Theresa’s Story

In 2006, at the age of 39, Theresa Newby Harpole was diagnosed with Stage 0 Breast Cancer. She opted for a double mastectomy. She was relieved to have caught it early. She also had genetic testing done and tested positive for BRCA2 an abnormal gene mutation.

Unfortunately In 2010, nearly 4 years after her initial diagnosis, Theresa was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). The cancer had spread to her bones. Her journey of life-long treatment and facing the many challenges of an MBC patient had begun. Like so many other early stage breast cancer patients she was angry as she thought she had done everything necessary.

By 2011, the cancer spread to her liver. Like all those with MBC, Theresa faced a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. Cancer gave her a new appreciation for life and she treated each day as a gift. The following is an excerpt from a talk Theresa gave that describes her experience with MBC.

"By now you’re getting the picture it’s a roller coaster ride of ups and downs.  You think things are going well.  Life almost starts to feel normal again then you receive devastating news.  The goal is stable or no evidence of disease not progression.  My hope is for a cure or at best we can learn to manage advanced cancer like a chronic disease.

In case you’re wondering what a Month in the life of advanced cancer for me is like these are some of the things I have done this month:
Had a CT scan, took oral chemo, blood drawn, daily injections, Dr. Appointments, prayed, meditated, went swimming, went to Chicago, spent time with family and friends, went to church, went to a cardinal game with friends, took our dog on walks in the park , celebrated my  husbands birthday, went to a concert, had dinner with friends,went to the lantern festival, saw beautiful sunsets, went to the zoo with my sister and nieces, planned a trip to Italy. You get the picture you can have joy when facing adversity.  This leads me to the next topic Stage IV Fun.

Stage IV Fun
I was on the phone with a friend and she asked me what I was doing and I said I was traveling and she said “again” and started laughing.  I told her it was all part of Stage IV fun.  She laughed and ever since it has been our motto.   Stage IV fun is not making light of advanced cancer it’s about celebrating life to the fullest.  Not taking life for granted following your dreams.  Each day is a gift.  For me it includes things like making memories with family and friends, sharing meals, watching sunsets, walks in the park, traveling, concerts, going to the beach and taking your dream trip.  So when you think of me please don’t think of me as terminal but as living.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support group of family, friends, Dr and nurses.  I have met so many wonderful people through this journey.  Even when traveling to MD Anderson and other places I have been amazed by the support of complete strangers.  I have met several 5, 10, 15 and even 19 year advanced cancer survivors who were kind enough to share their story and give me hope.  They were like angels sharing their miracles.

I have developed a sisterhood with survivors.  I belong to  a lunch group called the Young Metzers.  A group started from the young women’s group at Siteman. We try to meet once a month and keep in touch through email.  I also belong to a group called the Sunshine Sisters a group of survivors I met at the Infinite Boundaries retreat at the beautiful Sundara Spa put on by Breast Cancer Recovery; we keep in touch through email.  They are Drs, Nurses, Directors, Social workers, Marketing Reps, Mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, friends many with young children all living with advanced cancer.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the love and support I’ve received from my family and friends.  My husband has been to countless appointments and treatments with me and experienced way more than he ever expected to on this journey. They have raised money for me and breast cancer, participated in the Komen Race St. Louis and Chicago, Celebrate Spot (fundraiser for the young women’s group),  hosted a Bikeathon (proceeds were donated to me), and two were crazy enough to do the Komen 60 mile 3 day walk in Chicago.

I can’t tell you how many cards, prayers, gifts, books, dinners, trips to the dr, even organic vegetables I received.  Cancer has given me a new appreciation for life.  I’ve developed closer relationships with God, family and friends.  I’m not afraid to tell people I love them or give a hug. I’ve learned to pray with expectancy because my faith is strong.  I’m learning it’s ok to let others love you.”

Sadly, in the fall of 2013, the cancer continued to spread. Theresa passed away on Thanksgiving morning at the young age of 46. The foundation continues to carry on her vision.