Embracing Life

Sue Rinke

Published 12:00 p.m., November 17, 2008

She is Stacy Ratz and she has T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Forty- two year old Stacy first was diagnosed with cancer in December 2006, when a backache wouldn’t let her sleep at night and visits to the chiropractor did not help. After a chest X-ray revealing a mass, Stacy underwent intense chemotherapy at Meritcare hospital for about four weeks, battling nausea, losing 20 pounds and suffering a terrible headache during that time. Since then the treatments have been farther apart and she has had cancer-free PET scans since February 2007. Currently on maintenance medicine, Stacy has much hope for her future.

For a time, Stacy’s struggle with cancer turned her family upside down. Her husband, Paul, and their four young children – Emily, 9; Ryan, 7; Tori, 4; and Jack, 2 – were faced with a mommy out of commission, and yet the world still needing to turn. Thankfully, Stacy and Paul’s parents and families pitched in to help, as did many people from their church and the entire community. Especially helpful to her were people eager to clean the house and bring meals, and the many cards, emails, and Bible verses sent to her showing support. “It was amazing to think people I didn’t even know sent uplifting, inspirational cards,” she says. “It gave me such a boost.”

As her condition improved, Stacy notes there was a natural “backing off” of the help. She was happy to be well enough to get back to many of her usual tasks, including cleaning her own house and driving the kids to their events. “I remember being in the hospital and feeling so helpless. It was the worst feeling when I was there knowing the kids needed me at home.”

Stacy has learned to really appreciate life through her experience with cancer. “My whole outlook on life has changed. I used to be a big worrier. ‘What if this happens . . . what if that happens?’ I don't worry too much now, even about my health. I figure God has a plan for me. As long as I do what I’m supposed to do with my nutrition and exercise, I can leave it up to Him. That has been the biggest relief.” She says she feels like it’s so important to embrace life without getting uptight about the little things. “See the big picture. Everything’s not the end of the world. I learned to let go and enjoy everything.” Stacy’s thankful these days for what she calls her “new normal” life. Her cancer is gone for now, and she’s here and not only able to go to her kids’ activities, but also able to take them there herself. She is also thankful for all the people that cared in this community. She says, “Everybody – businesses, people from the church and the community, all chipped in. It makes your heart warm to know people care and will take time out.”

If you are in a similar situation, or know someone who is, Stacy has some advice for coping. First, she says, “Let people help you. People want to do something, and it makes them feel good, too.” Another important factor is keeping a positive attitude. Stacy emphasizes that she truly believes keeping a positive outlook made a huge difference in her physical well-being. Finally, she notes how her faith played such a comforting role and how it has gotten even stronger because of this difficult time.

These days, Stacy is back to being busy as a full-time mom to four active kids, which she wouldn’t trade for the world.

Stacy is truly an inspiration for us all. She has made it through a very difficult time and continues to stay positive, full of hope and so appreciative of each day she has with her family. While sometimes we yearn for a moment of peace from the daily demands of our children, Stacy welcomes these precious moments. She says, smiling, “I find myself just staring at them, happy I can still see them and be with them. You never know how much time you have.”

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