Pictured above: Dr. Diane Wilder and Sonya Ingram (Photo by Jason Masters)
June is National Cancer Survivors Month. Thanks to continued advances in research and screening, more Arkansans are celebrating putting the disease behind them. For the team of oncology-focused physicians, other medical professionals and support staff at CARTI, it is also a reminder of the winding journey that begins every time someone hears those three words, “You have cancer.”
“Survivorship doesn’t start when cancer ends. It actually starts the moment someone’s diagnosed with cancer,” said Diane Wilder, MD, fellowship-trained medical oncologist at CARTI. “It’s really a commitment to live every day, to make the choice to participate in whatever is brought before you, to persevere and to determine to live fully, even in the midst of a difficult situation.”
Sonya Ingram, a breast cancer survivor and one of Dr. Wilder’s patients, said her cancer journey ultimately changed her in a positive way.
“I think that I’m more empathetic now that I’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, that now I understand. You really don’t get it until you’ve been there,” she said. “I feel like I want to be a better person. I want to do more.”
Dr. Wilder echoed the sentiment of transformation, as well, quoting Catholic priest and writer Henri Nouwen in his reflection that, “Our glory is hidden in our pain if we allow God to bring the gift of himself in our experience of it.”
“When someone’s committed to the journey that’s set before them — they don’t know the answers, but they’re dedicated to the walk — then it’s a vehicle for something deeper to emerge,” she said.
For Ingram, that path was made easier thanks to the compassionate care she received from the CARTI team. The nurses, providers and everyone who treated her were “unbelievable, kind and thoughtful,” she said, from chemotherapy sessions to conversations with Dr. Wilder.
“It blessed me in a way I can’t even tell you,” Ingram said. “I was so nervous about this whole thing, but Dr. Wilder just calmed me with her confidence, her knowledge and her ability to make me feel like I’m going to get there.”
CARTI offers comprehensive support services for patients well after they have passed the milestone of completing treatment, as well. Dr. Wilder pointed out that The Bridge at CARTI offers a wealth of well-being and rehabilitation services ranging from support groups and counseling to yoga, financial advocacy, an appearance center and more, both in person and virtually.
“Cancer touches all of us, and, again, I’ll quote Henri Nouwen when he said that real healing happens not when we solve the problems but when we’re willing to be together where it hurts,” Dr. Wilder said. “At CARTI, you’re never alone.”
Even at the beginning of cancer’s uncertain territory, one enters into the company of survivors at every stage of their own journeys, from treatment to cancer free. For her part, Ingram recommends people “take the time to feel that pain” at the start. Still, she added, it is important not to stay there too long.
“You need to get up, dust yourself off and make up your mind what kind of patient you’re going to be,” she said. “Decide if you’re going to be positive or negative because I am a firm believer that your attitude toward anything makes all the difference in the world on your results. Once you make up your mind, put your gloves on, and get ready to kick cancer.”
50 Years of Trusted Cancer Care
CARTI offers the resources, team and technology needed to find — and treat — cancer. With 18 locations across the state, the multidisciplinary provider makes unparalleled care accessible to all Arkansans. Since 1976, CARTI has been with patients and families every step of the way.
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