Living and Surviving

June was Cancer Survivor Month. Although the month is over, surviving continues. I, myself, have been a cancer survivor since the fall of 1991- when I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease at the young age of 12. Since then, the term "survivor" has taken on different forms and meanings for me over the past 24 years.

Since then, I had taken my earlier cancer experiences and transpired them into my volunteer, educational, and career aspirations. I wanted to give back to cancer patients the care and compassion I had received by the nurses, doctors at the University of Iowa Hospital (UIHC) and the staff and volunteers at the Camp Heart Connection I had received.

I experienced a few struggles along the way, especially when it came to high school. There was no dance marathon and cancer wasn't something a lot of young people came together to support or talk about. There was no Facebook, and I was too shy to be outspoken about being diagnosed again. So I was so thankful for any of the students who were kind to me no matter what.

Thankfully, I was introduced to oncology camp and signed up for Camp Heart Connection during my second diagnosis. I loved spending time with other young cancer patients and survivors! I only saw other kids during clinic days, and support groups were held during the day when I was at school. It was such a positive experience to show how young people can survive and thrive from cancer. I loved the camp so much, I continued on as a volunteer from 1999 to 2012 and still try to support them if I can.

Once I made it to college, I felt that social work was the best avenue to work with cancer patients. Although I was done with my masters in 2003, it would be in the fall of 2008 when I would finally have my chance to have a job with cancer patients. I saw the American Cancer Society was opening a Hope Lodge, a home away from home for cancer patients. I was thrilled to be hired on as a weekend staff, and eventually the assistant to the manager in 2012.

At the Hope Lodge I had the opportunity to meet numerous cancer patients and caregivers and get to know them personally. They often learned I was a survivor too, and it increased the connection and hope for treatment and survival. It reminded me of camp, a place that cancer survivors would be able to come to, no matter their background, find support, education, and a place to rest their head at the end of the day when they were tired.

The Hope Lodge was also family. Family started with the staff, the guests and caregivers who stayed there, and volunteers who gave up their time. My own family volunteered there. My dad was there most Wednesday afternoons to bring me lunch, drive the shuttle, help with maintenance, and sweep kitchen floors. We even held "family reunions" once a year that were highly attended.

But as my favorite quote says "the only thing constant is change"- because it is so true! I resigned my position in effort to simplify my life in hopes of infant adoption (that has been put on hold for now). Also, there have been some major staff and policy changes at the Hope Lodge making the other quote "you can ever go home again" also ring true. I never would have seen a third cancer diagnosis in my future, transforming me into a cancer patient/survivor once again.

After being told the devastating news about having stomach cancer on May 13th, after the dust has settled, I had to learn to live and survive in this situation. At first, it was even just taking things one step at a time, then one day at a time. Along with the support that is given to me from my family and friends, I have to support myself.  Doing this by having a fighting spirit and by listening to what my body needs and taking care of myself. I also try to stay positive and live each day the best I can. Yes, there are ups and downs, but that is when I can rely on my support system.

I am so thankful to my family and friends who have done what they can to reach out to me and support me! I was even told by the camp staff that since I joined their programs as a young cancer patient, they will continue to support my journey because I am part of their family. All of this means more to me than you know!

Love, Amy!

(Typical day of spending time with the dogs,
throwing ball and listening to music)