Words from Janet herself.... | Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I couldn't find another way to tell Janet's story, so here are her words about Oldham and why she chose to participate in our "Be Bold, Feel Beautiful" program. The kind of cancer she fights doesn't matter, as these concerns belong to all the women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer and have lost their hair, eyebrows and lashes and perhaps, even body parts. Listen to Janet's words....

"I had a great time. The girls that did my make-up were very nice and the photo shoot with you was wonderful, it was all such a great time, it was nice to take a break from the cancer worries. I was told about this project one day while i was at the hospital having chemo, when presented with the flyer my thought was ya right i don't think this is for me all the women on this flyer are all beautiful. I did not feel that way at all so i just put the flyer in my chemo folder were i put all my blood work, chemo orders dr. appt. info ect. there it sat for weeks always looking at me whenever i opened the folder, which was 1-2 times a wk since chemo is every week. It wasn't till i lost a friend to breast cancer that i saw how important these pics can be, for you see she had her pics. taken when the be bold, feelbeautiful was launched and seeing the pics of her that the family had put on display at her celebration of life party made me think that i should call you. My friend's family was very proud of her pictures and seeing how happy andbeautiful she was in the pictures made me want the same for my family.

I no that i am not the only one to have these thoughts of not feeling "pretty" so i wanted to just let others know that its ok to make that call to schedule their make me feel pretty day, as i like to call it. It is so hard to think of yourself as pretty when you do not have any eyebrows, eyelashes or hair and when people look at you with that look everywhere you go. The Oldham Project made me feel pretty, and even though the process was a couple of hours it had brought sunshine to what has seemed like decades of cloudy days.

I do not know if you remember or not but when i finally got up the courage to call you to schedule an appt. you did not answer i just got your message, and that was prob. because i called on the weekend, but i did not leave a message, i wimped out. You called me back because you saw my number on the caller id and for that i just wanted to say thank you, thank you for taking the extra time to call me back when you had no idea who i was. Thank you for all you do to make all of us baldies feel pretty.

Thank you again",

Janet Hines

If you or someone you know is considering the Oldham Experience, please consider this....They might not be ready for photography yet if this is a relatively new diagnosis for them. They sometimes need to hear about this a couple times and have time to consider and then finally, if you've been through this "Oldham Experience", please share all the positives with those around you at chemo, the doctors office and family and friends. You will never know what a positive impact that has on you and those you share with!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, ovarian cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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What would you do if your days were numbered? | Wednesday, October 17, 2012

This amazing woman has overcome some incredible challenges and is still smiling. It's all about attitude. Romani came to the US from Sri Lanka at age 26, quite an adjustment in culture, language and societal attitudes.... but she not only survived, but thrived. She lost a child to a Stage 4 Neruroblastoma when she was 9 years old... but she still smiles today.

Her life was moving along just fine, without crisis until she went for a routine insurance physical....not having a clue how much her life was about to change. Doctors tell her she probably had cancer for over 2 years before it's discovery during this physical. Completely symptom free, her body was 80% filled with Stage 4 Lymphoma. How does this happen? How can the rug just be completely pulled out from beneath you? Romani, age 49 was given 3 years to enjoy 'what she had left' and told that the cancer would most likely win.

Refusing to accept that information, she forged ahead with the rigerous chemotherapy plan doctors had laid out for her and just this summer, finally finishing. "I have a 15 year old daughter to live for. I want to see her go to medical school...she wants to be a Pediatrician. I want to see her live life."

She says this diagnosis was a "real eye-opener" for her... "I started doing everything that I love, I started painting again and now I've even sold pieces and have the energy to work in a gallery."

Her strong faith carries her each day through this journey as she mentally, physically and emotionally battles the demon 'cancer' within. Knowing that this is only a temporary fix,, she lives each day to the fullest, laughing and enjoying life. She's lively and full of energy and she's taking advantage of these days.

Are you living like there's no tomorrow? Are you dancing in the rain? There is no guarantee that tomorrow will come and Romani demonstrates every day that she's living and loving TODAY!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, Hodgkins Lymphoma, non-hodgkins lymphoma, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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"I'm not afraid of dying...." | Tuesday, October 9, 2012

At 52, beautiful, stong and very much loved by her devoted family, Gloria T. shouldn't be thinking about the upcoming end of her life.

After a sudden, unexplained weight loss, she was originally diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer in the spring of 2006. Undergoing treatment at that time, she fought hard for those that she loves so much, including a brand new grandchild) and in 5 years had received a 'clean bill of health.' She is a devoted Washington Redskins fan and loves to spend time in good natured rivalries with her family.... most of whom are NOT Redskins fans!

Life was good, celebrating that 5 year mark...most cancer survivors look to that milestone, celebrating beating the odds and looking forward to enjoying a normal life 'without fear.'
But, in October of this past year, 2011, cancer came back to rear it's ugly head. Having some vague stomach pains, Gloria revisited the Dr. and was told the cancer had returned. "I was in shock.... I'd just celebrated that 5 year mark. I was really angry at God and couldn't understand why my husband wasn't mad too.... he said, 'I'm thankful that God let me have you for these 13 years and I won't be mad. I'm so thankful for you."

Told this summer that treatment wasn't helping and her time was limited was difficult for her and her family to deal with....but they are with her constantly... helping with the tubes and pain medicines that Gloria is now permenantly attached to to bring her some comfort. Moving around is difficult, but Kim and Valerie are devoted caregivers and openly share their love and affection with their mother.

"I have too much living left to do and so much I want to see yet", says Gloria. Enjoying her family, recording books for her grandchildren and living the life she has now, is how she spends her time. She relies heavily on her faith and the comfort it brings her. "I've learned that I am so loved... I don't know what I've done to deserve so much." I'm sure it has much to do with how she's given all her life, the obvious adoration she has for her daughters and grandchildren and the love of her life... her husband.

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, cancer in women, gastric cancer, stomach cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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We have BOLD and Handsome men too! | Thursday, October 4, 2012

At 22 years old, most young people are thinking about maybe their last year of college, what kind of job they'll land, probably about their career choice and the partner they'll spend their life with.... some probably dream of continuing on in school and making their fortune with some sort of post graduate degree. Some may be considering their current job in a trade, building new homes for families or contributing to the community as a volunteer, or the ultimate....serving our country in the military. But, Chad W., age 22 is considering life with cancer.

Diagnosed at age 21 with testicular cancer, it's been a battle since, but a battle he's fighting with courage, determination, humor and a family and friends full of love and support. After finding a lump, where it shouldn't be, a CAT scan determined cancer was present and he went immediately from x-ray to surgery to remove the tumor and the testicle. A cancer that can be devastating to men and their reproductive abilities, Chad dealt with it. His Mom, Lori says, "he was a champion, he didn't let it slow him down at all. He was in college at the time and the doctor told him to stay as active as possible, so he did and hasn't let it interfere with his life" and his dreams. With plans to pursue a career as an Actuary, he has a long road ahead. But I suspect that his determination in fighting cancer, will make the journey to becoming an Actuary, seem like a kindergarten field trip.

Early this spring, the cancer had spread to his lung, seen on what are routine, frequent CAT scans. The prescribed chemotherapy would cause him to lose his thick head of hair and he was reluctant to tell his friends what was going on, but was forced to when the hair started coming out. His supportive group of friends planned a head shaving party and 30-35 people shaved their heads in support of Chad's fight. A few of Chad's friends, some whom he's known since grade school, came to his photo session in support of him, heads still closely cropped or bald.

Chad says, "The pictures are great!" Showing off his new tatoo of fellow testicular cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong's "LIVESTRONG", he wants everyone to know about his battle now. Certainly not shying away from the camera. His family has plans to produce some sort of book about Chad's journey and share it with the friends and family and plan to use the pictures from his session with Oldham.

Lori says to other parents dealing with kids fighting cancer, "Let them live as normally as possible. Don't let the cancer confine them....and don't let them hide behind the TV or stay in bed all the time. And don't let them get the 'poor, pitiful me syndrome.'

I never got the impression that Chad feels pity for himself, but only the will and drive to fight this and beat it.... now and forever.

UPDATE: From Chad himself:
" I was a bit hesitant at first to do the photos because I was not too sure if I wanted everyone knowing what was going on. Then I thought I really don't care, this is who I am and what I have been doing. I thought it does not matter to me who sees or knows, it wouldn't change anything I have done already or will be doing in the future. The opportunity to help other young males was another huge factor into doing the photo shoot. While at the shoot it was a great time. A lot of jokes and laughter was in the room so it made it an easy and pleasant experience. The pictures turned out great in my opinion. I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Labels: #bebold, #lancearmstrong, #livestrong, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, livestrong, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, testicular cancer, The Oldham Project

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Cancer looks different for everyone... | Monday, October 1, 2012

Sometimes you don't see the cancer. Sometimes it looks different on someone. Sometimes it's hidden, but still just as devastating.
Kerry B., age 56, has lung, throat and larynx cancer and just days after these images were documented, she had her larynx, throat and part of her lung removed.... leaving her silent.
"I can't say I'm not scared... I'm terrified."

Originally diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011, she underwent chemo and radiation to attempt to kill off the cancer...losing her hair, strength and developing Polymyalgia due to the chemo, she continued to fight, SLOWLY regaining strength and endurance. Her little dog, Sunny, stayed by her side through the entire illness and slow recovery.

"I learned I had strength I never knew I had.... I have 4 kids I didn't want to leave and now 3 grandkids. You don't have any choice but to dig down deep and find something you didn't know you had."

As would we, she fears not having enough time to do all the things she wants to with the rest of her life. "I try to push myself to do all those things I might not have time for."

Having her 'voice-box' removed just 5 days after this photo session, will leave her 'silent' for a time. She's hoping to have a new artificial 'voice-box' implanted after she recovers and beats this cancer... and with her determination, I don't doubt that she'll have a LOT to say after that happens! She's one tough cookie and I'm sure will make a statement with her life!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, lung cancer, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project, throat cancer

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