Tangible Faith

By Jesse Horn

2/24/10

As the Christmas ornaments came down she hesitated in putting them away. Memories of Christmases past flooded her mind and an emptiness for what might lie before her set in. Before packing them into their box, she made the decision to label each one as to whom they should go to, just in case she didn’t see next Christmas. There are some words that you learn only by being confronted with circumstances that require knowledge of those words. For example, most people do not come in contact with a word like astylar, which in architecture is a façade without columns or pilasters, unless your job is in some way related to architecture. Another example is a word like apoptosis, or cytotoxicity, which unless you are confronted with the real possibility of death, like the 1,479,350 newly diagnosed cases of cancer in the US last year, you would have no need to know. These last few months have added many new words to the vocabulary of the Swanson household. A few weeks ago we told the story of Donna Swanson, who up until about five years ago had lived a healthy life, and her dreams appeared to be on the verge of being fulfilled.

That all changed when an unbelievable dark cloud of relentless opposition fell upon her life.

It began with a heart attack. Then her husband left her, and just a few days later her mother lost her own battle with lung cancer. Before long she too would be confronted with a similar fatal possibility. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, which the overall 5-year relative survival rate for 1999-2005 was 89.1%.This seems like a high probability of success, but it is remarkable how large 10.9% can seem when you’re facing a possible fatal outcome.

To ensure that she would have a better chance of survival, Donna opted to have a double mastectomy, which she would learn following the surgery was the right decision when doctors discovered she had cancer in both breasts.

Although her life appeared to be suddenly plagued with hardship, as well as faith building moments, she maintained a positive attitude and pushed through each difficulty with optimism. The idea remained strong with her that she had no other option than to just keep going.

After making it through this last overwhelming obstacle, remarkably she would be forced to deal with more horrific news…again she was diagnosed with cancer, only this time it was in her lungs.

According to a recent study patients who have surgery supplemented by chemotherapy or radiotherapy have a three and five-year survival rate of 64.9% and 57.1% respectively.

Donna and her husband, Fire Fighter Brian Swanson from the Heber-Overgaard Fire Department, again did not want to take any chances. Under the direction of her doctors and the University of Arizona they are taking every option they can to battle this obstacle.

“U of A is where treatment protocol comes from,” explained Brian. “They have been amazing.”

“We have been very fortunate,” smiled Donna in retrospect, “which is a strange thing to say in this kind of situation. Every step of the way we have to pay so much up front.” She went on to explain that even though they are just about to begin the actual treatment portion of the process, each time they see a specialist or have a test they have to pay as much as $1,500 upfront for co-pay.

“We already have a pile of medical bills three inches thick,” stated Brian.

“But if it wasn’t for Brian’s insurance we wouldn’t even be able to be seen by these doctors,” stressed Donna.

They had expected that the treatment was going to last for an intense 6 weeks, but now it looks like she will have to undergo 18 weeks of chemotherapy, and 5 weeks of radiation everyday. One of the major drawbacks to the radiation treatment is that it will cause such trauma to Donna’s esophagus that she will not be able to eat during her treatment.

“You know most of my life I have been a healthy person. It is really hard to think that they are going to make me sick to make me better.”

At the moment Donna has fluid on one of her lungs, which will be treated this next week by using a needle through her back. Then radiation and chemotherapy treatment will be able to begin. Chemotherapy is the usage of chemicals pushed through the body that are designed to kill micro-organisms or cancerous cells. They focus on cells that divide rapidly, which is one of the main properties of cancerous cells. Cancer itself is the uncontrolled growth of cells, and as a result can respond well to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, there are a large number of adverse side effects, some of which can in themselves be fatal. The old adage that the cure is deadlier then the disease is not far from the truth when dealing with cancer treatment. Many of the side effects include fatigue, bleeding, gastrointestinal distress and nausea, hair loss, and depression of the immune system which can result in a higher susceptibility to infection.

Radiation will also be utilized, and a new experimental treatment through U of A is going to be attempted.

Donna and Brian are still optimistic that things are going to be resolved, and that she will unpack her Christmas ornaments this next Christmas. Even their doctors, who now seem to focus on using terminology like “survivor” rather than cure, have been indicating that they believe they can “cure” her. It’s small things like the use of a particular word that can give hope when it seems like so much is against you.

Donna and Brian have also been truly humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement. A few weeks ago the Heber-Overgaard Fire Department held a fundraiser dinner that was a huge success.

“They weren’t sure if they would sell all that they prepared,” laughed Brian, “but they had to go out and buy more supplies multiple times. The way this department and community have shown their support, I just have no words.”

“How can words describe,” Donna said as her eyes began to tear up, “it has been overwhelming. This community has been so amazing.” Donna explained that one of the girls at the high school had read her story and went to the student counsel to see if they could do a bake sale at the next basket ball game. Her and her friends got together and baked cakes for the event.

“I have such strong feelings for the people in town. Like the people at Grace Fellowship. They are so sincere.”

“And the department,” stressed Brian, “there have been many who have donated their sick time…its just overwhelming.”

The Swansons stated that although there is so much in life that you have to take on faith, there has been so many situations throughout this event that have built their faith through truly seeing the hand of God at work in their lives.

“It’s tangible faith,” Brain said. “We can see His hand working in our lives and it has brought us closer together.”

“When you’re faced with death you look to the people in your life so differently. You value these relationships more,” Donna stated. “I will not give up, although sometimes it is really tough. You just have to look at what God has shown you along the way for strength.”

Donna begins her treatment this week, and we will continue to follow her on her journey to recovery.

The Heber-Overgaard Fire Department is holding a fundraising carwash on February 27th at 12pm at the Department for the Swansons. They will also be having a bake sale and be selling tickets for a beautiful quilt. For more information contact the department at (928) 535-4346.


	Tangible Faith By Jesse Horn 2/24/10 As the Christmas ornaments came down she hesitated in putting them away. Memories of Christmases past flooded her mind and an emptiness for what might lie before her set in. Before packing them into their box, she made the decision to label each one as to whom they should go to, just in case she didn’t see next Christmas. There are some words that you learn only by being confronted with circumstances that require knowledge of those words. For example, most people do not come in contact with a word like astylar, which in architecture is a façade without columns or pilasters, unless your job is in some way related to architecture. Another example is a word like apoptosis, or cytotoxicity, which unless you are confronted with the real possibility of death, like the 1,479,350 newly diagnosed cases of cancer in the US last year, you would have no need to know. These last few months have added many new words to the vocabulary of the Swanson household. A few weeks ago we told the story of Donna Swanson, who up until about five years ago had lived a healthy life, and her dreams appeared to be on the verge of being fulfilled. That all changed when an unbelievable dark cloud of relentless opposition fell upon her life. It began with a heart attack. Then her husband left her, and just a few days later her mother lost her own battle with lung cancer. Before long she too would be confronted with a similar fatal possibility. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, which the overall 5-year relative survival rate for 1999-2005 was 89.1%.This seems like a high probability of success, but it is remarkable how large 10.9% can seem when you’re facing a possible fatal outcome. To ensure that she would have a better chance of survival, Donna opted to have a double mastectomy, which she would learn following the surgery was the right decision when doctors discovered she had cancer in both breasts. Although her life appeared to be suddenly plagued with hardship, as well as faith building moments, she maintained a positive attitude and pushed through each difficulty with optimism. The idea remained strong with her that she had no other option than to just keep going. After making it through this last overwhelming obstacle, remarkably she would be forced to deal with more horrific news…again she was diagnosed with cancer, only this time it was in her lungs. According to a recent study patients who have surgery supplemented by chemotherapy or radiotherapy have a three and five-year survival rate of 64.9% and 57.1% respectively. Donna and her husband, Fire Fighter Brian Swanson from the Heber-Overgaard Fire Department, again did not want to take any chances. Under the direction of her doctors and the University of Arizona they are taking every option they can to battle this obstacle. “U of A is where treatment protocol comes from,” explained Brian. “They have been amazing.” “We have been very fortunate,” smiled Donna in retrospect, “which is a strange thing to say in this kind of situation. Every step of the way we have to pay so much up front.” She went on to explain that even though they are just about to begin the actual treatment portion of the process, each time they see a specialist or have a test they have to pay as much as $1,500 upfront for co-pay. “We already have a pile of medical bills three inches thick,” stated Brian. “But if it wasn’t for Brian’s insurance we wouldn’t even be able to be seen by these doctors,” stressed Donna. They had expected that the treatment was going to last for an intense 6 weeks, but now it looks like she will have to undergo 18 weeks of chemotherapy, and 5 weeks of radiation everyday. One of the major drawbacks to the radiation treatment is that it will cause such trauma to Donna’s esophagus that she will not be able to eat during her treatment. “You know most of my life I have been a healthy person. It is really hard to think that they are going to make me sick to make me better.” At the moment Donna has fluid on one of her lungs, which will be treated this next week by using a needle through her back. Then radiation and chemotherapy treatment will be able to begin. Chemotherapy is the usage of chemicals pushed through the body that are designed to kill micro-organisms or cancerous cells. They focus on cells that divide rapidly, which is one of the main properties of cancerous cells. Cancer itself is the uncontrolled growth of cells, and as a result can respond well to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, there are a large number of adverse side effects, some of which can in themselves be fatal. The old adage that the cure is deadlier then the disease is not far from the truth when dealing with cancer treatment. Many of the side effects include fatigue, bleeding, gastrointestinal distress and nausea, hair loss, and depression of the immune system which can result in a higher susceptibility to infection. Radiation will also be utilized, and a new experimental treatment through U of A is going to be attempted. Donna and Brian are still optimistic that things are going to be resolved, and that she will unpack her Christmas ornaments this next Christmas. Even their doctors, who now seem to focus on using terminology like “survivor” rather than cure, have been indicating that they believe they can “cure” her. It’s small things like the use of a particular word that can give hope when it seems like so much is against you. Donna and Brian have also been truly humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement. A few weeks ago the Heber-Overgaard Fire Department held a fundraiser dinner that was a huge success. “They weren’t sure if they would sell all that they prepared,” laughed Brian, “but they had to go out and buy more supplies multiple times. The way this department and community have shown their support, I just have no words.” “How can words describe,” Donna said as her eyes began to tear up, “it has been overwhelming. This community has been so amazing.” Donna explained that one of the girls at the high school had read her story and went to the student counsel to see if they could do a bake sale at the next basket ball game. Her and her friends got together and baked cakes for the event. “I have such strong feelings for the people in town. Like the people at Grace Fellowship. They are so sincere.” “And the department,” stressed Brian, “there have been many who have donated their sick time…its just overwhelming.” The Swansons stated that although there is so much in life that you have to take on faith, there has been so many situations throughout this event that have built their faith through truly seeing the hand of God at work in their lives. “It’s tangible faith,” Brain said. “We can see His hand working in our lives and it has brought us closer together.” “When you’re faced with death you look to the people in your life so differently. You value these relationships more,” Donna stated. “I will not give up, although sometimes it is really tough. You just have to look at what God has shown you along the way for strength.” Donna begins her treatment this week, and we will continue to follow her on her journey to recovery. The Heber-Overgaard Fire Department is holding a fundraising carwash on February 27th at 12pm at the Department for the Swansons. They will also be having a bake sale and be selling tickets for a beautiful quilt. For more information contact the department at (928) 535-4346.