Surviving an "incurable" brain tumor

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb-March, 2005 by Bill Asenjo, Jeanne M. Wallace

As Clark admits, "I haven't always had a positive attitude. Before this brain tumor journey began, personal losses piled up, causing serious depression." Clark lost both parents to cancer--her father to lung cancer in 1982, her mother to colon cancer in 1985. In addition, an important seven-year relationship ended in 1989. "My attitude bottomed out, and I felt like giving up on life," Clark says." "It took a long time to pull myself to the surface. And just as I began enjoying life again, the tumor struck."

"Ironically, since my diagnosis, I haven't been depressed--a little sad at times, but not depressed. For years I didn't care if I lived, but when faced with the prospect of dying, every molecule of my being ached to live. Instead of focusing on my losses, I focused on all that was good. Instead of telling myself I might only have a short time to live, I chose the attitude of, 'I still have many days to live, play, love ... and I'm going to make the most of them.'"

At first, Clark joined a support group for women with cancer because she needed help. Later, grateful to be alive and interested in helping others, she and several others formed a local support group for people with brain tumors.

Wallace also provided emotional support, helping keep Clark's attitude "adjusted." Clark collected cancer survivor stories, asking friends and family to channel their energies into prayer.

"This journey has been exciting and rewarding," Clark says. "Exciting because I'm still here; rewarding because I can help others."

Clark now works as Wallace's research assistant. "Work keeps me very busy," Clark says with a smile. "It's now two years and seven months since my diagnosis. I'm enjoying life fully and passionately, and I treasure every day."

Bill Asenjo, PhD, CRC

www.billasenjo.com

basenjo@avalon.net

Bill Asenjo, a survivor of six brain tumor surgeries, is completing his PhD dissertation (Alternative Medicine and Disability) at the University of Iowa.

Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC, Clinical Nutrition Consultant, works for Nutritional Solutions, 2935 North, 1000 East, North Logan, Utah 84341. Phone: 435-755-9996, Fax: 435-755-9669. Ms. Wallace can be reached at BTnutrition@aol.com