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Howard Lady Hawks aiming for better season with new-and-improved roster Big Spring Herald sports writer Shawn Moran takes a look at the new Howard Lady Hawks roster, as the team begins to prepare for the upcoming season. While the past few months have been anything but normal, it hasn’t stopped the Lady Hawks from recruiting and building a team, a force to be reckoned with. Meet the 2020-21 Lady Hawks’ newest members and find out a little bit about each player and why they chose to make the move to Big Spring.
July House Call Raj Cheruku, MD with Shannon Medical Oncology shares the importance of cancer screenings and some of the markers to look for in routine tests. Catching cancer signs early lead to a better chance of fighting them. Depending on your age, it depends on which screenings you should make part of your next annual visit. Staying in tune with your body leads to better health.
There is no finish line until there is a cure The fight against cancer is one that doesn’t have to be fought alone. Howard County residents dealing with cancer have resources available including a wig closet, American Cancer Society and support groups. Local residents who have traveled the journey share their experiences and stress the importance of community, faith , and a good attitude when it comes to beating cancer. Cancer is a word that too many have heard and so many are fighting together to find a cure.
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Capturing the Moment
Bruce Schooler, local photographer, shares some tips and tricks on capturing a keepsake portrait. With a little extra time and attention to detail, the little moments can be captured for a lifetime. On the cover: Local Photographer Bruce Schooler captured one of the special moments for the Class of 2020 as they took part in the Senior Sunrise gathering in commemoration of the end of school. Congratulations Class of 2020.
Still Life Design
Local artist Kay Smith shares some key points in creating a beautiful piece that highlights still life design. This month her featured art piece is called “Some Like It Hot.” Her creations are unique, vibrant and bold, and this month she offers an opportunity and guidance to help you create your own work of art.
Even though this year has been more unique than any other when it comes to sports and life in general, the team-building process has not halted for any of the Howard College athletic programs. After a lackluster 2019-20 season, the Howard women's basketball program that is led by longtime coach Earl Diddle has been very aggressive on the recruiting trail this year. The Lady Hawks currently sit with 10 new players set to hustle up and down the hardwood for Diddle beginning this winter. With the unfortunate events of last season that left only seven players suited up at the end of the schedule, Diddle is attempting to fill his new roster with versatile and hardworking players that will not give up when the going gets tough. Let us take a look at each of the new additions and see how they might fit in while suited up in the red and black: Hillary Broussard – Summer Creek HS Broussard is a quick guard who can get her hands on the ball on the defensive side and seems to never run out of energy on the court. When she announced Hillary Broussard her commitment, Summer Creek coach Carlesa Dixon told the Lady Hawks that they are “getting a great player and even better young lady.” The guard from Houston is also an extremely talented distributor of the ball and will give her teammates more opportunities to score. Jahnari Brydlong – Proviso West HS (IL) / Highland CC (KS)
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(Transfer) Brydlong is one of only two newcomers for the Lady Hawks that did not play her high school basketball in Texas. After showing her skills at Proviso West High School in Illinois, she spent last season as a member of the Highland Lady Scotties (KS). She only started two games during the 2019-20 season and was able to average 6.9 points per game while coming off the bench. Brydlong did, however, show her ability to score consistently if given the chance by managing to score in double-digits in six games. “She's a strong and athletic forward,” Howard assistant coach Meesha Wade said. A year after the Lady Hawks struggled to find any consistent power or size down-low, Brydlong looks to fit that mold and should contribute on the court right away. Sheridan Gamble – University HS Gamble is also a forward who can play either the ‘3’ or the ‘4’ and will look to be an instant contributor in Coach Earl Diddle’s system. The 5-foot-10 Gamble will help Kiara Green add some much-needed size and rebounding ability to the Lady Hawks roster. Gamble played at University High School and while the team underwhelmed during her time there, her skills on the court were enough to attract college coaches to her games. “She’s a great energy kid, she’s pretty long, athletic,” Wade said. “She can shoot the midrange pretty well and finishes well around the basket. She’s very active on defense and rebounds the ball very well.”
Kiara Green – Palo Duro HS Diddle has been looking for players that can play multiple positions and help out in multiple roles while on the court. Green is another one of those versatile guards who can affect the game in several different ways and will be stepping into a battle for one of the two starting guard spots. “I saw her play three or four times this year at Palo Duro,” Diddle said. “I think she can score the ball and is a really good kid. She’s a very good shooter and has great leadership and can also play either the “1” or the “2”. We’ve had a lot of Palo Duro kids and I really like her and think that she will come in and make a big impact for us.” Claudia Hernandez – Laramie County CC (WY) (Transfer) Hernandez is a transfer student-athlete who played her Claudia first year of college ball at Laramie County Community College Hernandez (WY). She did not receive much playing time during her first season at the junior college level and was able to average 3.2 points per game. The main factor that led to Hernandez transferring to Howard was her desire to earn more playing time. “She’s a point guard with experience so that already gives her an advantage,” Lady Hawks assistant coach Meesha Wade said. “Plus she can shoot the three very well.” Hernandez believes her greatest strengths are her shooting ability and her court vision, which are two critical components to the game that the Lady Hawks needed to add to their roster. After such a down year last year without much size in the front court, one of the main goals for the Lady Hawks program was to become a bigger team that did not need to use small-ball lineups in every game. Angel Jones – Cedar Hill HS Angel Jones is a forward/center from Cedar Hill, Texas that played her senior year as a member of the Cedar Hill High School Lady Longhorns. She will now be making the almost five-hour trip from the Dallas area to her new home in Big Spring. The versatile 5-foot-11 baller has plenty of talent and size and should find herself in the consistent player rotation each game. “Her size and her ability to pick and pop stand out,” Wade said. “She’ll fit in just fine. She’s a bigger kid than what we had last season and will make our team more
versatile.” Wade has said that she sees Jones lining up at the center position for the Lady Hawks next season. Last year, Howard was forced to play the majority of their games with a small-ball lineup and the addition of Jones will finally give them some size in the front court. Mikayla Malik – Summer Creek HS / Cowley (Transfer) In a sharp contrast to last season, the Lady Hawks are adding plenty of size to their 2020-21 roster and Malik will also fit that mold perfectly. Malik played her high school ball at powerhouse Summer Creek and had been committed to play at Cowley last year. Circumstances changed and Malik did not end up playing for the Lady Tigers last season and will now be joining the Lady Hawks. With such a strong high school basketball background, Diddle had the confidence to pull the trigger and add Malik to his upcoming season's roster. Breeley Oakley – Byron Nelson HS “Her mom and dad are from Canyon, Texas and they are good friends with Brandon Snyder who is the Head Coach at the University of Kansas,” Diddle said. “Brandon called me and sent me some film on her and I really liked her. She’s another multi-position player who played every position while at Byron Nelson and played them pretty well. I think she has a real upside and I think she really loves the game of basketball. She comes from a real basketball family and a really good culture. She has very good ball skills, has a medium-range jump-shot and can knock down some three’s. I think she is going to be a pretty good college player.”
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Breeley Oakley
Oakley will most likely line up at either guard or forward for the Lady Hawks and her ball-handling skills will surely help a team that struggled so mightily with turnovers last season. She also has the ability to shoot the long-range shot and is a tough defender who puts herself in the right position so that she can defend any position on the court.
Daniela Perdomo – Manvel HS Perdomo is forward from Manvel, Texas that played at Manvel High School. She will now be making the almost eight-hour trip from South Houston to her new home in Big Spring. The versatile 5-foot8 guard has plenty of talent and should find herself in the consistent player rotation each game. “She can shoot the three from very deep, she’s a smart kid with a very high basketball IQ and is athletic as well,” Lady Hawks assistant coach Meesha Wade said. “She can even post up smaller guards and is just an all-around player who can either play inside or outside.” Charnay Robinson – Cypress Ridge HS
Robinson is a two-way guard that can shoot from anywhere on the court and plays with the same amount of energy on defense that she plays with on offense. She is of smaller stature, standing at 5-foot-6, and will enter the point guard competition with incumbent Tatym Barnes and her fellow incoming freshmen. Assistant coach Meesha Wade called Robinson a “versatile point guard” and one look at her highlight film will make you excited that the Lady Hawks added her to the team. Raegan Travis – Allen HS “She’s a 5-foot-10 guard/forward that’s really a good athlete and can score the ball,” Diddle said. “She has excellent shooting, an excellent family and is sort of a multi-position player. We’re looking for kids who can play different positions and she fits that role.” Another versatile player that will be added to the roster and will make the competition when practices begin that much more intense. Travis played at one of the top athletic schools from throughout the state of Texas and playing against that level of competition should have done a good job preparing her for the junior college level. With only five starting spots to be had on the hardwood, each one of these newcomers will need to show their skills on the court when they arrive on campus. The Lady Hawks only have two returning players, Tatym Barnes and Anais Bonnemaison, and each starting spot is currently up for grabs. This year's edition of the Howard Lady Hawks is coming together much nicer than last season's group. The versatility and overall level of talent seems to be much greater with this incoming class
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Daniela Perdomo and all 11 players will be looking to make an immediate impact. When all of these players arrive on campus, the competition will begin. Those practices are sure to be filled with high-energy plays and young student-athletes looking to show that they belong on the court when the regular season starts. Following a 7-22 record last season and a seventh-place finish in Region V, this new edition of the Lady Hawks will be looking to at least double that win total and book themselves a spot in the Region Tournament. There are four months to go until the start of the season and the 2020-21 Howard Lady Hawks basketball team is finally beginning to take its shape.
Capturing the Moment
I
By BRUCE SCHOOLER
really enjoy creating portraits on location. There are so many places in Howard County that are great for creating beautiful portraits. Yes, in this Howard County! Just keep your eyes and mind open while you are driving around and you will find many locations. I almost always use some form of supplemental lighting while creating environmental portraits. Yes, even during the middle of a bright shiny day. Many people still face their subjects facing the sun and fire, creating a flatly lit photo with their subject's face contorted out of shape from squinting. That was the way many of you were taught because that was the way your parents or grand parents did it in the good old days. Today with modern digital cameras and external flashes we have so many more options. Almost fifteen years ago I attended a week-long class at Texas School taught by Doug Box. He is a legend in the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) and the Texas Professional Photographers Association (TPPA). One of the techniques he taught was off camera flash. Using this method he created some beautiful outdoor portraits during that class. I was hooked and use off camera flash on almost all of my outdoor portrait sessions. So what do you need to start using this method? You will need a flash or strobe that has substantial light output. You will also need a light stand, an umbrella adapter that swivels, radio triggers, and some form of light modifier. One thing that I have added to my list of must-have items is a sandbag to put on the light stand. I learned this the hard way as the West Texas winds blew my light stand with my flash and softbox over and damaged my flash. It is sometimes even too windy with the sand bag so I take the softbox off the flash and attach a 22-inch reflector and the results are still great. I will not get into the use of the off camera lighting kit in this article as it is quite involved. If you are interested in learning this lighting technique there are several websites that have information in the use
of off camera flash. One of the most popular is “The Strobist” created by David Hobby. Do a search for “The Strobist” and his site will be the first one on the list. So what if you don't have an off camera flash or you don't have the time or money to invest in all the stuff you need build your kit? There is another great alternative. Elizabeth and Trey Homan are great photographers from San Antonio. They also teach a class at Texas School and I highly recommend them if you get a chance. They use home made reflectors when they create outdoor portraits. By using the reflector to add light you can separate your subject from the background and create a beautiful portrait. You can make your reflectors by going to your local hardware store and getting the insulation sheeting and cutting the 4x8 foot sheet in half. With a little duct tape you will be in business. Just be sure to get the insulation sheet that has the aluminum shiny side. For more information you can search for home made photography reflectors or “Fuzzy reflectors”. Fuzzy Duenkel was the first well known photographer to use the reflector therefore it was named after him. By the way check out his website if you want to see some great High School Senior photography. These are two great ways to set your photography apart from others. It does add extra time to your portrait session and it may not be practical for everyone especially if your taking portraits of your threeyear old son in the park. The extra time and effort are worth it to me because it adds that little extra that makes the portrait special. Just do not overdo it. You should not be able to tell that flash or a reflector was used in creating the portrait. If you have any questions please e-mail me at bruce@theredbarnstudios.com. Our website is www.theredbarnstudios.com. You can also find us on Facebook. Living Magazine
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July House Call Cancer Screenings June 7 marks National Cancer Survivors Day. On this day, we celebrate those who have survived any form of cancer and hope to inspire those recently diagnosed. This day is meant to provide support for all individuals and their families. This time of celebration also brings an opportunity to spread awareness about the necessary cancer screenings individuals should get to help ensure early diagnosis. Staying aware of the signs and symptoms of specific kinds of cancer is very important, but it is equally important to know your risks and get screened before any symptoms occur. Below are the most common types of cancer (based on data from the American Cancer Society) with recommended screening guidelines: Breast (female/male) Women should start annual breast cancer screenings with an x-ray of the breast, or mammogram, at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health. Higher-risk individuals who have a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to speak with their doctor about getting screened at an earlier age. Monthly at-home breast examinations are encouraged to monitor any changes.
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Being familiar with how the breast looks and feels is a key component in noticing early signs of breast cancer. Lung A low-dose CT scan (LDCT) is recommended for individuals at higher risk of lung cancer and who meet the following conditions: aged 55 to 74 years old and in fairly good health, currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 15 years, and have at least a 30 pack-year smoking history. *A pack-year is 1 pack of cigarettes per day, per year. Prostate Starting at age 50, men should consult with their healthcare providers to decide whether getting tested for prostate cancer is right for Raj Cheruku, MD them. African American men, as well as Shannon Clinic Oncology men who have had a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, should talk with their provider at age 45. Colon and Rectal Colonoscopies can detect pre-cancerous polyps that form in the colon or rectum; polyps can be removed to prevent cancer. New guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend regular colonoscopy screenings for colorectal cancer should begin at age
45. Individuals in good health should continue to be screened regularly through age 75. People ages 76 to 85 are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider on whether or not they need to continue testing. Melanoma Performing a full-body self-examination on your skin regularly is very important, as well as seeing a dermatologist yearly. Those at higher risk for skin cancer should visit a dermatologist more frequently for professional skin exams. Signs and symptoms of melanoma include unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes markings, or changes to an area of skin’s appearance or texture. Kidney A routine urinalysis may find small amounts of blood in people with early kidney cancer. Urinalysis can be done during a regular physical exam. People who have a higher risk of kidney cancer due to inherited conditions like Hippel-Lindau disease are encouraged to get regular imaging tests such as CT, MRI or ultrasounds to look for kidney tumors. Endometrial Once women reach menopause, they should consult with their physician about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Any vaginal bleeding or spotting during this time should be reported. Some women, at the recommendation of their doctor, may need to consider having a yearly endometrial biopsy. Thyroid Thyroid cancer can be found early and treated successfully. If you are experiencing lumps or nodules in your neck, you should see your healthcare provider right away. Blood tests and thyroid ultrasounds can find changes in the thyroid, but should only be done if the individual is at higher risk. Cervical Screening for cervical cancer should start at age 21 with a Pap test. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a test done every 3 years, women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test done every 5 years, women over the age of 65 who have had regular cervical testing done in the past 10 years should stop screenings. All women who have had HPV vaccinations, regardless of age group, should still follow these screening instructions. These guidelines are for average risk individuals. People with family history or high risk candidates of cancer are recommended to discuss with their health care provider about genetic testing, preventative measures and screening strategies. Having regular visits with you primary care physician is a great way to stay healthier and watch for
potential early signs of cancer. If you are looking for a primary care physician, call our Doctor Matchmaker at 325-481-2343.
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STILL LIFE DESIGN
W
hen you practice
painting still life objects it gives you experience that is essential no matter what subject you prepare to tackle. With still life you are able to set up your chosen items and you can enforce your own design using whatever media or medium you like. You have the power to arrange the various pieces, to use different shaped and colored things to include textural ones and then manipulate the lighting. You can practice by arranging the group of your treasures in many light modes such as strong, harsh light with intense shadows, back light, front light, and side light. Or even a soft, subdued lighting might work well. Pay attention to how the lighting effects colors. The objective in designing still life is to play with backlighting and with light shining through the center of the painting. Technique is gradated washes, blended washes, colors mixed on the paper itself, and dry brush. I focus on the following design elements: Shape - dominance of Round Color - dominance of the red yellow hues Tone - dominance of Light tone (High Key) Line - dominance of curved lines Value patternArches cold press paper 140 lb was used along with 1/2”, 1” flat synthetic sable, and #10 round brushes. See Kay’s work https://kaysmith.artspan.com or at 2106 Scurry St., in Big Spring at Brushworks Studio.
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There is no finish line until there is a cure By CARRIE HARVELL The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. up from surgery and visited with my wife and youngest daughter and Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice was told that the doctors were able to perform the surgery just as we at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” had discussed.” “May 2017, I went to the doctor for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 3 advanced cancer” Robert Smith, cancer survivor, said. “When I asked my doctor for recommendation, he advised me that MD Anderson in Houston was the best for this kind of treatment.” Smith and his family traveled to MD Anderson and met with a team of doctors. During that initial conversation, the team recommended chemo and radiation, as the first step, to shrink the cancer to make it easier to remove and then surgery. Now that they had a plan, Smith and his wife chose to stay in Houston for a month to receive the recommended treatment. “We were fortunate that my wife grew up in the Salvation Army Church and was able to reach out to Salvation Army officers locally (Big Spring). They contacted one of the shelters in the Houston area, and we were able to stay $ 00 there to help defer the cost of staying a month” Smith said. The support Smith received from his boss and the understanding that was shown was an important part of the road to recovery. After 28 days of treatment the couple returned home for $ 00 a while, before traveling back to Houston for surgery on Dec. 15. “I underwent surgery with three doctors workBigSpringUrgentCare.com ing on me, and that lasted 13.5 hours,” Robert said. “Before the surgeries I had discussed not having a colostomy with my doctors. The 1700 W. FM 700 (432) 264-1911 doctors said they would do their best. I woke
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When Smith received the original diagnosis everyone told him he He continued, “I woke up four days later and was told my colon had would have at least five years life expectancy. Smith and his wife ruptured. I had to be taken back into emergency surgery for 10.5 refused to believe it because five years was not long enough. more hours. Because of the amount of colon they had to remove “I am still a young man, even though I will soon turn 60. I still have they had to do a colostomy, it turned out that it is not such a big a lot to accomplish. It does not matter if it’s tomorrow or 30 years deal.” down the road, the fight goes on. Don’t be naïve, as I was. I have While Smith was in recovery, he was intubated for three days. never smoked and tried to stay away from people who do. Cancer While the original surgery had gone off well and his spirits remained can happen to anyone at any time. It is not because you smoke or high, this time, it was a little bit different. are subjected to secondhand smoke. Get tested at the recommend“When I woke up, I did not wake up as myself. I am a fighter with a ed age or if you notice changes in your health. If my story can save very positive attitude. Neither was present when I woke up” he said. “The staff and my family tried to get me to get up and use a walker to one person’s life it has all been worth it. No one likes to think of the invasive procedures they will be required to go through to be tested, walk until my strength returned. I had no desire to even try.” but it is worth it to catch cancer early,” Smith said. Smith continued, “Since I would not try, out of frustration, they sent Cancer does not discriminate and can affect male and female, any me to a long-term care facility. When I realized I was in a retirement age, and any ethnicity. Local resident Debbye ValVerde shares her rehab center, that got my attention. I was not then nor am I now an journey through thyroid cancer and how cancer has impacted her old man, and I refused to accept where I was.” life, in more ways than one. She was diagnosed in 2007 with Hurthle That realization reignited the fight that Smith had always had. Cell Thyroid Cancer. He used that drive to work hard and in conjunction with the staff “When I received my diagnosis of cancer, I felt like I had been given to regain strength in his back, legs and lower body. As part of his recovery, he would ride a stationary bike three miles twice-a-day and a mountain to show others that it could be moved,” ValVerde said. use a hand bike two miles twice-a-day. Within a week he was up and “After two surgeries, iodine treatment, and iron infusions for three years I am cancer free.” walking around the facility with a walker. When the doctors first found the mass in the right lobe of ValVerde's “At the end of two weeks I was walking a mile without the walker. I thyroid and removed it the pathologist could not tell her if it was did have some difficulties with balance and hand-eye coordination” cancer or not. She was referred to an endocrinologist who ran more Smith said. “As soon as I was released, we returned to Big Spring tests. ValVerde received a letter form the Mayo Clinic stating that and I continued rehab at Dora Roberts. I continued to go to Midland her entire thyroid should have been removed, which meant another for chemo at Texas Oncology for three months while I worked.” Smith has been back at full strength for the past two years, but con- surgery. At that time there was very little information available, but she did utilize the American Cancer website and asked questions of tinues to return to Houston for checkups every six months. In January 2018, the doctors found a large polyp at the beginning of Smith's colon, removed it and determined it was not cancerous. ANNOUNCING INCREASED SALARIES They thought it had been there all along, but LVN up to $4072.01 per month DOE because of where it was located, it was not RN’s up to $5755 per month DOE visible at the time of treatment. “I have been cancer free for 2.5 years. I rePNA’s starting at $2312.85 per month turned to Houston June 8 for an MRI,” Smith PART TIME POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE said. “I can tell you that prayer works. I had For more information on jobs and salaries: hundreds and hundreds of people praying CALL Paula at (432) 268-7674 or for me. Many of them were customers of the Submit a resume to Herald. I can say without a doubt that those jennifer.patton@hhsc.state.tx.us prayers, the skill of the doctors and staff, for initial screening; application process will be initiated at a later time. the love of my family and God brought me Or visit us at: through this. The strength of my family was Big Spring State Hospital amazing.” 1901 N. Hwy. 87 Big Spring, TX 79720 He continued, “I do not believe there is anyone in this world who has not been GMS/Medical Clinic touched by cancer; whether it be a friend, Laboratory Tech 1/GMS Runner family member, co-worker, teacher or coach. Flexible Daytime Working Hours The suffering caused by cancer is felt more In GMS Laboratory by those who love the patient than the Salary Range: $2,075.83 - $3,047.58 patient themselves. Stormi, my daughter, According to Experience bought me a hat in June 2018 that she had Contact our Job Center specially made for me that said ‘I fought 432-268-7341 or 432-268-7298 cancer and won.’ It is my belief that no one Or wins with cancer. You are constantly looking Complete an application online at over your shoulder and praying that it does https://accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us not come back.”
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her doctors and the nurses. The discussions with the medical staff and the support of her family helped her get through it. “To date, I am cancer free. I have had some problems with not having a thyroid. I still have to have regular checkups and occasional tests, but it is all good. I am anemic, but I am alive and well,” she said. “I have a family history of cancer; I lost my Dad, Tim Salazar, to cancer on Feb. 23, 1999. In 1997 he went in for what was thought to be a simple gallbladder surgery and ended up with the worst possible diagnosis at that time: pancreatic cancer. Through two years of experimental chemo treatments in Midland and San Antonio, he kept telling me ‘now remember if this does not work for me something good will still come out of it that will help someone else.’ I was that someone else,”
she said. “If I can help just one person through their journey, whether it is talking to them, or just being there to listen-I want to be that person. Hearing the word cancer is hard, but if I can be a supporter and help get someone past that word and thinking positive then I am here for them.” She continued, “I have been approached by many people who are having problems with their thyroid. I tell them my story and remind them we are all different. I always ask them to stay in contact with me so I can help them get the information and support they need.” ValVerde started participating in Relay for Life in 1996. She wanted to be a part of all the fun and excitement that the volunteers expressed. She started out passing out sunscreen, then the crazy hat parade and all the other fun stuff. “At that time cancer was not a part of my life, but I wanted to do my part. I continue to do Relay for Life because, like my Dad, I believe there will be a cure someday,” she said. “Relay is very dear to me. I don’t want any of my nieces and nephews, or anyone to have to hear those words ‘You have cancer.’ Relay to me is like family working together to help find a cure.” Early detection is key, especially when you are dealing with cancer. Judy Tereletsky gave herself a mammogram for her 30th birthday. She continued to do so at 35, 40, and at 45. In 2003 one of her dogs alerted her to a problem, she went in for another mammogram and the doctors found a “suspicious area” on the mammogram, it turned out to be Ductal Carcinoma in Situ grade 1. “I had surgery and the doctors told me that it was the kind of cancer that would come back. They could not tell me when or even if it would be in the same place, but that it would come back. After the surgery I had radiation and medication.”
Rich History. Big Possibilities.
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is being treated. I tell everyone---Get tested at the recommended ages. It might be uncomfortable, it might even be painful, however finding it early can save you and your loved ones so much more pain. Don’t be hardheaded or think it can’t happen to you. Get tested! A positive attitude and prayer are defiantly needed to be a survivor.” Dealing with cancer is different for everyone. One thing everyone shares is the belief that life is different after cancer. After receiving the diagnosis of cancer, many have said they appreciate life more, become more accepting of themselves, have feelings of anxiousness about their health, and find themselves not knowing how to cope after treatment ends. HERALD file photo Survivorship - as with many other stages in Each year the community comes together to make a stand life - has three phases: Acute which begins at diagnosis and goes through to the end of against cancer. The most recent Relay For Life event took place at the amphitheater. This year, due to the COVID-19 situation, the treatment; Extended which begins at the end of initial treatment and goes through the months annual event has been pushed back to the fall. and years of treatment; and permanent when She continued, “After 17 years another mammogram alerted them years have passed since treatment. to a possible return of a different kind of cancer. At present they are Last year 15.5 million people were diagnosed with cancer. The watching it. It is not easy being diagnosed with cancer. It’s not easy most common ones are: breast cancer 23%; prostate 21%; colorecdealing with the treatments or surgery or the side effects or the medital 9%; cervical or ovarian 8%; melanoma 8%. Currently the survivor cation. It’s not easy dealing with the uncertainty. All anyone can do is rate of common cancers is 92% and 62% for survivors who were hold on to hope every single day and draw from their inner strength diagnosed five years ago and 47% of survivors are age 70 or older. and faith. They have to remind themselves that they can overcome Higher survivor rates have been attributed to earlier testing, along the tough days, and (remember) in between those tough days there will be good days. They need to embrace the good days and put the tough days behind them.” “I firmly believe that there are medical advances occurring helping the fight against cancer. Everyone should do their part supIs Upon Us! porting Relay for Life events and get tested at the recommended ages” Tereletsky said. Cancer survivors Ron and Judy Plumlee are a pair of locals who do their part year-round to ensure those going through this journey have a support system. In 1989, Ron went in for a bladder problem and was given the scary diagnosis of cancer. Because it was found early, he was one of the lucky ones. His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. She had a lumpectomy and had treatment twice-a-day for five days. Ron said “there has been a huge advancement in treatment from the time I was diagnosed and when Judy received her diagnosis. We are very involved in Relay for Life; we have participated in the golf tournament for 20 years. One year we raised $17,500, most years we raise at least $10,000,” he said. “Cancer is considered the silent killer. Most of the time it is only discovered when something else
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One of the often forgotten resources is the Wig Closet located inside Merle Norman, at 1210 S. Gregg. Sherry Phillips receives donation of wigs, hats, caps and scarves. She makes these items available for free to any survivor. “My mother had cancer years ago, there was nothing locally for her and the treatments left her feeling weak and not well enough to travel. Someone donated a wig to her,” Phillips said. “That donation started the idea of a ‘wig closet’.” For more information on donating or getting a wig, hat, cap or scarf contact Sherry Phillips at 432-267-6161. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser. Relay for Life gives cancer patients and their families access to resources they may need including free rides to treatment and doctor visits, free lodging and a live 24/7 help line for answers to questions and for support. It is important for survivors to register with HERALD file photo Relay for Life as soon as they receive their diagnosis at 1-800-227-2345. This ensures that the statistics for Debbye ValVerde has been taking part in Relay For Life long before her diagnosis with thyroid cancer. Together we each area stay current. Also, survivors are available to talk with new patients and to check up on their progress. tackle the fight, together we get through the fight. This list is also important for invitations that are sent with major improvements in cancer prevention and treatment. out for each of the Relay for Life events. The COVID-19 pandemic Everyone should be tested early for cancer since in most cases has caused some cancellations or delays for these events, for more there are no symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends information on Relay for Life call Beverly Grant at 432-264-7599. the following: Age 30: women have a mammogram Age 21: women start having Pap Test Age 55: X-rays for anyone who smokes or are around heavy smokers. Age 50: a colonoscopy Age 55: men should have a prostate specific antigen (PSA). Survivorship means living well during treatment, maintaining good nutrition and staying active. There are many types of feelings commonly experienced before, during and after treatment. When treatment ends there is less contact with health care professionals. Survivors will sometimes feel relief that treatment is over, but uncertain about the future. Some will feel fear that the cancer will return and some are told that there is a great possibility that it will return, possibly in a different area. All will experience some physical and psychological problems that need to be dealt with in different ways. Sometimes relationship struggles may develop. Going back to a regular work schedule is very important not only for the finances and in some cases insurance It’s easy to read the news on the go with our newly renovated but because a normal routine and lifestyle is website. Simply go to www.bigspringherald.com to see the important. daily news updates and featured stories. With the recent Survivors do not have to travel the journey upgrade to our website, it’s even easier to browse on your alone. In Big Spring and Howard County there are a handful of resources that can be mobile device, too! of service while they are going through treatments and some even after treatment has concluded. Living Magazine 15
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