I am a cancer survivor of 19 years. Throughout the years, I have experienced being a cancer patient, survivor, caretaker and advocate. Each of these experiences helped me to gain the insight necessary to understand the importance of advocacy.

In January 1991, I was diagnosed with stage IVB mixed cell lymphoma that had advanced to my organs and bone marrow. Oncologists gave me between a 10% to 20% chance of survival if I made it through all treatments, with a life expectancy of up to five years. I had just celebrated my 27th birthday and had a nine-week-old baby girl and a two-year-old little boy to care for. Both of my parents died of cancer when I was a teenager. I experienced a tremendous amount of guilt and anxiety over the possibility of leaving my children motherless. I was so weak I could barely hold my own skeleton up without the assistance of a cane.

My husband and I pursued medical opinions from four different oncologists, who each recommended a different chemotherapy protocol. I wanted to make a well-informed decision before deciding on treatment, but didn’t have the luxury of time. I ended up selecting a combination of two very aggressive chemotherapy options.  

After the fourth cycle of treatment, I asked my oncologist to order CAT scans so I could know if the treatment was helping. At first, he was reluctant and wanted to wait until I completed all eight cycles. With a little persistence, I was able to persuade him to order them. To everyone’s surprise and amazement, there was no trace of cancer! I had been on chemotherapy for only four months. I agreed to take two more preventative cycles, and never needed the radiation or bone marrow transplant.

As a teenager, I was a caretaker for family members that died of cancer, including my parents. I was determined to fight for my life and researched a variety of ways to enhance the healing process. I studied terminal cancer patient survival stories and incorporated their advice in my healing game plan. I used a hybrid of both, conventional medicine and alternative therapies. I didn’t have access to the Internet at the time and my ability to do independent research was limited. I used the assistance of my primary care physician, reference librarian and cancer organization networks. I incorporated macrobiotic & organic foods, juicing green vegetables, cancer healing guided imageries, meditation, seaweed baths, vitamins & minerals, advice from cancer survivors, a lifestyle change, a cancer healing support system, a positive attitude and I relied upon my own intuition. We were living on a tight budget, so all the alternative therapies I used had to be little to no cost.

I organized (and continue to do so) my own medical information including: family history, scheduling tests & surgeries, maintaining radiology & pathology reports with films, record of treatments, side effects, list of medications with dosages, drugs that cause allergic reactions, etc. While battling cancer, I endured physical and emotional distress. I have successfully dealt with a multitude of health care issues that were related to the aftermath of cancer and its treatment.

Advocates play a very special and important role in society: They foster change. Everyone needs a champion in their life at one time or another. I know I did. Advocates fight for the rights of those in need. When I was battling cancer, I was thankful to those who advocated on my behalf. As an advocate, I feel a sense of responsibility to share information that can help others. Advocacy, like a seed, may start small, but can grow and spread its seeds.A very wise friend once told me, “If you can help one person, just one person, by sharing information, then you’ve accomplished something wonderful!”