SUPERHERO MOM & WIFE GETS STRENGTH FROM FAMILY

What does it take to get through the unthinkable? Alice Newsam found that the answer is family.

W hen this seemingly healthy young wife and mother got the unbelievable news that her persistent cough was actually Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer affecting lymph tissue, she knew she needed to be strong.

“ I was on my computer,” remembered husband Rich. “She walked in the room and calmly repeated what the doctor said. I was in total shock. I couldn’t believe what she was telling me.”

S he recalled Rich’s first words after hearing the news: “We gotta figure out a plan and we’ll just work through it.” It was then Alice knew she’d have company on this journey.

A s Alice recounted her story, daughter Ellie pestered big brother Nick, who barely noticed the intrusion. Dad preempted a potential tussle.

M om was unshaken. Through this quiet chaos, it was evident her family is her rock.

A nd, that definition of family grew through her cancer treatment. “I have a really good care team,” said Alice. After an emotion-filled pause she continued. “They’re like family.

ALICE.NEWSAM.IS.CANCER-FREE.TODAY,.THANKS. TO.SUPPORT.FROM.HER.FAMILY.AND.THE.CARE.SHE. RECEIVED.FROM.THE.ESSENTIA.HEALTH.CANCER.CENTER. IN.FARGO ALICE.IS.PICTURED.WITH.HER.HUSBAND, RICH, AND.HER.CHILDREN, ELLIE.AND.NICK .

I couldn’t imagine going through this without them.”

T hat team includes family practice physician Kinsey Nelson, MD, hematologist/oncologist Mahendra Gupta, MD and cancer surgeon Josh Gebur, MD. “They gave us so much confidence without setting unrealistic expectations.” Alice’s diagnosis was confirmed in early January 2012. By January 24, she’d had surgery and a port inserted so she could begin her six-month chemotherapy regimen.

W hile she didn’t enjoy the chemo, Alice looked forward to seeing the infusion nurses. There was Andrea, Alice’s mentor. There was Holly, the comic relief. And there was Rose, Alice’s cheerleader.

T he nursing trio also became chaperones for Alice and Rich’s dates. Yes, dates.

T he couple decided chemo infusions were the perfect opportunity to have some adult time away from the kids. They perused travel books, cookbooks and even gossip magazines. They talked about their future and shared dreams for their family.

W hen Alice made the decision to shave her head, Rich compared her new “do” to his former military haircut. Five-year-old Nick on the other hand, couldn’t keep his hands off it. He thought mom looked like a superhero.

T he superhero analogy is fitting for Alice, according to Rich. “Most people would have fallen apart during this ordeal,” he said. “Her strength amazes me.”

I t turns out Rich is a bit a superhero, too, according to Alice. Although she’s incredibly positive, her chemo sometimes left her aching and tired. Rich could just sense it. And when he did, he carefully orchestrated the family’s lives to provide Alice the space she needed. At times, that meant packing up the kids and leaving mom to a little solitude at home. Other times, it meant discretely rearranging family obligations.

“ I knew before that Rich was a really good guy. This just seals the deal,” she said, beaming.

I t takes a team to get through cancer. Alice is glad for the support of her family—both her biological family and her Essentia family. On June 26, 2012, she graduated from treatment and is enjoying being cancer free.