In 2015, my late husband and I opened a clothing boutique and salon. In 2016, approaching our first-year anniversary from the big grand opening and amidst planning of events for the celebration, we were given the news that nobody wants to hear. My late husband Tony was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, a very aggressive squamous cell carcinoma. Initially using a Holistic approach for 8 eight m
onths he was feeling great. In the meantime, I had enrolled in massage school wanting to help him and others cope with their discomfort. However, after a year, his condition quickly worsened. His cancer was growing at a fast rate and testing showed it spread to his brain. Tony was one sick fellow dealing with fluid retention, dizziness, emergency brain surgery plus side effects of the chemo and radiation treatments. His pain was unbearable. Being a massage student at the time, instructors at the school allowed me to sit in on CE classes they offered to licensed massage therapists for Oncology massage. I quickly learned what I needed to do for Tony that would allow to rest with less pain, which he was not getting much of those days and was much needed. Tony would hold my hand and tell me, “You have no idea how much I appreciate this!” and then fall asleep. Tony passed away almost two years to his diagnosis date. At the time, I completed all except my last quarter of massage school. I tried returning shortly afterwards but just didn't have the mental strength. I had taken over Tony’s used car lot, becoming a car dealer, raising 3 kids and dealing with my own grief. I just did not have much to offer. I was maxed out and certainly did not seem like the right time. I met and married my current husband Duane two years later, who was a widower as well. He understood what it meant to me to finish massage school and provide care to those who were suffering as Tony had. Being a great cheerleader, Duane encouraged me to go back and follow my passion. In 2020 so much had changed, my new normal kicked in and started on my new journey. With my mind telling me “I don't know how you are going to do it without retaking the whole year course over.” Duane was telling me, “Chris, I know you, and you are going to do it!” Sure enough, I did it! In 3 1/2 months not only did I ace my fourth quarter, but also relearned things I had forgotten over the first 3/4 of this course while successfully completing clinics. Not easy, but I do believe God puts in us what we need at the time. Onto the next hurdle, State Board! I had to pass the medical board to be able to do what I was meant to do. All I kept thinking was, “How many times can I retake the exam before something bad happens that I have to retake the course or something?” My mind was going crazy! Instructors reassured me, “If you can do what you did in one quarter with A's, passing boards within the three tries you will have, definitely doable!”
2021 April 1st, I know, I know, what already felt like an unreal situation, and this was the date I was given to take the Boards. Holy Moly! As I waited for the results after taking the exam, I was already looking through other dates I could retake the exam. My name was called, they handed me the results, I folded it in half and as I was walking out the door, I opened it and looked at it. I cried, it was just all too real being this close to what I have wanted for so long. Walking out to my car, crying hysterically and walking past people looking at me like they want to come give me a hug and tell me “Better luck next time.” I climbed into my car and cried. Sitting there I looked up to Tony, “Now I can do it. I passed!! I don’t know how other than this is part of the plan, but I passed!”
Now, how do I go about being the therapist I want to be? I wanted to hit the ground running being fully prepared by earning specific certifications I knew I would eventually want to concentrate on. I started by completing an advanced course offered by my school earning five different certifications. Being licensed in both Ohio and Michigan, I then pursued practical experience in general practice of massage therapy in both states as an independent Therapist. Knowing I still wanted to work with oncology patients, I decided to take the 24-hour introduction class to Oncology as a start. If after that class, it reaffirmed my passion of working with cancer patients I would go through with the 100-hour course at Beaumont Corewell health in Michigan. More commitment, I focused on completing this course all while juggling my massage business schedule in Ohio. I found that this course was very much worth it. Even though I thought I knew what it was about and how it would feel, it was much more. No situation is the same nor ever will be. Each person is a special story and holds a special place in my heart. I walked away with way more than completion of the course and experience. It was time, time spent with patients that was much needed and appreciated it more than words can say.
