PARTY LIFE for

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Of Humor Fuels Battle Against Cancer

A positive decision

The Fargo chiropractor was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. From the start, Weiss opted to approach her treatment with optimism. A friend who had fought cancer with grace and positivism served as her inspiration.

”I knew what route I was going to take,” Weiss said.

After surgery and chemotherapy, doctors told Weiss that she was “all clear.” Everything was fine until this spring when she started having trouble breathing. In March, Weiss was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, after a CT scan that showed so many tumors in her lungs that radiation would not be an option.

“You feel like an atom bomb has gone off inside you,” Weiss said. “I’ve never been afraid of death, but I have people that I don’t want to leave behind.”

Weiss saw three components to her fight with cancer: nutrition, medical treatment, and her Christian faith. Her oncologist, Dr. Shelby Terstriep, said it was clear from the beginning that Weiss not only accepted her condition, but cared about her medical caregivers.

“She is one of the most remarkable patients I’ve ever met,” Terstriep said. “She brings so much happiness to everyone she meets.”

Making a plan

Weiss knew the chemotherapy treatments were necessary, but she dreaded introducing the chemicals into her body. She decided to plan a party for each session.

“I knew if I had something else to think about and concentrate on, it would make it easier,” Weiss said. “Coming for a party is much better than thinking about the chemotherapy.”

During each treatment, Weiss invited friends and family to her room. Cancer center staff would stop by to share treats and check to see what her latest theme was.

A “Monkey Business,” party featured banana bread and stuffed monkey toys. The baseball fan planned her “Twins Rally” party complete with peanuts, crackerjack, and temporary baseball tattoos after weeks of losses. After the party, they won their next seven games.

Healing and fun

As the tumors responded to the chemotherapy, the original plan for 12 treatments was shortened to 10. Her final party and treatment was a graduation. Weiss wore her son’s cap and gown, and brought punch, nuts, and mints.

With her condition under control, her cancer can now be managed with hormone blockers. Terstriep said more chemotherapy will certainly be part of her future. The doctor said that she and her staff have learned much from Weiss and her way of looking at life and disease.

“It’s a hard thing to think about being treated for cancer for the rest of your life,” Terstriep said. “To see someone do it and do it so well is something truly incredible.”

Today, Weiss is still celebrating her improvement in health. Planning her return to work, she hosted a dinner party – this time at her house. Every morning she wakes up, thankful for a second chance at life, she said.

“I think, ‘This is a good day,’” Weiss said. “You celebrate, every day, the miracle that you’re alive.”