Stepping Stones For Survival

          I drove into the parking lot of Wareham’s Pond Clubhouse at Kings Mill in Williamsburg, VA for the breast cancer survivors’ retreat. Women in all stages of recovery met to share in a day of “Health, Hope and Healing.” The Women’s Imaging Pavilion, Sentara Hospital in Williamsburg, Phillip West Memorial Cancer Resource Center, and the Williamsburg Regional Library sponsored the retreat. They honored breast cancer survivors with a day of self-care, education, and pampering.
          A tall blonde in a pink flowing gown, a tiara on her head, and a wand in her hand caught my attention. I would soon meet René Bowditch, the Good Health Fairy and co-founder of Beyond Boobs! Inc., the Williamsburg breast cancer support group.
          A continental breakfast of fresh fruit and bagels waited on the tables for us in one of several rooms in the clubhouse.
          After breakfast, René made us laugh as she showed us her white tennis shoes with hot pink shoe laces under her lovely gown. She also explained the history of the breast cancer support group.
          Dr. Louise Lubin, Ph.D. spoke on the power of taking charge, of how to embrace silence and relax, and about the power of our thoughts. She provided each of us with a folder of breathing and relaxation tips and exercises. Dr. Lubin also allowed us to share our experiences and ask questions throughout her presentations.
          Joy Thompson taught us gentle stretching exercises. After sitting for a while, we appreciated the opportunity to move around and stretch.
          At lunch time, we chose from an array of healthy salads and sat at tables with white linen and china. Many of us hadn’t met each other until that day. However, we chatted as if we had been friends a long time.
          Before and after lunch, we browsed through books on cancer and related topics from the Williamsburg Regional Library. Janet Crowther, the librarian, allowed us to check out books, and she answered our questions.
          Mary Beth Gibson, co-founder and president of Beyond Boobs! Inc. addressed the topic, healing through writing. However, I missed part of it. Retreat participants had a chance to sign up for a fifteen minute chair massage compliments of Kerri Mueller. Unfortunately, my massage occurred during Mary Beth’s presentation, but at least my neck and shoulders felt better afterward.
          Back again in the central meeting room, we saw drums of all sizes, tambourines, and various other instruments on the floor. Megan Cordova from Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center asked us to pick up an instrument and engaged us in a drumming circle. After a while, some of us stood and danced to the music. We danced and laughed together. Who says only kids know how to have fun?
          We welcomed an afternoon tea in an adjacent room and then returned to the central meeting room. A panel of doctors answered our questions about chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and reconstructive surgery.
          After the closing ceremony, we each received a parting gift of a pink tote bag full of surprises. One of them was “A Calendar to Live By” with pictures of breast cancer survivors for each month in the calendar. Another was a large pink candle from the Yankee Candle Shop.
          As I drove home from the retreat, I felt renewed and encouraged. I wished every cancer survivor could have the chance to attend a similar retreat.

Copyright © November 23, 2007 by Yvonne Ortega