Page 6 - CCC Newsletter Summer 2019

About eight years ago Jamie Clark was living
a very different life in rural Southern California. After giving birth to her third child, Jamie’s doctors informed her she had human papillomavirus,
more commonly known as HPV as well as signs of precancerous cells, but the test results came back negative for cancer. Jamie felt normal and healthy and went on about her life.
Four years later after giving birth to her fourth child, the doctors once again informed her of the presence of precancerous cells in her cervical region. This time the tests came back positive for cervical cancer. “Doctor Mary Powell informed me that I had stage 1b2 cervical cancer and referred me for a consultation with an oncologist at the Community Cancer Center (CCC). The news was devastating to me and my family. I pretty much thought I was not going to survive this, but I had to snap out of it before my kids got home,” she explained.
Jamie’s treatment protocol called for six weeks
of simultaneous radiation and chemo therapy, followed by four weeks of internal radiation brachytherapy. “I was fortunate in many ways. I didn’t lose my hair or weight. I quit smoking, got sick only once and did not need to take my final
chemotherapy treatment. My cancer journey absolutely changed my life for the positive,” she said with great sincerity and sparkles in her eyes.
Although Jamie felt fortunate, the cancer therapy sapped her strength. She could not work or tend to her normal family responsibilities. Jamie’s companion Jason, family members, and friends all helped out with the things she could not do. At times, while alone in the shower, she would burst into tears and let her emotions flow out.
“During my treatment the people at the Community Cancer Center were amazing. It was obvious to me that compassion is what CCC is
all about. They welcomed my entire family. Dr. Moore would make balloons and draw faces on them for my daughter Journey. They gave our family a tour of the radiation oncology treatment area and answered all our questions. Ally, the nutritionist, provided dietary assistance when I was having trouble with intestinal flow. I met Lacy,
a radiation therapist who was pregnant, and we formed a great bond. During my treatment my markers remained strong even though I was tired.
I think a lot of this had to do with my newly found positive attitude to survive,” she explained. Jamie told us she felt that every single person at the Community Cancer Center really cared about her and her family.
Jamie’s employer, Home Depot, provided paid medical leave, took care of the rent, paid the bills, and brought food and household supplies while she was away. “I absolutely love my job and the people I work with,” she said with certainty.
The Home Depot’s Homer Fund is a non-profit charity originally funded by The Home Depot founders. Over 93% of The Home Depot associates choose to donate through payroll deductions. Since its creation in 1999, the Homer Fund has given more than $165 million in assistance to 130,000 associates in need.
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