I read that Susie , Zen Rookie's wife, died

 

Oh no Thank you for telling us. It has been a long time since he posted here on the site. 

Nancy

 

I found this picture of Paul and Susie

 

 

 

Linda

 

Susie Motheral

Cancer survivor, Susie Motheral, of McKenzie, is serving as this year's Relay For Life co-chairman. As a 14-month survivor of Stage 4 aggressive cancer, Susie says, "I do not take one day for granted."

Susie and her husband, Paul, have two children, Victoria, 16, and Abbey, 11. Abbey was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three-and-a-half years old and the Motherals thought that that would be the hardest challenge they would ever have to face as parents and as a family. With Abbey doing wonderful and continuing to make strides and progress every year, they had no idea what was waiting for them around the corner.

In March of 2008, Susie went for a yearly medical exam.

"I can remember saying to my doctor that now that I was 40 years old, it was probably time for a mammogram."

There was no family history of breast cancer, and no lumps from self-examination to give Susie concern. But, the radiologist saw something on the mammogram that caused him concern.

Upon first impression, the alert radiologist saw something that caused him to fear "Inflammatory Breast Cancer". A visit to the surgeon was next and a biopsy was scheduled and performed. Just a few days later came a very life-changing phone call. As the surgeon struggled on the other end of the phone, he told Susie that the biopsy showed cancerous cells throughout the lymph nodes.

Susie went to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville for further evaluation.
There, six physicians and a chief member of their radiology team entered Susie's exam room and told them the diagnosis.

"I was told that I had Stage Four Triple Negative Breast Cancer which had metastasized to my lymph nodes," says Susie.

The breast cancer oncologist, Dr. Ingrid Mayer, who would become Susie's oncologist, explained Triple Negative Breast Cancer and how it differed from typical breast cancer. It is now commonly understood that most breast cancers are characterized by the presence of three receptors, (proteins found inside or on the surface of breast cells; estrogen, progesterone and a protein referred to as Her2). These receptors are not "expressed" in women with triple negative breast cancer-hence the name. Since most treatments available today are aimed at these receptors, TNBC is difficult to treat and the tumors are often more aggressive. TNBC represents approximately 15 percent of all breast cancers.

Cancer research is moving rapidly and Susie says she has been very touched by the love, food, prayers, support and kindness to her family over the past year. They are still in a battle. As of this date, the cancer has invaded or spread to places outside of the lymph system and the doctors are surprised.

"We have God hearing our family and friends' prayers so don't ever stop praying and sending us love as we will never stop fighting this cancer," says Susie, "I look forward to seeing everyone at the Relay for Life in June, which touches so many lives. Thank you for the honor of being co-chair this year. God hears our prayers. The condition of the body has little or no relationship to the condition of the spirit. Jesus is the great physician because he heals both physical and spiritual sickness. The most important healing we can receive is spiritual. We will all be completely healed in heaven; God's greatest concern is that we get there."

The McKenzie community has been so supportive of the Motheral family throughout this battle.

"At our family business, Super Drugs, we have the best customers who tell us daily that they are praying for us," said Susie. "Friends have made pies and food, and they keep us stocked in water, milk and orange juice. Some pick up fruit snacks for Abbey, make vegetarian meals for Victoria, send us Bible verses for encouragement and send cards. I receive about four cards a day from people in town and out of town, and feel so blessed when I learn I am on the prayer list from churches of all denominations, which means so much. Many friends text my cell phone to see if my counts were good enough to receive treatment.

"We have the best community and sometimes you don't appreciate it until it's called upon and they show up in full force, ready to battle right beside you.

"Autism made us strong, but cancer made us stronger. We stay positive that new medical advances are coming out all the time. Thank you for your prayers and know that we will never, ever give up.