Women Who Rock with Success Breast Cancer Edition

Women Special Edition #47

Who Rock with

Success

Featuring Breast Cancer Survivor Sarah Wilson

V 0 5 O L 2 0 / 1 8 2 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS 05

Delicious Desserts

13

My Stories

39

Cover Feature Sarah Wilson

16

Stephanie Davisson PSY. D.h

54

Turning point Cancer Rehabilitation

WWW.SWEETSMAGAZINE.COM

Doux

The Largest Selling Dessert Magazine

Cocoa With Love Who wouldn't love chocolate based desserts?

We've prepared different recipes just for you!

Chef Jean Michel We've interviewed France's most loved dessert chef; Jean Michele about his recipes

W W W . D O U X F O O D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

It's All About Vanilla

Although cocoa originated in the Americas, recent years have seen African nations assuming a leading role in producing cocoa. Since the 2000s, Western Africa produces almost two-thirds of the world's cocoa, with Ivory Coast growing almost half of that.

In 2009, the Salvation Army International

BY JENNIFER STANLEY

Development Department stated that child labor and the human trafficking and slavery of child

Many candies are filled with or coated with

laborers are used in African cocoa cultivation.

sweetened chocolate, and bars of solid chocolate and candy bars coated in chocolate are eaten as snacks. Gifts of chocolate molded into different shapes (e.g., eggs, hearts) have become traditional on certain Western holidays.

Many candies are filled with or coated with sweetened chocolate, and bars of solid chocolate and candy bars coated in chocolate are eaten

Cooking everything with respect will lead to amazing tasting experiences CHEF JESS CONNELY

Chocolate has become one of the most popular

Chef Jess has been featured on numerous television,

food types and flavors in the world, and a vast

print and radio media outlets as an expert in her

number of foodstuffs involving chocolate have been

field. Most recently, Chef Jess has been featured

created, particularly desserts including cakes,

in Bean Bones Mango, & The Happy Kitchen

pudding, mousse, chocolate brownies, and

Magazines for her take on healthy recipes, featured

chocolate chip cookies.

as an expert for the fitness

Many candies are filled with or coated with

After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned,

sweetened chocolate, and bars of solid chocolate

and roasted. The shell is removed to produce cacao

and candy bars coated in chocolate are eaten as

nibs, which are then ground to cocoa mass,

snacks. Gifts of chocolate molded into different

unadulterated chocolate in rough form. Once the

shapes (e.g., eggs, hearts) have become traditional

cocoa mass is liquefied by heating, it is called

on certain Western holidays.

chocolate liquor. The liquor also may be cooled

DOUR FOOD MAGAZINE

Classic Choco Frost Cake The liquor also may be cooled and processed into its two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

Baking chocolate, also called bitter chocolate, contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter

INGREDIENTS 2

eggs

1

cup mayo

1/2

ounces choclate

1/2

cup brown sugar

1/2

cup hot water

1/2 1/4 1/2

teaspoon baking powder

teaspoon salt

2

1

cups of flour

cup cocoa powder

cup butter

DIRECTIONS The liquor also may be cooled and processed sit out for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees .

Meanwhile, grease three 8x11/2-inch round pans

Microwave semisweet chocolate in a small bowl at 50 percent power for 1 minute; stir. The shell is removed to produce cacao nibs and let dry until smooth; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; set aside.

Alternately add flour and the hot water, starting and ending with flour. Beat after each addition until just combined. Divide batter among pans.

Bake in a 350 degrees oven for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.Â

The Benefits of Chocolate

BY MICHAEL LEE

Chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world, and a vast

1

A HEALTHIER HEART

The word "chocolate" entered the English language from Spanish in about 1600. Perhaps the most cited explanation is that "chocolate" comes from Nahuatl

2

WEIGHT LOSS

number of foodstuffs involving chocolate have been

It is made in the form of a liquid, paste, or in a block,

created, particularly desserts including cakes,

or used as a flavoring ingredient in other foods.

pudding, mousse, chocolate brownies, and

Cacao has been cultivated by many cultures

chocolate chip cookies.

Many candies are filled with or coated with sweetened chocolate, and bars of solid chocolate and candy bars coated in chocolate are eaten as snacks. Gifts of chocolate molded into different

3

HAPPIER KIDS

After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. The shell is removed to produce cacao nibs, which are then ground to cocoa mass

shapes

PAGE 10

DOUX FOOD MAGAZINE

sweets THE WORLD'S #1 DESSERT MAGAZINE

DESSERTS BY TONI

FUN PARTY CAKESÂ

FROZEN TREATS

From baked goods to frozen bites, Chef Toni creates desserts that will make you crave

We've made a list of desserts you could whip up at a party, casual dinners or birthdays

Summer is near and to keep the kids cool, here are a few recipes we've collected for you

HEALTHY & ORGANIC CUPCAKES

BYÂ CHEF JAMIE LEE Dessert is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, such as dessert wine or liqueurs, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa, and most parts of China.

CUPCAKE TOPPERS

"PERFECT FOR PARTIES AND CELEBRATIONS"

BY MARIANNA PABLO Dessert is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, such as dessert wine or liqueurs, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items.

In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa, and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal.

The term "dessert" can apply to many confections, such as cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups.Â

Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savory to create desserts.

Dessert is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, such as dessert wine or liqueurs, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa, and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal or even before a meal.

The term "dessert" can apply to many confections, such as cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups.Â

"CHOCOLATE CAN MELT FASTER COMPARED TO OTHER SWEETS"

HERE FROM SOME OF THE MOST COURAGEOUS WOMEN THAT HAS UNDERGONE BREAST CANCER AND WON!

MY STORIES

TAMMY SALAMONE Tammy is a personal trainer and specializes in breast cancer recovery. She herself is a breast cancer survivor- after being diagnosed in February 2017 she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in July of that year.

T

She later endured twelve rounds of chemo and one year of tri-weekly Herceptin infusions to target her HER 2+ cancer cells.She worked out and maintained a healthy lifestyle throughout her entire journey.She is now committed to helping other breast cancer patients regain full range of motion and provide emotional and physical support.

Tammy’s other passion is being a commercial actress, model and host whenever time and opportunity allow. She has done numerous television commercials, print and hosting jobs. Her reel before diagnosis is below. She hopes to pursue this dream again soon!

MY STORY BY Letitia Gernier, PhD

Letitia Gernier, PhD, from Oakland, CA. Letitia was 35 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because she was told her insurance wouldn't cover fertility preservation services, she had to take out loans to pay for treatment. What astounded her was that the clinical offices had a shady loan company advertising with pamphlets in the office which essentially ended up being akin to a loan shark, but she didn't realize it at the time. She assumed her health providers were watching out for her best interests.

According to Letitia, They say you have better odds as a cancer patient when you're motivated to live for something and for me, I wanted kids. She now has a 2 year old and a 7 year old, but it was a really expensive process. She had to spend the money that could've been going to help raise her children on being able to have them in the first place.

CUPCAKE TOPPERS

"PERFECT FOR PARTIES AND CELEBRATIONS"

BY MARIANNA PABLO Dessert is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, such as dessert wine or liqueurs, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items.

In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa, and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal.

The term "dessert" can apply to many confections, such as cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups.Â

Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savory to create desserts.

Dessert is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, such as dessert wine or liqueurs, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa, and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal or even before a meal.

The term "dessert" can apply to many confections, such as cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups.Â

"CHOCOLATE CAN MELT FASTER COMPARED TO OTHER SWEETS"

MY STORY BY Tricia Russo

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN 2011 AT THE AGE OF THE 30 WHICH SPREAD TO HER BRAIN IN 2013 AFTER A YEAR OF TREATMENT. SHE HAS BEEN LIVING WITH STAGE 4 BREAST CANCER FOR 6 YEARS. IN 2015, TRISH FOUNDED THE CYAN GRAY HOPE FOUNDATION, A NON-PROFIT FOCUSING ON CREATING CONTENT TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AND INFERTILITY AND RAISING FUNDING FOR METASTATIC BREAST CANCER RESEARCH.. THEIR FIRST PROJECT, THE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY, LOVE ALWAYS, MOM FOLLOWS HER JOURNEY TO BUILD A FAMILY THROUGH EGG DONATION AND SURROGACY. THE FILM HAS WON NUMEROUS AWARDS SINCE ITS PREMIERE AT GEENA DAVIS' BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL IN MAY 2018 WHERE IT TOOK HOME THE AUDIENCE AWARD.

COVERAGE FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR TRICIA AS A MEDICAL ILLNESS IS ALREADY FINANCIALLY TAXING. INFERTILITY RESULTING FROM MEDICAL TREATMENT IS A DOUBLE WHAMMY. SHE KNOWS SHE WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO BUILD HER FAMILY AND FEELS IT IMPORTANT THAT OTHER'S FAMILY BUILDING DREAMS AREN'T DASHED FOR THE FINANCIAL REASONS RESULTING FROM MEDICAL ILLNESS. TRICIA RESIDES IN LOS ANGELES WITH HER HUSBAND, SCREENWRITER, GREG RUSSO, AND THEIR SON, GRAYSON.

MY STORY BY Lisa Lurie

My name is Lisa Lurie. I am a breast cancer survivor, author, patient-advocate and the co-founder of Cancer Be Glammed.

I created Cancer Be Glammed following my own frustrating recovery experience. Diagnosed with breast cancer, I underwent a double mastectomy without reconstruction, an oophorectomy, and chemotherapy. In a very short period of time I became bald, breast-less and bloated from steroids. It was soul destroying. I had excellent medical care but very little support to help me cope with the visible, body-altering challenges I faced. These included disfiguring scars, hair loss, chemo-induced weight gain, skin problems, and more

MY STORY BY Lisa Lurie

When I recovered,I co-founded Cancer Be Glammed to prepare women facing all forms of cancer for the appearancerelated changes they might face and to empower them to recover with dignity, positive self-esteem and personal style.

Cancer Be Glammed is the premier lifestyle company for women recovering from cancer. We support women from diagnosis to survivorship. From the spark of an idea, Cancer Be Glammed has grown into a company utilizing a multimedia platform with a global presence. This includes my website, dedicated YouTube channel, and recently published guidebook, Cancer Be Glammed--The Guide. “Take Charge Of Your Recovery with Confidence, Self-Esteem and Style.�

MY STORY BY Aubrey

Newlywed won't be set back by diagnosisA 31-year-old newlywed ready to celebrate life when she was diagnosed with HER2-positive early breast cancer. She advocated for herself, joined support groups and enrolled in a clinical trial that led to an FDA-approved treatment. Today she is cancer-free.Directed by her doctor, and has said the decision was a no brainer. Based on notes provided by her institution, Aubrey jumped in to advocate-mode almost immediately, joining breast cancer organizations, 5Ks, support systems, etc

MY STORY BY Anna

Recent college grad beats cancer, gets engaged, globe trots and empowers other patients Anna from Chicago was 25 years old and just two months shy of graduating from college when the professional ballerina - trained to listen to her body - knew something was wrong after a self-breast exam. Anna has become an advocate and a leader for women impacted by this disease. She got engaged in May and is planning to travel overseas for a six-month job rotation this fall.

MY STORY BY Bridgett

.�Nurse practitioner battles cancer, mentors fellow patients during cancer journey After watching her mother battle ovarian cancer, 41-year-old Bridgett knew the importance of advocating for her own health. She has been treated twice for breast cancer. The nurse practitioner and mother of three young children continues to advocate for her own health and that of others, mentoring and empowering other patients on their cancer journey.

MY STORY BY Samantha

Cancer center employee advocates for own health after breast cancer diagnosis. Persistence has been key to Samantha's journey with TNBC. A 51-year-old mom of three, Samantha was living an active lifestyle when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She advocated for her own health by enrolling in a clinical trial and empowered others as she continues working full time at a local cancer center.

MY STORY BY Cathy

Engineer supporting the Navy, who advocates for self, empowers others through clinical trial participationBusy juggling family life and her career as an engineer supporting the U.S. Navy, Cathy was 52 years old when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Cathy enrolled in a clinical trial. In part thanks to Cathy's participation in the clinical trial, a new immunotherapy is now available for other women facing this aggressive disease.

MY STORY BY Victoria

Free-spirit, determined to do all she can to beat recurrence Over the last several years, Victoria, 65, has made her home on the road. She travels the country with her husband, seeing the sights and partaking in performances with her husband's band. Victoria's go-with-the-flow attitude came to a halt when she was diagnosed with HER2-positive early breast cancer.

She immediately began treatment, and ultimately enrolled in a clinical trial for a new treatment that could help make sure her cancer wouldn't return.

MY STORY BY Jeanny Chai

5 years ago I was separated from my husband and working as a businessdevelopment lead at a Silicon Valley Start-up. I was expecting diabetesbut not breast cancer. i come from a long line of aunts who've never hadbreast cancer, but most have diabetes.I was your typical ambitious grew up in the midwest Asian American who wassupposed to be a doctor, but then dishonored her family by not going to medschool. I carried the shame and the pressure to have to do something withmy life to make up for the disgrace I brought upon my family. No matterhow much I succeeded, I still felt i wasn't good enough.

The pressurewas crippling. I told myself i was fine, until I wasn't fine. My marriagewas falling apart, I was pretty much ignoring my 4 kids (high school downto pre-school) but hell, I was going go get that MBA, become the next ElonMusk, something to prove I was good enough.

MY STORY BY Jeanny Chai

It was in these desperate times in which breast cancer came and saved theday. When I heard the words Stage 2 breast cancer, everything I wasworking faded into the background. All I could think about was my 5 yearold boy, and how desperately I wanted more time with him.I didn't know yet that I had a good chance for survival. All I knew aboutcancer was not good. My doctor told me I had not 1 but 3 tumors, and thatI had no family history of breast cancer, so this was stress-induced. If Ididn't learn how to manage my stress, she warned me that they could give methe best medicince and my immune system would not be able to fight.So I went home stressed out that I was stressed out.The next several months I tried to pass the time by binge watchingNetflix. And playing Candy Crush in med, getting through the nausea andgeneral malaise. But you can only watch so much TV and play so manygames. Near the end my brain couldn't focus anymore on these distractionsand I had to face my life.

MY STORY BY Jeanny Chai

I started to cry and admit that I was not fine. That all my life I hadlived behind the facade of being fine though my resting bitch facebetrayed me more than I admitted. I admitted I was ashamed of what I'd NOTaccomplished with my life. I admitted I was sick. I admitted I neededhelp. I admitted I was very unhappy. I admitted I was living someone else’sdream for my life. I admitted I didn’t even know who I was. I admitted Iwas full of anger and resentment. I admitted I spent my entire childhood onschool and schoolwork at the expense of family relationships and now I wasdoing the same by prioritizing my career. I admitted I didn’t know what Iwanted in life...but I knew it was NOT being a doctor. I admitted I wasscared I’d regret how I spent my time on earth.I was broken.And then something amazing happened. In the space created through therelease of admitting everything that I had felt for years, I felt atingling of something new. Could it really be…. hope? Even mixed with someexcitement? Sprinkled with gratitude?

MY STORY BY Jeanny Chai

My status quo was crumbling and it wasn’t the end of the world. Rather, itfelt as though it could be a new beginning.Becoming an advocate for your career and life designAs I was finishing up my last chemo treatments, I bought myself a petrabbit (something I’d always wanted as a child, but my very cleanrodent-phobic mother vetoed). I got my nails done at a high class salon (mymother would have called it excessive.) I bought myself a piano and joineda choir (after years of putting everyone else’s needs before my own, I knewthat music could help heal my soul). I quit my job in which I feltdisrespected and taken advantage of (and, in hindsight, allowed me to keepplaying small) and I started my own business (what I’d been dreaming aboutmy whole life). I asked for help (and didn’t feel ashamed) and spent asmall fortune getting all the help and resources I needed (without theslightest twinge of guilt.)

MY STORY BY Jeanny Chai Finally giving myself permission to say, to hell with everyone else’sopinions, I started to be my own advocate for who I REALLY am and what Iwant to create in my life. I started to live my life... and I LOVED IT!We’re talking the kind of love that challenged resting bitch face’s40-year-reign. That kind of only-child-girlbecoming-the-leader-in-her-lifekind of love – one that I could feel buzzing through me and out of me, andthat others could feel when around me.My external transformation was a reflection of my new internal reality. Forthe first time in my life, I believed that I AM ENOUGH. I am valuable as ahuman being. I belong and I matter. I was done looking for approval fromexternal sources. I had done that all my life and the only result was itcementing my resting bitch face more and more each day....and may very wellhave been the catalyst to my having Stage 2 breast cancer.My Chinese heritage taught me to be hard-working, respectful, and extremelyresilient in adversity.

MY STORY BY Jeanny Chai I love that about myself. However, having Internal Integrity means that I choose to add to them pursuit of happiness, empathy for myself and others, as well as valuing family and relationships more than achievement.Magic happens when we choose to shift “From External Expectations to Internal Integrity.”I know you’re reading this asking, “Can I have that transformation too, but without the cancer?”In any way that you’ve been taught excessive humility, selfeffacement,deference, or to keep harmony and the status quo at all costs, I want to help you create the internal transformation that empowers you to live your leadership potential.Creating a new norm begins with thinking differently. Here are the priceless things cancer taught me about re-framing cultural training to seethe foundation for creating the life YOU desire:

1.“Do what others expect of you, even if it means personal unhappiness.”BECOMES “Do what is best for you, because your happiness will fuel others’happiness.”2.“Fate deals all of us a bad hand, and our job is to suffer silently.Accept the status quo.” BECOMES “The one power stronger than fate ischoice, and you always have a choice to change the status quo.”3.“Don’t be a nuisance to anyone. To ask for help is to risk being aburden. It’s better to be invisible.” BECOMES “We all need help. Asking forhelp doesn’t make you a burden, it makes you human.”4.“Your worth as a person is only measured by your grades and whichcolleges accept you.” BECOMES “Your worth is defined on your terms – thelimit to which extends as far as you want it to go.”5.“Emotional connection and fulfillment aren’t reasonable goals. Bringingyour family honor is.” BECOMES “Honor begins with letting your heart speakthrough all of your connections and actions. It’s about being true toyourself, along with all those you love.”6.Don't settle for someone else's Dream.

Look in the mirror deeply and find out who it is that is looking back atyou. When you finally become your own advocate and design your career andlife as you want it here’s what you’ll discover: Happiness – the kind thatglows through your face each and every day. Goodbye bitch face, hello realblissful me.

The greatest lesson for me was that I realized that when I live withInternal Integrity and embrace who I really am (all of the unclaimedpotential that I carried around for so long!), I serendipitously found thealignment of joy, purpose, and peace that I’d wanted all my life. In theend, none of it came through the achievement and approval seekingculturally ingrained within me... it came when I set myself free to be me.

MY STORY BY Tricia Russo Tricia Russo from Los Angeles, CA. Tricia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 at the age of the 30 which spread to her brain in 2013 after a year of treatment. She has been living with stage 4 breast cancer for 6 years. In 2015, Trish founded The Cyan Gray Hope Foundation, a non-profit focusing on creating content to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer and infertility and raising funding for metastatic breast cancer research.. Their first project, the feature documentary, LOVE ALWAYS, MOM follows her journey to build a family through egg donation and surrogacy. The film has won numerous awards since its premiere at Geena Davis' Bentonville Film Festival in May 2018 where it took home the Audience Award. Coverage for fertility preservation is an important issue for Tricia as a medical illness is already financially taxing. Infertility resulting from medical treatment is a double whammy. She knows she was fortunate to be able to build her family and feels it important that other's family building dreams aren't dashed for the financial reasons resulting from medical illness. Tricia resides in Los Angeles with her husband, screenwriter, Greg Russo, and their son, Grayson. You can watch the film trailer at www.cyangray.org<http://www.cyangray.org>

MY STORY BY Colleen Carlson About Colleen National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach24-Year Breast Cancer SurvivorMy name is Colleen Carlson and I am a proud breast cancer survivor. In1995, at the young age of 26, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had no history, genetic testing was in its infancy, and girls my age weren't supposed to get breast cancer. I obviously did not get that memo.Within that first year I had a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and I lost all my hair. I was diagnosed with a stage 3 tumor and it was aggressive. I was scared to death but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up. I had two babies who needed a mom and I would take all the time I could getâ&#x20AC;Śa little or a lot. While I know a healthy lifestyle cannot guarantee I will never face a disease again, it certainly improves my chances. I have learned how totransition to a healthier lifestyle, on my terms, and I want to sharewhat I have learned with you.The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

MY STORY BY Letitia Gernier, PhD,

Letitia Gernier, PhD, from Oakland, CA. Letitia was 35 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because she was told her insurance wouldn't cover fertility preservation services, she had to take out loans to pay for treatment. What astounded her was that the clinical offices had a shady loan company advertising with pamphlets in the office which essentially ended up being akin to a loan shark, but she didn't realize it at the time. She assumed her health providers were watching out for her best interests. According to Letitia, They say you have better odds as a cancer patient when you're motivated to live for something and for me, I wanted kids. She now has a 2 year old and a 7 year old, but it was a really expensive process. She had to spend the money that could've been going to help raise her children on being able to have them in the first place.

MY STORY BY Keira Kotler I am a breast cancer survivor [6 years!] and the founder of Everviolet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a beautiful lingerie and loungewear collection nurturing changes in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body following treatment for breast cancer. The brand was born out of personal experience at the age of 40, and subsequent inability to find comfortable, well-fitting and attractive lingerie following my double mastectomy and is my pay-my-goodprognosis-forward mission to support other women.I would love to be considered for your podcast, as someone who has taking a challenging life situation and turned it into something good for others.Feel free to look at our collection here<https://everviolet.com/collections/all> and read more about my story here<https://everviolet.com/pages/about>.

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From Arkansas to California and Mexico to Spain, Sarah Wilson has gone to great lengths and even greater distances seeking treatment throughout her cancer journey.It all started in June of 2015, when, at the age of 36, Sarah discovered a lump in her breast while taking a shower. She immediately made an appointment with her OBGYN, who recommended that Sarah have her first mammogram.

When the mammogram confirmed a mass, her physician recommended a follow-up biopsy, which came back positive for stage 2 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), both more commonly known as breast cancer. Sarah recalls her immediate thought as, “God is with me. He had already been preparing my heart, so a sense of peace washed over me.”

Sarah’s initial peace would soon be replaced by fear when the days that followed brought increased medical visits and a proposed course of treatment. It was in these early days that Sarah says “every single human emotion rushed over me. Little did I know these emotions would follow me in the days, weeks, months and years to come.”While it was initially recommended that Sarah undergo a bilateral mastectomy, she chose instead to undergo an experimental therapy in Spain. After that alternative option failed to slow the progression of her disease, Sarah returned to have the previously recommended surgery. When Sarah‘s cancer markers peaked again in the fall of 2017, she felt it was time to get “a bit more aggressive.” This time, she headed to southern California to take an integrative path that married a low-dose chemotherapy protocol with numerous nontoxic therapies.

This new therapy, called Insulin Potentiate Therapy (IPT), had little to no noticeable side effects since the combination only used 20% of the standard dose of chemotherapy. Combined with additional immuneboosting therapies, Sarah said she finally felt normal and was even climbing mountains and swimming in the ocean.The weekly travels back and forth between Arkansas and California were paying off and her cancer markers neared normal for the first time in years. Unfortunately, that all changed when an auto-vaccine custom-made from her own cells quickly turned into a “nightmare.”

In January 2018, new tumors were discovered and her cancer markers again became elevated. She knew something was very wrong. Sarah said she was “weary of the war ahead of me. I just wanted to stick my head in the sand, and, to be honest, I kind of did. I continued to watch my markers rise month after month, but I wasn’t ready to face it either.”

It would be a few more months before she would be forced to face it head-on. In May 2018, her health declined to such a dangerous level that Sarah felt like she couldn’t breathe, her heart rate was at 135, her blood pressure plummeted and her oxygen level fell far below her normal range. She said that while she hated to admit it, “I felt like I was dying.”

It was at this point that she returned to CARTI where Dr. Gentry recommended she have full-body scans. Her pain was so bad that on the morning of her brain MRI, Sarah said “I couldn’t hold my arms up above my head in the machine. I cried out in pain throughout the entire test.

Reluctantly, I asked my husband to drive me to the emergency room, and within 24 hours we found out that I had 2.5 liters of fluid around my heart and lungs.”Simultaneously, Dr. Gentry arrived with the results of her MRI. Sarah remembers the exact word that Dr. Gentry choose to describe her current recurrence – “innumerable.” Her cancer had spread beyond her breasts to her chest, neck, bones and brain. Looking back on the moment she heard the news, Sarah says “I was so weak in the physical, but so strong of spirit. I said, ‘I hear you, Doc. I know you have to tell me, but I need you to know that is not the report of the Lord. With tears in her own eyes, I told Dr. Gentry that a stage 4 cancer is no harder for God to heal than a common cold and that I would fight it in faith.”

Under the care of Drs. Gentry and Talbert, Sarah returned to CARTI to undergo chemotherapy and multiple rounds of radiation. From July 2018 to January 2019, she did 14 radiation treatments for her brain cancer and an additional 20 treatments for her chest wall and neck. Additionally, she did five rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Today, Sarah continues to return to CARTI for infusions of Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks. As she’s navigated her cancer journey, Sarah said it was her family that kept her going. “

My Story by Sarah Wilson

I had a HUGE determination to watch my girls grow up, to see my children’s children and to fulfill the purposes of God in my life.”And while she’s been through more than one would expect at such a young age, Sarah chooses not to call herself a ‘survivor,’ and instead prefers to use the term ‘thriver.” She says, “for some reason, I’ve always associated being a “survivor” with being a victim of something. I choose instead to be a thriver. This helps me turn what could easily be a victim mindset into a victor mindset. While I know that I am going to survive this, it’s my prayer to do so while not just keeping on living, but instead living life to the fullest.”

With over a decade of experience in mental health, I have had the opportunity to provide services at some of the most well-respected hospitals in Southern California including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and City of Hope where I served patients facing a range of medical challenges including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, MS, HIV/AIDS and chronic pain. In addition to my work with medically ill patients, I have successfully worked to help clients who have presented with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, mood disorders and problems with adjustment to life challenges. Throughout my career, I have had a strong interest in supervision and training. I started as a peer-supervisor during her time at the Pepperdine University Counseling Center, Encino. I then went on to supervise and train practicum students and medical interns at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. At City of Hope, I developed, coordinated and provided supervision for the postdoctoral fellowship program in health psychology. In 2016, I returned to the Pepperdine University Community Counseling Center in Encino where I supervised students pursuing their master's degree in marriage and family therapy. In 2017, I began a training program for marriage and family therapy associates at the Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine where I have continued my work as clinical supervisor.

The AiRS Foundation is a non-profit founded by Janet Denlinger and Morgan Hare, women whose success in business motivated them to find a way to give back to our community.

To that end, they asked Dr. Rod Rohrich, the founding Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, to suggest ways he felt they could make a difference. He told them about the issues related to breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy, and that led to the beginning of establishing the AiRS Foundation.The Foundation works in partnership with physicians in the United States, providing the resources necessary to make this surgery an option for women who would not otherwise have access to breast reconstruction. We partner with health care providers, health care centers and other groups to promote this service and teach other professionals and educators to carry on this work while supporting advances in health care research.

he AiRS Foundation is a non-profit founded by Janet Denlinger and Morgan Hare, women whose success in business motivated them to find a way to give back to our community. To that end, they asked Dr. Rod Rohrich, the founding Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, to suggest ways he felt they could make a difference. He told them about the issues related to breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy, and that led to the beginning of establishing the AiRS Foundation.The Foundation works in partnership with physicians in the United States, providing the resources necessary to make this surgery an option for women who would not otherwise have access to breast reconstruction. We partner with health care providers, health care centers and other groups to promote this service and teach other professionals and educators to carry on this work while supporting advances in health care research.

OUR MISSIONThe AiRS mission is to provide women access to breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy.

We advocate for, educate, and support breast cancer survivors by raising awareness, building confidence, and restoring dignity through funding and the support of our professional network across the country.

MY STORY BY Janice Jucker

I have lots to say, but here is some stuff. I was also on the board of Susan G. Komen Houston for 6 years, so if you want anything from them, I can get you hooked up with them. I attached a photo of me with my husband who shaved his head in support of me.

I was number 10 on my mother’s maternal line to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew I was high risk, so I was diligent in my screenings translated to a quote “You are your first line of defense. You must put yourself first and get screened; otherwise, if you have breast cancer, it will never be found.”

S T E P H A N I E

D A V I D S O N P S Y . D .

I am a clinical psychologist specializing in the use of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and existential approaches to treat patients with a range of medical and mental health challenges. I have a strong interest in acceptance and commitment therapy and other mindfulness-based interventions that help to heal the body and mind. My focus is on collaboration with the goal of assisting patients in adjusting to difficult experiences and achieving a greater sense of wellbeing, balance and peace in their lives.I earned both my masters in psychology and my doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and have gained experience in a range of settings including private practice, community mental health, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Throughout my training, I have focused on gaining skills that will help people to improve their health starting in early adulthood and as their age advances.

My Story By Janice Jucker Throughout my journey, I learned that sometimes the treatment can be harder on the people around you than it is on you. Because of this revelation, I made light of the difficult situation and threw a surgery party for my husband and sister in the surgery waiting room with more than 50 of our closest friends and family members in attendance during my 11hour procedure. Someone made me a sign in book, so I was able to see who came to support my loved ones and even had a place for an uplifting note from my â&#x20AC;&#x153;partyâ&#x20AC;? attendees.

MY STORY BY

By Janice Jucker

I attribute my survivorship to the great technicians, nurse practitioners and doctors and Susan G. Komen’s commitment to ending breast cancer with their research dollars. There is a direct correlation between the inception of Susan G. Komen and breast cancer survival rate.

Additionally, Komen Houston introduced me to so many other survivors who gave me wonderful advice to take on my journey, and they went on the journey with me.

“Don’t go on this journey alone - there are so many people who want to prop you up and hold your hand, so let them - it’s okay,” said Janice.

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation improves quality of life for patients with breast cancer by providing, promoting and advocating specialized and evidence-based rehabilitation.

TurningPoint is a non-profit 501(c)3 healthcare organization.

ATurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation 8010 Roswell Road, Suite 120 Atlanta, GA 30350 Email: staff@myturningpoint.org Phone: 770-360-9271 Fax: 770-360-9276d

MY STORY BY

Jenny Saturday

I was diagnosed October 1st, 2004, with stage 3 breast cancer. I underwent biopsy/mastectomy/chemo/Herceptin/radiation all righ at Adventist Health Simi Valley. At the time, I had 4 young kids at home (11, 9, 4 and 1) and thought for sure I would miss them growing up. I have since got see 3 college/high school graduations and I’m incredibly proud of all that they have accomplished. My baby who I thought would not remember me is now a junior in high school and driving!! I love to share my story with anyone newly diagnosed, to give them hope. My famous tag line is “if I can do chemo and diapers, you can do it too!” I would say my kids inspire me and out of sheer stubbornness I refuse to let cancer take that from me. I loved the care I received here in Simi, close to my home, and the doctors were all outstanding. I went on to become VERY good friends with my chemo nurses, with whom I started a cancer support group that has now been going to 12 years! I eventually was hired by my oncologist, working my way up to office manager. I love to share my story and be an inspiration to anyone newly diagnosed. My non-profit foundation continues to help many patients every year, and is something I am also very proud to be a part of.

My Story By Jenny Saturday I loved the care I received here in Simi, close to my home, and the doctors were all outstanding. I went on to become VERY good friends with my chemo nurses, with whom I started a cancer support group that has now been going to 12 years! I eventually was hired by my oncologist, working my way up to office manager. I love to share my story and be an inspiration to anyone newly diagnosed. My non-profit foundation continues to help many patients every year, and is something I am also very proud to be a part of.

MY STORY BY Jamila Choyce

I often ask myself Why do I think it happened to me. I'm aďŹ&#x192;liated with a family that has suffered several deaths. My mother's sister and brother past away a week apart from cancer. My father's sister passed from cancer as well. Cancer seems to be in my DNA on both sides of my family mother and father.

As for me, I ended up receiving a lumpectomy in my right breast and 5 strong chemo treatment which landed me in the hospital for weeks each time. I decided to stopp my treatment after waking up in the hospital again, but this time I had a message to my doctor from God.

MY STORY BY Jamila Choyce

Sw That message was I was no longer doing anymore chemo. The doctors wanted to give me 12 more mild one, but I told the doctor God said that was it. I did 8 weeks of radiation and ended up with a big open sore under my armpit . Thank God for medi-Cal if it wasn't for them who knows. My advice to other women is to listen to your body. If it says that it can't tolerate th treatment, try something different don't let your body suffer and please always go get your breasts examined.

Always go get check-ups never let a year go by especially if you're high risk as I was. My motivation now is how can I change my situation, and that would be to continue to believe in God, trust in his word, and have lots of faith. I exercise and take good of my body and keep my mind stressed free. At this point, my soul is happy in my life. I wouldn't change anything different from what I went through. That is why I rock with success!..

Ikebana THE ART OF FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

CANDY WILLIAMS

NOTHING IN THE KISS

A NOVEL BY ALYSSA PHILLIPS

At CARTI, our mission is to promote the finest quality cancer treatment and compassionate care and to improve our knowledge through education and research.Our team of highcaliber medical, surgical and radiation oncologists and diagnostic radiologists works closely with our staff to offer patients a full range of treatment options within a single network of coordinated care.

Our services include the most advanced forms of diagnostic radiology, surgical oncology, oncology/hematology, as well as leading-edge radiation therapy.An independent, not-forprofit cancer care provider, CARTI offers state-of-the-art cancer treatment for more than 22,000 patients each year from throughout Arkansas.

CARTI offers hematology/ oncology services in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clinton, Conway, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Â Stuttgart and Russellville

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Stacy Smith-Foley MD

A Radiation therapy is provided at centers in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Searcy and Mountain Home; diagnostic radiology is also offered in Little Rock. CARTI believes treatment should be close to home and as convenient as possible.While providing the best treatment available, we also recognize it is our duty to also help remove the fear and uncertainty that can accompany any cancer diagnosis. Our Ray of Hope Patient Assistance Programs provides a broad scope of services to meet the many needs of those fighting cancer.

From Arkansas to California and Mexico to Spain, Sarah Wilson has gone to great lengths and even greater distances seeking treatment throughout her cancer journey.It all started in June of 2015, when, at the age of 36, Sarah discovered a lump in her breast while taking a shower. She immediately made an appointment with her OBGYN, who recommended that Sarah have her first mammogram. When the mammogram confirmed a mass, her physician recommended a follow-up biopsy, which came back positive for stage 2 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), both more commonly known as breast cancer.

Sarah recalls her immediate thought as, “God is with me.

He had already been preparing my heart, so a sense of peace washed over me.” Sarah’s initial peace would soon be replaced by fear when the days that followed brought increased medical visits and a proposed course of treatment. It was in these early days that Sarah says “every single human emotion rushed over me. Little did I know these emotions would follow me in the days, weeks, months and years to come.”

have your cake AND EAT IT TOO

STACY PARKER

NOTHING BEATS YOU FIRST LOVE

THIRTEEN REASONS TO FORGET YOU

After falling head-over-heels with Paul and getting her heart broken, can Jenny still move on?

BY SUSAN WILLIAMS