breast cancer

Rich-a Deeply Grateful Man with 3 Cancers

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Men: Get Health Screenings

Rich, Deanne & their grandchildren.

“Having colon cancer was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”

Rich, 58, husband to Deanne, father to Kayla and Brandon, and grandfather to five, believes colon cancer saved his life.

Like many German ancestry, farm-raised North Dakotan males, Rich grew up in the “no blood no foul” era where if something hurt you believed you could walk it off and everything would be okay.  He’d convince himself he overlifted or it had been a while since he lifted something that heavy, so it made sense he was hurting.

Yet, Rich has been getting annual wellness exams for about 25 years. These were the only doctor visits he had as he hasn’t had many health concerns in his life.

He was proud of never having a sick day at work since April 2008.

Older and wiser and both a cancer patient & survivor he is learning to stop toughing it out and listen to his body…a work in progress.

He urges men to pay attention to their health, always.

You Have Cancer

Rich’s first colonoscopy was at age 52. (Now recommended that those at average risk of colorectal cancer get screened at age 45.) Colorectal Cancer Guideline | How Often to Have Screening Tests | American Cancer Society.

In March 2025, Rich, now 57, was feeling good and thought he could forgo the five-year colon cancer screening because he was “feeling fine and didn’t have any issues”.  Deanne, a breast cancer survivor, felt otherwise insisting he keep this appointment.

No polyps were found during the colonoscopy.

Instead, a tumor was discovered. The doctor was almost certain it was cancerous.

Rich was in disbelief. “I kept telling myself I had nothing to worry about. He must be mistaken. I have no symptoms. I feel well. This isn’t cancer.”

He was wrong.

Biopsy results indicated cancer. “The straightforwardness of the doctor saying I had cancer was hard to hear.”.

Thereafter, a flurry of appointments followed, including meeting with a surgeon and scheduling his first-ever CT scan.

CT Finds Other Issues

Rich and Deanne were taken aback with the CT results which yielded a laundry list of findings.

His surgeon explained Rich not only had colon cancer he had:

  • Lesions on both kidneys
  • Two hernias
  • Gallstones
  • Fatty liver
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Lung nodules

Together they prioritized his care and on April 17, 2025, he underwent colon cancer surgery. 

Afterwards, guided by a hospital nutritionist, he learned to make food choices that were less stressful on his newly routed colon.

Two days later, he walked out of the hospital.

Days later he met with the surgeon’s PA for a post-op appointment followed by an oncology appointment. Here he received the best news so far in his journey: His colon cancer was detected so early it was coded Stage 1. Removal was all he would need for treatment.

He was colon cancer free.

Rich felt both a sense of gratitude and relief.

In July 2025, he had one of two hernias surgically repaired. The groin hernia repair, since it was not bothersome, was postponed.

Kidneys & Prostate

A six-month CT scan in October 2025 to check on the colon healing process showed the kidney lesions remained.

In January 2026, Rich had surgery to remove three of them from his right kidney. These were all Oncocytomas-non cancerous growths.  Renal Oncocytoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.

The left kidney lesions were needle biopsied on November 12, 2025. One is cancerous.

UPDATE: On May 19, 2026, he had a Cryoablation procedure to freeze the cancerous tumor on his left kidney. Doctors hope the tumor gets to a point where it looks like a scar on his kidney.

A prostate biopsy in December 2025 showed that one or two of the 12 samples returned with cancer cells in them. These were caught so early that they did not even appear on the MRI that was done prior to the biopsy. Today, his medical team is continuously monitoring this matter.

Coping

Rich admits that as a male of German heritage he is inclined to keep his emotions internal. However, he was frustrated by the initial colon cancer diagnosis.

“I did have days where keeping my emotions internal was not easy and that was okay. I knew I needed to release them. I would cry when the weight of what I was going through hit me.”

“I am surrounded by super supportive immediate and extended family and friends. My work and my coworkers help me get through these days by just keeping my mind from overthinking all of the diagnoses.”

“As a male, I quickly moved into the “how do we fix this” and “who do we need to meet with to ensure it is fixed phase.”

Through time Rich has progressed to believing he is “blessed and that his life is in God’s hands.”

He understands how fortunate he is to have listened to his wife Deanne and followed through with the routine colonoscopy and the CT scan.

These tests were early detection screenings for all the medical matters he is now managing.

New Normal

Figuring out this new normal is the only challenge Rich admits to facing today. “For instance, what is my new pain level? Is this side pain a kidney issue or a ‘getting old’ pain, or something else?”

A sense of humor is mandatory for a complete recovery.

Rich says his post-surgical recovery has been “very easy. I haven’t had much pain. Though my abdominal area looks like I have been wrestling a grizzly bear with 13 scars and counting!”

As a manager for a less-than-truckload company who manages weighing of freight as well as ensuring the company is being paid what it is owed for hauling it, Rich has been blessed by an employer’s understanding of his medical appointments and conditions.

 “Other than having to now keep a calendar of both work and medical appointments, there have been no changes to my professional life.”

He has changed his daily habits by:

  • Eliminating most sodas and alcohol
  • Increasing water intake
  • Reducing bread from his diet
  • Eating more digestible foods like yogurts and applesauce
  • Paying more attention to his health and body
  • Attempting to worry less about work since he is not yet at retirement age
  • Changing his attitude about “toughing it out”
  • Learning to be comfortable with his life and his death

“I have not had to give anything up other than what I decide to remove or cut back on.”

And his greatest joy continues to be being surrounded by his family, watching his grandchildren and assuring them “I will be alright.”

Biggest Lessons Learned

A reflective Rich shared the lessons learned on his journey to date.

 They are:

1. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should-Lifting, jumping, etc. “I wish I wouldn’t have jumped off so many trucks and trailers over the years. It doesn’t help with my pain.”

2. Listen to your body. It might be telling you something you don’t want to hear.  Or telling you something that can save your life.

3.  Don’t be afraid to ask medical professionals questions. Then, listen to them. They are there to help.

4.  You are stronger than you think when dealing with recovery.

5.  The earlier you catch what ails you, the easier the plan.

6. When in doubt, get it checked out.

To Do

  • Schedule and follow through on annual wellness exams and screenings
  • Find a medical team, starting with your primary doctor, that recommends routine checks and closely follows your care.
  • Know your family history. Share yours with your extended and immediate family.
  • Listen to your body. Get anything unusual checked out.
  • Put fear aside. Medical advances are amazing and rapid. Cancer does not need to be scary.

“My one-year appointments are coming up.

I will be thanking my doctor for saving my life.

My colon cancer was caught early. My kidney issues and prostate cancer were caught early. These are all wonderful things when it comes to cancer.

I am forever grateful for that colon cancer screening.”

Additional Reading

Cancer Facts for Men | American Cancer Society

10 cancer symptoms men shouldn’t ignore | UT MD Anderson

15 First Signs of Cancer in Men: Quick Guide to Early Symptoms

Understanding men’s health risks: Why many avoid the doctor’s office, according to a UCLA urologist – Urology | UCLA Health

Men’s Health | Why Men Skip the Doctor | Dignity Health

Experts Tell Us This Is Why Men Avoid Going to the Doctor

Livestrong at the YMCA – Livestrong

Share your questions, words of encouragement & support and/or comments for Rich below.

No part of this piece was AI generated.

©​April 2026 Linda Leier Thomason. All Rights Reserved.

Cancer is Now Part of My Life

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ 11 Comments

Though It Doesn’t Define Me

It’s not true to say, “I never thought cancer would happen to me” because I don’t think like this.

But it is very true to say, “I was completely caught off guard.”

Since early September 2025, I have been managing a breast cancer diagnosis like 59,000 others diagnosed this year with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)-a non-invasive form of cancer. Breastcancer.org  Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Summers are busy. As ours was ending, I felt exhausted. I looked worn out. I attributed this to a level of physical and social activity that brought me great joy. So, I blamed my lack of energy on age and activity level.

I was wrong.

Mammograms

August 4th Annual Screening Mammogram

I calmly strolled into Omaha’s CHI Lakeside Hospital for a routine screening mammogram on August 4th. This year I also had my biennial DEXA bone scan. Before leaving, the radiologist spoke to me about suspicious areas on my breast scan. I agreed to a follow-up diagnostic mammogram on the 20th. Again, I didn’t panic. Several years ago, I also had to have additional screenings. All with no worrisome outcomes.

 This year it was different.

The radiologist shared the enlarged images and areas of concern. I grew troubled looking at the scattered calcifications.

I was super relieved to hear this was caught in a very early stage and grateful for my commitment to annual screenings.

Admittedly, I left in a daze.

So much information was given in a rapid pace.

Sadly, healthcare professionals dispense this news frequently. All of this was new to me.

My absorption wasn’t keeping pace with their information flow. I was still stuck silently asking myself “How?”  I didn’t recall any breast pain or discharges. There were no lumps.

I’ve learned DCIS doesn’t generally cause symptoms.

Timing Matters

Coincidentally, I was becoming Medicare eligible on September 1st. The timing was one of the many blessings on this health journey.

We likely wouldn’t be overburdened by costs while managing the cancer.

After a celebratory trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada to mark my 65th birthday, a stereotactic breast biopsy was done on September 8th. Stereotactic breast biopsy: What happens, results, and outlook

Not to minimize the seriousness for being at CHI Lakeside Radiology, but ‘amazing’ is how I described this procedure. The technology combined with the medical staff was super impressive.  I only wish I could observe the procedure in progress and not as the patient lying prone as the biopsy is being performed.

Cancer Confirmed

Pathologists did their job.

A week later my diagnosis was confirmed.

 Next, began a rapid succession of appointments and what I call my breast cancer process or journey began.

Meet the Team

September 23rd at 7:30AM my husband of 33 years, Ken, and I sat in a room inside the Lakeside Breast Health Center awaiting conversations with my “team.”

And, what a remarkable team it has been.

Seven members including a surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, nurse practitioner, social worker, nurse navigator, and an occupational therapist each spoke to us about my diagnosis, treatment plan and schedule. They patiently and completely answered our questions and concerns.

The morning was overwhelming. Yet, I’d do it this way all over again. It saved us from traveling to multiple locations throughout Omaha meeting with these practitioners individually.

Multiple Detours

A journey is seldom a straight line and mine certainly isn’t. I combined my initial Medicare wellness exam with my pre-op physical on September 30th.

What the heck?

I failed the EKG twice!

I traveled alone to Creighton University’s Bergan Mercy October 6th in the hard-driving rain to get fitted for post-surgical bras, a gift granted to CHI and graciously accepted by me.

If I had been approaching my diagnosis with disbelief, this experience awakened me to reality. I left with two custom fit bras, unlike any others in my wardrobe.

A few days later, October 9th, Ken and I returned to Bergan Mercy.

We met with Dr. Issa Asfour, a cardiologist fellow and outstanding practitioner. And, after a successful exam and ECHO, he weaned me off of a heart prescription I’d been on since 1983.

I left thinking I was now surgery ready.

Wrong.

I was seen by an internist October 10th as my right toe became inflamed. Why? Just why?

No one knows.

After antibiotics and endless Epsom Salt soaks, I was infection free and cleared another hurdle for the October 17th lumpectomy.

Managing Life & Cancer

Life continues between endless medical appointments.

Emotions bounce all over the place. I know this as I’ve journaled my experience.

There was a first-time professional family photo session, a daughter-in-law’s birthday, a son’s birthday, holidays and tons of other social and business matters to tend to.

The online forms and paperwork and scheduling seemed endless.

I’m now officially retired.

I wondered how those working full-time cope with both the diagnosis and all of the “business of the disease”.  

Seeded & Operated

A mag seed marker was placed in my right breast by a radiologist and her outstanding team on October 16th at Lakeside’s Breast Health Center. This marker helped surgeon, Dr. McNamara, locate and remove tissue during surgery the next day.

Again, the technology and procedure were fascinating. Lumpectomy Surgery with Magseed® | Patient Resources

We arrived at Lakeside’s Outpatient Surgery Center at 5:30AM for the lumpectomy.

My journal entry at 4:12AM that day reveals I awakened at 2:30, took a shower and prepared to leave. “I have a celebratory feeling within me, which may seem unusual for someone heading to a hospital for a lumpectomy. This diagnosis and process have been long and sometimes overwhelming. Now being close to this finish line feels like something to applaud. I feel embraced by all of the prayers being put out there for me today. I know they will also touch my medical team.”

Support & Contact Matter

I initially was deliberate in holding this diagnosis to a very small circle of family and friends.

Those that knew were relentless in their support.

My gratitude for their texts, calls, flowers, food, cards, offers to drive and/or run errands, gifts and prayers is endless.

Going through cancer is both overwhelming and lonely.

Sitting in prescribed isolation is isolating. Speaking to others on the phone or via Facetime is rehabilitating.

This experience has taught me a lot about how to support others with their health challenges.

Leading with compassion and kindness for others is important. So many carry invisible burdens.

I also gained some self-respect through this process. A cancer journey is not easy. Going through it and all of the detours awakened my internal strength and persistence. I might even have more self-compassion resulting from this journey.

CHI Lakeside does offer support groups and one-on-one counseling during one’s journey.

Ken and I attended a Thanksgiving luncheon for breast cancer survivors sponsored by this department. We found it informational and a valuable use of our time.

Recovery

The best medicine for me is not in a pill bottle but rather the presence and genuine embraces of loved ones.

Our Omaha based son and his family, including grandsons aged two and four, visited the day after surgery. I was guided on an outdoor walk by toddlers, which most certainly advanced my healing. 😊

Ken assumed many household chores and responsibilities while continuing to work as a Certified Financial Planner.

I saw the weariness and devotion to “in sickness and in health.”

As with most surgeries, there were restrictions. I followed them closely.

Post Surgical

October 28th, Ken and I met with oncologist Dr. Geetha Palaniappan at Nebraska Cancer Specialists. We had an initial discussion on hormone blocking medications, but another detour was necessary prior to beginning such treatment. My bones were uncooperative.

We saw surgeon, Dr. Michael McNamara, on Halloween.

All were pleased with my progress and healing.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation
Stellar radiation therapists
Dr. Hadi Zahra & Nurse Maureen

Dr. Hadi Zahra, radiation oncologist, met with us on November 10th to discuss the radiation plan. We were relieved that only five sessions were necessary.

Take a win when one is given.

A routine dental cleaning on November 20th indicated I had an abscessed upper left molar that needed excision.

Another healthcare detour in the 4th quarter of 2025.

Admittedly, I was frustrated with the compounding breakdowns but plunged ahead knowing any tantrum wouldn’t advance my cause.

My mantra: One step. One day at a time. It’s a process and a journey.

Ken accompanied me to all but two radiation appointments. Our son, Alex, covered for the others.

While one does not need a driver, the moral support was deeply appreciated.

On November 24th a CT simulation was completed at Bergan Mercy. This produces a scan used to plan the angles and shapes of the radiation beams for treatment. A mold of my head was also made for positioning.  A CT scan was taken. Skin markings/tattoos were placed on my skin using a sterile needle to deliver the pin-size drop of ink. These marks act as landmarks to help with positioning during radiation sessions.

Radiation sessions are painless and, in my case, lasted about five minutes on December 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10th. Each Wednesday we met with Dr. Zahra to get a progress report.

I celebrated “graduating” from radiation on the 10th along with the certificate they awarded me.

This is a journey.

Another finish line crossed.

Ken’s presence & support immeasurable
Radiation Graduation Day!

In the interim, on November 26th, I met with oral surgeon, Dr. Engel, who agreed to extract the abscessed tooth on December 16th. This was not a pain-free procedure as radiation was, but a very necessary one.

CHI Nurse Navigator, Nicole, worked on my behalf to obtain another antibiotic to treat an infection that now appeared on my left big toe.

I have to admit that when this toe redness appeared now on the other foot, it was the first time I was both mad and frustrated during this entire journey.

Prior, I kept all of this very businesslike.

One step down on an action plan.

Next.

I felt God was giving me a ton of credit for thinking I’m capable of carrying all of these maladies at one time.

But I was momentarily mad.

Bones Complicate

Anyone who knows me knows I slant to the left. Not politically, structurally.

I’ve dealt with scoliosis since my teenage years.

I’ve had DEXA bone scans since 2002. These scans measure bone mineral density and assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. I’ve been skirting the osteopenia and osteoporosis line for a number of years.

On the same day I discovered I had DCIS I learned my bones crossed over to osteoporosis.

This complicates matters for oncologists because many hormone blocking medications have negative effects on bones.

Dr. Geetha, oncologist, rightfully referred me to endocrinologist Dr. Radha Andukuri at Women’s Methodist for a consultation Ken and I attended December 18th.

Additional blood work on December 19th confirmed high bone turnover and need for medications. The Treatment and Monitoring of Osteoporosis using Bone Turnover Markers | Published in Orthopedic Reviews

So, while my breast cancer journey is nearing the conclusion of Phase 1, my new bone journey is just beginning.

I’m grateful for the cooperation and communication between endocrinologist Dr. Andukuri and oncologist Dr. Geetha.

I know I am in trusting and professionally capable hands.

Moral of the Story

And that is one of the many morals and blessings to my journey.

Several have been aforementioned.

Others

  • Choose a medical team you trust. Put your faith in them to do their jobs. Thankfully, I haven’t encountered one medical professional on my journey who has not been in the right job for their level of skill and compassion.
  • Educate yourself. I’ve researched and written about breast cancer as a freelance writer. Today, I tell the story differently because I lived, and am living, it. An abundance of information, including videos on procedures, exists online. Try to avoid going down the rabbit hole. Too much information can be overwhelming, and some is often misleading.
  • Consider generational learning. What are you teaching those younger than you about processing through a medical journey? My nieces were not only tremendously supportive but also were inquisitive about my cancer and the process. I openly responded to their questions.
  • Become your own advocate. If something seems off or wrong, ask. My experience has shown being a partner in one’s own care is viewed as positive by those providing the care. Show up to appointments with a healthy attitude.
  • Practice self-care. Sitting in front of the computer researching or lounging on the sofa is never good self-care. Take a walk. Read. Color. Garden. Nap. Cook healthy meals. Try to get a good night’s sleep (a work in progress for me). Journal. Call friends. Get a massage. Pray. You are not just a cancer patient. You are a human being.
  • Understand and accept the volatility of emotions. This pertains to your own and those of your caretakers. Going through medical challenges is not an everyday matter. Expect to feel a wide range of emotions, all are okay. Seek mental health counseling. if needed.
  • Pause to celebrate milestones. Surprisingly, they do exist along the journey.
  • Determine what matters most. A cancer diagnosis can abruptly shift priorities. Be comfortable making changes with yours. Understand you may have time but not energy. Establish your priorities based on both time and energy.
  • Learn whom you matter to. Evaluate who you’ve been devoting your time and energies to. Being sick and in need separates people quickly. True friends offer support in whatever way they can give or way you can receive. Do individuals you have previously identified as friends show up for you in your time of need?
  • Get your annual screenings and have an annual wellness check. Science, technology and time have blessed us with tremendous advances in healthcare. Do yourself a favor and find a great team to care for you while doing your part to stay healthy.

What’s Next

I will enter the new year with more appointments, including mammograms.

Hormone blocking treatment will be discussed with my oncologist.

I will attend a post-surgical follow up appointment and see the endocrinologist after my jawbone heals to discuss bone medications.

While all of those are necessary and great, I’m most excited to work with a physical therapist and re-shape my workout routine. I’ve always been physically active. Now I will learn a new way to maintain fitness with both cancer and weakening bones.

Livestrong at the YMCA – Livestrong

In the meantime, I will continue doing what matters most to me.

Spending quality time with individuals whom I love and participating in events and excursions that fill me with great joy and satisfy my endless curiosity.

Wishing you good health and self-care in the days ahead.

📸Anna Korensky Family photo (my personal team) taken September 6, 2025, at Standing Bear Lake

2026 Update

A July diagnostic mammogram found no cancer. I am deeply grateful for that.

I continue to take hormone blocking medication in an effort to remain cancer free.

Time to celebrate a challenging year and favorable outcome.

Do you have a cancer journey tidbit or story to share? Please do.

No part of this piece was AI generated.

©December 2025 Updated July 2026 Linda Leier Thomason. All Rights Reserved.

Why Having Cancer Can Be a Positive Thing

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Cancer is Hard & Scary. It Can Also be Amazing

Two 57-year-old female professionals meet for the first time at a sushi bar in Omaha, Nebraska. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. It’s not. Kathy and Terry quickly learned they shared triple negative breast cancer.

At a patio table in the late day’s sunshine, they tossed medical jargon around like others discuss politics or sports. They laughed while sharing baldness tales. They empathized with one another while listening to how cancer affects loved ones more than themselves.

Repeatedly, they blasted the negativity of cancer information. Neither ever found a book or article that was “positive about what an amazing journey cancer can be if one keeps the right attitude.”

Despite this, these women stayed focused on the positive aspects of cancer during and after treatment.

I marvel at their strength, frankness and sense of humor. Each will inspire you, or a loved one facing a cancer diagnosis.

If someone you know or love is facing cancer, SHARE this story with them. Even if you don’t have a cancer diagnosis, these women and their positive approach to life are inspirational.

Meet the fantastic Kathy & Terry

Kathy Bressler

Kathy and Mike, her husband of 35 years, recently moved to Omaha from the Pacific Northwest. She’s the Senior VP, Chief Operating Officer for CHI Health. Their two married sons, a daughter and four grandchildren remain there. Her general health was “amazing” before her 2015 cancer diagnosis. Today she still describes it as “awesome.”

She should know. Kathy has both a masters and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Family History

Kathy’s mother died from her second breast cancer at age 61. Her grandmother died from the same when Kathy’s mom was just 9 years old. This strong family history had Kathy doing monthly breast self-exams at a young age and starting mammograms at age 35. In 2002 she was genetically tested and was negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, I was genetically tested again for all of the genes known, and I was negative for all of them, again.”

Hearing You Have Cancer

“I had a very hot, sharp pain in my right breast on November 29, 2015. My husband urged me to be seen. So, I had diagnostics the next day.” Kathy’s general surgeon delivered the cancer diagnosis to her. “Hearing it is a surreal out-of-body feeling. I was probably less scared than my family and friends because I had so many things I had to do.” Her surgeon didn’t give her any prognosis. Instead, they got to work and jointly planned action steps “to take care of business. I was sad and scared for my family, more than anything.”

Bilateral Mastectomy

Kathy had both breasts removed 11 days after diagnosis. The tumor was so close to the surface that the circulation in her right breast was compromised. She spent six weeks in a hyperbaric chamber. Doing this five days a week, seven hours a day healed her.

In early February 2016 she started 22 weeks of chemotherapy and ended five weeks of radiation therapy in August 2016. She had reconstructive surgery to remove spacers and insert implants in April 2017.

A month later she contracted an infection behind the right-side implant and was hospitalized for five days on IV antibiotics. She also took oral antibiotics for another six weeks.

Today, she’s infection free and feeling “awesome.” She has oncologist appointments once every quarter. “She checks labs for abnormalities and any symptoms that might indicate a recurrence. Recurrence is my greatest fear.”

Head Shaving Party

Kathy’s family, friends and caregivers surrounded her with love and comfort upon hearing her diagnosis. Each continues to check in regularly. As one would expect, when hearing the diagnosis, they had the normal emotions of sadness, thoughtfulness and support.

They drove her to appointments and offered to help in other ways. “I tried hard to stay independent. It was nice to be able to let loved ones do something.” It made them feel part of her journey.

“I’d urge family members to learn about the diagnosis, don’t baby the patient.” Rather she’d encourage them to exercise daily and stay connected socially. She did both.

She’s a hot yoga fanatic. She did it every single day throughout treatment. “The people there were with me every day. I couldn’t have asked for more love and kindness.”

Kathy hosted a head shaving party for 53 people. “It was amazing to watch the emotion in the room. I was doing great. I know it was hard for everyone. It was a very special evening. Being bald was amazing and I love that.”

Gold Star

Hopefully any cancer patient has a list of those who provided comfort through treatment. Kathy does. Husband Mike was “positive and encouraging.” Her kids were amazing. Her daughter was like a nurse to her-hopping in the shower with her mom to ensure her safety when she was weak.

Her brother and sister-in-law and girlfriend, Jennifer, were rock solid in their support.

She’d award a gold star to her chemo nurse Krystal. Krystal took care of her every Monday for 22 weeks. “I fell madly in love with her. She could not have provided me more positive care.” Krystal became a good friend and a great teacher.

Blessed by Cancer Lessons

Kathy is an administrator in a large healthcare system. Her personal cancer journey has changed the way she leads.

It caused her to re-think about what their patients deserve.

She’s quickly irritated hearing stories about how other women were not taken care of in the way they should’ve been. She fully understands not everyone’s journey was amazing as hers was.

Today she:

  • Asks employers of cancer patients to be sensitive and let them keep working as able.
  • Tells oncologists to stay positive and encourage their patients to do the same.
  • Urges patients to accept the love and support of family, friends and caregivers.
  • Reaches out to newly diagnosed women.
  • Participates in a California study specific to triple negative breast cancer.
  • Serves on the Susan G. Komen Advisory Board.
  • Wishes for a world without breast cancer.
  • Feels beyond blessed to have experienced breast cancer. “I know it sounds odd but this diagnosis has changed my life for the better, in so many ways.”

Terry Owens

Terry, a recently retired Disability Management Director, was in excellent health when she learned she had breast cancer. Equally annoying was the fact that there was no family history of breast cancer.

“I was showering one July 2015 morning and felt a large lump in my left breast near the armpit. I called my gynecologist and therein began my cancer journey.” Several referrals and appointments later, she learned it had already become Stage 3. It wasn’t until after Labor Day 2015 she heard it was Triple Negative Cancer.

Self-Exams & Mammograms

A native of Northeast Arkansas with a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, Terry is a mother of two adult children and grandmother to a 17-month-old. Baby Lyla is expected in December 2017.

She learned to perform breast self-exams at the Baptist Health Breast Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“They have videos and sample breasts with lumps for patients to palpate.” This teaches women what a lump may feel like on her body. Terry admits she was not vigilant about performing monthly self-exams, but she did perform them every so often. She did have mammograms yearly.

Steps to Wellness

Terry’s initial screening (mammogram and ultrasound) was in Arkansas. “The technician returned to the room with a pale and sick look on her face. I knew it was cancer even though she couldn’t confirm it.” Terry was alone when the gynecologist called to share the results and initiate a plan.

She returned to Omaha where she lived and worked. Her primary care physician referred her to a breast surgeon who performed a biopsy and reported the triple negative diagnosis.

She started chemotherapy in early September and became terribly sick, losing 12 pounds along with her hair 16 days after starting. She felt extreme fatigue.

In February 2016, she had a lumpectomy and began radiation, which lasted two months. [Her lymph nodes weren’t removed. Instead her chest, breast and armpit were radiated.]

Follow Ups to Health

After completing radiation, Terry was seen every three months and had repeated mammograms.

Today she’s seen every six months by a breast surgeon, oncologist and oncology radiologist. Like Kathy, she’s also participating in a research study. Hers is for patients who choose not to remove lymph nodes.

She’s happy to report she’s clear and returning to health.

Faith & Comfort

As expected, when hearing her diagnosis, her children cried. They offered love and support throughout. “Most embraced the hope of recovery and survival.”

Terry has a deep faith in the Lord. “He provided my friends and family, as well as my church family, to minister to me and take care of me. Even though I lived alone, someone was with me every time I had chemotherapy.”

Her best friends visited, brought food and kept house. Her children came. “I had enough drugs in me from Friday treatments that I felt well enough to show friends and family around Omaha. Unfortunately, I was always sickest on Sundays-the day everyone left to go home or back to school and work.”

Simple Bit of Food Advice

In their wanting to help, many brought food Terry couldn’t eat. Unfortunately, she had to dispose of it and sometimes didn’t have a prepared meal as scheduled. For instance, she couldn’t tolerate onions and garlic. So, she’d recommend asking the patient or her caregiver about food tolerance before you drop food off for the patient. She doesn’t want someone’s thoughtful and kind gesture to go to waste.

Superstar Chemist

Terry singled out the chemist who mixed her chemo drugs as a superstar through her cancer journey. “He was fabulous in giving me all kinds of helpful tips on caring for myself and managing the nausea, constipation and fatigue.” He even put stickers on her papers and directions for her medication schedules. Simple touches go a long way.

More Information

  • Click on the green live links throughout this article.
  • Pink it Forward
  • Susan G. Komen
  • Breast Cancer Research Foundation
  • CHI Breast Cancer Support Group

7 Simple Ways to Help Someone with Cancer

  1. Treat them as normally as possible.
  2. Offer rides, meals (see above), chores, phone calling, etc.
  3. Plan an outing with flexibility in case patient doesn’t feel well.
  4. Keep your troubles to yourself. Your friend has cancer. Don’t ask her to fix your life at the moment too
  5. Stay positive. If patient is prayerful, pray with and for her.
  6. Stay in her life even if you feel like you don’t know what to do for her.
  7. Organize a scheduled support group around her. Schedule ride, food delivery, companionship, bathing support, etc.

SHARE this article. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

©Copyright. October 2017.  Linda Leier Thomason

All rights reserved.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below. Rights Reserved.


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FFA Advisor Lives Through Death

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Family PictureBrian has led one of the most successful Agricultural Education programs in the nation for 25 years in Napoleon, ND. A proud NDSU  Bison graduate (1982), his FFA Chapter has earned over 100 individual and team championships, two national team championships and numerous other top 10 national awards.

He and his first wife, Lorie, were married in 1984 and raised two beautiful daughters, Christina, 28, and Brianna, 26, both elementary school teachers.

Brian married Mary Beth in December 2011. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, fishing, hunting, going to concerts, working in the yard and garden, and playing cards.

He also loves decorating for Christmas, something that began as a challenge from Lorie one year and continues today.

Here’s Brian’s Story

Cold sweats. Soaked sheets. Prayers through the night, pleading for a quicker sunrise.

A nightmare?

YES. A nightmare called my life. No one should experience death and grief in the prime of his life. Unfortunately this nightmare centers around the death of a spouse. It happens to many of us and we live through it, maybe even grow through it.

Our Love Story

I married my high school sweetheart at the age of 20, halfway through my college education, against the advice of some who said we were too young. They questioned our thinking. I thought I’d found the lady I loved more than myself and I wasn’t going to let her get away! Were there hard times? Absolutely! There was never enough money. I battled alcoholism and, like many, we had everyday life struggles. But, the worst was yet to come.

The Nightmare

It started with my wife Lorie’s physician’s assistant finding a lump in Lorie’s breast. We convinced each other it was nothing. Lorie was only 32. But then we received the news that she had breast cancer and that we needed to react immediately. A mastectomy was quickly done and a decade of chemo, radiation and other medical procedures ended on May 24, 2006 when my wife of 21 years, 10 months and 18 days died in my arms with our daughters at her bedside in the old house we had called home for 15 years. The cold sweats and daily washing of bed sheets began that night.

Stages of Grief after Death

We battled her cancer for a decade. There were periods of hopeful remission and then re-occurrence. I went through the stages of grief multiple times: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. My experience convinced me this isn’t an inclusive list and varies from person to person and situation. What I can do is reassure you that with each day it does get better and that you will eventually reach acceptance of the death and loss.

Acceptance Journey

Reaching acceptance of Lorie’s death was slow and painful and not always pretty, but maybe my journey will give you guidance and solace.

1. First and foremost I grew immensely in my faith. We’d always been a church-going family that had a “normal” amount of faithfulness. However, this experience, and the loss of my mother four years earlier, intensified my inner faith. It had to in order for me to get up and move forward. I had to believe that Lorie was now pain-free in paradise alongside those who were faithful and had gone before her. And I had to believe God still had plans for me to make this world a better place and give me purpose. Otherwise, He would have granted my prayers and taken me instead. So I say, “Believe in the power of prayer and have those real and raw conversations with God.”

2. Family and friends will reach out to you. Accept the opportunities they present. This may be a conversation over coffee, a phone call or an invitation to do something. Even if you don’t feel like going out, I’d encourage you to do so. I am so thankful for the friends and family who reached out to me and invited me to shoot pool, attend a backyard barbecue, go to area races, etc. There were many times I wanted to say no but forced myself to say yes because I knew staying home wasn’t going to help me get up, get dressed and get moving. Ask yourself often, “What would my loved one want me to do?”

3. I’m an educator by profession with an 11-month contract because of supervised summer activities. Summer 2006, after Lorie’s death, began the longest, most painful summer of my life. I simply wasn’t busy enough. Although I didn’t want to not be busy, I subconsciously sometimes made this choice. The schedule was flexible, not fixed like the academic school year, and now I know I could’ve used the structure. There were times I needed to be alone, but it’s not healthy to withdraw and wallow in self-pity. One should return to a normal routine as soon as mentally and emotionally possible. It was the reason two weeks after Lorie’s passing that my younger daughter, Brianna, and I decided we’d attend the State FFA Convention. We also knew that’s what Lorie would want us to do. Once the new school year started, the routine got easier. Obviously I had to be at work, which includes many hours of after school activities. Keeping busy and returning to a schedule made the days go by quicker and with less pain as my mind was occupied with the activities of the day.

4. Find natural ways to release stress and improve your mental health. One of the things I truly enjoy is listening to music and singing along. It is scientifically proven music has mental health benefits. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you choose. I select the music that is appropriate for my current state of mind. Sometimes I listen to Christian music.

Sometimes I’m listening to my “angry” music to vent. Sometimes I play tear jerking country and sometimes just some fun easy listening tunes. I also started exercising on daily basis-walking and lifting weights, not for the physical benefits but for the mental health benefits.

Whatever your hobbies are, or if you have none, I would encourage you to continue them or find some. I would also avoid the use of alcohol and/or drugs. I’m a recovered alcoholic, so in my mind that was never an option.

We all know that alcohol and some drugs are classified as depressants but yet many have some strange idea that it makes them feel mentally better when, in fact, it intensifies the depression we already have.

Gifted With a New Love

Two years after my wife’s death I started to experience something I never brian and marythought I would feel again. I fell in love. By attending activities with friends, I began to build a friendship with a beautiful lady whom I married three years later. It started as a friendship only because, honestly, I never thought I’d again feel the kind of love that makes a person want to commit themselves to another for a lifetime.

But, I did. Falling in love and possibly remarrying are certainly not disrespectful to the one you lost. The love and memories you have for your deceased spouse are certainly not diminished in any regard. I relish the memories Lorie and I had. I see my wife in the beauty of our daughters and I will forever cherish the love we had.

Get Up. Get Moving.

If you allow yourself to fully experience the death of a loved, you will grow. How have I chosen to grow through this experience? I grew in my faith. I am more grateful for the people in my life.

I love more deeply. I am more forgiving and less angry in my daily life. And, ironically this experience has made me a more positive person.

So, as hard as it may be-Get Up. Get Dressed. Get Moving! Your loved one would expect no less!

How has Brian’s story and journey touched you? Comment below.

Remember to encourage your loved ones to do monthly breast self-exams and to have annual mammograms.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.

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©Copyright. December 2015. Linda Leier Thomason.
All Rights Reserved.

Breast Cancer Survivor Pleads-Get Checked!

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The 5-year relative survival rate is 100 percent when breast cancer is detected early in the localized stage (American Cancer Society). Please schedule your mammogram today.

(Guest Contributor- Deanne Leier)deanne

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I’m urging readers to schedule their mammogram and to encourage loved ones to do the same. For some it may be a matter of life and death. The earlier the cancer is found, the better the outcome.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. Doing a breast self-exam, I found something I questioned and at my scheduled mammogram, it was confirmed-I had breast cancer. Most people think age 39 is too young to receive a cancer diagnosis. However, in my family it appears that the magic number, or should I say the “unlucky” number, is age 39! My grandmother and mother were both 39 when they were diagnosed. Understanding my family history and being very diligent about having a yearly mammogram saved my life.

I cannot stress enough to all women out there-Let the month of October-Breast Cancer Awareness Month- be your reminder to schedule a mammogram, sooner rather than later. Some women may think it’s not worth the pain to get this done. From my experience I can share that the minimal pain from a mammogram is nothing compared to the surgery and 8 rounds of chemotherapy treatments that I had to endure. Minimal pain for peace of mind or immediate treatment is worth it. Schedule your mammogram today.

pink logoAll too familiar with breast cancer, 4 of us founded Pink It Forward. Two cousins and I have fought and beaten breast cancer and my daughter, Kayla, has witnessed it. We all have a passion for raising awareness and are dedicated to helping those in need. When we learn of someone fighting breast cancer, we assemble a care package and mail it, hoping it provides comfort during the fight. If you, or someone you know, is going through treatments, please visit www.pinkitforward.net and submit a request. We will take care of the rest from Fargo, North Dakota!

Wondering how these care packages and programs are funded? Pink It Forward currently receives funds via free-will donations, Pink It Forward merchandise sales and Pink It Forward sponsored events.

We are thankful to many communities that invite our organization in and allow us to share our mission. This has allowed Pink It Forward to visit with those who have received our packages and learn about their journeys.

Click Pink It Forward and then “Donate” to make a donation.

Thank you for scheduling your mammogram and encouraging others to do the same. Thank you for visiting our website and for supporting our work of caring for others with breast cancer.

If you’d like to leave a message for Deanne or her non-profit (501c3) organization, you may do so in the comment box below. Donations are accepted through their website.