Heather Von St. James

A sweet woman with a life defibrillating story...


Live Life to The Fullest


I was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, on November 21, 2005. It felt like it couldn't have happened at a worse time, since I had given birth to my only baby 3 1/2 months earlier.
Being face to face with a life-threatening illness forced me to realize how strong I really was.
Fortunately I received a referral to the world's top mesothelioma doctor, Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston. Thanks to Dr. Sugarbaker, I regained hope that I would be able to watch my daughter grow up. I knew that mesothelioma prognoses were grim, but I believed that if I fought hard enough I could be one of the 2% that live more than 5 years from diagnosis. I made a resolution to fight the disease with all my strength, and I did exactly that over the year that followed. Finally, I had to have my left lung taken out in surgery along with the lung lining, which had been ravaged by the cancer.
I had the surgery in Boston, almost 2000 miles from my baby, who was 6 months old by then. My parents kept her while I received numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thanks to friends and family, my daughter never knew what was going on. When she turned one year old, we threw a huge party with family and friends who came from all over. But it wasn't only a birthday party--it was also a celebration of my cancer battle being almost over. Just short of one year from my diagnosis, I had my last radiation treatment and I swore to stay free of cancer.
During my fight with cancer and ever since, I have learned a lot. Life is a gift that we shouldn't take for granted. I now look at life differently, delighting in little things like my daughter's laugh, the breath of puppies, the rainbow at the end of a storm...all these things remind me to be thankful for the present and the fact that I'm still alive.
During the course of my battle with cancer I met many other strong fighters, whose memories I will never forget. These individuals fought but didn't survive. Others I will always remember cared for their loved ones with mesothelioma. Still others were, like me, fortunate to survive and who continue to inspire me with their strength and perseverance. Because of these people, I continue to strive to increase mesothelioma awareness. The public needs to know that this is more than just a television commercial: It is a devastating disease that claims the lives of many people.
These days, I remember to savor every day and value life no matter what happens. I try to see the positive side of any bad situation, and remain grateful for everything, which I feel is the true meaning of life.



Praise God for the cures but more for the Journey that leads to deeper love, appreciation, and a stronger person in the end. Thanks Heather for sharing your personal story.

Warmth in January

My only exposure to Richmond winters has been weekends or short trips to see family. Winter 2010 for Richmond was blizzard after blizzard and the snow only seemed to begin on Fridays. This first winter living in Richmond has been a complete shock. No snow so far, although there has been sleet and mixed rain here and there interjected by many warm fronts, like today, bringing highs in the 60's.
In honesty, as much as I hate the biting cold I brace for each winter, I love finding the warmth tucked away like a treasure. The instant gratification of control over my sensations. I hadn't given it much thought until someone asked what sort of things I do to feel warm in the cold. I am certain she meant warmth of heart but my mind went the other direction...
I love the weight of a down comforter or the Jean blankets I made for my kids pressing down on me like a precious hug. I love the body heat shared when snuggled on the couch with toddlers still in their PJ's. I love that my kitchen is the first room in the house to warm each morning and how that warmth invites the rest of the family to join me in presence and in abundance.
It reminds me how the truth of "God gives, and God takes away" doesn't mean of Himself. Even in the taking, He is there with me, making sure to sustain me in abundance.