Sherry Scoffield

<< All Endometrial Cancer Survivors

Four days after Christmas 1999, I received a phone call from my doctor with the three words no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” The results of an ultrasound and biopsy showed endometrial cancer.

On January 5, 2000 I had a complete hysterectomy near my home in Montana, which also showed the cancer had invaded the uterine wall. All of the lymph nodes taken tested positive for cancer, as well as the pelvic washings. My written report from the doctor from these findings stated, “Unfortunately, this really does decrease her survival chances.” The doctor gave me a 30 percent chance of living for five years.

A few weeks later when I met with the oncologist, he prescribed full abdominal radiation because the cancer had spread so far. He also said, “This will not be fun for you or for me.” That left me pretty cold.

I asked the doctors what they would teach me about nutrition and what I could do to help my body fight the cancer. I felt that chemo and radiation alone could not cure me. The doctors said, “Just eat a balanced diet.” I asked them what a balanced diet was, but they had no answer. They sent me to the hospital library to check out books and tapes on nutrition. I brought the books and tapes home, but when I finished reviewing them, I didn’t know anything more than when I started.

One of my neighbors had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the year before. He had been given six months to live. He and his wife shared their cancer story with us. They told us about Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Southwestern Regional Medical Center, and gave us books to read on nutrition and pamphlets from CTCA. They encouraged us to call CTCA. Today, he is still my neighbor and still in the farming business, thanks to CTCA.

My husband read through most of the material our neighbor had given us, but I didn’t have the energy to do much. Our four children came home. My husband and children convinced me that I had nothing to lose by getting a second opinion on treatment. We made the call to CTCA and arrangements were made for me to go to CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) in Zion, Illinois.

My family and I had no idea where Zion, Illinois was, but within a week we were there. We flew from Bozeman to Minneapolis and then to Chicago. We were met at the airport in Chicago by a CTCA driver. He drove us to Zion in a limousine. The staff at CTCA took care of every detail of our trip, which was so helpful. We had enough stress in our lives at that moment.

The difference between my treatment at home and at CTCA was like night and day. At CTCA, it’s all about hope from the moment you walk in the door. In the lobby of Midwestern, there is a tree of life made up of gold name plaques. Each plaque represents a patient who has survived cancer for five years. I made up my mind that my name would be on that tree!

One of the first things that happened when I got to Midwestern were meetings with doctors, nutritionists and naturopaths. We discussed what the cancer center could do for me. My husband and I were very much a part of the treatment decisions. Dr. Williams and Dr. Kramer told my husband and I they would do radiation, but it would NOT be full abdominal. They said full abdominal radiation would be very drastic and would have lasting effects on all my organs. We were so glad to have that second opinion!

My husband and I were at Midwestern for six weeks. When I arrived for my first radiation treatment, I was met by James, Randy and Lisa. Easy names to remember because my son is James, my brother Randy and my daughter-in-law Lisa! Every person from my wonderful doctors and nurses, to the technicians, and cafeteria staff became just like family to us for all those weeks. It was actually hard to leave as everyone had become so dear to us.

The doctors did say, “You have an aggressive cancer and we have to hit it hard.”

We decided to do two rounds of chemotherapy treatment that would enhance the radiation treatments. My doctors explained in great detail the benefits and downside of the treatment, so I was well aware of what was going on. They never mentioned any “statistics” to me, or my chances of survival. They just went to work to give me my life back.

Before and after each treatment, my kidneys were flushed to protect them from the effects of chemotherapy. In the end, the doctor only did one round of chemotherapy because it was too hard on my body. It impressed me that the treatment was about me as an individual, not just what would work generally for most people.

We also enjoyed the alternative medicines that were included in my treatment plan, including nutrition classes. Before I developed cancer, I ate very few vegetables. I even picked the tiniest of carrots out of soup! But the nutritionist at CTCA taught me the importance of many cancer-fighting foods. I learned to add fish to my diet, such as salmon, tuna and halibut, along with lots of fruit and vegetables. I eat whole grains and I’ve eliminated all refined sugars.

I also took advantage of the classes on mind-body medicine. I learned how to use meditation and deep breathing to relax and be comfortable during my treatment and recuperation.

Over the years, I've returned to Midwestern for checkups. I actually look forward to these trips, knowing I would be remembered by name and greeted with a warm hug. Midwestern is not a cold hospital atmosphere. When you walk in, it’s like somebody wraps a warm blanket around you.

Five-and-a-half years after my diagnosis, I joined all my fellow survivors at CTCA’s “Celebration of Life.” A plaque bearing my name was on that tree of life in the lobby. It was very emotional to actually see it there. The staff told me I could do it, and we did it!

The Celebration of Life was the most inspiring three days of my life. Two men that had treatment at the same time as me were also there. They were survivors too! My husband and I symbolically planted a tree of life. Over the years, cancer survivors at Midwestern have planted so many trees, they no longer have room in the arboretum. The actual trees now are planted elsewhere in Zion, Illinois.

I am cancer free thanks to CTCA. That fact was brought home recently during an appointment with a new primary care physician at home. After studying my records, the doctor looked at me and said, “I am amazed that you are still alive. What did they do for you at CTCA?” I was happy to tell him my story. I now share my story of cancer survival with others through adult education classes in my community.

April 2, 2008

I have had a very full and happy eight years with no recurrence of any cancer. My last two children got married, my grandchildren increased from 2 to 9, and we have enjoyed many family get-togethers. My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary a couple of years ago (pictured above) and we have been able to take a couple of months off every winter in warmer climates!

I now appreciate more than ever each and every day and I try to really focus my energy on what is of most importance. As a Cancer Fighter, I spend considerable time talking to those newly diagnosed with cancer, teaching my "Eat to Live, Not Live to Eat" class and sharing the CTCA message of hope. Knowing our lives can change very quickly, I try to not waste my days.