Sessions bring new insights on cancer journeys

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By Ann McGlynn | Saturday, January 27, 2007 1:06 AM CST | () comments

Ten women gathered Thursday afternoon in Davenport to talk about journeys with cancer.

The 10, some of them survivors and some of them medical workers, offered insights on their specific experiences in hopes of making the lives of others fuller.

“I feel really strongly about us not being victims,” said Teddy Crawford of Maquoketa, Iowa.

The women brainstormed ideas. Then they voted on which were most important:

* Being proactive

* Defining the “new normal” when treatment is through

* Support of employers

* A strong, well-informed medical team.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation awarded the Iowa Department of Public Health a $10,000 grant to help examine the experiences of cancer survivors.

Meetings were held throughout the state Thursday to gather thoughts from survivors and their families and friends about what they need to improve their quality of life.

The project is part of an Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control effort, which helps set priorities “to prevent, detect and treat cancer, care for cancer survivors, and encourage new advances through cancer research.

The lists of Thursday’s priorities will be gathered. A team of survivors and their loved ones will whittle the list down to create an action plan by the end of this summer.

Bobbi Bussan, a Rock Island nun and cancer survivor, believes discovering local resources and asking as many questions as possible are vital. “No question is dumb,” she said.

Andrea Giltner believes a positive attitude and self-advocacy are keys.

Lori McFate credited her “strong Christian family’s support” for her strength.

“Survivorship starts the day you are diagnosed,” said Sue Clarahan, who works in a hematology and oncology clinic.

Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.