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California

Joie de VIVre

My husband, good friends and good food!

VIV Moment

A few months ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was caught very early and was a slow-growth type of breast tumor. And, thanks to very forward-thinking techniques at Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center, I am cancer-free today.

I joined a clinical trial at Stanford to receive IORT (intraoperative radiation therapy), which for breast cancer is still considered experimental. Instead of weeks of radiation treatments, the doctors irradiate the opened area of the breast during the surgery — one time only! A single dose of intraoperative radiation can have as much effect as 20 daily radiation treatments.

Still, I experienced a great deal of uncertainty and emotional upheaval throughout this process, as well as a tremendous amount of fear. Each time my husband, John, and I went to the Cancer Center, I would study the faces of other patients sitting there beside me in the waiting room. What I saw was courage, stamina, and faith. Smiling faces seemed to reassure me. Back at home, I received many phone calls from friends and relatives, each of whom had their own way of delivering hope and joy. I never knew how much other people cared about me.

Submitting this VIV Moment is my opportunity to show how very grateful I am for their time and focus, and to let them know how much strength they gave me. Nothing beats the incredible show of support from your friends and family. That is truly life-affirming!

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