By Andrea McBride
Staff Writer
CARO — Laurence and June Atkerson are still going strong after 50 years of marriage.
Strength, however, is something they learn a little more about each day.
Three months ago, Mrs. Atkerson visited the emergency room with a stomachache. Doctors discovered a blood clot in her colon. While operating, they found stage three ovarian cancer. She also has a spot of basal cell carcinoma on her head.
The Atkersons are no strangers to the disease, as Mr. Atkerson has fought cancer seven times since 1996.
“It’s quite an amazing story of his survival, plus now I have to deal with it, so I’m trying to follow his (example),” Mrs. Atkerson said.
Mr. Atkerson successfully fought two battles with cancer using natural remedies. He visited an alternative medicine doctor in Texas while also changing his diet, using essential oils and relying on prayer, family and friends.
He said a big part of getting rid of cancer is to actually believe it is possible, and he wants his journey to serve as a source of hope.
“Every time I got (cancer) I took it as a challenge to get rid of that tumor,” Mr. Atkerson said. “I just attacked it with everything I had.”
Mrs. Atkerson chose to take much the same treatment route after her diagnosis. She got the OK to travel with her husband to Oasis of Hope Hospital, an alternative cancer treatment center in Tijuana, Mexico, and recently returned from a 3-week trip. During her stay, she received vitamin C and oxygen IVs along with several other nutritional supplements. She also followed a special diet, which she and her husband continue to abide by since their return.
They both said they appreciated the religious and supportive atmosphere at the center.
“Every day when you are getting your treatment a (pastor) would come with a guitar and he would sing hymns and try to lift your spirits,” Mrs. Atkerson said.
She was also sent home with special nutritional supplements.
Mrs. Atkerson said she is thankful for the support from her husband and admires his strength throughout both their treatments.
When they met, Mrs. Atkerson was Mr. Atkerson’s nurse at Detroit Memorial Hospital.
“It’s been a cancer struggle. … I always thought I was going to take care of him, and now he’s taking care of me,” she said.
The CAT scan she gets in about four weeks will determine the next step in her treatment. She will return to Oasis of Hope for a six-day visit if the tumor has downsized enough. If it hasn’t, an operation will take place to remove it. Regardless of what happens, the Atkersons plan to return to Tijuana at some point for a follow-up visit.
A spaghetti dinner benefit at the Caro Moose Lodge is planned for 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Nov. 9 to help cover Mrs. Atkerson’s treatment costs.
The band Triple Threat is scheduled to play at the event and there will also be a silent auction.