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Cancer Taught Me: Henrietta’s Story

Life Is Full Of Gifts

We have countless gifts in our lives, but I didn’t realize the scope of caring gifts right here at Beebe Healthcare.

One of the most important gifts I received is the gift of a second chance. In September 2011, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 peritoneal cancer, which a fancy name for ovarian cancer without ovaries. All I kept thinking was that it wasn’t real. I looked at the doctors and said REALLY?! I was told that I may not survive and that if cured this time, it would come back again. Then the games started, and I realized this was a gift. Through the 19 weekly treatments of chemo I would look around the room and see people that may not be here next year and had no one to support them. I always had someone to sit with me: Jim, my girls, my co-workers, and my friends would even drive from Wilmington to sit with me.  My precious gifts were how all the doctors and nurses were loving and supportive. Beebe treated my entire family with information and soothing voices, and hugs if necessary. I had to share my story and support other cancer warriors. I openly tell my story so I can educate people about this horrible disease, but this also continues my own gift of recovery. My last gift is the greatest of all and I live life to the fullest every day.

I cherish all my gifts each and every day – family, WSFS associates, Beebe staff, and my Zumba students that keep me going.

-Henrietta Belcher Stack, Ovarian Cancer Survivor

Cancer Taught Me

Cancer Taught Me

Cancer Taught Me explores the stories of patients who received treatment at Beebe's Tunnell Cancer Center. The stories are in their own words.