Admiring what a beautiful September day it was, I gratefully maneuvered into a parking spot in the "Visitors" section. Cars filling the "Patient" section belonged to the women whose day I hoped to brighten. Grasping the door handle, I paused, a little nervous about my first session, but mostly thinking of all the courageous women who had walked through this door before me.
Healthy, happy, and blessed with everything in my life, I wanted to reach out and help others who were going through challenging times in their lives. I’d just become a volunteer for "Look Good Feel Better"–a program that helps women undergoing cancer treatments manage various appearance–related changes. When I finished the session, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I had really done something with purpose and made a difference for someone else. Little did I know that I’d officially join this sisterhood in December . . .
Much to my surprise, the telephone rang the day after my annual routine mammogram in November, asking me to come back in the following day for additional views. Unfortunately, the second mammogram did spark concern–enough to schedule a needle biopsy to ensure that the spot was ’just nothing.’ I’d have to wait an entire week for answers.
December 20–just five days before Christmas–the test results finally came, confirming that I had breast cancer. I mechanically continued preparation for the holidays. Nothing would prevent my seven–year–old twin boys, my husband, and me from having a wonderful Christmas with our family. Even though the doctor assured me my cancer was caught early enough to treat, I still couldn’t help worrying, "What if they are wrong?"
Would these be the last holiday memories Matt, Kyle, Dave and I shared?
Support from my family and friends got me through January when I had two lumpectomies followed by more waiting. The results this time were positive, though: the cancer was gone!
In March, I began my 7 week radiation treatment. Before my first session, my oncology nurse informed me that using deodorant, deodorant soap, lotion, cream, and powder could interfere with treatment. She did provide skin care instructions to me, however, to help manage radiation side effects. Immediately, I went to the store to stock up on Aloe Vera, cornstarch, a gentle soap, and a soft washcloth–tools that would help me in my healing process.
The skincare products I was instructed to use did serve as acceptable substitutions for the products I could no longer use, and throughout radiation, I was relieved to keep my normal daily routine for the most part. I was sure to keep the cornstarch and Aloe Vera with me throughout the day should I have treatment–related discomfort–just as my doctor and nurse recommended.
This regimen didn’t seem too inconvenient until I found myself in the ladies’ room at a shopping center, trying to relieve my irritated skin. Applying cornstarch from a plastic baggie was a disastrous mess and because of the original packaging of the Aloe Vera, the only place I had to wipe my hands was the stall’s toilet paper! My purse and clothes were covered with white powder, and my hands were still sticky, but now featured little clumps of toilet tissue. I soon realized how ugly and difficult this process was. . .
Images of the cancer center where I had first been a volunteer and subsequently a patient filled my mind. All of those wonderful women I had met and all the others who had ever battled breast cancer had experienced these same challenges. Renewing You was born!
I have been cancer–free for 4 years. But my journey isn’t over. Renewing You has already given me the opportunity to teach my sons the importance of making something positive from obstacles life presents and that helping others presents the greatest joy. My joy is in the fact that Renewing You will continue to help ease the journey of other women who come after me. I have put my heart into searching out the finest products and most convenient packaging to help women continue caring for themselves with grace and dignity.
This journey in creating these products for women has been amazing. I especially appreciate the initial support from a great mentor, without whom this product may have remained just an idea. Never once wavering in his dedication to me or my goals, my husband Dave has remained a constant companion right by my side. He and my sons have served key roles in every step of Renewing You’s evolution. With this help, Renewing You is making a real difference in women’s lives.
As a survivor, I continue to renew my body and spirit . . . a day at a time.
Sincerely,
Gale Donovan
Affirmations
Remember to rest and relax
Eliminate negative energy
Never give up
Entertain positive thoughts
Willing to have the strength
Inhale and exhale often
Nourish your inner voice
Give time to yourself
You are not alone
Offer and accept help
United to "Find the Cure"
