A model passes into eternity.... | Sunday, February 10, 2013
We sincerly apologize for the absence in recording the lives and journey's of our amazing participants at The Oldham Project, but we've been incredibly busy.... but, let me again start fresh.Marcia M. was only 39, incredibly beautiful and brave.
Diagnosed only 1 1/2 years ago, with lung cancer and she was close to the end of her life then.
Coming to the Oldham studio at the end of fall 2012, she was active, excited about her photo shoot and really into the clothing and accessories she brought to her session! She was thrilled at the opportunity to have a 'model shoot' with all the loud music, fans and poses!
From the sounds of it, Marcia has grown up without many of the things that we so casually take for granted. She's lived a difficult life that is ending much in the same way... struggling for survival.
After having a wisdom tooth removed, the pain remained for almost a year, then developing into a lump/growth on the side of her jaw. By the time a concerned physician did some other testing, the tumors filled her torso and lung and liver cancer had developed and she was pronounced, 'terminal'.
In considerable pain and with some shortness of breath, she went about 'performing' for her photo session with enthusiasm, not really wanting to discuss her condition. Her sister told me that day, that Marcia wasn't totally aware of the severity of her condition and wanted to live the rest of her life normally.
She had a dream come true that day at Oldham.... she got to be the model she always wanted to be... and she did an AMAZING job, being the STAR of the day!!
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer, cancer in women, lung cancer, Non-profit, The Oldham Project
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"It was an out of body experience...." | Friday, January 4, 2013
Ginny R. was a healthy, active person, with absolutely no family history of serious illness....let alone cancer.
In February of 2012, after feeling fatigued all the time and 'just not feeling like myself'... she sought medical attention and was diagnosed with Stage 4, non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. A PET scan revealing that her entire torso was filled with cancerous tumors and that she'd probably had it for over a year, before it was discovered. The tumors not only filled her torso, but surrounded her heart requiring hospitalization in the CCU.
At age 57, it was a staggering blow, "it was like an out of body experience. As they were telling me, I kept thinking they must be talking about someone else."
She's constantly surrounded by her 5 sisters, who are helping her with everything. "I didn't have to worry about anything, my sisters took care of everything." Married for 39 years, she's learned that she's 'tougher than I thought' and "I'm not ready to go... I have a lot more things I want to do with my life."
Ginny shares, that 'every day is precious. Some days are rough days, but tomorrow is always better."In talking about her Oldham experience, she says....
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, Douglas J, Douglas J Institute, Hodgkins Lymphoma, non-hodgkins lymphoma, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"She was so proud of her pictures..." | Monday, December 10, 2012
We received some sad news this past week.... Pat May, one of our very recent Bold and Beautiful women, had lost her battle with lung cancer. Diagnosed just this past spring with Stage 4 lung cancer, she was determined to 'beat the odds' and fight the cancer. She said she'd been living on her own since age 13 and was 'tougher than the average' person and wasn't going to let this cancer kill her.
She sat in our studio and spoke very matter of factly about the disease, the severity and her family....which meant so much to her. Estranged from some of her children, it was apparent that her heart hurt about that and she wished more than anything that life had been different and had dealt her a different hand of cards. Two of her grandchildren accompanied her to the photo session and she spent a lot of the conversation telling me about how much they meant to her and how special her grandson was to her and her will to live and keep fighting....
Her daughter reported that her last days were peaceful and last moments comfortable. "She was so proud of her pictures and was so happy that she had done that. She showed them off all the time!"
Her last act of generosity was the donation of her body to MSU. I'm sure her feisty attitude will be missed!
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, lung cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"This is happening to both of us...." | Monday, December 3, 2012
Janet P. and her husband 'both' have cancer.... she was actually diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July of this year, but he husband is fighting this right along-side her, as if he has it as well.
Her first thoughts and concerns when she heard the diagnosis, weren't of herself, cancer, treatment or side-effects, but "I won't be able to start school." A first grade teacher, she LOVES her job and her students, and she immediately was concerned for them, not herself. She was able to attend the schoo's Open House to kick off the year, but was heartbroken that she wouldn't be there to teach this year. As she held one little girl and explained to the students about her illness and what would happen, the little girl spoke into Janet's heart, "It's OK Mrs. P., your hair will grow back." Obviously, a very successful teacher in her area, she's been receiving letters of support and encouragement from some of her previous students who are now in middle school.
Married couples share most things... but Janet and her husband are emotionally sharing her cancer. It's something you can sense between them and something that's brought them closer, emotionally, physically and spiritually. "This is happening to both of us.... we've been so blessed in our lives, and we'll get through this. It's just a matter of what we do next."
She has a huge support system within her family, church, co-workers and the small community she lives in and finds great comfort in this tightly knit group. "Laugh and smile alot! I'm looking for opportunities to share about this journey... God won't waste this time."
Her words of encouragement to other women... "Allow others to minister to you, accept help and allow God to have His way in your life."
Her husband says, "I appreciate her so much more and we don't take anything for granted."
The day before her surgery to remove the cancer, she went to her classroom, one last time and found this quote hanging near her calendar.
"Grace"
"The grace of God means something like: 'Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.'There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too."
Exerpt from the devotional Beyond Words (day 127), by Frederick Buechner.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Designing your own treatment room?? | Monday, November 26, 2012
Heather L. is an architect.... who would have dreamed that when she designed the Cancer Center and treatment rooms at the University of Michigan Hospital, that she would eventually be a patient in one of those very rooms?
Diagonosed with triple negative breast cancer at age 47, Heather found the lump herself, but didn't think, or didn't want to think it serious. She had a European vacation planned and intended to investigate the lump as soon as she returned....
"I know so many women successfully going through treatment.... I'll just get the lumpectomy and move on with life. No big deal." But, she grows silent when she talks about the survival rate of women with her type of breast cancer... things aren't quite like she'd initially thought.
Now planning more surgery, she's only able to work about 1/4 time, which she seems to struggle with. Involved in a mostly women architectural firm in Ann Arbor, she gets a lot of support from co-workers and good friends. They even were involved in a 'head shaving' celebration, including wine and food!
"This has forced me to slow down... I'm always going at 1000 miles an hour."
"I've had to ask for help.... that's not me."
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"I want my mother...." | Tuesday, November 13, 2012
We all know how comforting mothers are when we are sick, injured or have a broken heart... Mom's just seem to make it all better.
The first thing that Pat thought about when she got her cancer diagnosis, was her mother and wishing she could be there to "make it go away." Even at age 69, Pat still needs her Mom, or someone to help her cope with the cancer and the diagnosis that will probably end her life, sooner than later. Diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in March of 2012, she now is fighting a battle to beat the cancer. A smoker for most of her life, she quit 6 years ago, but not soon enough.
Noticing an increasing shortness of breath, she went to the Dr. and was told the ugly news. "The first thing I thought about wasn't cancer, it was my mother. I wanted my mother.... everyone wants their mother."
She's a very 'matter of fact' type person, saying what she feels and meaning what she says. "I take life as it comes and learn to deal with it. I've not had an easy life and have lived on the streets since I was kicked out at 13."
Estranged from most of her children, her grandchildren have rallied around her, supporting her, transporting her and helping her with daily activities. "I'm the same ornery person I always was....just now with more emotion."
She's a fighter. She's stubborn and she's accepting.... life has certainly dealt her some heavy blows, with childhood, with her children and now with cancer. She'll be here a while. SHE is the source of strength for this small family.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, lung cancer, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Hanging on for a baby.... | Friday, November 9, 2012
When some strange symptoms stymied doctors, Janice was persistent in finding out what was going on.At age 57, Janice has been plagued by an unusual list of symptoms and was originally diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Not feeling well for months, thinking it was all related to a previous 12 back surgeries, she just didn't think it was serious when she didn't feel good. Then finding a lump under her arm, she and the doctors assumed it was the breast cancer. But, not till doing some more extensive testing did it reveal that she actually had lung cancer that had spread outside the lungs and it was a lung tumor under her arm.
Given 3 to 4 years at the most to live, she said, "I was so pissed. I was going to prove that doctor wrong." Married for 43 years to her husband Ken, she is expecting a new grandbaby and is determined "to hang on till that baby gets here!"
"I've never been mad at God... He didn't do this to me. What will be, will be."
Taking life, "one day at a time", she focus' on family and friends and spending time together. As we hear from most of the people we see at Oldham, she says, "I'm much stronger than I thought.... I've learned to let go of a lot and accept help."
Her greatest wish, besides meeting this new grandbaby is to take a hot air balloon ride! Can anyone help with that??
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, lung cancer, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Relying on God's promises.... | Thursday, November 8, 2012
Dorcas G., a gorgeous 49 year old woman, walks through the 'valley of the shadow of death', saying she relies on God's promises and "it's only a shadow."
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer this past March, she was shocked. No family history, originally thought to be benign.... was eventually found to be a rare, aggressive form of cancer, requiring surgical removal of all the cancer and potential cancer areas. But, she felt God was in control and felt complete peace.
"I've always been a runner, having completed 2 marathons, so I was healthy going into this... and I wanted to do it with dignity. I wasn't going to hide myself and I use comedy and humor. Sometimes people don't know how to deal with me!"
Mother to 4 children, she and her husband Manny want to set an example for them of unending devotion, faith and courage. She openly shares her strong faith in God, her involvement in her church and the support from her church family. "God gives me strength, far beyond what I think I might have."
"My children are more comfortable now with the cancer and showing them that I'm confident that I can go the distance with ANYTHING, is important to us. I have more compassion and I sure don't sweat the small stuff!"
She wants other women to know that " cancer will try to strip you of your dignity, but if you keep it in the light, it can't hurt you!"
Obviously a very strong, confident and faith-filled woman, Dorcas makes cancer look 'small' and insignificant in the grand scheme of things in her life. With the strength she gets from her faith in God and her family, I believe that she will conquer not only cancer, but anything else that has the audacity to step in her way! On a recent family trip to Boyne Mountain, during her chemo and treatment, she actually climbed Boyne Mountain to signify the 'half-way' point in her treatment... "God gives me strength to do anything."
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
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
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.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, Hodgkins Lymphoma, non-hodgkins lymphoma, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"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.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, cancer in women, gastric cancer, stomach cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
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
Her little men convinced her to do this.... | Monday, September 24, 2012
Diagnosed with Stage 2-3 Breast Cancer in December of 2011, Vickie never knew the turns her life would take...
Finding her own lump, she sought medical attention and was quickly diagnosed, with the breast cancer, but also 2 positive nodes, requiring not only chemotherapy, but radiation. Having her sister and both parents deceased from cancer, her confidence wavered. As a single mom, this diagnosis forced her to rely on the two 'little men' in her life, sons, Noah and Peter. And what a help they are!
Having surgery to remove the cancer and her breast, just two days after her wedding, her 'new' life took some serious turns, but her husband is very supportive as well as these little guys in her life, helping her struggle through the twists and turns of cancer and it's treatment. Sitting down, having "an honest conversation" with the boys, Vickie says, "we came up with some things to involve the boys... we made a paper chain to designate the days of chemo, taking down one with each treatment" so they could visually SEE how much longer Mom would be sick.
Her older 19 year old son created a 'play list' for her iPod, songs that mean so much to her and she listened to during the difficult and lengthy chemo treatments. "Cancer puts things into perspective. I don't sweat the small stuff."
As she teared up several times during her photo session, these 'little men' who strongly encouraged her to come and have these portraits done, soothed and comforted her as the tears flowed. They certainly touched my heart. "Take the opportunities God gives you- God always has a plan."- Vickie S.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
They've become our friends... | Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Colleen is in a battle again....
The most difficult part of this job is seeing 'repeat' clients.... meaning, that they've been photographed in the midst of their illness previously, had a recovery and are now in the middle of a battle with cancer, AGAIN. It's the most difficult phone call to receive as a photographer. But, a warrior she is!!
Ovarian cancer is a silent devil, preying on women who are totally unaware of the destruction inside their bodies. In 2012, about 22,280 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 15, 500 will die from it. Colleen was originally diagnosed in November of 2009 and has been cancer free till this spring, when it reared it ugly head again. "I knew something wasn't right... and I've lived in fear, waiting for it to come back." Colleen isn't letting this get the better of her... she's the most positive, courageous woman and she'll fight and win this again. She's got a good reason. This past year, she welcomed her first grandson, Hudson and he's the light of her world!
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, Non-profit, ovarian cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
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