3 beautiful women and their fights with cancer

3 beautiful women and their fights with cancer

Two battled breast cancer, another recovers from Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Discover the beauty of strength with a closer view of three Look Good Feel Better models.
Updated:
2009-09-18 12:13
Published:
2007-09-10 00:00
By 
Wendy Goldman

Barb Brooks

Barb Brooks
When Barb Brooks was diagnosed with stage-four Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in April 2006, she knew how important it was to maintain a healthy mindset. “Naturally, on receiving the diagnosis I was devastated,” she says. “I decided that I can overcome this by remaining calm.”
Barb Brooks

Only one month after her diagnosis, Barb became involved in activities offered through the Wellspring Cancer Center. “My first ‘focus on me' trip was to attend the Look Good Feel Better workshop…during this phase it was very important to remain looking good and feeling good about myself.”Barb still buys all of the products she received from the LGFB workshop. “I still use them daily. They're great products. Your skin changes so much so you need products that your skin can accommodate.” She also says she makes an effort to moisturize every morning and afternoon. “I keep my skin as best as I can.”

The side effects of chemotherapy take a physical -- as well as an emotional -- toll, says Barb. She recommends participating in activities such as Tai Chi, gentle yoga, Qigong, and music therapy, all of which, she says, “enhance the quality of life.”

More than a year after her diagnosis, Barb does yoga three times a week. “I would not look as healthy if I didn't. People look at me and don't know that I'm sick.” From the beginning, Barb made a conscious effort to be active, to feel good, to look good, and to still participate in life's activities.

“My priority since my diagnosis is to enjoy each day without any reservations. I take pleasure in watching the sunrise, listening to the birds chirping. Little things are so much more important to me.”

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3 beautiful women and their fights with cancer

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  • kimberly Wilson wrote:

    Oct 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    My mom lost her battle on September 18th 2006 with stage-four Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma this article was nice to read that someone fought this illness and won...I hope all is well with you Barb
  • Carolyn Grandy wrote:

    Oct 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    The Power of Positive Thinking and Prayer In November 1998 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer, had surgery and chemotherapy. Cancer returned early in 2000 in sigmoid bowel and again diagnosed as ovarian cancer. More surgery and chemo. Throughout this 14 month period I lived each day with a positive attitude and prayers from across Canada and the USA. I also started on a herbal supplement regime to build up my immune system. I will continue this regime for the rest of my life because I feel and look WELL. My friends call me the miracle lady because my physical condition prior to the second surgery was in a very low state. I credit my recovery to the healing brought about by positive thinking, to the grace of God, and to my enhanced immune system through supplements. I thank God every night for healing and the gift of the past 7 years. Be positive, ladies and gentlemen, as you deal with your encounter with cancer; you can win the battle.
  • Luanne Hill wrote:

    Oct 07, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    Thank you for sharing the articles. I too am a breast cancer survivor, it's been 4 years. My son was 9 years old and I wanted to fight this disease with my entire being - I wanted to watch him grow up. My husband and son were and still are my biggest supporters. Cancer changes your perspective on everything - and cancer is a family disease. Our family is extremely active in the CIBC Run for the Cure, from my husband as the Site Coordinator; I am a community liasion volunteer and our son just does whatever it takes to promote awareness helping with BBQ's and penny auctions. This disease has made me a stronger person. I enjoyed the programs Wellspring Niagara offered- so much so that I volunteer there now as a Reiki Practitioner. I am amazed at the strength women demonstrate while facing the biggest challenges in their lives. Thank you.
  • Eva McKaeff wrote:

    Sep 18, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    I just wanted to comment on the beautiful strong women introduced in this article. My heart goes out to each on of them. I too have just recently been diagnosed with cancer. My diagnosis was that of Thyroid (papillary) Cancer. My surgery was a success. Ladies, not only check your breasts, but please move your fingers north to your neck as well! This was all new to me, I'm so thankful that we speak of cancers so openly!
  • jojo Iorfida wrote:

    Oct 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    Barb is so right about looking good and feeling good as you go through chemo. I myself was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in early 2007. While I wait for the results of the last phase of my treatment which will be in the middle of December I to have taken up Yoga and feel better than I have in a long time breathing exercises and yoga has been giving me the peace I've been looking for since this has all started even if its just for a few hours. The past month while I sat at home and waited for time to pass by till my next doctor's visit I felt like a sitting duck. In the last 3 weeks I have been as active as I can be and look forward to the day I can regain my health back. I'm one step closer
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