MONDAYS AT RACINE a film by Cynthia Wade

FIGHTING CANCER CREATIVELY

“When your life is at stake, why is losing your hair so hard?”

The power of movies is amazing. Cancer representation is incredibly important and often overlooked. Mondays at Racine is a movie that really does it right! Thank you Cynthia Wade!

Click Here To Visit The Movie Website

www.thewhyfoundation.org

Power of Music Mondays: "Falling and Flying"

Power of Music Mondays

by Allison W. Gryphon

“The air’s so heavy, it could drown a butterfly, if it flew too high.”

Going through chemo, music was a life raft for me. Not far into treatment, I was introduced to the song Falling and Flying by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.  It was an instant connection. I felt understood. Walking on that high wire between life and death is truly falling and flying all at once.

Sometimes I’d be sitting in the chair, watching the poison drip, wondering what it was doing to by body, and I’d put this song on repeat and just let go... it got me through more than a few scary moments.

Click Here to listen to Falling and Flying from the album This Is Somewhere.

Click Here to visit the official website of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.

"Falling Or Flying"

We got lost again

Drove to the end of a road

And a red aced man

Taught us to do what we're told

And on the 23rd night

Things ain't bad but things ain't right

Are we falling or flying

Are we falling or flying

Are we living or dying

I guess we'll never know

The air's so heavy

It could drown a butterfly

If it flew too high

And i get the feeling

That the truck driver ain't shy

Cause he's looking at me but nowhere near my eyes

And on the 35th morning

Things ain't good but things ain't boring

Are we falling or flying

Are we falling or flying

Are we living or dying

I guess we'll never know

Sometimes it's hard tot ell

If there's a life behind a song

But i know tomorrow

Today won't feel so long

Cause on the 42nd night

The room was dark but the stage was bright

Are we falling or flying

Are we falling or flying

Are we living or dying

Cause my friend this too shall pass

So play every show like it's your last

About Power of Music Mondays

I received many gifts while I was going through my cancer fight. They were all amazing and helpful. What stands out to me more than anything is music. The songs and playlists I was sent became a huge part of my treatment. It’s the one thing you can always have close by. It can turn you around and slip itself around your soul to make everything ok, if even just for a moment. Looking back, I'm not sure how I would have done without it. ~Allison

The Power of Music is extraordinary. The right song can inspire, empower, comfort and redirect anyone. Cancer fighters and their families are no exception.

Every Monday, The Why? Foundation will celebrate a song and an artist that has given us a musical gift.

If you have a song that has helped you or someone you know fight the fight, we want to hear about it. Please send an email to info@thewhyfoundation.org with your story and your song.

Power of Music Mondays: “Into The Mystic”

Power of Music Mondays

by Allison W. Gryphon

“Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic.”

Cancer is hard. Treatment is harder. Being sliced into, doused with the chemicals from chemotherapy, burned through and through with radiation and stripped of my being down to the core, both physically and emotionally, brought me to a level of life I never knew existed. All that remained was the true me.

I have never been so aware of my soul.

There was nothing scarier than the journey that got me there and no words to describe the bliss of arriving in that state of life in its purest form. Total freedom.

In this song, one that has rocked my gypsy soul for as long as I can remember, I found comfort and release throughout my cancer battle, in knowing that I finally understood what it was to step into the mystic.

Click Here to purchase “Into the Mystic” from the album Moondance on iTunes.

Click Here to visit Van Morrison’s official website.

"Into The Mystic"

We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic
Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

And when that fog horn blows I will be coming home
And when the fog horn blows I want to hear it
I don't have to fear it

And I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And magnificently we will flow into the mystic

When that fog horn blows you know I will be coming home
And when that fog horn whistle blows I got to hear it
I don't have to fear it

And I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And together we will flow into the mystic
Come on girl...

Too late to stop now...

About Power of Music Mondays

I received many gifts while I was going through my cancer fight. They were all amazing and helpful. What stands out to me more than anything is music. The songs and playlists I was sent became a huge part of my treatment. It’s the one thing you can always have close by. It can turn you around and slip itself around your soul to make everything ok, if even just for a moment. Looking back, I'm not sure how I would have done without it. ~Allison 

The Power of Music is extraordinary. The right song can inspire, empower, comfort and redirect anyone. Cancer fighters and their families are no exception. 

Every Monday, The Why?Foundation will celebrate a song and an artist that has given us a musical gift.

If you have a song that has helped you or someone you know fight the fight, we want to hear about it. Please send an email to info@thewhyfoundation.org with your story and your song.

WHAT DOES CHEMOTHERAPY LOOK LIKE?

CANCER ANSWER TUESDAYS

from Allison W. Gryphon, Stage 3a Breast Cancer Survivor

photographs by Mary Elizabeth Gentle

“I didn’t know chemo came in a bag.” my dear friend Scott said to me a bit amazed. Yes. Chemo comes in a bag. I didn’t know either until I was looking at the bag with my name on it. Chemo also comes in pill form. There are over 70 types of chemotherapy drugs. My chemo therapy came in the form of a drip and was administered in my medical oncologist's office once every three weeks. Each appointment was around 7 hours give or take. I had a total of six chemotherapy sessions over a period of 4 ½ months.

 

I received my chemotherapy treatment at the same time as five other people. We all shared the same big room with a very attentive staff and were given a bit of privacy with the movable walls you see here.

As simple as it seems, this little monitor keeps tabs on the administration of the chemotherapy. The monitor and the chemo, for me, were all on one rolling stand so I could move around throughout the day if I wanted to.

Each chemotherapy station in my oncologist's office had a television and a piece of artwork that I could escape into on the wall. One of the most wonderful things provided was a movie, library so that anyone who wanted to pass the time and lose themselves in a movie could. One of the things I’ve been doing since my chemo experience is collecting new and used DVDs, CDs and VHS tapes that people are getting rid of and donating them to my oncologist's office. It's one of those little things anyone can do that helps a lot.

Needle in. Chemo on. First the oncology nurse would find a good vein in my arm. She would then thread the needle, meaning that she would get the tubing in and then take the needle out. One thing I was afraid of was sitting with a needle in my hand. I think it’s good for people to know that is not how it works. I had no idea. Once the plastic tube is in to administer the chemo, the needle is removed. This process was not the most pleasant in the world for me. I made a habit of turning my head away and talking to someone or putting on music and closing my eyes while the nurse prepped my arm for chemo.

For me, once the chemo began it was a fairly simple process. I never felt bad the day of treatment. It was always a few days later when I started feeling the effects of the drugs.

 

The day before, on and after chemo, I took a steroid to help diminish some of the side effects. The side effect of the steroid was weight gain and the puffy face you see here. That surprised me having been raised in a society that primarily shows chemotherapy associated with weight loss. It was not something that I was prepared for.

Watching the drip. It’s weird. Surreal. Sometimes scary. The thing about chemo was it provided a lot of time to think. It was hours of contemplation every three weeks. I did my best to keep it “me” time and really embrace that I had an entire day with my feet up to write, read, watch movies and TV and learn more about my treatment from my wonderful doctors and nurses.

Each chemotherapy station in my oncologist's office had a comfortable chair with a foot rest and many settings which allowed me to be as comfortable as possible during the process.

As a writer, the process of writing is my outlet. I learned from many of the other people I was in treatment with that even people who don’t normally write do so as an outlet. My hospital even offered free writing therapy classes as an emotional support for anyone fighting cancer.

Pillows. I felt strange with the chemo running through my body. It’s a tough one to describe, but I will say I found pillows to be a wonderful tool for feeling more comfortable and relaxed. I often had one in my lap to rest my arms and under my knees to ease the stress I was feeling on my back.


For more on chemotherapy, please visit Cancer Answers at www.thewhyfoundation.org


Cancer Answer Tuesdays 

What can I do about metal mouth? What is a good gift for a cancer fighter? How do they do radiation tattoos? How can I prepare surgery? What should I say to someone I work with who was just diagnosed? How am I going to get through today?

Every Tuesday, The Why? Foundation will present a small, but big cancer question and answer about fighting cancer day-to-day, hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute.

If you have a question or helpful tip, we want to hear about it. Please email us at info@thewhyfoundation.org.

Eating & Cancer: 8 Food Questions with Survivor, Allison W. Gryphon

by Jessie Losch

Because of the overwhelmingly positive response to our last post on this topic, Allison W. Gryphon is back, and this time she's tackling food, nutrition, and how to eat for healing. Once a month, cancer warrior advocate-turned-filmmaker, Allison W. Gryphon, will be answering your questions on how to stay healthy and happy: before, during and after treatment - and no topic is off-limits!

Click below to read the complete interview at sadierae + co.
Eating & Cancer: 8 Food Questions with Survivor, Allison W. Gryphon

SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT AND DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER – HOW ONE WOMAN FOUND THE “SWEET SPOTS OF CANCER”

THE WHY? FOUNDATION - TOUCHSTONE THURSDAY

by Alia Tarraf

“I felt like I was really living before I got cancer.  But now I'm living in full color.  Just yesterday I drove ten hours round trip to surprise my husband at the finish line of his 100-mile Best Buddies bike race [for children with Down syndrome] he did in honor of our daughter, Sadie.  I brought Sadie with me.  It was a surreal adventure that I would have never thought about doing before the cancer.  It was an easy decision to drive the distance just to see Todd's face when he crossed the finished line.  I'm incredibly thankful to be a girl with an attitude of gratitude.  I'm now seeing all my lemons turn to lemonade and life is so sweet.”

Heidi Virkus, a vibrant stay-at-home 39-year old mother of three, was seven months pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was early in the morning.  Her mother-in-law had just arrived to help her with the kids.  Ten days earlier she had found a lump that both she and her OB thought was just her mammary glands getting ready to produce milk.  Her mother-in-law had just shut the door when the phone rang.  It was Heidi’s doctor.  Everything stopped.  Heidi quickly walked into the garage, her full belly carrying her unborn child, and came undone. 

Already fighting Crohn’s disease, Heidi had to decide whether or not to have chemo during her last trimester.  What would it do to her healthy baby?  What would it do to her family?  She decided she had to take the chance in order to live.  So she could be there for her other children, Sam (8), Sophie (5), Sadie (3), her adoring husband, Todd, and the baby on the way.

After Heidi’s fourth chemo session, she gave birth to an unscathed, perfect little baby girl named Sarah surrounded by her cheering committee.  Two weeks later, she started another four rounds of chemo.  When that ended, she had a double mastectomy.  Then later, a total hysterectomy.  And after all that, she had final breast reconstruction.  Through it all, Heidi’s faith, family and friends lifted her up and helped her fight through, especially Sadie.  Sadie acts as an anti-depressant, teaching Heidi, along with her husband and other children, more about herself than anything or anyone ever could.

WHAT KIND OF CANCER DID YOU FIGHT?

I had breast cancer. It was an isolated tumor that did not spread to the nodes.

IS THERE A HISTORY OF CANCER IN YOUR FAMILY?

My aunt has ovarian cancer and my paternal grandparents had both lung and colon cancer.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CANCER CAME FROM?

No, possibly my dad’s side.  I lived on the edge for many years, abusing my body and mind with behaviors that could have contributed, but I'm really not sure.

DID YOU THINK YOU WERE AT RISK?

No.  I have been eating healthy for the past sixteen-plus years, meditating daily and living an anti-cancer lifestyle.

WHAT WAS YOUR RECOVERY FROM SURGERY AND TREATMENT LIKE?

The anticipation was worse than the actual treatment.  I take longer to heal because I have Crohn’s disease.  The hardest part of the healing was after the double mastectomy.  I have a high threshold for pain but the drains and wounds gave me debilitating pain.  Losing my hair and lashes was incredibly humbling, especially for someone like me who is slightly hair-obsessed.  I love hair and makeup.

DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM TREATMENTS OR SURGERY?

Yes.  I used and still use acupuncture for the side effects which include: sensitive teeth, numb extremities, nausea, exhaustion, insomnia, light sensitivity, joint pain and hair loss.

WHAT IS YOUR MEDICAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE NOW?

Visiting my oncologist and surgeons every six months.

HOW IMPORTANT DID YOU FIND DIET AND EXERCISE IN GETTING THROUGH TREATMENT AND SURGERY?

Early in my chemo treatments, I exercised but as the chemo built up in my system, and the more pregnant I became, I just didn’t have the energy anymore.  I fed my body three square meals a day, all with anti-cancer foods.  The food was fuel and medicine.

HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THE DAY-TO-DAY OF YOUR CANCER FIGHT?

I was armed with the support of my friends, family and fellowship.  I was completely taken care of.  I surrendered to the healing process, but fought the cancer with everything I had.  I surrounded myself with positive people, asked for help, let people help me and actually enjoyed many moments.  I’ve thought about writing a book called the “Sweet Spots of Cancer” because I was so surprised that I embraced the process with looking for the good.  

HOW DID YOU FIGHT CANCER EMOTIONALLY?

My anti-depressants were my kids, especially pure and sweet Sadie.  I just had and do have so much to live for.  Even knowing that my unborn child needed me kept me going.  My hubby and I grew closer.  I continued to do as much life as I could.  Practicing my faith and belief in God helped tremendously.  I already had walked through having a special needs child. We knew we could handle cancer.

WHAT DOES BEING A SURVIVOR FEEL LIKE?

I am woman.  Hear me roar!  I am tougher than I thought.  It’s just such a huge relief. On the other hand, it’s super hard to readjust to “normal” life.  I’ve had a whirlwind of a year and during that time I had a baby too!  It’s almost like I’m waking up and saying, “Oh, wow, when did this fourth kid come and live here?”.   The calm after the storm with just gray days are actually sometimes more difficult than the high drama of the past cancer-fighting year.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER CANCER FIGHTERS?

Take good care of yourself.  Not just for you, but for the people around you.  Ask for help.  Sleep.  Write.  Shop a little.  Go on walks.  Watch TV.  Read.  Talk.  Cry.  Cry some more.  Laugh.  Eat Well.  Pray.  Thank.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSION?

Keep an open mind to new treatments and ideas.  Anything is possible.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS OF CANCER FIGHTERS?

Buckle your seatbelts and put your own oxygen mask on first.  I made sure my husband and family were not completely putting their lives on hold.  Find healthy outlets.  You’re fighting this together.  It’s sometimes harder for the caregiver than even the patient.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FUTURE?  WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS?

I want to live until I’m 120 years old.  I had kids a little later in life so I want to be a fully functional grandma someday.  I just want to be healthy and enjoy watching my kids grow up and make life choices that support healthy and happy living.  I have become more of a giver because of this process.  The people in my life poured money, food, time, energy and love my way when I was sick.  It’s time to give back.

FOR YOU IN ONE WORD, WHAT IS CANCER?

Life.

SMILE FOR CANCER FIGHTERS!

Click here to visit The Why? Foundation

and add your smile to our WALL OF SMILES

www.thewhyfoundation.org/wall-of-smiles/

Breast Cancer Survivor’s Battle, Allison W. Gryphon

In this video, author and filmmaker Allison W. Gryphon spoke with Lisa Schneider-Cipriano, host of Breast Cancer Answers, sharing her breast cancer experience and how she battled back against the disease. Allison explains how she used diet, exercise and positive attitude to get her to where she is today, disease free.
http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/allison-w-gryphon-breast-cancer-survivors-battle/