"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
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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
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
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
Cancer offers a cure for another problem.... | Friday, August 17, 2012
Believe it or not, Marlene J. believes getting cancer has cured her long history of depression... How can that be? Cancer being better than depression? Cancer being less of an imposition than depression? Cancer being easier to deal with than being depressed?
She says an emphatic, "Yes."
Diagnosed in January of 2012, after a routine mammogram, with Stage 1, HER2 breast cancer, Marlene was thinking she was just checking off tasks before the usual departure for their 'winter escape' to warmer climes, but she was in for a surprise. Facing only a short time of chemo and radiation, she says the entire experience has changed her outlook on life and how she spends her time and mental energy. Saying, "I've suffered from depression since 1988, when she was 'down-sized' out of her professional career." She said it really took it's toll on her, physically and mentally. Losing over 40 lbs., she now believes that she's a different person because of cancer.
Ever thankful for her special nurses at the Sparrow Cancer Center, she personally is grateful for their support and encouragement. Thanks to Sharon Cosgrove and Joann Anderson, special nurses she attributes her change in attitude to.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Loss is so difficult to deal with.... | Tuesday, July 17, 2012
We received word also that Robin Muns, age 52 of Williamston passed as well. Again, part of our 2010 group of Bold women, she also was originally diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2003 and finally succumbed to metastatic cancer in her bones and brain. Her husband Jim says, "she was always Bold, even before being photographed... she never felt funny going out bald. She was always like that."
Her daughter Amanda sent me a story about Robins journey and I think it important to share... a true 'picture' of a detertmined woman and her journey to eternal life.
"In April of 2003 Robin found out she was expecting her second and third grandchildren. In the coming months she was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent chemo and radiation and found out the she could expect two little girls within days of each other. Her determination was endless. She not only wanted to meet them, but she wanted to make memories with them for many years to come. She met both of them and spent the next 5 years cancer free.
While expecting her 4th grandchild she became sick again. The cancer was back and in the same location as the first occurrence, so radiation was not an option. A double mastectomy and chemo therapy began immediately. Robin always took everything in stride. She used her mastectomy as an opportunity to make people laugh. It seems strange, but Robin didn’t want friend or family to feel strange or sad for her. She offered her experience and even a glimpse of her scars if someone asked. Her granddaughters freely played with her prosthetic breasts, putting them under their shirts and giggling at each other in the mirror. A lucky few donned her with beads after a flashing or two. Robin gave more to others than she ever expected to receive in return. She excitedly welcomed her 4th granddaughter in October 2008.
In September 2010 Robin received a terminal diagnosis and was given less than 6 months. She decided to live out the rest of her months without treatment and with more quality than quantity. She didn’t want to be slowed by aggressive chemotherapy or endless trips to the office. The cancer had spread everywhere, but her heart and it was evident. Robin refused to feel sorry for herself. Within a week Robin’s plan had changed drastically. She had met the Dr Rapson and her staff at Red Cedar Oncology and was ready to fight back. She agreed to take on aggressive brain radiation and follow it with specialized chemo therapy treatment virtually free of the usual side effects and far fewer visits to the office. During that week she also learned she would be welcoming her 5th grandchild.
Robin had a very special place in Beulah, MI called Primrose Path. Her final wish in October 2010 was to make one last trip there. The entire family loaded up and took off for a long weekend. The weather cold and rainy and unlike any other trip they had taken there. Robin was determined this WOULD NOT be her last trip there. She promised her daughter they would be spending the next summer there. She would not accept that so many things were being taken from her. Robin kept that promise and Summer 2011 was the best summer in history of Primrose Path! She even welcomed her 5th granddaughter on Mother’s Day 2011.
After a break from chemotherapy and summer came to an end the cancer began to spread and it became evident there was not much more anyone could do. She was given a few months, but no one was optimistic about how those months would be spent… except Robin. She continued to astonish her Dr.s with her attitude and overall health. Yes you guessed it, she was expecting another grandchild and was determined to make it. In February 2012 Robin welcomed her 6th granddaughter.
Robin believed each one of her grandchildren were gifts from God. Signs there was more for her to accomplish here on earth. More special than anyone could have ever imagined. They were her will to keep fighting. She wasn’t satisfied with simply meeting them. She wanted to be healthy enough to hold, rock and kiss them. She wanted to know them and give them memories to live on. She often said, “If these girls keep having babies I am going to live forever!” Robin did exactly what she had set her mind to. Even the youngest baby had a special connection to her. As she grew ill the baby would lay content for hours just staring and listening to Robin talk. Those moments lasted until the third week of May, nearly a week after her oldest granddaughter turned 16, another must see for Robin. She slipped from the hands of her family and into Gods."
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, Non-profit, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"I live in church....it's where God speaks to me." | Thursday, June 14, 2012
Joyce, age 64, discovered her own lump in 2009, as many women do... a small lump in her breast and a casual trip to the doctor. Originally, just drained and said to be benign, she moved on, thinking nothing more of it. But when that same breast became unusually painful, she was alarmed. In March 2011, mammography found a Stage 2, breast cancer, with 3 of 10 nodes involved. She was devastated... I just wanted to know, "Am I going to die? Cancer in my mind, was a death sentence."
Now, having undergone 3 surgeries and then a mastectomy, 35 rounds of chemo and 32 radiation treatments, she's come out a different lady on the other side!
"I walked my first Komen walk this year and met so many other people. It was so encouraging to know that there were so many people who care about us.... I cried the whole time.... There was so much love there!" Her faith is very important to her and she spends much of her time in her church, Grace Tabernacle... "trust in the Lord, He will see you through anything. I really think He was trying to get my attention!"
She readily admits, "I've always been afraid of people hurting me and I never let people get too close, till now." I'm so happy that she's chosen to be stronger because of this! She is the picture of confidence and beauty!
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Oldham woman are not only Bold and Beautiful, but BRAVE to the end... | Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Kathy Naseman of Portland, MI passed on June 2, 2012. She is an 'alumni' of the 2010 group of Bold and Beautiful women, coming to the studio with her son Nick. At age 42, she hadn't begun to live the best years of her life. Taken from her only child, her young son, much too soon, she fought a valient battle with Breast Cancer for 5 years. Originally diagnosed with the cancer in 2007, she was then given the diagnosis of metastatic bone cancer in 2009. When I saw her in 2010, she was in the midst of more rounds of chemo, but the cancer was rapidly progressing. She knew that she was pretty sick and that the odds of her beating this were probably pretty slim. Her message to other women was to "make sure you get your annual check up and do your monthly self exams... you always think it won't happen to you."
Her son Nick told me today that at the beginning of this year, she was told that the cancer had spread to her bone marrow and her brain. But wanting to save her family from the heart-ache and worry, she told no one and kept this news to herself. Hospitalized this past week, she slipped into a coma on Saturday and peacefully passed into Heaven the same day. Her family called last night to ask permission to share about The Oldham Project and our mission. Kathy felt that these pictures were so very important to her and her family.... and even more important now that she is gone.
Memorial services will be held in Portland, MI this coming Saturday.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, susan g. komen, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
| Friday, May 18, 2012
The Oldham Project is rocking the social media world!! In just the past couple days, Oldham has gotten at least 50 new followers on just Twitter alone! If you don't follow us on Twitter or Facebook, please do!
Labels: #bebold, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, bone cancer, bone cancer in children, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"I'm tougher than I thought..." | Monday, May 14, 2012
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, Non-profit, susan g. komen, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Just when you think you've got it beat.... | Saturday, April 21, 2012
"I fight and do what I need to do."Marcella doesn't have much choice. She's 50 years old and is now raising 3 grandchildren AND works full time. She says she has to STAY STRONG. Having lost her sister to breast cancer in 1993, she is confident that she'll beat the cancer. "I have a good support system", she says. She also wants other women to "be their own advocate" when it comes to treatment and making your needs known. "You've got to continue your life.... cancer's not going to take over my life. I'm going to win." She really enjoyed her photo session and especially the make-up application at Douglas J. "They even put falsh eyelashes on me! Mine are gone."
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, Non-profit, susan g. komen, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
A very long road.... | Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Since 1991, Sharon S. has been in a valiant fight for her life... and will continue to do it her way, until the end. Having her parents die when she was very young, Sharon has been a fighter... bonding with her younger sister Carol, the two began to look after each other in their teens and as a result, have obviously become very close. They say they're "twins who were just born 6 years apart!"
Diagnosed initially with Breast Cancer in 1991, she underwent surgery and radiation, advised that was all the treatment she needed at that time, but a bout with Thyroid cancer a while later, brought years of illness and an eventual return of cancer elsewhere. Fighting continual illness and weakness after the thyroid cancer, left her bedbound for almost 2 years and after persistence on her part, she was diagnosed with an aortic valve problem and underwent open heart surgery! January 2011 brought a recurrence of the Thyroid cancer and her diagnosis now.... metastatic breast cancer with lung, sternum and bone involvement. Attempting to treat this with 6 chemo treatments earlier this year, the cancer continued to grow and all treatment was haulted late in 2011. She now remains in Hospice care in her home, surrounded by her family... and the sister she grew up with. Carol has put her life on hold now, to move in with her sister and care for her full time, until the end. Visiting her in her home the day after Christmas, she was dressed to the nines... anxious for her portraits, to capture this time in her life, having pictures done with her sister, her husband and her special needs son...doing it her way.
Sharon stresses that women become proactive..." Ask questions if you don't understand, until you do understand, be proactive and trust your intuition." She's spending her days comfortable and creating memories with her family... " this time is for them. I need to allow them to say goodbye. I didn't think I was a strong person, but I guess I am..."
I'm sure she's teaching them much... about grace under fire, about inner strength and about the love of family...
Labels: bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, Hospice, Hospice of Lansing, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Oldham's reach extends to the west coast! | Wednesday, December 21, 2011
As one of Lansing's quieter organizations, The Oldham Project has made noise in Los Angeles this past week and is making a visual impact to honor a store owner with cancer!
"ORANGE", a high end furniture store commissioned a window to be done for the holidays, that honored the battle women are fighting with cancer... women who are coming out on the other side, stronger and more powerful for having gone through the 'fire'. The store owner herself, was recently diagnosed with cancer and wanted a display to reflect the journey. The young man,
Chad, who is a professional 'window dresser' contacted us regarding the images he'd seen on the internet and The Oldham Project...
what an exciting phone call that was for us!
Back and forth we went in discussions about the legalities and details and viola, The Oldham Project images are now hanging in Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills in a store window for the month of December! Look closely and you'll see many of the familiar faces you've seen on this blog over the past couple years...
Thank you Chad, thank you ORANGE for the opportunity and the generous donation and thank you to the brave women we continue to see on a weekly basis! You make us proud to be a small part of your lives.
Labels: bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
With great sadness.... | Friday, December 16, 2011
With great saddness, I share with you that our most recent Bold and Beautiful woman, Molly F. has left this world to join the angels in Heaven.... she passed away just a short week after her portrait session with her children...
Please keep these young people in your thoughts and prayers.
Melinda Lou "Molly" Fox- 1951-2011
Melinda “Molly” Fox, 60, of Charlotte, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Molly was born May 2, 1951 in Fremont, MI, the daughter of Jay and Lois (Boeskool) Brookhouse. She taught Elementary Physical Education for 27 years in Eaton Rapids at Northwestern Elementary, after teaching at Fremont High School, totaling over 35 years of educating. Molly was a lifeguard for over 40 years and was one of the first female umpires in the State of Michigan. She was a sports enthusiast, coaching Eaton Rapids softball and kept an amazing assortment of gym shoes, so none of her students would have to go without. Molly was happiest on the beach, especially Lake Michigan, where she loved to collect “beach treasures.” She especially loved family gatherings and, as a single parent, was devoted to her two children. Many will remember Molly’s generosity and the loving friendship she shared with everyone. She is survived by her children, Alana Fox and A.J. Fox, both of Charlotte and many other extended family members. The family will receive guests on Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen of Greater Lansing or Eaton Community Hospice in Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at www.prayfuneral.com. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan.
Labels: Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
A most difficult shoot.... | Monday, December 5, 2011
As a photographer, most of us are pretty comfortable being on the backside of the camera and are confident in our abilities, creativity and skill... until we're photographing ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPHER! At least this was the case for me when photographing my friend and fellow photographer, Deb S.
Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 14, 2011 after having a diagnostic mammogram prior to starting a routine treatment... totally caught off guard, she was angry. She went in for a routine mammogram, totally unsuspecting and CANCER??
A normally busy, active and involved photographer, she immediatelty thought of "everything it was going to take from me." Deb is a mom, grandmother, business woman, award winning photographer, volunteer and WOMAN... "I thought about being less than a woman... I was being robbed and I was angry. They were taking part of me away, not just my hair, but part of my body." Not long after chemo started, her very LONG hair started coming out by the handful... leaving her feeling more angry and out of control.
Although, she knew what to expect, as her Mom had breast cancer too, and Deb herself has dealt successfully with previous uterine cancer and cancer of the appendix at age 31, this has caught her by surprise. "It's temporary, but I still feel robbed."
Our self image is so important to us... The Oldham Project and this program inparticular is so important to helping women SEE that despite the loss of hair, or even body parts, they are still so beautiful, so powerful and so 'in charge' of their mental health and well being. Please help us spread the word by sharing this blog post with those that may need it today!
Labels: bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
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