In July of 2003, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I underwent a lumpectomy and dose dense adriomyacin/cytoxin chemotherapy followed by 37 rounds of radiation. I also worked with a naturopath who prescribed supplements that could give nourishment to my body during this time.

When I began losing my hair from the chemo, my dear husband, Gary, bought a razor kit and together we shaved my head. As more hair fell out, I realized I wanted to have it shaved “more evenly” and so went to Juut SalonSpa, which is owned by my friends David and Charlie Wagner. There, I was met by another cancer survivor who worked there, Margie Shaul. When I walked into the main room where everyone was getting their long hair blown dry, I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see the scarf that covered my baring head.

I was treated with the utmost of care. After shaving my head, I received a scalp massage with essential oils which was relaxing and soothing. They then took me over to the wash basin and washed my scalp with a gentle shampoo. I felt very pampered and grateful. Margie sent me home with the extra gentle shampoo and conditioner for my scalp, knowing it would be getting dryer.

David and Charlie Wagner also sent me gift certificates to help make my journey flow smoother. I could have a massage or facial or anything I wanted! Choosing a massage, I was able to feel the gentle touch as apposed to the needles and IV hookups, etc. Again, being pampered meant a great deal to me during this time.

After I was done with my all my treatments for cancer, my husband and I talked about how we could give to others going through this. I had been a spiritual counselor and healing touch practitioner, but felt I needed to put that on the back burner for awhile. I remembered how it felt to go to a spa and receive these services, which made me feel like a real person again! I talked with David and Charlie to set up a program and together with Debra Valentini, Gary and I were able to launch “Sanctuary for Cancer Survivors” which would pamper any woman going through any kind of cancer and cancer treatment.

As of 2007, we have serviced approximately 400 women and continue the commitment. In October of 2006 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, David Wagner and Juut SalonSpa sponsored a fundraiser to add to the fund so no woman would ever be turned away. Also, during the Holidays of 2006, a percentage of the sales for David’s book, “Life as a Daymaker” and t-shirt would go to the “Sanctuary”. In January I was presented with a large check at their annual Summit meeting!

In 2005, I had a recurrence, underwent more surgery and chemo (16 rounds of Taxol and a year of Herceptin) and lost my hair again! I was right there at Juut to get my head shaved again and to get my wig styled. I walked out of there with more hair on head than when I had walked in! Again, it was a wonderful experience. I am currently in remission.

I hope your journey goes well and that you find hope and joy in your life! Before the cancer, I was grateful for the life I had been given and each day I continue to find at least one if not more things to celebrate. With each step I now take, I realize I am creating a “new normal”. This part of life’s journey has not been easy and life may not be as I expected, but each breath is a reminder of the gift of being alive. My love and blessings to you as you heal and move forward.

Valerie Lower

More About Valerie

Valerie was in the corporate world for 15 years and worked as a manager in adult business education. She has had many articles on spirituality published in various magazines and newspapers. An ordained ecumenical (non-denominational) minister, Valerie has done motivational speaking at The Whole Life Expo, as well as different churches and businesses. Her topics included “Connecting with Your Inner Light” and “Creating Prosperity in Your Life”. Before the cancer struck, she had a thriving healing touch and spiritual counseling business.

Currently Valerie is writing two books (one on her experience with cancer from a spiritual perspective and the other is fiction). After a sabbatical during her illness, she is now resuming motivational speaking and spiritual counseling helping others move through their cancer journey.

For more information, please contact Valerie at lowervalerie@aol.com.