This article appeared in the August 13, 2003, edition of the Colville Statesman-Examiner

When Deanna Carnie beat colon cancer in 1996, a second battle against the disease was the furthest thing from her mind. After all, following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, doctors were positive about her chances for a full and healthy life.

But just six years later, she heard those fearsome words again: "It's cancer."

This time, the disease had struck the lining of her uterus. By the time the endometrial cancer was diagnosed, it had spread and reached a life-threatening stage.

"Even though the oncologist I went to after surgery was not hopeful for a good prognosis, I just had a very strong feeling that I would come through this OK. I don't always feel this way about things, so I held to that even when doctors told me that no treatments would work and I should just go home and go to bed," recalls Deanna, a former high school counselor and social worker.

Her husband, George, who was principal of Astor Elementary from 1980 to 1998, immediately began investigating promising cancer treatments on the internet. One place that sparked their interest was a clinic called Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center that combined medical oncology with natural therapies.

"My intention was to go to Seattle once and get information, but I got such energy from being around everyone at the clinic that I traveled across the mountains every three weeks. That's a long way to go, especially when you're tired," Deanna explains.

"I liked the idea that they had oncologists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, a massage therapist and counselors - all those people on the staff working together. I wanted people who know what they're doing treating the whole me, using natural remedies as well as medical science."

Deanna received an innovative treatment called "fractionated dose chemotherapy," which administers smaller doses of drugs at shorter intervals than traditional high-dose chemo.

"I was told by my surgeon in Spokane that it would be very hard, that I'd lose all my hair and have no energy," she says. "But instead, I heard a lot of, "Wow, you're doing so well!' My surgeon said he was worried because I didn't look sick. I received acupuncture every third week while I was receiving my chemo. During that week I didn't have the pain and fatigue I'd have the other two weeks."

Nutrition, vitamins, herbal therapy and exercise also played a major role in her recovery, Deanna maintains.

"It's usually hard to find an oncologist who will work with a naturopath, but Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center has recruited oncologists who are very well trained, open to natural medicine, and work side by side with naturopaths. To me, it's a no-brainer that a naturopath educated in medical school can get your body back in balance and improve the immune system," she says.

Finally-and perhaps most importantly-she had solid support at home and at the clinic.

"As a cancer patient, you have to feel empowered. Otherwise you're a victim," Deanna states. "Everyone at the Center helped keep me hopeful. In my book that's 90 percent of the battle."

Her husband, three children and countless friends "stayed positive and kept me from being around any stress."

Today, Deanna says that "much to the surprise of my surgeon and oncologist in Spokane," scans and blood tests consistently show her to be cancer-free. She is an active volunteer in cancer support groups to boost the spirits of patients.

"I tell them there's no cancer that someone hasn't survived," Deanna says confidently.

No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results.