyneco-logic Oncology at CooperCancer Institute.

Initial diagnosis was that

the growth that was seen was nothingserious, but surgery was suggested toremove it, and do a complete hysterec-tomy at the same time. The surgerywas successful in removing the growth,but pathology had to check it out.

It wasn’t good news. Susan’s “pain”turned out to be a fibro sarcoma in theregion of the ovary, and according tostatistics, only 1% of the population ex-periences this type of cancer. Dr. War-

shal and his colleagues at Cooperwere determined to provide thebest available treatment, andconsulted with numerous doc-tors and cancer treatment cen-ters throughout the country.

Susan had 27 treatments of ex-tremely aggressive chemo. She alsohad to administer additional medica-tions at home on the days of herchemo. She experienced a 911 call as a

result of an infec-tion of her port,and spent 5 daysin the hospitalrecovering fromthe infection.She also hadseveral bloodtransfusions,and platelettherapy. Dur-ing all ofthis time,

she was supported byfamily, and friends and during every

chemo treatment, I, her “big” sister satwith her, as did her daughter, Amy, andprecious granddaughter, Baylee, whomade everyone in the chemo roomlaugh with her antics.Three years have passed, and be-

Susan’s Story by: Janet Knowles

Susan, Janet andSusan’s daughterAmy

ments. I continued to see Dr. Warshalon a regular basis and was declaredcancer free. When this newsletter wasstarted I wrote several articles and Iwent on with my life.

Fast forward to the year 2010…feeling fine, I went on a cruise with avery good friend. Right before thetrip, I had my normal blood work doneand wham, my cancer had returned.How do you deal with a second blow?It does knock you down… but fortu-nately I did not stay down. I had sur-

gery, and then continued with new treat-ment while trying to get past the constantfatigue. Good friends and family werethere to help me get up and keep me up. Inever had to drive myself to and from mytreatments.

A carpool was formed in my develop-ment and every week a different personwould drive me to and fro.

Having chemo brain (no joke) is thereason I couldn’t even consider writinganother article for the Survivor Times forawhile. At the time even reading a book

“I SPEND MORE TIME WITH MYFAMILY, HAVE BEEN MORE

PLACES AND SEEN MORE THINGSTHAN I WOULD HAVE BEFORE.

I DON’T TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED, AND I KNOW I AMLUCKY… LIFE IS PRECIOUS.”


Susan and Ja

net


Our Empty Nest Is Really a Full Glass by: Dara Marcozzi

As my husband and I head towardsthe “empty nest,” I have mixed emo-

tions. The end of the summer was spentpacking up our three children to sendthem off to school as we also preparefor our downsize to a smaller home. Ouroldest Christine will start her law schoolcareer this fall at Villanova. Stephaniewill be a junior, at George WashingtonUniversity in DC, and our baby Anthonyis headed to Bucknell, where he will playfootball for the Bison. I am so excited forall of them and I count my blessingsevery day.

Nevertheless, I get teary—eyed as Itake down family pictures and carefullypack all of our kids’ belongings into box-es, memories of their childhood rushingover me like a giant wave. I long for thedays when our home was filled withnoise and laughter, even — the hairpulling, biting and temper tantrums —the times years ago when my son and

his friends discovered that it would befunny to shove their shirts down the toi-let bowl and flush. I will miss the con-stant activity that made up the fibers ofour daily life. I will miss seeing the smil-ing faces of my children every morning— and I will miss the good night hugsmost of all. Yet I also realize that I havewaited for this momentous occasion forso long. That moment when we couldfeel that sense of relief at having helpedall of our children to cross over intoadulthood, the moment when you justknow that they will be able to stand ontheir own two feet.

There was a point when I believedthat it would be impossible for me tocelebrate any of these major mile-stones, a time when the fate of our fam-ily rested gingerly in the balance. Thistime 19 years ago a cancer diagnosis

Dara Marcozzi and family

suddenly turned our world upside down.Christine was nearing her 3rd birthdayand Stephanie was 18 months old. I hadjust found out I was pregnant again andat 11 weeks, I had a routine ultrasound todate my pregnancy. The technicianspotted something alarming on thescreen. The rest is history… surgerywhen I was 16 weeks pregnant to re-move the baseball size tumor and myovary before the tumor ruptured — thencame decisions about whether to termi-nate the pregnancy, whether to undergoa second surgery or have chemothera-py while I was pregnant… We agonizedover those decisions. There were noclear answers — no great options. Weprayed and hoped and took a leap offaith. We gave our son some time togrow in the womb and then I deliveredhim 6 weeks early. I had a hysterectomyand cancer staging at the same time atCooper. I hugged our girls and saidgood-bye the morning of my surgery,and I got one quick glimpse of my babyin the delivery room before the anesthe-sia kicked in. At that moment I was atpeace. I finally knew our Anthony wasokay. I knew that my girls were sur-rounded by people who loved them. I

was impossible. I’m fine now, and so hap-py to be able to write this article. I want tothank all the people who have helped medeal with a tough year.

This past December I went on anothercruise with a group of eight other women;five of whom were also cancer survivors.

I feel like I have my life back, and itproves you just have to keep on trucking through a cancer journey.

I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE IN HOPEAND WILL ALWAYS TRY TO PASS IT ON TO OTHERS.ALTHOUGH I HAVE NEVER

FORGOTTEN THOSE DARK DAYS, I PUT THEM BEHIND ME LONGAGO. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN

THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF MANYDAYS AND HOURS AND MINUTESWITH MY FAMILY. I NEVER TAKE

THAT FOR GRANTED.


ˆ

Donning the Mrs.Incredible costumefor a recent party

made me feel like apowerful superhero for the day.Also known as Elastigirl from themovie The Incredibles a few yearsago, she comes out of retirement tosave her husband and kids.

My love of travel and adventure hasbeen stronger than ever since my

diagnosis over two years ago, as I lookto try new things without caringwhether I will be good atthem or not. Newplaces and expe-riences help meto live in thepresent, cre-ate cherishedmemories andbring a powerfulsense of freedomand fearlessness. Ithink to myself,“What theh---, whynot?”

The past couple years have been es-pecially busy including parasailing withmy daughter over the Atlantic, mushingthrough snow at the Winter Carnival inold Quebec City, hiking up a lookout hillto view the Smoky Mountains and walk-ing on the glass floored Skywalk highabove the Grand Canyon.

My first sight of the Grand Canyonwas an unforgettable moment as I felt atimeless divine presence of heavenmeeting earth. A wonderful sense ofpeace came over me and feeling of con-nection and gratitude to experience thisinspiring wonder with my family.

These adventures are a welcomedistraction from chemo, giving me

something to look forward to and plan.They are especially meaningful whenour son Mike and daughter Laura canjoin us, bringing the family “back tofull strength.” My husband Bill sayswith a laugh, “I’m just holding on toher coat tails.”

Loretta O’Donnell with husband Bill

FurtherThe Adventures of Loretta O’Donnellby: Loretta O’Donnell

Loretta parasailingwith daughter


A Different Kind of Love Letterby: Michele Lucas

After being diagnosed with stage 4cancer in 2009 I was very, very

upset…I felt alone and scared.Shortly thereafter, I met another

cancer survivor in the waiting room ofthe physical therapist’s office. Hername was Diane Hatoff and she reallyencouraged me with her story as astage 4 cancer survivor.

To meet another person with astage 4 cancer diagnosis with herpositive attitude and experiencechanged my world.

While she gave me hope that day,she could see that what I really need-ed was some encouragement andsupport. In an act of extreme compas-sion and kindness, Diane wrote me aletter and gave it to the physical ther-apist to give to me during my next ap-pointment. Never could Diane havedreamed that I would keep that letter,and pull it out and re-read it duringmy darkest moments for inspirationduring the past two years. I also tookher wise advice, and began to attendas many of the Dr. Diane Bar-ton Complementary MedicineProgram classes as I could.

Fast forward to a Wednesdayafternoon in November of 2011where I was taking a Creative Arts forHealing class through the Dr. DianeBarton Complementary Medicine Pro-gram. I was sitting among a largegroup of cancer survivors working ona very relaxing art project and chat-ting away when I realized that one ofthe ladies looked familiar. I said “Is

your name Diane Hatoff?” She said“Yes” …I said “It’s me, Michelle... ”We hugged… I thanked her and told her that I still had her letter and what it had meantto me these past twoyears. She said shewas not sure it evengotten to me… butshe was thrilled ithad, and that it hadmade a positive differ-ence. The survivors thatattended the class thatday realized they had wit-nessed a very special re-union. I would like toshare with you excerptsfrom the letter DianeHatoff wrote to me.

From: Diane HatoffThursday, July 16, 2009

Dear Michele,

I hope you are starting to feel a little bet

ter.

Take one day at a time. You will get there.

You will meet this very great challenge and

beat this most

difficult disease; cancer.

Remember, I am a stage 4 cancer survivor and I beat it!

I am enclosing information concerning the wo

nderful

programs that Cooper Cancer Institute offers.

The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine program has

provided many tools for me to help feel be

tter about

myself. They helped me build up more self confidenc

e

during my journey with cancer. I know it will do the sa

me

for you! Remember…one day at a time. Look over these

programs; you can attend all of them if you

are up to it.

If you have any questions I will be glad to help yo

u.

With Warm Regards,Diane Hatoff

Michele at Creative Arts for Healing class.

Michele Lucas with Diane Hatoff



Why Me?(continued from page 2)

looking great, thanks to my stylist. Inow reflect upon my journey with can-cer! I try each day to find my “newnorm.” I talk openly about my cancerand share my emotions and experi-ences with others. I have integratedthis “cancer” into my world, realizing itis just another part of what has shapedme into who I am today. I have gottenactively involved in the Pink Roses TealMagnolias fundraiser for Cooper Uni-versity Hospital. Joining forces withthis group of strong and inspirationalwomen, each with their own personalstories, relating to cancer has been awonderful and uplifting experience forme. This “sisterhood” and bond hashelped me realize that life is unpre-dictable and we don’t have a crystal ballto foresee our future. We can only liveand experience each day to its fullest! Ihave learned to appreciate the beautyof the little things we often take forgranted like sunsets, good and bad hairdays, and the sound of the ocean on aquiet evening. Most importantly, I takethe time to cherish each moment withmy family and friends! I am apprecia-tive and grateful that I have beat thiscancer! As they say YOLO (you only liveonce), and I plan on doing just that.

Girls, (Oops) Women Just Want to Have Fun by Louise Flannery

As I think back to all the fun activities I have participated in over thelast 8 or 9 years with the other cancer survivors in the Dr. Diane

Barton Complementary Medicine Program, facilitated and managed byour beloved Bonnie Mehr, I am overwhelmed with such a sense of grati-tude. I want to pay tribute to all the amazing and wonderful people andsurvivors that I have encountered on my path from diagnosis of cancerto the present time.

During a recent Creative Arts Gathering… now was it the SwarovskiCrystal Necklace or the Mini Herb Garden project? I was engrossed inwhat I was doing but something made me look up. I gazed around thetable wonderingly and saw a group of women who were chatteringaway just like any other group and they were laughing and having fun!While we were all brought together by a common bond, we were such adiverse group of different personalities, backgrounds, etc. We had eachexperienced our own unique form of cancer, suffered the ups anddowns of treatment but you didn’t hear any type of complaining. Look-ing at all the smiling faces, I could see healing taking place right beforemy eyes.

Some other activities which I have found to be very helpful but cer-tainly not limited to are: yoga, clay sculpture, book club, chair massageand reflexology. We also had many sessions with a family therapist whowas so helpful in so many ways especially helping me in recognizingand dealing with toxic relationships in my life. Each session was filledwith warmth, wisdom and a good dose of humor thrown in.

I am thankful for all the different activities since cancer is not just a disease of the body but also of the mind and spirit and has to be addressed on all three levels for healing to occur. I am grateful for theopportunity to write these articles and share insights I have gained,finding my voice.

Many, many thanks to the legacy of Dr. Diane Barton.

cause of the extraordinary care re-ceived from Cooper UniversityHospital, their doctors, nurses, andstaff, Susan is still enjoying the an-tics of her first and now secondgranddaughter, Amber.

Susan has commented that “Ilearned to live for today and en-joy life. Every day, I do somethingI like to do. I don’t worry aboutcleaning the windows and wash-ing the floor. I spend more timewith my family, have been moreplaces and seen more things thanI would have before. I don’t takelife for granted, and I know I amlucky…life is precious.”

And so is my “little” sister.

Susan’s Story(continued from page 6)

Louise Flannery and family.

Our Empty Nest(continued from page 7)


dozed off to sleep as my familywaited nervously in the waitingroom for 8 hours. By the grace ofGod and at the hands of talentedsurgeons, Anthony and I both sur-vived. I started chemotherapy thefollowing month. I have been can-cer-free since 1994. Our friendsand family, the doctors and nurses,had all picked us up and carried usthrough the storm.

I will always believe in hope andwill always try to pass it on to oth-ers. Although I have never forgot-ten those dark days, I put them be-hind me long ago. I have been giv-en the precious gift of many daysand hours and minutes with myfamily. I never take that for grant-ed. My life has become a glass fullto the brim. As we enter this newchapter, I am overcome with emo-tion as I “cut the cord,” but I alsofeel very lucky to have reached thepoint in life where we can celebrateour empty nest.

Feel Better SoupIngredients:• 2 heads of fresh escarole, mustard greens, watercress or Napa cabbage, torn & washed 3 times.

• 2 bunches of bok Choy or baby bok Choy• 1 teaspoon canola oil• 4 cloves of garlic, sliced• 1 branch fresh lemongrass, split in two(optional)

• 2 large(48oz.) cans of low sodium or sodium free chicken stock or veg-etable stock

• 2 packages of Japanese Udon noo-dles or 1 package of wide rice noodles

• Freshly cracked white pepper• Thinly sliced scallions for garnish• Thinly sliced chicken may be added to this soup for extra body

• Dark toasted sesame oil for garnish (optional)

In a large stock pot, add ginger andheat over a medium flame for 1 minute.Add garlic and sauté without browninguntil fragrant. Remove garlic from thepan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Return pan to heat and add escaroleand baby bok Choy. Sauté quickly towilt. Add chicken

Stock and bring to a boil. Add ricenoodles and cook another minute untilnoodles are soft. (If a clear soup is de-sired, cook noodles in boiling water be-fore adding soup.)

Serve garnished with fresh scallionsand if desired, a drizzle of sesame oil.

Options:All oil may be omitted by simmering

stock with ginger and lemongrass in-stead of sautéing.

If preparing soup for freezing:Omit noodles until the day you are

serving. Add fresh greens to refreshthe healthfulness of the soup.

Be a Monthly Sponsor of the Tea Cart Your donations of ShopRite gift cards areappreciated. We have expanded the tea cartin Voorhees to 5 days per week!

Every delicious snack given to our patientswhile they are receiving their chemo is given

from the heart. Our patients are always pleasantlysurprised when sitting in the outpatient chemo unitfor hours and perhaps feeling a little down, when a beautifulflowered cart filled with free juices and snacks, program updates and the Sur-vivor Times, and many more surprises, comes along and serves them a littlespot of sunshine. It’s an inspirational initiative through the Dr. Diane BartonComplementary Medicine Program along with Cooper Cancer Institute em-ployees that voluntarily give up part of their lunch time to make a positive dif-ference in the quality of each patient’s journey. It serves as a testament of thespirit that defines Cooper Cancer Institute’s commitment in providing Excel-lence in Patient & Family–Centered Care.

For more information please contact; Bonnie Mehr, Manager, the Dr. DianeBarton Complementary Medicine Program at 856-325-6646 or [email protected]

You may mail your ShopRite gift card donations to: Attn: Bonnie MehrCooper Cancer Institute, 2017 Piazza Main St., Voorhees, NJ 08043

What’s betterthan a steamingbowl of soup?

friendships I have made are true bless-ings. I consider my chemo nurses andthe staff my family and love them all.

Being a Cooper patient has openedmy eyes to their wonderful programsand workshops. I have participated insurvivor support groups, yoga classes,and others. The positive experiencesand special friends I have madethrough Cooper have brightened my way.

Enjoying life, playing with my chil-dren, planning our first Disney vaca-tion, and giving thanks keeps me busythese days.

I have received tremendous carefrom all of the Cooper Gyn/Oncologyphysicians: Drs. Thomas Rocereto,David Warshal, Meredith Crisp, RobinWilson-Smith, and of course, Dr. JamesAikins who always has a smile andtakes time to listen with no ques-tion being too strange. His com-passion and outward concernfor his patients’ quality of lifedistinguish him. He knewwhen to give me breaks fromtreatment so I could regroup, con-tinue to “fight like a girl,” and put thiscancer back in its corner. Another oneof Cooper’s stars, the world’s best col-orectal surgeon, and my dear friend,Cooper’s Dr. Benjamin Phillips, used hissuperpowers on multiple occasions toput me back together and allow me tofocus on fighting and living.

My advice to anyone new to thiscancer world is: Don’t EVER give up.Keep fighting and asking questions, educate yourself, and exercise (yes, itreally works!), and most of all, allowyourself to feel all of the anger, sad-ness, joy, etc… Keep fighting!

Ishall never forget the first time I metDr. James Aikins, gynecologic oncolo-gist at Cooper Cancer Institute. He en-tered the exam room smiling, placed hishand on my shoulder, and asked, “Howare you?” What a kind and compassion-ate question during such a devastatingtime. It was fall 2010 when I heard thedreaded word — recurrence.

Back in March 2009, I went to theemergency room with severe abdomi-nal pain and within two weeks, receivedthe jaw-dropping diagnosis of Stage 3-COvarian Cancer. I was 39 and my chil-dren were not even 2 and 4. I was on“autopilot,” shuffling from surgery tochemo, fighting nausea, side effects,and other issues. One recurrence, foursurgeries, and over two years of in-tense treatment later, I gratefullyscream — I AM A SURVIVOR!

How did I survive? Faith, Family, andFriends! My faith is strong — it comforts,guides, and strengthens me. My familyis the biggest blessing: my husbandMichael has helped me walk again, liter-ally peeled me off the bathroom floor,dried my tears, helped me buy a wig,been to every doctor appointment, andtirelessly cared for and loved our chil-dren. The list is endless and no wordscan convey how grateful I am forMichael. My children (Lucia, 6 and Vin-cent, 5) have been my beautiful rays oflight during very stormy times. Havingseen my absolute worst, they showeredand strengthened me with endless kiss-es and “knock-knock” jokes! Michaeland I are so blessed with amazing par-ents, siblings, and cousins who haverisen up to lift us up and keep life as“normal” as possible for our children.My dear cousin Nancy showed what atrue sister is by attending every treat-ment with me, being a rock for Michael,and sharing all of the tears, prayers,and laughter along the way. My friendsand church family have given unendinglove and support from delivering mealsto spending time with my children. It allmeans the world!

Cooper University Hospital hasbeen a constant positive to me duringthese last 3 years. The infusion centerbecame my second home and the


I am a Survivor! by: Ingrid Tornari

Ingrid Tornari with husband Michael, Vincent and Lucia.

About The Dr. Diane BartonComplementary MedicineProgram

The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary MedicineProgram enhances the quality of life and

wellness of individuals touched by cancer — in-cluding patients, their caregivers and family.

It utilizes therapies that focus on mind,body and spirit while supporting mainstreammedical care. The complementary therapies of-fered through CCI are designed to lessen thepain, stress and anxiety associated with cancer.Therapies also assist in managing the side ef-fects of traditional treatments such as radiationand chemo-therapy. While complementary ther-apies cannot cure cancer, many patients havefound them to be helpful in managing and cop-ing with their cancer. While traditional medicineand healthcare treat the illness, complementa-ry medicine therapies help promote wellness inthe whole person.

In addition to the therapeutic benefits, tak-ing part in complementary medicine therapiesempowers participants — providing survivorswith an opportunity to take a positive, activerole in their care and treatment.

All therapies and programs offered throughthe Dr. Diane Barton Complementary MedicineProgram are available at no cost and are opento all cancer patients and their caregivers, re-gardless of where they receive their treatment.These programs, lectures and activities offerpatients access to social, educational and sup-port opportunities. Programs are offered week-ly throughout the year. Our outpatient comple-mentary medicine programs include:

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

This program is wholly funded throughphilanthropic support. As the reputationand demand for our programs and servicesgrow, so does our need for funding. If youare interested in learning more about TheDr. Diane Barton Complementary MedicineProgram or would like to make a donation,please contact, Bonnie Mehr, Program Man-ager, at 856.325.6646.

Documents

What Cancer Cannot Do - Cooper University Hospital · bodies one of my favorite survivorship quotes: “Today we fight. Tomor8ow we fight. The day after we fight, and if this disease