Faith, Gilda's Club sustain woman through cancer crisis

Five years ago, Patricia Fiechter, a member of St. Henry's parish in Averill Park , turned her head and heard a cracking sound in her neck, followed by excruciating pain.

Her friends thought she had just pulled a muscle; as a hospice nurse, she suspected the pain pointed to a more serious problem. X-rays determined that she had broken the third vertebra in her neck.

The underlying reason was even more serious: Unbeknownst to her, she had multiple myeloma, an incurable but treatable cancer of the blood plasma cell.

God's presence

During the half-decade she has battled her cancer, Ms. Fiechter has felt God's graces.

"There was a time when it was fatal," she said. "Now, it's chronic. It was a very scary experience. If it wasn't for my faith, I don't know where I would be.

"I've been able to fall back on my faith. A lot of my strength comes from the Eucharist. My faith got me through this. I can be sure my Lord is with me."

Supporters

To sustain her, Ms. Fiechter goes to daily Mass, saying, "I need the graces of the Eucharist."

She also gains strength from participating in programs offered by Gilda's Club, a free cancer support and information organization that provides a meeting place where people living with cancer, along with their families and friends, can build a personal network of social and emotional support.

"Gilda's is a Godsend," Ms. Fiechter said. "The people there truly understand you. It's good to see people all going through the same thing."

Club member

The organization, she noted, provides free programs focusing on many aspects of living with cancer, including spirituality, journaling and nutrition.

Club members can participate in exercise classes designed for those living with cancer. Ms. Fiechter has tried pilates and yoga. There are also social activities: book groups, quilting classes, jewelry-making workshops and pot-luck dinners.

"They have wonderful programs," Ms. Fiechter said, adding that their being free is a plus for people who have had to go on disability and/or pay for expensive treatments.

Surroundings

Another aspect of Gilda's Club that impresses Ms. Fiechter is its atmosphere.

Many people undergoing cancer treatment spend their days as a hospital outpatient, receiving treatment in a doctor's office or undergoing tests, she noted. Often, the surroundings are not very inviting. Gilda's Club, on the other hand, has what she describes as a "homey" ambience.

The rooms of the clubhouse are decorated to suit the needs of members. For example, the club has specific space for teenagers to use; it is decorated especially for them. There are also living rooms, dining rooms and meeting spaces.

(Gilda's Club Capital Region New York is located at One Penny Lane in Latham. More information can be found at www.gccrny.org. or by calling 782-9833.)

(04/17/08) [[In-content Ad]]