Sue Regis: 'I’m Inspiring People To Make Positive Life Changes'

JOLIET, IL — On Feb. 24, Joliet Patch reported that one of Joliet's most prolific and talented artists, Sue Regis, was closing her Sue Regis Glass Art storefront in downtown Joliet because of her health issues. This past week, Patch conducted a more in-depth question and answer interview with Regis to discuss her health challenges, her outlook on life and her advice for others.

And there is good news on the horizon concerning the future of downtown Joliet's Sue Regis Glass Art, as you'll read later in this in-depth interview.

In December 2021, Patch reported that for the first time ever, the city of Joliet has a small business recognized by the Illinois Office of Tourism's annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift. Only 20 small businesses in the entire state were selected for the honor — Sue Regis Glass Art was one of the winners.

Now 44 years old, Regis was 43 when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Joliet Patch's Editor: Please take me back to the beginning of your illness. What did you learn, what was your treatment plan and how did your treatment go?

Sue Regis: In January 2022, I had major abdominal surgery to treat stage IV endometriosis. Endometriosis is a non-curable condition when tissue that lines the uterus, called endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. This tissue growth can lead to inflammation, cysts, scarring and adhesions causing organs to get “stuck” together. Stage IV indicates that I had the most severe form of the condition. This means that the tissue was growing in multiple parts of my body. It was causing severe back, hip and pelvic pain as well as gastrointestinal issues. My surgery involved the removal of my appendix, a hysterectomy, and excision of adhesions from my bladder, colon, and rectum. The recovery from this surgery was extreme. In fact, I’m still recovering and participating in physical therapy, specifically pelvic floor therapy.

As part of my abdominal surgery work up, my doctor completed a series of labs that revealed my estrogen level was very high. She told me to get a mammogram as soon as I was recovered enough from the abdominal surgery to be able to stand and tolerate the procedure. She told me that when estrogen levels are as high as mine, it can be a red flag for breast cancer. In May 2022, I had my first of many mammograms and other procedures which led to my diagnosis of breast cancer on July 7, 2022. More specifically, I was diagnosed with early stage ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

On August 5, 2022, I had a double mastectomy and lymph node removal and biopsy. Three weeks later, I had an additional surgery to remove a hematoma, or pool of clotted blood, that formed at one of the surgical sites. Once I was recovered enough from these surgeries, I returned to pelvic floor therapy and started physical therapy to treat lymphedema, which can occur when lymph nodes are removed causing lymph fluid to not drain properly. After the double mastectomy, I immediately noted pain and limited movement in my left shoulder that wasn’t there before surgery. This did not improve as I recovered, so I began physical therapy for my shoulder in December 2022. Despite therapy, the pain, muscle weakness and reduced range of motion has not improved.

Medical workup revealed that I have a left shoulder labrum tear and tendinosis. I have upcoming medical tests that will also provide more information regarding possible post-surgical nerve damage that could be contributing to my symptoms. At this time, the next steps are to be determined, but may involve shoulder surgery.

Joliet Patch's Editor: What has given you inspiration to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude, or has that been difficult to do at times?

Regis: Being physically unable to work with glass due to my health issues has separated me from what keeps me going. Being ill, not myself, and having my life flipped upside down, has resulted in much heartbreak. So, of course, this has been difficult at times. However, the acts of kindness I’ve received over the last year have been personally inspiring and uplifting. In addition, sharing my story keeps me positive.

I used to inspire people artistically. Now I’m inspiring people to make positive life changes regarding their health. I never imagined I’d be in the situation I am in or in the position to influence people in this way. I have had people reach out to me to tell me they are getting a mammogram because of my story, or they are making the choice to advocate for themselves with their healthcare providers. This brings me great joy.

Finally, over the last four to five months, I have been guiding local artist, Angelica Cristal, in further developing her flame working skills. This has been extremely therapeutic and inspiring for me.

Joliet Patch's Editor: When did it start to become too difficult to keep the Sue Regis Glass Art studio open? Do you have hopes in the future to re-open at another location?

Regis: When my shoulder issue was not improving, that was when I had to seriously consider the future of Sue Regis Glass Art. The reality is that I am facing the potential of another surgery and another prolonged recovery, when I’m not even fully recovered from my other surgeries. I can only work for short periods now and, facing another surgery and recovery, makes it impossible for me to keep my studio up and running on my own.

I am thankful to announce that Angelica Cristal will be taking over the Sue Regis Glass Art space. Angie will keep the space a glass studio, where I can return when I’m healed and able to get back behind the torch. She will also be doing her own glasswork, alongside a multitude of other art forms including set design, metalwork, ceramics, stone work, and printmaking, just to name a few. Angie plans to start running affordable programming in the form of creative art and life skills workshops for adults and kids of every level. An open house for the new studio, Waywards, is being planned for next month.

Once I can return to work, I will be joining forces with Angie and we will work as a unit. Therefore, Sue Regis Glass Art is on hold, but not over. Angie is taking the risk to put herself out there as an artist by taking over a studio space, as well as for taking over a space where I can return when I’m ready. I am forever grateful to Angie for doing this, so that all I have built over the last 25 years can continue, just in a different form. Angie has always called me the “hometown hero,” but, in my eyes, she is now the real hometown hero.

Joliet Patch's Editor: Have you not been able to do any glassblowing art work or memorial sculptures for some time now?

Regis: Just prior to my breast cancer diagnosis, I was able to return to work behind the torch. My endurance for standing upright and ongoing pelvic, hip and back pain were barriers, but I was trying to get the business back up and running while building my strength. Then came the breast cancer diagnosis. I tried to get done as many memorial orders as I could before going into my double mastectomy. In fact, I even worked the day before my surgery. Since the double mastectomy, hematoma surgery and shoulder injury, I have only been able to work on the torch for very short periods. By “short periods” I mean once a week, for 10-20 mins here and there, doing small, basic pieces.

Joliet Patch's Editor: Based on your own experiences, what advice do you have for others who may face similar health challenges in the future?

Regis: What this last year has taught me is to take care of your health. A mammogram is recommended starting at age 40, and I didn’t get one. I was in pain, but brushed it off. I was too busy. Sue Regis Glass Art was successful. The Art Movement, Inc and the Old Joliet Prison Burnt District Artists were taking off. And, I was spending too much time at the bar! Two and half years ago, I stopped drinking alcohol and started to focus on me and my health. I stopped ignoring my symptoms and putting off recommended testing. Doing so has changed, and saved, my life. I’ve also learned the importance of listening to your gut regarding how you feel. Advocate for yourself and don’t give up! Good doctors are out there so don’t settle, just keep doing the work and you will find them. My hope is that my story inspires one woman or man to see the doctor, not ignore their pain, and advocate for themselves regarding their health.

Joliet Patch's Editor: Have there been any friends in particular who have gone above and beyond to help support you during your illness?

Regis: The Joliet community, fellow artists, and my customers started a go-fund-me to help with my studio and health expenses. Plainfield Pride, a nonprofit organization out of Plainfield, organized a love fund to help support me and my business. Chicago Street Pub and Music in downtown Joliet, IL hosted a fundraiser where local musicians, The Kelsey Montanez Band from Chicago, and The Big Lagniappe from Joliet, performed. Also, multiple local businesses and artists donated raffle prizes and gave of their time to run the event. More than 50 artists donated handmade ornaments of all different mediums so I could still have a 2022 holiday season at Sue Regis Glass Art. This was a huge effort supported by The Strange and Unusual Gallery and The Art Movement, Inc., both located in downtown Joliet.

Not only did this help me and my studio financially, I was able to connect with the community again, keep my studio open and continue the family traditions of my customers. Local artist, Angelica Cristal, created "Fight Like Sue" digital artwork for a t-shirt, hoodie and sticker fundraiser initiated by my family. My parents and my sister have stood by me through this all, helping as caregivers, drivers, cooks, medical appointment companions, you name it!

Joliet Patch's Editor: After going through this illness, has your outlook on life changed at all? Are the things that were most important to you five or 10 years ago no longer important?

Regis: My outlook on life has changed. Having chronic pain and health issues makes life more difficult. I have my good and bad days. Five to 10 years ago I worked 7 days a week for months at a time. I pushed my body so much. I have realized how important self-care is regardless if I’m recovering from a surgery or not. When I’m able to work regularly again, I will always schedule time to rest my body, mind and soul because that, in fact, will make me a better artist, business owner and all-around person.

Joliet Patch's Editor: What is your outlook or hope for the future?

Regis: My outlook is positive. Endometriosis is one hell of a disease that can affect your whole body. I’ve made many life changes in the hopes it stays under control. As of this interview, I’m cancer free and that’s a blessing. My shoulder issue is being dealt with and I will keep up the fight. My collaboration with Angie gives me hope and excitement for the future.

Joliet Patch's Editor: What else would you like people to know about Sue Regis as far as what I did not have a chance to ask you about here?

Regis: I’ve been doing glass work since I was 17 years old. It is my creative and emotional outlet; it’s central to my identity. I’m slowly learning how to live and be outside of Sue Regis Glass Art. Remember: get a mammogram, don’t ignore health issues, and seek mental health supports if you need them. Be a self-advocate!