34 11 August – Sept 13 2006 Moonshine Ink www.moonshineink.com

T h e R o c k i n g S t o n e : A r t a t d a w n

A book about cancer may not be the first bookyou’d buy or pick up at the library, but to read aboutsomeone’s arduous ordeal and how he or she sur-vived is relevant to all of us. Such is astory in “At Face Value,” Terry Healey’srecount of his discovery, treatment, andacceptance of fibrosarcoma, a cancer thatinvaded Terry’s nose and required morethan 30 surgeries. Terry’s story begins in1984 as a junior at the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley when a friendobserved an abnormality in Terry’s nose.From that observation started a five yearstint of surgeries, recoveries, and recon-struction of his face. It’s hard to imaginehow to bear such a sudden turn in life, with subse-quent years of suffering and emotional anxiety. AsTerry notes in his book, “I was tired of hospitals andsurgery, tired of recovering, tired of battling to getback into physical shape after every procedure, andthen starting the whole process over again.” But,while Terry was frustrated with going in and out ofhospitals, with pain, and disappointing reconstruc-tion, and while his self esteem was tested because ofhis disfigurement, enduring strange looks and mock-ing comments, and while his fears were forefrontbecause of his unknown future, he remained positivethroughout his traumatic experience.

I met with Terry before his talk and reading atHooligan’s on July 20. At age 42, he is assured and

confident, and after 18 years, cancer free. He livesin the Bay Area with his wife Sue and works as amarketing consultant for technical companies. Terry

is a part-time resident of Truckee as he andhis wife own a second home in TahoeDonner. Terry speaks all around the coun-try to medical professionals, corporations,and students, inspiring others with hisstory. In October, Terry returns to Truckee,speaking to employees at Tahoe ForestHospital as part of a leadership trainingprogram.

EveQuesnel:

First, how are you?Do you continueto be tested forcancer?

Terry Healey:I’m great. No, Idon’t have to seedoctors regularlyanymore. I sawdoctors frequentlyat first, but after 5years you’re said tobe “cancer free,”-although, ofcourse, I know it

can reoccur. It’s been 18 years now.

EQ: In your book, you recall your experiences inand out of hospitals and your reflections about lifeat each stage, in great detail. I was impressed byhow vivid your recollections were. Did you journalduring this time?

TH: No. I didn’t journal. I did write some thingsdown, but I think it’s the traumatic events that weremember the most. I started writing in 1991, duringthe process of reconstruction. Those memories areso vivid.

EQ: I was surprised by how positive you werefrom the very beginning of your experience.

TH: Yes, I had a great support system: my fami-ly, friends, and medical team. My mom was the mostinfluential. She instilled in me that positive out-look. There was never any doubt in her mind thatI’d beat this. If there was negativity, I learned to dis-tance and remove myself from it, or confront it. Itwas liberating to achieve that.

EQ: Do you ever wonder about the cause/s ofcancer? At one point in your story you write, “I feltlike something was wrong with me for getting can-cer. It was my fault. It was something in my mind orthe stress that I couldn’t handle that caused it.”

TH: Yes, I was very stressed at the time I discov-ered the sarcoma. I was a full time student at Cal; Iworked 3 days a week; I was very active in a frater-nity. I wondered if all that was a stress my bodycouldn’t handle. But, really, I don’t think about the

An Honest Reflection on CancerAt Face Value: My Triumph Over a Disfiguring Cancer

M u s i c a n dE v e n t sAugust 10 Thursday

Melvin Seals And JgbRiver Ranch Lodge, Tahoe City. 9 pm, Doors 8pm. $18.00 advance 21+. 530-583-2801www.renegadeshows.com

Lake Tahoe Summer MusicFestivalSerenade for Strings, guest guitarist ChrisKachian. The Resort at Squaw Creek.TahoeMusic.org or 530-581-1184

Operation PandaBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110.

August 11 Friday

Rodney CarringtonSilver Legacy Resort Casino,www.silverlegacy.com 800-687-8733.

Anni McCannCottonwood Restaurant, at Hilltop, Truckee.Reservations recommended. 587-5711.

Holiday and The AdventurePop CollectiveBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110. (www.adventurepop.com)

Jeff Jones BandGreat bands play live every Friday from 6-8pm. Grab a beer or an ice cream, sit backand relax in The Village with some greatmusic. www.Squaw.com

August 12 Saturday

Truckee Championship RodeoMcIver Arena, Brockway Road. Originalextreme rodeo action. www.truckeerodeo.comor 530-587-5555

Lake Tahoe Summer MusicFestival FinaleOur Finalé at West End Beach of Donner Lakewith the Festival Orchestra and Elivra narrat-ing Peter and the Werewolf. TahoeMusic.orgor 530-581-1184

Mountain Jam Music FestivalMountain Jam Music Festival returns to SquawValley’s High Camp August 12. Eclectic blues,bluegrass and rock will be featured from localand Bay Area bands. www.squaw.com

21st Annual Bowers MansionBluegrass FestivalMusic in the park featuring the BluegrassPatriots, David Thom Band, Deadline Ridge,F-150’s and Straight Ahead Bluegrass.Come and enjoy great foods, crafts, work-shops, raffle prizes, jam sessions and more.Fun for the whole family. 9 am to 6 pm atBowers Mansion Regional Park in WashoeValley, Nevada between Reno and CarsonCity. Tickets are $20 at the gate, kids 12 andunder Free. Details www.nnba.org

Rodney Carringtonsee August 11

Anni McCannsee August 11

Native RootBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110.www.nativerootmusic.com

Craig Einhorn and the TruckeeRiver Tango Society7:30 pm. This event is outdoors under thestars at 511 W. King St., Carson City. Tickets$7. To buy tickets, call the Brewery ArtsCenter at 775-883-1976 or breweryarts.org.

Mark Twain at Sugar PinePoint State ParkMark Twain makes an appearance at SugarPine Point State Park August 12. The evening,hosted by actor McAvoy Layne, includes anauthentic Chautauqua narrative at EhrmanMansion on the West Shore. www.purentahoenorth.com

Virginia City/Carson City RailFest 2006August 12 & 13. Two splendid opportunities,two days, back to back, in two different his-torical cities, to celebrate the romance and theimpact the V & T railroad had on the fledg-ling towns of Virginia City and Carson City.Additional entertainment include music, facepainting, clowns and a variety of food will beavailable. Contact information 800-718-SLVROr CCCVB office 800-NEVADA1

Finding a Story forJohnnyCashSquaw Valley Institute Presents Finding aStory forJohnny Cash. Olympic Valley Lodge.Reception 7 to 8 pm. (no host bar). Programbegins 8:00 pm. Admission $10 per person.Limited seating. An evening with Oscar-nomi-nated screenwriter Gill Dennis as he describeshow the screenplay for the film Walk the Linecame to be written. www.squawvalleyinstitute.org or 530-581-4138

August 13 Sunday

An Evening with RandyNewman[$60/$50] Hawkins Amphitheater WashoeCounty Parks, 2601 Plumas Ave, Reno, NV.775-828-6642www.hawkinsamphitheater.com.

Nevada County Fairsee August 9

Virginia City/Carson City RailFest 2006see August 12

Truckee Championship Rodeosee August 12

The Great Truckee River DuckRaceThis unique and fun event features adoptedducks racing down the Truckee River to bene-fit the Make A Wish Foundation of NorthernNevada. The day features exhibits, entertain-ment and the ducks begin racing at 4 pm.www.NevadaWish.org.775-826-8008.

August 14 Monday

David Grisman BluegrassExperienceCrystal Bay Club In the Crown Room. Ticketsare $25 in advance and $30 at the door.Show starts at 9pm. Call 775-833-6333 x0

August 16 Wednesday

Blue Turtle SeductionRiver Regional Park. Sponsored by Mt.Kids/Sierra Sun/Dickson Realty. 6:30 to 8pm.www.tdrpd.com or 530-582-7720

Sol JibeCrystal Bay Club Free Stage Lounge Show at10pm. Call 775-833-6333 x0

August 17 Thursday

The Nut BoysBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110.

ZepparellaRiver Ranch Lodge, Tahoe City, CA. 9 pm(Doors Open at 8 pm) $12.00 advance, 21+.530-583-2801 www.renegadeshows.com

August 18 Friday

Plum CrazyBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110.

Paul CovarelliCottonwood Restaurant, at Hilltop, Truckee.Reservations recommended. 587-5711.

RainmakerFriday from 6 to 8pm. The Village at Squaw.Free. www.Squaw.com

Book It!By Eve Quesnel

See At Face Value, continued on next page

Plum Crazy, (Courtesy photo)

Moonshine Ink 11 August – Sept 13 2006 35what’s brewing in Truckee

T h e R o c k i n g S t o n e : Rock & Fun

Big Head Todd & TheMonsters with Toad The WetSprocket $60/$50. Hawkins Amphitheater WashoeCounty Parks, 2601 Plumas Ave, Reno, NV.775-828-6642www.hawkinsamphitheater.com.

Fatlip from The Pharcyde w/guests: OMNI and TREEWOODSClub Underground, 555 East 4th St., Reno,NV. 9pm doors / $12 adv @ Mad AboutMusic (Lake Tahoe) and Recycled Records(Reno), or online at www.TicketWeb.com.$20 Door. 21 and over.

Revolution8 pm, Peppermill Hotel Casino. $17.tickets.com or at the Peppermill’s ticketwindow. www.peppermillreno.com775-689-7114Mission PlayersCrystal Bay Club Free Stage Lounge Show at10pm. Call 775-833-6333 x0

August 19 Saturday

1888Cottonwood Restaurant, at Hilltop, Truckee.Reservations recommended. 587-5711.

Dave Alvin & The Guilty Menw/special guest JamesMcMurtry $40/$35. Hawkins Amphitheater WashoeCounty Parks, 2601 Plumas Ave, Reno, NV.775-828-6642www.hawkinsamphitheater.com.

Galactic Truckee Regional Park Amphitheater, Truckee.6 pm (Doors Open at 5 pm) $25.00

advance. All Ages. 530-583-2801www.renegadeshows.com

Sol JibeBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110.www.soljibe.com

Western BBQ, Cowboy Poetry& Overnight CampingAn authentic western feast, marshmallowroasting, and music, poetry, and story tellingwith famed cowboy lyricist, Larry Maurice.Reservations for the Western BBQ arerequired, both for overnighters and the LarryMaurice Fireside Show. $65 for adults and$45 for children 12 & under (or withoutcamping, $49 for adults and $25 for chil-dren). Space is limited. For info and reserva-tions please call 530-581-7100.

Annual Brews, Jazz & FunkFest in the VillageGet your groove on because the Village atSquaw Valley will get down and funky.Sample microbrews while jazz and funkbands entertain thoughout the day and intothe evening. 530-584-6266

AC/D SheCrystal Bay Club In the Crown Room.$17/$20. 9pm. Free Stage Lounge AfterParty with Go Betty Go. Call 775-833-6333

August 20 Sunday

Annual Brews, Jazz & FunkFest in the Villagesee August 19

The Parsons TrioPlumpJack Cafe Live Jazz on the PatioSundays from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Call 530-583-1576.

August 21 Monday

The Casualties w/ ExtinctGovernement, The KrumBumsDoors @ 7:30pm, Show @ 8pm, $12.00Adv., $15 door. The New Oasis, 2100Victorian Ave. Sparks, NV 89431.530-898-1497. jmaxproductions.net

August 23 Wednesday

Los Lonely Boys with CarbonLeafReno Hilton Theatre. at 7:30 PM. www.livenation.com

Hurt w/ RedcelDoors @ 7:30pm, Show @ 8pm, $10.45Adv., $13.00 Door. The New Oasis, 2100Victorian Ave. Sparks, NV 89431. 530-898-1497. jmaxproductions.net

PhoenixRiver Regional Park. Sponsored by Betweenthe Notes/Truckee Trails/Excellence inEducation. 6:30 to 8pm. www.tdrpd.com or530-582-7720

August 24 Thursday

Dave ManningBar of America, 10042 Donner Pass Road,Truckee. 587-3110.

GroundationRiver Ranch Lodge, Tahoe City, CA. 9 pm,Doors 8 pm.$12.00 advance, 21+. 530-583-2801 www.renegadeshows.com

causes of cancer; it’s not what I concentrateon now or focused on during that time.

EQ: You’re clear in your book about thecomponents of your support system: family,friends, medical team, and your faith. Is thereanything else that helped you?

TH: Yes, I was lucky to have that supportsystem. I think everyone needs to think aboutthat. Ultimately, every person will be con-fronted [with some kind of trauma] and so it’simportant to consider who or what will helpthem. Besides my family, friends, and faith, Ibelieve it’s important to have goals, to alwaysreach ahead. It helps to be busy and to havethings in the future to look forward to. I alsoused visualization. I mentioned that in thebook. Remember the part about imaginingwater pouring over my head, cleansing mymind and body? That helped a lot. And I visu-alized a life I didn’t have and I’d think aboutwhere I’d be in 5 years.

EQ: You had a strong, proactive medicalteam, and you write about many of the doctorsand nurses who attended you.

TH: Yes, I have a great respect for nurses!They are really in the trenches. They have todeal not only with patients’ medical needs, butalso emotional needs. It’s the nurses who haveto have good bedside manners. I had wonder-ful nurses and I’m thankful for that.

EQ: What are some of the things you talkabout when you visit groups?

TH: I talk about having a survival kit.First, take control of your life. Second, sur-round yourself with people you trust. Third,confront challenges. And finally, be less judg-mental and more tolerant.

For more information, contact Terry Healey at www.terryhealey.com.

At Face Value, from previous page

Friends & Family During Terry’s reading at Hooligan’s, he told

stories about particular friends and family memberswho helped him get through his experience.

One friend, in an abrupt manner, tells Terry thathe had more scars on the inside than the outside andthat he needed to refocus and rebuild. Her honestywas painful but moved Terry forward in overcominghis low self esteem.

Terry’s wife, Sue, was also instrumental in hisrecovery. He said of her:“Meeting Sue was themost significant turningpoint. Even when I mether she didn’t mention mydisfigurement; she simplygot to know me for who Iwas. She supports mealways. I mean somemornings I’m not a prettysight; my eye is droopy,my lip is up, my hair ismessy, my breath is bad,and I don’t have my teethin. And she never says aword.”

Terry Healey, author of“At Face Value: My TriumphOver a Disfiguring Cancer”

UPCOMING SHOWS

8/3 Two Out Rally (Rock, Funk, Jam)

8/4&5 Jazz Mafia Trio (Jazz)

8/11 ZIon Roots (Reggae)

8/12 Guitar Mac (Blues)

8/18 Shakedown (Reggae, Hip-hop)

8/19 Sexrat (Rock)

8/23 COSTUME PARTY

8/25 Fearless Chicken (Surf Punk)

8/26 Truckee Tribe (Roots, Rock, Reggae)