Moonlight Cancer Foundation | Resources

Calendar Profile of Cancer Veterans

Calendar 2003
	January - Bryan Wilson In 1987 I was diagnosed with Lymphoma of the duodenum (very rare). An operation was impossible in this area, so I started getting opinions from doctors at various hospitals on just what to do. I was completely confused, so I asked my primary doctor just what should I do? He replied "There's no answer". A medical group at Stanford University gave me a 50/50 chance with chemo or radiation. I selected radiation and I'm still here. My recommendation to all who are diagnosed with cancer is to never give up talking with various doctors, then select the course you feel is the best for you. Then pray.
	February - Diane Solic My birthday is September 23rd, but I celebrate everyday of my life. My diagnosis of ovarian cancer was catastrophic for me. I experienced many dark days of fear and anxiety. My love of God, family, and friends helped me get through each moment. This illness has provided me with insight, strength, and a deeper love for God. My prayers and the prayers of all who love me have saved me. I have many reasons for boundless, leaping joy!
	March - Terry Franco When I was told I had cancer, all I felt was a great sense of peace. Many people fear this disease, but I knew this was a gift from God. My doctors pressed me to have surgery and radiation therapy as soon as possible, but I knew that was not going to be the way for me. To heal myself, I brought together my mind, body and spirit. I was given a great book, The Bible Cure for Cancer by Don Colbert, M.D., which gave me the faith, trust, and strength to keep my mind in line with God and to never take my eyes off him. Miracles can happen and I know God let me remain here to continue to tell others what is possible.
	April - Monique Melou When I was diagnosed with colon cancer in December of last year, I was frightened. Being single and with my family all in France, I felt alone and scared. The doctors assured me we had caught it early and there would be no problem. I underwent surgery at the end of January. The doctors were able to remove all of the cancer and I didn't need any further treatment. My family and friends came to my support. A friend brought me home. My nephew, Marc, arrived from France the next day. A month later my brother, Pierre, came and later still, my little sister. I am fine now and know how much I am cherished.
	May - Stephen Phillips Devastated. That's about the only word that comes close to describing my thoughts and feelings the day I was diagnosed. At 33, I was probably the quintessential souther California "health freak". Being involved in a lot of sports and activities, I was very concerned with staying healthy and fit. I was physically strong enough to undergo the treatments of chemo and radiation, but I was weak emotionally dealing with all the thoughts that accompany the illness. I was very fortunate to have the unfaltering love and support from my friends, family, doctors and other survivors. It pulled me through my lowest times and has made me a stronger person today. I will be forever grateful.
	June - Juliette Faul I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1984 when I was 28 and went through a grueling treatment to overcome it. I lived cancer free for 16 years, but in May 2000 a lump was found in my right breast. Tests confirmed it was cancer. Because it was deep, there was no guarantee that surgery would remove it all and my doctors told me I would also have to go through intense chemo and radiation therapy. Having done this route before, I looked for alternative treatments. My last MRI and mammogram showed the cancer is in remission. I attributed my healing to our Lord Jesus Christ, to my husband Joel, and to my family and friends who have been earnestly praying for me.
	July - Michael Regan I was diagnosed with lung cancer in October of 2001, and recently with brain cancer for which I have undergone surgery and radiation. I have realized that cancer is an inspiring bump in the road. It has helped me to put things into perspective; to rearrange my priorities; to change my attitude towards others and the personal significance of those relationships. This experience has broadened my whole spectrum. I spend more time with people now, and with myself, surfing, reading, cycling, and on an outrigger canoe team. My life would be different without having experienced cancer, but I don't think it would have been better.
	August - Sandy Atkinson I discovered I had stage III colon cancer when my cousin from the east coast called to tell me she had just gone through it, and it might be hereditary. I feel like I'm one of the lucky ones who was discovered and treated. My life has been very blessed. I am rich with many deep and wonderful friends. My recovery was a celebration of life and an opportunity to slow down and connect.
	September - Tom Chase Cancer has really made me aware of the simple things that before I took for granted. It's made me more patient with my family and my children and it has enhanced my faith in God. I believe that God only gives you as much as you can handle, and He was there for me. I'd like to give a special thanks to Brian Schafer for his friendship and for being there for me as a spiritual friend, praying for me. I'd like to thank my brother, John, for keeping the rest of my life together for me while I underwent treatment, and my parents for praying for me.
	October - Victoria Calhoun I appear here courtesy of doctors who thought outside the box, residents who showed humility and humanity, nurses who coddled me, colleagues who sent cards and letters and flowers, family who suffered with me, friends who traveled miles to see me, who bathed me, fed me, walked with me, laundered my clothes, cared for my dogs, cooked for me, cleaned my house, drove me where I needed to go, stayed up all night with me, rode with me in ambulances, went to the grocery for me, bought me nightgowns instead of flowers, sent books and music, called me on the telephone, cried with me and laughed with me.
	November - Bink Cook I am the founder of The Brighter Side:A Boutique for Women with Cancer. It is very rewarding to watch women come in, knowing how little they want to be there, and to watch them leave feeling so much better. Everything I did previously led me to this. I started working with a visiting nurse association, later became director of a hospice, and then moved on to work for The Wellness Community. In 1002 I was diagnosed with cancer myself. The cancer was caught early and I was over it quickly. The real blessing of it was that it led to the creation of my shop. My family is the other part of my story. I have six children, and five grandchildren. I am very blessed!
	December - Sheri Chamney With a positive non-victim attitude, the support of family and friends, and the dedication of doctors and nurses, one can overcome anything! I realize how blessed I am, and I hold each moment special. Special thanks to my grandmother, who continues to share her wisdom and strength, and to Truman who accompanied me everyday for my radiation treatments Thanks, boy!

Calendar 2002
	January - David Beardsley As a retired Montana rancher, I never thought I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to my doctors, friends and family, I am healthy again and grateful to have returned to my work at Seaside Church of Religious Science. I'm making this short because I'm on my way to Hawaii!
	February - Sandra Brue While going through my own experience with breast cancer in 1995, I saw a real need for a better way of educating and assisting women with breast cancer. As a result, I created the Sandra Brue Fund at the San Diego Foundation to publish The Breast Cancer Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Newly Diagnosed Women and their Loved Ones. Some of the subjects discussed are treatment options, complementary therapies, working with your workplace, navigating the healthcare system, creating a "buddy network" support team, and a resource section for information on contacting support groups and organizations. The guide is free. To locate a copy, or to receive further information call (858)621-6144 x423
	March - Dan Kinnamen Who am I? A grandfather, a perennial student of the human experience and a survivor. Left kidney (cancerous tumor included) removed in April of 1983. Prognosis: 50% chance of additional tumors within 3 years. Interpretation: 50% chance of excellent health! Interpretation confirmed by excellent health.
	April - Cathy Bacquet When I was diagnosed in April of 1997 with stage 3b inflammatory breast cancer, I was so scared, my thoughts could only scream. My family and friends were absolutely invaluable, but I also called long-term survivors to find out what they had done. Each person explained how she had endured radiation, surgery, and massive amounts of chemotherapy, but what struck me most was that each person had also pursued healing techniques for the mind and spirit. Some did meditation or visualization. Some learned yoga, Jin Shin Jyutsu or Reiki. Some focused on journeling, support groups or counseling. I followed their examples and have been symptom-free since March of 1998. I am grateful to my doctors and nurses, but even more so to my friends and family who taught me how to care for myself in countless loving ways. At the Seaside Church I learned words for what I had experienced; "The opposite of fear is not faith, it's love."
	May - Sandy Wiener I am a survivor of breast cancer. My treatment was 2 years of tamoxifen. I strongly believe in the power of prayer. I have a lot to live for: 5 children and 10 grandchildren! The best is yet to come!
	June - Ellie Minor I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, 1988 and with returning cancer every 2 or 3 years thereafter. I have found that cancer has helped me to become a kinder, more compassionate teacher, coach and person. I love to encourage my students and athletes to strive to do their best and to know that they can accomplish whatever goal they have as long as they keep a positive outlook about it and work hard to achieve it. I am not a person who is defeated easily. I find something positive in my life every day. My 3 dogs and 2 cats give me unconditional love. I have a wonderful, uplifting mother who has taught me my positive outlook on life and thank her from the bottom of my heart. I also have a loving family of two brothers and two sisters (one of whom is my twin) who keep me grounded and are my rock. I am a very lucky person who has very good friends who give me so much support, and for that I am so grateful. Life is good!
	July - Kelly Miller Having lung cancer was not always easy. However, because of it, I don't take things for granted, and I live a much more peaceful, happy life.
	August - Joyce Berta Life has been good to me, and I am truly grateful. The support of family and friends has been a tremendous healing power. I have battled cancer since the age of 27 and continue the fight today. I have presently been diagnosed with stage 4 metastasized breast cancer, which is attached to my bones in seven places and has invaded my lymph glands. Through this struggle, cancer has given me an insight to the value of love, truth, kindness and life. Positive thinking, laughter and faith have gotten me through the roughest of times. If you can let go of anger and turmoil in your life and replace it with love and laughter, the true healing will begin.
	September - Roy Schult Husband, father, grandfather, and retired physics professor. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994. What happens to you is not as important as how you respond. You get to choose how you respond.
	October - Robin Kittrelle and Robyn Carbaugh Robin Kittrelle was diagnosed with melanoma in 1981, and Robyn Carbaugh was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. Robyn and Robin were college roommates at Chico State and are still the best of friends and loyal walking buddies. Robyn Carbaugh is married to Jim and mother of Scott, Katie and Brian. Robin Kittrelle is married to Jeff and mother to Dana and Sean. "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." -unknown
	November - Mysue Pimentel I am a full-time mom and have been a registered dental assistant. I am the youngest of seven children. Throughout the chemotherapy for treatment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I had great support from family and friends. It has made me appreciate the little things in life and life in general. I now have a clean bill of health. I am enjoying my children and my husband. He is a great inspiration and support to me.
	December - Lyne Bledsoe In 1997 I was diagnosed with stage 3b inflammatory breast cancer. I combined integrative and traditional medicines along with Reiki and other energy work as I continued to run my business (teaching preschool and tutoring Math and English). My amazing daughter ran the school for me when treatment pulled me away. I experienced a recurrence of cancer in 2000. The lessons learned from my second diagnosis of cancer prompted me, with the help of friends, to found Moonlight Cancer Foundation to assist others who are experiencing what I have already been through. I come from love and I receive with love. I live in the moment, knowing that each moment I am whole, well and perfect.

The Founders

Cathy Bacquet - cbaquet@aol.com

When I was diagnosed at age 40 with inflammatory breast cancer in April 1997, I was so scared my thoughts could only scream. My husband had died 2 years earlier after a long illness. My mother had died of breast cancer 20 years ago at age 43. I was desperate but I was determined to break this legacy for both my daughter and myself. We had suffered enough! I immediately called the registered nurse who had helped my husband to control the pain of rheumatoid arthritis when drugs no longer helped him. At Scripps Pain Center, she teaches a Japanese form of acupressure called Jin Shin Jyutsu to patients (www.jinshinjyutsu.com). She taught me how to do Jin Shin Jyutsu to help myself.

A dear friend introduced me to Seaside Church where I learned meditation techniques. I discovered that I could let go of the worry and tension of everyday concerns and past regrets. I found that focusing on healing in meditation had profound effects on my everyday life as well as my health. I learned Viniyoga, a simple yoga technique that links gentle movements with breathing. I substituted this form of exercise for the aerobics I'd done for the past 20 years. As a result of practicing each of these healing techniques, the tightness in my shoulders receded and the chronic back pain disappeared for the first time in my life.

Early after my diagnosis, I called "long term survivors" to find out what they had done. I called phone numbers from the "buddy box" at the Wellness Community in San Diego (www.inetworld.net/wellness). Each person explained how she had endured radiation, surgery and massive amounts of chemotherapy. What struck me was that each person also added a combination of healing techniques for the mind and spirit. Some did hypnosis or visualization (www.shaktigawain.com). Some did Reiki (www.reiki.org) or acupuncture (www.acupuncture.com). Some focused on journaling, art or music (www.shihocenter.com). A couple of people bought puppies. All of them went to support groups or counseling. None of them said anything like I left it up to the doctors to cure me.

I took their advice. I am grateful for the excellent medical care I received at Scripps (www.scrippshealth.org). From April 1997 to March 1998, I had chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, mastectomy and free flap breast reconstruction involving microsurgery and last of all, radiation. I have been symptom-free since my recovery. I am even more thankful to my friends and family who taught me how to care for myself in countless loving ways. Now I can offer so much more to everyone I love. At Seaside I learned words for what I had experienced. "The opposite of fear is not faith; it's love." Everything falls into place when I focus on loving who I'm with and doing what I love and acknowledging that this love is Spirit expressing as me.

Come share with us at the Seaside Cancer Support Group what it is that you love and ideas on healing.

Lyne Bledsoe, Founder of Moonlight Cancer Foundation - lyne@moonlightcancerfoundation.org

I was misdiagnosed in December of 1996. By the time I returned to the doctor in April of 1997, my very small lump was 8 cm and I had lymph node involvement. I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer.

I really didn't want to put strong chemicals in my body, as I use mostly Reiki, herbs, vitamins and homeopathy. After interviewing two oncologists, I wondered if I could find someone who would work with me. I went to the Optimal Health Institute for a week and then continued my search. One day I just stopped and said, "I surrender, guide me." That's when a doctor client of mine told me of an oncologist who was also a naturopath. I didn't want to go the chemotherapy route. My oncologist/naturopath was very patient as he monitored me. First we strengthened my immune system with homeopathic shots, herbs, vitamins and visualization. My tumor stayed the same and or sometimes seemed a tad smaller. Finally, we decided that I start very high doses of Taxol, followed by 2 other chemo drugs until February of 1998. Upon recovery I had surgery with reconstruction followed by more chemo and surgery and finally radiation with chemo once a week. My last radiation and chemo was October of 1998.

All during treatment I kept my business going with the unbelievable help of my 18-year-old daughter. I am now taking a vaccine that was made from my tumor and I know that I am whole, well and perfect.

When I was first diagnosed, I remember waiting at the stoplight as I left the hospital. I was weepy about the diagnosis and offended that I had to pay parking (I seldom went to doctors). I took a deep breath and said, "I surrender, guide me". From that moment on I knew it was an experience that was life altering not life-threatening. I visualized the chemo as golden healing energy.

Someone asked me if I would use chemo again, and I said, " If all was as it was, yes; IT'S ALL GOD!!"

Come join us in our cancer support group at Seaside Church.