A Little Help from My Friends (part 2)

If you read my previous blog post, you may have noticed that, at the bottom, I mentioned there would be a "part two" ... well, here it is! (If you missed my previous post, just scroll down below this one!)

As stated before, the artists at Greeting Card Universe were challenged to choose a favorite greeting card (not one of their own, but one from another artist) and post our selection to our own blog. Now, "part two" is a contest and I'm asking you to vote for my favorite card choice, a lovely "Hope" card by artist Barbara Schreiber! It's quick and easy. Just click here, scroll to the bottom of the blog post, and vote for #9. If the card I chose wins, Barbara and I each get a $10 prize. And, if we win, I will donate my $10 prize to the same organization that my Hope card commissions are sent to, the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. So please take a minute and vote for #9 !!

A Little Help From My Friends

The artists at Greeting Card Universe were challenged with a new contest this week called "A Little Help From My Friends."  Each artist was told to choose a favorite greeting card (it couldn't be one of our own, but had to be from another artist) and post our selection to our own blog, along with a few words about why we liked that particular card. 

There are so many wonderful cards at GCU, it was hard to pick just one! But, because of this blog's usual theme, I narrowed my choices to other artists "Hope" cards and found this beautiful one from my friend, Barbara Schreiber (who you met in this previous post). I've admired this card before ... the soft, dreamy colors are beautiful and I've always been drawn to Barbara's painting style. She is a very talented artist. Click here to check out her GCU store.

Even though Barbara's card is my choice for this particular contest, there are several other artists who have encouragement cards for cancer patients that I really liked, so I decided to share a few of those as well!


    

 


Stay tuned next week for part two of this contest!!

Many Thanks!

So appreciative to all those who purchased our "Hope" cards during 2011! This past year, we sold 421 cancer-related cards, bringing our total to 1,063. All of the commissions earned have been donated to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. If you don't already know the story behind Rycky Creations' "Hope" card line, click here to read the April 23, 2010 post, "Honoring John." To see all of our items eligible for donated commissions, see this post.

Encourage Someone Today!

Most of us know someone who is battling cancer. Why not send them a note of encouragement? By sending any of the cards or gifts found here, not only will your friend or family member be encouraged, but also 100% of Rycky Creations' commissions earned on these items are donated to cancer research.

Believe HOPE Trust Bag  

Believe HOPE Trust T-Shirt

Believe HOPE Trust Mug

Click here for more "Believe HOPE Trust" merchandise.

GCU Blog Carnival V: "THE BIG C"

Check out these wonderful cancer awareness blogs from my fellow GCU artists!

Pets and Wildlife Cancer “One area of cancer research we do not often hear about, cancer in pets and wildlife, which is also on the rise…” Blessing Art Cards, Sharon Fernleaf

Breast Cancer Awareness and Pink Ribbon Cards & Gifts “Believe in the power of the pink ribbon...” Creative Paradise, Tanitu

Breast Cancer Awareness Month “I cannot remember a time when when there wasn’t a dear friend or family member battling cancer...” Cards from the Heart, Lisa Charlton

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month “My mother had breast cancer as well as lung cancer...” Eliz Designs, Elizabeth Eells

Ways to be Supportive, Helpful and Encouraging for Cancer Patients “This post is in honor of our friends, colleagues and family members who are currently battling this dreadful disease…” Heart to Art, Sri Devi

Breast Cancer Awareness “There are several things you should look for when doing a self exam…” Sheryl Kasper Card Store, Sheryl Kasper

Breast Cancer Awareness Month “Most advanced breast cancer cases are found in women over age 50...” Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi

Cancer Bummer “I was diagnosed with cancer about 12 years ago.” I Love Cuttables, Cindy Johns

October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month “Cancer is cruel, cancer makes no exceptions…” At Sparky’s, Antoinette Van Kleef

Canine & Feline Cancer “I’ve seen much too much cancer in the lives of my beloved pets over the years…” Salon of Art, Doreen Erhardt

A Sobering Subject “I think, today, how cancer has impacted my life...” Warm Traditions, Candace J. Hardy

Barbara's Story

I am so excited to introduce you to a fellow GCU artist, and my new friend Barbara Schreiber. She is a wonderful artist whose work I have admired for a long time. Several months ago, I read in her blog that she'd just finished chemo treatments. I asked if she'd be willing to share a little about her battle with cancer and she graciously accepted. Although the timing didn't work out the first time we discussed doing this, it seems God had a better plan (of course, God's timing is perfect)! Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Barbara has battled breast cancer since 1997, what better time to tell Barbara's story? I hope you will take the time to read this inspiring interview!
　
Thank you so much Barbara for agreeing to be interviewed! First, please share a little bit about yourself.


This photo was taken last year,
when I still had my hair :D

      Hi, my name is Barbara. I'm a German artist and I live in Cologne. Prior to Cologne, I have lived in Cyprus, France, the Netherlands, North and West Africa and India. I'm a single mother of two great kids - my son Matteo is 16 years old, my daughter Joy 15 years old.
     I teach part-time, and my remaining time is spent painting, drawing, making cards, writing, and spending time with my kids. Sometimes I even manage to clean the apartment. That is, if there is no urgent painting that needs to be done! And there always is that card to be made. That's why we live in a creative chaos :D. I just love art, especially watercolors, illustrations and mixed-media/collage/folkart, playing around in Photoshop, browsing the internet for all that wonderful art information and eye candy.
     I have written and illustrated a book. It was accepted by a publishing house and is available in every German bookstore or Amazon.de. It is only available in German language. Hopefully, one day, also in English (keeping my fingers crossed here!). It is a Christian encouragement gift book. I am currently working on my second book, and have plans and dreams for many more.

Tell us a little about how you were first diagnosed with breast cancer.
     Well, actually I had breast cancer three times. The first time in 1997. The second time was 7 years later. The third time in 2010. The first time I discovered the lump myself. My left breast felt funny. As I had recently breastfed my daughter, my gynaecologist said that that was normal. Thank God I did not accept that diagnosis and insisted on a mammography, where the tumor was discovered. (I went to another gynaecologist after that!).
     The second time, my radiologist found the tumor in my right breast during a normal routine scan and the tumor was removed.
     The third time, I found out myself again. In January 2010, I had a routine mammography. This mammography did not show the tumor. A couple of months later I again had the feeling that "something" was wrong. The magnetic resonance images were ok. The ultrasonography was ok. The tumor was only discovered after a biopsy was taken. This just proves a doctor and a test are not 100% foolproof. Check your body/breasts yourself, listen to what your body is telling you, be firm if a doctor thinks you're imagining things and insist on further tests!

How did you and your family react to your diagnosis?
     Every time, I was devastated. It was so incredible. I just could not believe it. Guess it was the shock. I felt angry, hurt, afraid. It took some time (every time) for the info to really sink in, I had to chew on it, digest it, accept it, and to get into the "trusting God and fighting cancer mode".
     The first two times, my kids were smaller (the first time, they were one and two years old) and did not quite realize what was going on. The last time, the kids suffered more, as the chemo treatments were awful and I was flying off the handles with pain and the side-effects of the medications. We are all very glad that things have returned to normal.

Were there any friends or family members that helped you get through it?
     My family members are all dead. I do have a sister, but she lives far away. She supported me by phone/email. Thank God I have a bunch of very good supportive friends living in Cologne. I had plenty of helpers and supporters every time I had cancer. Bless them, they babysat my children, took care of them when I was hospitalized, invited my kids over to their house when I felt weak and needed rest. Every time I got my chemo treatments and stayed in hospital, a friend would stay at my apartment to support my teenagers. My friends visited me, called me, helped me do household chores, cooked (during the last round of chemo treatment, they provided us with home-cooked warm food for three weeks!), listened when I felt like griping, held my hand ... I would not have been able to make it without them!

Tell us a little about your treatments?
     First cancer: mastectomy, chemo therapy. Second cancer: operation, radiation, tamoxifen tablets. Third cancer: mastectomy, chemo therapy, herceptin infusions.
After the operation in September 2010, all normal routine scans were made (bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance, ultrasonic scans, liver, lungs, kidneys etc) and were ok. Every three weeks my blood gets checked. The last operation was in September 2010. In spring 2011, I finished the last round of chemo therapies. I'm still getting Herceptin treatments every three weeks, over a period of one year.

What is your prognosis?
     My doctors tend to be a bit vague about that - as I have survived cancer three times, they find it difficult to make any prognosis. My latest oncologist is quite confident that hopefully after having my Herceptin infusions for one year, the cancer will not come back again. So far, there are no metastases. And that's the way I want to keep it :D !

What would you say was one of the most challenging battles in your war against cancer?
     The thought what would happen to my children if I would die. My husband died in 2000. I do not have family members who could take care of my children. The idea of leaving them behind as orphans had me driving up the wall. I come from a close-knit family and tend to be very protective with my kids (like a mother hen :D). I had made arrangements with a befriended family that in case I die, they would adopt my children. The knowledge that my kids would not end up in an orphanage helped me a lot. Another battle was the self-pity battle. "Why me again?" I don't have answers to that question, but I want to stop seeing myself as a victim and want to start seeing myself as a victor.

How do you deal with the emotional aspects of cancer?
     I believe in God. So I screamed and ranted and cried and poured my heart out before Him. And then I asked God to heal me, to protect my children. It's a daily decision to trust Him with my life and the life of my kids. I have my "up days" and then I have my "down days". But I have found God to be a trustworthy shelter and a haven of safety, acceptance and love. I have decided to trust God, even if I do die early, that He will take very good care of my kids and that He has good plans for them.

What would you say to someone who was newly diagnosed with cancer?
     Never give up hope! Fight against cancer! Your thoughts are very important and influence your health.

If there was any one piece of advice you could share now that you have gone through this battle, what would it be?
     I can only say what I find important and what has helped me. Everybody is different and has different problems or ways to tackle them. But here is my advice:
     I find it very important to keep my soul "clutter-free." I tend to worry, to fret, to think too much about things that have happened in the past. Or that could happen in the future. I sometimes nurse old grievances. I have found out that these things are not helpful and don't do me good. I have to "let go and let God." To forgive people who have hurt me, to ask for forgiveness where I was wrong. Untended old wounds can really fester. When my soul is sick, my body gets sick. To take better care of myself. To be more easygoing and loving, to others and to myself. To become more of a child gazing at the wonders of this universe and less of a burdened, worrisome adult. To not take myself so seriously. To love life, enjoy it, and to be thankful for all blessings. To surround myself with positive people who love and accept me.

Any final thoughts?
     It was a few hours after my first cancer operation. My body was shivering with pain. It was a winter night and I looked out of the bleak hospital window. Outside it was dark and cold. A thought crossed my mind: what if I died tonight (or this week or next month?). What was important in my life? What would Jesus ask me if I would stand in front of him, face to face?
     I knew for certain he would not ask me how much savings I had in my bank account, or if I always had A grades or a university degree or if I was the best employee in my department or company or drove the biggest car and lived in a mansion or had a lot of power and might. He would not even ask me if I had lots of success as an artist, or how many paintings I had painted, or did I win any awards? (Not that he does not care about my life and what I do – in fact he is very interested in that – but that these things pale in comparison to the more important things). I knew for certain that he would ask me: "Barbara, do you love people? your neighbors as you love yourself? your family? your children? do you love me? Do you love, Barbara ? Love is the most important thing of all".
     That was some years ago. But it's still important for me today : Love is the only thing I can take along with me when I leave this earth. All the rest stays behind. Like one popular song said it some years ago "there is no u-haul on a hearse."
　
Thank you, Barbara. Your story, advice, and positive attitude is such a blessing to me and I'm sure it has and will touch many lives. It was an honor to interview you and I pray God will continue to touch your life with peace and perfect healing.


Below are links to Barbara's online presence, and just a few of her wonderful cards.
Click here for Barbara's blog
Click here for Barbara's GCU store
Click here for Barbara's Zazzle store
Click here for Barbara's book

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held every October not only to raise awareness of the disease, but also to raise money for research. A fellow artist put this neat video together ... thought you might like it! Click here for a link to all of Corrie's cards for cancer patients and caregivers.

Tribute to Mom

Two weeks ago today, I sat by my Mom’s side as she left this earth for her heavenly home. As you can imagine, right after it happened, I was very emotional and close to tears. I hadn’t slept in two nights and was totally exhausted. All I wanted to do was curl up in a little ball and cry. But, I knew I had to hold it together. Since we’d already lost our dad, I was now the "elder"of the family. I felt like I had to set the example, so to speak. But finally, after taking care of all the details of the day, I made it home, sat down on my back porch, and had myself a little "pity party," as my Mom would say.

It wasn't long, however, before my emotions changed from sadness to joy. Yes, of course I was still sad that she was gone; but at the same time, I can tell you with utter amazement that, once my head had cleared and I had gotten some much needed rest, I realized that her passing was a most joyous experience! I can say that because, before she left, Mom gave me, my brothers, and all of her family and friends a wonderful gift ... she left us with the assurance that she was happy, totally at peace, and ready to go "home."

Mom was a special lady. I cherish the time we had together, especially the last few weeks while I was living there and taking care of her. She will be missed my me and my brothers, our spouses, and her grandson, her two sisters and their families, and many other cherished friends and family members. But we all know where she'll be, she made it clear each and every day. And, one day we will meet again in Heaven … what a wonderful reunion that will be!

In memory of Mom, I'd like to share a couple of her "stories." Mom loved writing down her experiences and sharing them with her friends. The following stories were two of her favorites and she asked me to share them at her funeral (which I did). The first story shows her humorous side, while the second highlights her compassion for others. They were both written while she was volunteering at a local Hospice facility. I hope you enjoy them!

Crazy Hair Day

"Last week we had Crazy Hair Day at Hospice. All the Nurses had sprayed color and curled their hair. They asked me to join in. Using small rubber bands, they took little bunches of my hair, all over my head, and sprayed them shocking pink and orange. We had fun with it at the nurses station, then I forgot about it and went on the floor. I saw on my chart that we had a patient that was 101 years old. Now, I had never had a patient that age, so I was quick to want to go into the room. As I entered, I smiled and began to talk to him, but noticed that he was looking at me rather strangely. I'm thinking to myself … hey, I don't even appeal to a 101 year old man! Then it dawns on me … he is looking at my shocking pink and orange hair pulled up in little bunches with rubber bands. And, I figure he's thinking … here I am … dying at Hospice, and they send me a Wild Woman! Now, we take our jobs very serious at Hospice, but some days, we just need a little fun!"

Compassion Has No Color

"I was taking ice and water to a patient's room and met the patient's son. He told me that he was 31 years old and that the patient was his mother. Immediately, I sensed that he needed to talk to someone, so I sat down and listened as he poured out his heart to me about the love he felt for his mom. He showed me pictures of her (she was only 54) and told me that she had been so pretty until about month ago and that the illness had quickly stolen the mother that he knew. He said he was coming into acceptance that it was time for his mom to go. I told him to hold all the good thoughts and times that he has shared with his mom and to be the kind of son that would make her proud. I shared with him that my own sons had faced the death of their father at about the same age that he was. As I got up to leave, he opened his arms wide and gave me a hug and said, "I needed this talk so very much, thank you for listening" He told me to go home and tell my children that he cared that they had lost their dad, and that I had brought him comfort in his mom's last days. The young man was black, I am white … Compassion has no color."

Small Acts of Kindness

Recently, I featured links to a couple of blogs, "I know you mean well, but..." by WebMD blogger, Jennifer Goodman Linn. I was sad to read of her recent passing (July 20). WebMD writes, "Linn's "fearless" (and often humorous) message about her illness will continue to empower and inspire. She will be missed, but through her words and actions, she leaves a legacy that will live on."

She wrote this inspiring blog, "Small Acts of Kindness" a couple weeks before her death, which is a gentle reminder that reaching out to others in some small way can make a big impact.

Small Acts of Kindness by Jennifer Goodman Linn

 

SBTF Race for Research

This past Saturday, close to to 70 family and friends, "John's Dream Team," met at Atlantic Station to show our support for a special young man (who you've met several times in this blog) and to help raise money for a great cause. The "Race for Research" is a 5k walk/run sponsored by the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. This year's race raised close to $300K for brain tumor research, with John's Dream Team contributing almost $3,700.


This year, in addition to walking in honor of John, we also walked in memory of two other young men, David and Justin, who touched the lives of many during their own brain tumor battles. What an honor to meet David's parents who drove up from Florida especially to meet John and walk with us.


John described the turnout as "Amazing!" He goes on to say, "I still can’t believe how many people showed up to be on my team! I had around 70 people show up and wear their “John’s Dream Team” shirts, and we all looked great! It is so nice to see that much yellow walking around and know that all of them are here to support you ... Thanks everyone so much for their giving and their showing up to do the race with me. It means more than you know for that to happen!"

After the race, we went to breakfast and had a good time talking and laughing. While sitting at the table, John commented about how awesome it was to see all those yellow shirts gathered around the tables, especially knowing that they were there for him. Well John, the way you've handled yourself throughout this very challenging 4+ years is an inspiration, and you've touched the hearts of so many people. The 70 or so that were there on Saturday were just a small portion of the number of people who love you and pray for you on a regular basis!


To see John's Dream Team page and/or make a donation, click here.

“Hospice” is a Beautiful Word!

There’s a common misconception when you mention the word hospice. A lot of people think of it with fear and/or sadness. When my mother worked as a hospice volunteer, she was often asked, "how can you do that? Doesn’t it make you sad to be around all those dying people?" But, she’d be the first to tell you that the time she spent volunteering at Tranquility was the most fulfilling time of her life.

Hospice does not mean giving up on life...it is a medical choice that helps ensure the patient’s comfort and dignity, and improves the quality of their remaining time. But most importantly, hospice is people. Kind, compassionate, caring individuals who, as my mother says, "wrap you up in love."

From Hospice Foundation of America’s website:

"The word "hospice" stems from the Latin word "hospitium" meaning guesthouse. It was originally used to describe a place of shelter for weary and sick travelers returning from religious pilgrimages. During the 1960's, Dr. Cicely Saunders, a British physician began the modern hospice movement by establishing St. Christopher's Hospice near London. St. Christopher's organized a team approach to professional caregiving, and was the first program to use modern pain management techniques to compassionately care for the dying. The first hospice in the United States was established in New Haven, Connecticut in 1974.

Hospice is not a place but a concept of care. Eighty percent of hospice care is provided in the patient's home, family member's home and in nursing homes. Inpatient hospice facilities are sometimes available to assist with caregiving."

So, why am I writing about hospice, and what does that have to do with my "Hope for Cancer" blog? Maybe you’ve already guessed... my mom was admitted into the Wellstar Hospice program last week. Does that mean that I’ve given up "hope" for mom’s recovery from cancer. Absolutely not! My hope is in the Lord and I know that He will certainly heal her... either a miraculous physical healing, or the ultimate healing and reuniting with my Dad. Either way, she wins. But for now, she’s being wonderfully cared for by some of God’s "angels"... her hospice team...and both Mom and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful team of angels among us!

I know you mean well, but...

Check out this two-part blog by Jennifer Goodman Linn with some great advice for anyone who has a friend or family member battling cancer. The first part, I Know You Mean Well But… Enough with the Advice! focuses on what's appropriate and, more importantly, what's not appropriate to say to a cancer patient. The second article I Know You Mean Well But…Part II focuses on the “go to” line that most all of us have probably used at one point or another in our lives, but what cancer patients say is the most annoying thing they hear!

Encourage a Friend

Most of us know someone who is battling cancer. Why not send them a note of encouragement? By sending one of the cards found here, not only will your friend be encouraged, but also 100% of Rycky Creations' commissions earned on these cards is donated to cancer research. Below are some of our "Hope" cards, as well as some favorites from our fellow GCU artists.