It has been a long and emotional journey getting to the point where I consider myself a cancer survivor. I was afforded the best medical treatment available through The Zimmer Cancer Center and Dr Ungaro, but I was left dealing with the emotional side of the issue on my own. I'm sure the path would have been much shorter and easier if I had been involved in a survivor's program. For this reason, when I was contacted by David Hass wanting to guest post to my blog in order to pass on some valuable information to those still early on their journey, I was eager to open up this small venue to him. Below is his article on the subject of survivor programs.
The Importance of Cancer Survivor Programs
A cancer prognosis often elicits feelings of sadness, confusion, worry and hopelessness. Aside from the doctors and nurses who can provide you with medications, information on treatments and other possible “next steps,” where do you go to get the really tough questions answered? Questions like: How am I going to get through this? What can I expect to experience emotionally? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? This is where cancer survivor networks and programs come into play. These types of organizations are phenomenal resources for connecting with individuals who have had similar experiences and are willing to share them, along with tips, suggestions and even a shoulder on which to lean.
Maintaining a strong and stable support network while undergoing treatment, and even once in remission, is imperative to “surviving” cancer and everything that comes along with it, especially if you are a child. Each type of cancer, whether it is breast, prostate, lung or mesothelioma, has its own symptoms and offers its own set of unique struggles. That being said, individuals faced with a cancer prognosis do have some of the same psychological, economic and spiritual questions.
One organization, whose mission is to “change the parlance from cancer ‘victim’ to cancer ‘survivor,” is the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). They “deal with the full spectrum of survivorship issues related to living with, through, and beyond a cancer diagnosis.” This organization has even expanded its reach to include family, friends and caregivers in its definition of survivors.
Not only does their website, http://www.canceradvocacy.org, provide lists of worthwhile publications, workshops and countless resources, it also houses their Cancer Survival Toolbox—“a free, award-winning audio program that teaches skills that can help people with cancer meet the challenges of their illness.” The program encompasses six key topics: “communicating, finding information, making decisions, solving problems, negotiating, and standing up for your rights.” Canceradvocacy.org also houses numerous links to websites for other cancer-related organizations and serves as the perfect starting point for delving into research on specific types of cancer, treatments and other support networks.
Therefore, whether you are facing a mesothelioma prognosis or a skin, liver, testicular or ovarian cancer prognosis, there are resources out there to help you navigate the difficult journey from prognosis to treatment and ultimately through survival. Remember, you are not alone; you really are surrounded by people who care and organizations ready to lend a helping hand, many just a mouse click away.
By: David Haas
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Again, No News is Good News.
It's hard to believe that it's been close to 6 years since I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I haven't posted here in quite a long time, again this is a good thing. I'm scheduled to visit my oncologist September the 18th and thankfully I have nothing out of the ordinary to report.
The only reason for this post is to plug another blog I started where I tend to rant & rave about anything and everything. It's a different venture for me as the truth be known, my writing sucks. All is not lost though, as I do incorporate my artistic skills into each post in the form of a badge design which I shamelessly offer for sale. Hey, a man has to make a living. Not an easy thing to do these days.
I hope everyone coming here will take a minute on the lighter side and visit Round Words. You could even put up a link to Round Words on your blog or site. I can use all the help I can get.
If you need help with the necessary code to create a link, just copy the code below and paste it into your blog roll or sidebar:
Many thanks!
The only reason for this post is to plug another blog I started where I tend to rant & rave about anything and everything. It's a different venture for me as the truth be known, my writing sucks. All is not lost though, as I do incorporate my artistic skills into each post in the form of a badge design which I shamelessly offer for sale. Hey, a man has to make a living. Not an easy thing to do these days.
I hope everyone coming here will take a minute on the lighter side and visit Round Words. You could even put up a link to Round Words on your blog or site. I can use all the help I can get.
If you need help with the necessary code to create a link, just copy the code below and paste it into your blog roll or sidebar:
Many thanks!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Frustrated With Health Care In America
It's been quite awhile since I posted here which is a good thing considering the subject pretty much requires a decline in my health in order to spawn a post. I have to admit that the main purpose of my writing today is self serving and an attempt to relieve some of my frustration with the health care system in what has been billed as the greatest country in the world. I certainly have my doubts on that statement at this point.
Over the last several months I have been suffering from cold and flu like symptoms that I and many seem to suffer from at this time of the year. Not having health insurance and having my health fail at financially catastrophic proportions within the last few years, I find myself in a position of not being able to afford basic medical care. For many, this basic care has become a luxury. Last month as my symptoms developed to the point of needing immediate attention, I broke down and went to what I call a "Doc in a Box" or an urgent care facility. My only other alternative would have been the local hospital emergency room which has become so over burdened with the uninsured that I would have had to wait 6 to 8 hours to be seen for a condition that really can't be ranked as an emergency.
As I drove myself to the "Doc in a Box" with what I figured was strep throat along with an ear infection and who knows what that was causing me to cough a lung up, I reminesed about better times when my mother was still with us. She used to claim that the seasonal flu was really a chemical weapons experiment composed by the Russians that had gone awry. She had me wondering if I was now suffering from some type of terrorist attack by Al-Qaeda. Come to find out though, the only attack I had to worry about was the one I was about to take to my personal dignity and wallet.
I ended up on the door step of MED-CARE of Wilmington, North Carolina, 5245 South College Road. I point out the address so that I may forewarn anyone thinking of doing business with these people, be advised you will get much better medical care if you take your sleeping bag and wait your turn at the local emergency room.
What a nightmare this place turned out to be. As I approached the reception area I notice a sign that says "No Checks", great, there goes the plan of using the charity of my sister that she was so kind to offer up. I ask the young lady behind the counter if I can use my debit card, she tells me that's fine but I will have to be billed and sign a charge statement for $150.00 before I get any farther in the process. This in it self should have told me I was about to get screwed. I did momentarily consider heading to the hospital. I instead asked how long of a wait I could expect. I was told no more than an hour. Ok, I can deal with that, so I proceeded with the paper work.
Three hours later, in walks a short little frail man that introduces himself as Dr. Blackmore, it's soon apparent that he is quite gay and is way to touchy feely during the exam, there was nothing wrong with my knee yet he felt compelled to rest his hand there. Up to this point the only thing that had been done by the triage nurse was to weight me and check my blood pressure. Dr. Blackmore proceeded to tell me he was obligated to discuss my high blood pressure results. After a five minute speech on the dangers of high BP, I begin to explain of the three heart attacks, two angioplasties and CABG surgery that I had under gone in the past few years. All while being treated for non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Obviously you don't go through these procedures without getting a pretty good education on heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and the associated treatments. In other words Doc, this aint my first trip to the rodeo. I explained the impact that these health problems had taken on me financially, you know, like how I had become unable to continue with my business as I was self employed. It's hard to keep the doors open when your constantly in the hospital. Or how the bank forecloses on your home when your income suddenly stops and you can't make the morgage payments. Or how the bank also reposes your car when that loan payment can't be made as well.
I thought I had really gotten through to him, my uncontrolled BP was not due to ignorance on my part, but merely a lack of financial resources. Doc Blackmore said he understood. Stated he would be glad to help in any way possible, just let him know what he could do and with another pat on the knee he sent me on my way with an antibiotic that he had filled by his on site pharmacy. I was told the $14 price would be the best in town. Yeah right, I paid 14 bucks for a prescription I later found out I could have got at Walmart for 4 dollars.
Two weeks later still suffering from what he described as the worst ear infection he had seen in 4 years (both my ears). I call back at 10am, leave a message with his nurse, I had found a generic form of the blood pressure medicine I had been taking and could get a months supply for $4. All hail Walmart. I also told her I had a blood pressure cuff, would take daily recording and bring them in a month or so as a follow up when I had some money, could Dr. Blackmore please call in a prescription for me. Guess what? no return phone call. At 6pm, 8 hours later I call back. Bad idea, at this point I'm pissed off. How hard is it to return a fucking phone call. I finally get up with the witch that is only know as the "NURSE" Know where or at any time does this bitch identify herself by name. I again go through the explanation of my request. She tells me to wait and goes off to find the Doc. She comes back and says he will have to see me in his office. Here we go, I tell her I can't afford a office visit, I just saw the man two weeks ago and I have a written diagnosis stating I have uncontrolled blood pressure, can I please speak with the doctor. Hang on, she tells me. She returns to the phone and again tells me I will have to come in for a office visit and blood tests. Ok, if my blood pressure wasn't high, it sure as hell is now. I lose it, what part of "I can't afford it" don't you fucking understand. I'm not sure of the remainder of the conversation but it's safe to say I wont be on Med-Care's Christmas card list.
Later in a conversation with my sister, a registered nurse. I complain of the difficulty in getting simple medical care in this country. I wonder why, if I can't have access to professional health care, why I must go with out any treatment at all. Why can't I treat myself. If I have infection, why can't I buy a antibiotic and treat myself. It's not like Dr Blackmore preformed any tests to verify I had a bacterial infection. The bitch nurse didn't even bother to take my temperature. A sure sign of infection. He merely went by my statement that my ears and throat hurt. I didn't have to look at my throat to tell it was red, or in my ears to tell they had fluid in them. What harm could I have done by self administering an antibiotic. I can hardly afford them, so it's not like i'm going to take them like a daily vitamin for Christ's sake.
My sister told me that in many foreign countries you can treat yourself and many do. In Costa Rica she was able to purchase IV fluids, needles and tubing to self administer. Antibiotic and my blood pressure medicine would be available over the counter. Lord forbid we do this in America. I guess their afraid I might kill myself as I'm to ignorant to administer medications that might kill me if I don't have them to start with. Even the eye doctor told me my cholesterol was high during an eye exam but will anyone prescribe medication without having their pockets lined? Of course not, how would Doc Blackmore pay for his Mercedes if such behavior were taking place.
Over the last several months I have been suffering from cold and flu like symptoms that I and many seem to suffer from at this time of the year. Not having health insurance and having my health fail at financially catastrophic proportions within the last few years, I find myself in a position of not being able to afford basic medical care. For many, this basic care has become a luxury. Last month as my symptoms developed to the point of needing immediate attention, I broke down and went to what I call a "Doc in a Box" or an urgent care facility. My only other alternative would have been the local hospital emergency room which has become so over burdened with the uninsured that I would have had to wait 6 to 8 hours to be seen for a condition that really can't be ranked as an emergency.
As I drove myself to the "Doc in a Box" with what I figured was strep throat along with an ear infection and who knows what that was causing me to cough a lung up, I reminesed about better times when my mother was still with us. She used to claim that the seasonal flu was really a chemical weapons experiment composed by the Russians that had gone awry. She had me wondering if I was now suffering from some type of terrorist attack by Al-Qaeda. Come to find out though, the only attack I had to worry about was the one I was about to take to my personal dignity and wallet.
I ended up on the door step of MED-CARE of Wilmington, North Carolina, 5245 South College Road. I point out the address so that I may forewarn anyone thinking of doing business with these people, be advised you will get much better medical care if you take your sleeping bag and wait your turn at the local emergency room.
What a nightmare this place turned out to be. As I approached the reception area I notice a sign that says "No Checks", great, there goes the plan of using the charity of my sister that she was so kind to offer up. I ask the young lady behind the counter if I can use my debit card, she tells me that's fine but I will have to be billed and sign a charge statement for $150.00 before I get any farther in the process. This in it self should have told me I was about to get screwed. I did momentarily consider heading to the hospital. I instead asked how long of a wait I could expect. I was told no more than an hour. Ok, I can deal with that, so I proceeded with the paper work.
Three hours later, in walks a short little frail man that introduces himself as Dr. Blackmore, it's soon apparent that he is quite gay and is way to touchy feely during the exam, there was nothing wrong with my knee yet he felt compelled to rest his hand there. Up to this point the only thing that had been done by the triage nurse was to weight me and check my blood pressure. Dr. Blackmore proceeded to tell me he was obligated to discuss my high blood pressure results. After a five minute speech on the dangers of high BP, I begin to explain of the three heart attacks, two angioplasties and CABG surgery that I had under gone in the past few years. All while being treated for non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Obviously you don't go through these procedures without getting a pretty good education on heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and the associated treatments. In other words Doc, this aint my first trip to the rodeo. I explained the impact that these health problems had taken on me financially, you know, like how I had become unable to continue with my business as I was self employed. It's hard to keep the doors open when your constantly in the hospital. Or how the bank forecloses on your home when your income suddenly stops and you can't make the morgage payments. Or how the bank also reposes your car when that loan payment can't be made as well.
I thought I had really gotten through to him, my uncontrolled BP was not due to ignorance on my part, but merely a lack of financial resources. Doc Blackmore said he understood. Stated he would be glad to help in any way possible, just let him know what he could do and with another pat on the knee he sent me on my way with an antibiotic that he had filled by his on site pharmacy. I was told the $14 price would be the best in town. Yeah right, I paid 14 bucks for a prescription I later found out I could have got at Walmart for 4 dollars.
Two weeks later still suffering from what he described as the worst ear infection he had seen in 4 years (both my ears). I call back at 10am, leave a message with his nurse, I had found a generic form of the blood pressure medicine I had been taking and could get a months supply for $4. All hail Walmart. I also told her I had a blood pressure cuff, would take daily recording and bring them in a month or so as a follow up when I had some money, could Dr. Blackmore please call in a prescription for me. Guess what? no return phone call. At 6pm, 8 hours later I call back. Bad idea, at this point I'm pissed off. How hard is it to return a fucking phone call. I finally get up with the witch that is only know as the "NURSE" Know where or at any time does this bitch identify herself by name. I again go through the explanation of my request. She tells me to wait and goes off to find the Doc. She comes back and says he will have to see me in his office. Here we go, I tell her I can't afford a office visit, I just saw the man two weeks ago and I have a written diagnosis stating I have uncontrolled blood pressure, can I please speak with the doctor. Hang on, she tells me. She returns to the phone and again tells me I will have to come in for a office visit and blood tests. Ok, if my blood pressure wasn't high, it sure as hell is now. I lose it, what part of "I can't afford it" don't you fucking understand. I'm not sure of the remainder of the conversation but it's safe to say I wont be on Med-Care's Christmas card list.
Later in a conversation with my sister, a registered nurse. I complain of the difficulty in getting simple medical care in this country. I wonder why, if I can't have access to professional health care, why I must go with out any treatment at all. Why can't I treat myself. If I have infection, why can't I buy a antibiotic and treat myself. It's not like Dr Blackmore preformed any tests to verify I had a bacterial infection. The bitch nurse didn't even bother to take my temperature. A sure sign of infection. He merely went by my statement that my ears and throat hurt. I didn't have to look at my throat to tell it was red, or in my ears to tell they had fluid in them. What harm could I have done by self administering an antibiotic. I can hardly afford them, so it's not like i'm going to take them like a daily vitamin for Christ's sake.
My sister told me that in many foreign countries you can treat yourself and many do. In Costa Rica she was able to purchase IV fluids, needles and tubing to self administer. Antibiotic and my blood pressure medicine would be available over the counter. Lord forbid we do this in America. I guess their afraid I might kill myself as I'm to ignorant to administer medications that might kill me if I don't have them to start with. Even the eye doctor told me my cholesterol was high during an eye exam but will anyone prescribe medication without having their pockets lined? Of course not, how would Doc Blackmore pay for his Mercedes if such behavior were taking place.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Writing helps cancer patients cope with illness
"It's been almost two years since Mario Duran of Vista learned that he had lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells behave abnormally. Getting through all the physical and emotional aspects of having cancer hasn't been easy, but Duran has found something that helps." Read More...
Friday, April 20, 2007
Marijuana May Be an Effective Therapy for Lung Cancer
"Researchers at Harvard University report that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, reduces lung cancer tumor growth by at least 50%, and also reduces the ability of the lung cancer tumors to metastasize, or spread, to other areas."Read More...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
High-Dose Aspirin Lowers Some Cancer Risk
"Recent studies have shown that a low, regular dose of aspirin may not lower cancer risk. But a newer study finds that taking a higher dose for at least five years may lower the risk for people at high risk of colon, prostate or breast cancer."
Read More...
Read More...
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Cancer in the News
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow who was treated for colon cancer in 2005 has suffered a setback with the news that his cancer has spread to his liver.My heart goes out to Tony and his family.
I saw the president this morning make his well wishes to Tony with hopes for a speedy recovery. It made me wonder, with this cause now hitting so close to home will he begin to regret his failure to increase funding for cancer research this year.
I saw the president this morning make his well wishes to Tony with hopes for a speedy recovery. It made me wonder, with this cause now hitting so close to home will he begin to regret his failure to increase funding for cancer research this year.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
John Edwards Suspends Presidential Campaign, NOT
Presidential hopeful John Edwards is expected to announce today that due to a reoccurrence of his wife Elizabeth's breast cancer he will suspend his 2008 presidential bid.
More to come...
Well that was a false report from the media. John Edwards will continue his campaign although Elizabeth's cancer has metastasized and has shown up via a bone study and biopsy of her right rib.
Elizabeth is scheduled for chemotherapy treatment and both her and John remain optimistic of elizabeth's future health.
More to come...
Well that was a false report from the media. John Edwards will continue his campaign although Elizabeth's cancer has metastasized and has shown up via a bone study and biopsy of her right rib.
Elizabeth is scheduled for chemotherapy treatment and both her and John remain optimistic of elizabeth's future health.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Feeling Guilty, Personal Journey Part IV
It's been awhile since I've posted and need to catch everyone up on what's been going on. For starters, reviewing my previous posts I wonder why I ever decided to post obituaries. I guess it's a reminder to myself that cancer is a serious condition. I also have been a big NASCAR fan for many years and wanted to give some kind of tribute to Benny and Bobby as they both played large roles in making the sport what it is today.
My guilt arises from the fact that my personal journey has been nothing short of miraculous and I've failed to share the great progress I've made with visitors to this site. My two month follow-up CAT scan showed that the mass in my lung, which at one time was 11cm in diameter has shrunk on it's own to a size of 3mm. I can only attribute this to the many people that have been praying for me. As far as my recovery from the triple by-pass. I'd have to say I'm very close to a 100% and continue to exercise daily, weather permitting and can't wait for spring so I can begin to start getting fresh vegetables from the local farmers market. It's tough on the wallet getting the produce my diet requires during these winter months.
If you happen upon this blog, don't hesitate to leave a comment or just say hello. Sometimes you feel like your talking to yourself when you bang away on the keyboard as a blogger.
My guilt arises from the fact that my personal journey has been nothing short of miraculous and I've failed to share the great progress I've made with visitors to this site. My two month follow-up CAT scan showed that the mass in my lung, which at one time was 11cm in diameter has shrunk on it's own to a size of 3mm. I can only attribute this to the many people that have been praying for me. As far as my recovery from the triple by-pass. I'd have to say I'm very close to a 100% and continue to exercise daily, weather permitting and can't wait for spring so I can begin to start getting fresh vegetables from the local farmers market. It's tough on the wallet getting the produce my diet requires during these winter months.
If you happen upon this blog, don't hesitate to leave a comment or just say hello. Sometimes you feel like your talking to yourself when you bang away on the keyboard as a blogger.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Benny Parsons loses battle with lung cancer
The NASCAR family loses another of its favorite personalities, Benny Parsons.Benny was 65 years old and had been battling lung cancer since July of 2006. In Oct. he announced remission with no evidence of desease, but was forced back into the hospital in Dec. do to complications of treatment.
Benny was crowned the 1973 Winston Cup champion and later became a familar voice in NASCAR broadcasting. To read more...
Monday, January 8, 2007
NASCAR Driver Bobby Hamilton Dies of Cancer
49 year old former Nextel Cup driver Bobby Hamilton has passed away. Bobby was a four time Winston cup race champion and a NASCAR Craftsman Truck series champion. He announced his diagnosis of neck cancer last March and lost his battle January 7th 2007.He will be greatly missed by all of us in the NASCAR family. To read more...
Monday, January 1, 2007
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Telephone Workshop
Topic: Update on Clinical Trials for Indolent (Follicular) Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Date: January 18th 2007
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EST
This free telephone workshop is sponsored by Cancer Care and presents a field of top cancer researchers and clinicians for discussions covering current treatmant options in regard to clinical trials. There will be a question and answer period.
To register for this free Lymphoma Telephone Education Workshop, please contact Cancer Care at 800-813-4673 or at their website www.cancercare.org.
Date: January 18th 2007
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EST
This free telephone workshop is sponsored by Cancer Care and presents a field of top cancer researchers and clinicians for discussions covering current treatmant options in regard to clinical trials. There will be a question and answer period.
To register for this free Lymphoma Telephone Education Workshop, please contact Cancer Care at 800-813-4673 or at their website www.cancercare.org.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
A Big Scare - Part Three
On October 30, 2006 I'm setting at my computer desk playing some online poker as I do many days when I start having a tightness in my chest. Having suffered two heart attacks prior, it's a feeling I am way to familiar with. Angina is the medical term and when it sets in it scares the hell out of you. With the pain increasing to that place I've been before, my mind starts wondering, why me, can this really be happening again. In hopes I can make the pain go away I start taking nitro pills placing them under my tongue and waiting five minutes to see if the pain subsides. After 20 minutes and 3 nitro pills the tightness had grown to the feeling of an elephant setting on my chest. It's time to dial 911.
If your ever unfortunate enough to experience a heart attack, don't do like I did the first time and drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911, get help Immediately. You really need medical attention within the first 30 minutes of a heart attack in-order to minimize heart damage. The advantage of pre-treatment from the EMT's will greatly increase your chance of survival.
This time around the doctors found 70% blockage in three arteries and I underwent triple by-pass surgery. Obviously all went well as I'm here to share this story with you but the big scare is yet to come. Since I was already in the hospital and I was overdue for a check-up from my oncologist, I requested he be contacted to check me out. His initial review of my blood work was positive and he stopped in to tell me I was still dancing with N.E.D. which was a short lived but welcome relief. The very next day he reappeared at my bedside announcing he had bad news. X-rays had revealed a mass in my lung, as well as a swollen spleen.
What a crushing blow. I was so weak from the surgery and was looking at a 6 to 8 month recuperation period. The question was could I really survive a course of chemotherapy which I knew was the next step in treatment as the cancer had spread. I was scheduled to follow-up and have a port installed in my chest 5 weeks later. Like another hole in my chest is what I needed.
Back at home I was having a difficult time as most open heart surgery patients do. Pain, extreme fatigue and loss of appetite were the order of the day, all the while wondering if I was really going to be able to survive chemo as sick as I was. Three weeks into my home recouperation a slight set back sent me to the heart surgeons office. A stabbing pain in my upper back during deep breath was a symptom of a possible pulmonary embolism. I was sent back to the hospital for a CT scan. I spoke with the radiologist shortly after the scan and was told everything was fine, he saw no blood clots and would send copies of the results to my heart surgeon and oncologist for review.
Two weeks later, still extremely weak, I headed back to the oncology clinic to resume my battle with cancer. After the typical weigh in and pre-exam from a P.A. she discovered the prior CT and told me that it appeared the mass in my lung was shrinking. SAY WHAT! Shortly after the doctor walked in and said I had found a cure for lymphoma and wanted to know how I had managed to shrink this tumor. Apparently the mass was not due my lymphoma but was some how related to my resent surgery. You can not begin to know the relieve I felt when I was told no chemo was in my immediate future and was put back on a watch and wait status.
It's now been close to two months since my surgery and I'm doing great. I'm walking a mile or more every day, my pain is minimal and I feel I'm back to 80% of my previous self. I will head back for another scan in two months but until that time I'm still Dancing with N.E.D.
Technorati Tags: cancer, lymphoma, by-pass surgery, heart attack
If your ever unfortunate enough to experience a heart attack, don't do like I did the first time and drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911, get help Immediately. You really need medical attention within the first 30 minutes of a heart attack in-order to minimize heart damage. The advantage of pre-treatment from the EMT's will greatly increase your chance of survival.
This time around the doctors found 70% blockage in three arteries and I underwent triple by-pass surgery. Obviously all went well as I'm here to share this story with you but the big scare is yet to come. Since I was already in the hospital and I was overdue for a check-up from my oncologist, I requested he be contacted to check me out. His initial review of my blood work was positive and he stopped in to tell me I was still dancing with N.E.D. which was a short lived but welcome relief. The very next day he reappeared at my bedside announcing he had bad news. X-rays had revealed a mass in my lung, as well as a swollen spleen.
What a crushing blow. I was so weak from the surgery and was looking at a 6 to 8 month recuperation period. The question was could I really survive a course of chemotherapy which I knew was the next step in treatment as the cancer had spread. I was scheduled to follow-up and have a port installed in my chest 5 weeks later. Like another hole in my chest is what I needed.
Back at home I was having a difficult time as most open heart surgery patients do. Pain, extreme fatigue and loss of appetite were the order of the day, all the while wondering if I was really going to be able to survive chemo as sick as I was. Three weeks into my home recouperation a slight set back sent me to the heart surgeons office. A stabbing pain in my upper back during deep breath was a symptom of a possible pulmonary embolism. I was sent back to the hospital for a CT scan. I spoke with the radiologist shortly after the scan and was told everything was fine, he saw no blood clots and would send copies of the results to my heart surgeon and oncologist for review.
Two weeks later, still extremely weak, I headed back to the oncology clinic to resume my battle with cancer. After the typical weigh in and pre-exam from a P.A. she discovered the prior CT and told me that it appeared the mass in my lung was shrinking. SAY WHAT! Shortly after the doctor walked in and said I had found a cure for lymphoma and wanted to know how I had managed to shrink this tumor. Apparently the mass was not due my lymphoma but was some how related to my resent surgery. You can not begin to know the relieve I felt when I was told no chemo was in my immediate future and was put back on a watch and wait status.
It's now been close to two months since my surgery and I'm doing great. I'm walking a mile or more every day, my pain is minimal and I feel I'm back to 80% of my previous self. I will head back for another scan in two months but until that time I'm still Dancing with N.E.D.
Technorati Tags: cancer, lymphoma, by-pass surgery, heart attack
Friday, December 29, 2006
Saving Graces
Elizabeth Edwards found out she had breast cancer in November of 2004 just as her husband's bid for the Vice Presidency was coming to a close. Like a lot of women, she discovered a lump in her breast while taking a shower. A visit to her surgeon who conducted a needle biopsy confirmed that Edwards had invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer.
Enduring a four month course of chemotherapy followed by a lumpectomy and radiation, Mrs Edwards managed to write her memoirs. Her Book,"Saving Graces", details her grueling struggle with treatment as well as the loss of her teenage son, Wade, in a 1996 automobile accident.
This week Mrs Edward proudly announced her dance with N.E.D. and says she is looking forward to the challenge as her husband announces his plans to run for Presidency in 2008.
Technorati Tags: elizabeth edwards, breast cancer, saving graces
Enduring a four month course of chemotherapy followed by a lumpectomy and radiation, Mrs Edwards managed to write her memoirs. Her Book,"Saving Graces", details her grueling struggle with treatment as well as the loss of her teenage son, Wade, in a 1996 automobile accident.
This week Mrs Edward proudly announced her dance with N.E.D. and says she is looking forward to the challenge as her husband announces his plans to run for Presidency in 2008.
Technorati Tags: elizabeth edwards, breast cancer, saving graces
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Has N.E.D. Left the Building - Part Two
Sometime in the early part of 2004 during a scheduled checkup it was discovered that I had high levels of calcium in my blood stream (hypercalcemia). This is not good as it suggest that my original cancer cells has matastisized (the spread of cancer from its primary site to other places in the body) In my case it would indicate that cancer cells had spread to my bones.
My Oncologist prescribed infusions of Zometa to reduce the calcium in my blood as this in itself is dangerous, so I'm told. As I remember these were given once a week or so and followed by blood test for liver function (high levels of calcium stress your liver) and calcium levels.
The other process required was a bone biopsy to verify that the lymphoma had in fact spread. These is accomplished by inserting a needle/drill combination into the hipbone and removing a small piece of bone. When I asked as to the amount of pain involved, I was told it was told I would feel pressure and slight discomfort. Yeah right, it was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt. I'm sure there are indentations from my hands in the railings of the table I was laying on. I screamed so loud a couple nurses came rushing to the exam room to see what was happening. I'm not sure if he hit a nerve or the anaesthesia had not taken effect but wow, I'll never forget that day.
The good news is that the results of the biopsy and a bone scan came back negative. The hypercalcemia mysteriously disappeared and within a months time I went from thinking I had just a short amount of time to live to "Dancing with N.E.D."
P.S. Don't sweat a bone scan unless your claustrophobic. They lower a large box very close to your face and move it parallel to your body. It can get a little uncomfortable even tho the sides are open and your not totally enclosed.
My Oncologist prescribed infusions of Zometa to reduce the calcium in my blood as this in itself is dangerous, so I'm told. As I remember these were given once a week or so and followed by blood test for liver function (high levels of calcium stress your liver) and calcium levels.
The other process required was a bone biopsy to verify that the lymphoma had in fact spread. These is accomplished by inserting a needle/drill combination into the hipbone and removing a small piece of bone. When I asked as to the amount of pain involved, I was told it was told I would feel pressure and slight discomfort. Yeah right, it was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt. I'm sure there are indentations from my hands in the railings of the table I was laying on. I screamed so loud a couple nurses came rushing to the exam room to see what was happening. I'm not sure if he hit a nerve or the anaesthesia had not taken effect but wow, I'll never forget that day.
The good news is that the results of the biopsy and a bone scan came back negative. The hypercalcemia mysteriously disappeared and within a months time I went from thinking I had just a short amount of time to live to "Dancing with N.E.D."
P.S. Don't sweat a bone scan unless your claustrophobic. They lower a large box very close to your face and move it parallel to your body. It can get a little uncomfortable even tho the sides are open and your not totally enclosed.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The Journey Begins - Part One
NED is a medical abbreviation for No Evidence of Disease. I was diagnosed with Follicular Non Hodkins Lymphoma in 2003. It started when I noticed a pea sized lump on my right leg in the groin area. Being a typical male that was still flying under a flag of invincibility I ignored it until I suffered a mild heart attack and found myself in the hospital. The small lump had grown to a size slightly smaller that a golf ball. Nature dealt me a one two punch when a needle biopsy came back positive. You can't imagine the feeling of being told you have cancer. It's kind of like a punch in the gut that takes your breath away. You tell yourself your going to beat this animal but you can't help but have the feeling that you have been handed a death sentence.
My initial diagnosis indicated that the cancer cells had not spread from the original tumor site and the prescribed course of treatment was 29 doses of radiation directed towards the tumor followed by one massive dose that produced radiation burns you would not believe. It was bad enough that I had to visit the hospital every day for thirty days but on top of that I had to drop my pants and let various young women and men blast a radiation beam at my privates.
It seems the treatment for cancer is way worse than the actual desease. The radiation did its job an the tumor kept getting smaller and after ten or twelve treatments it was basically gone. This brings me to what is referred to as "Dancing With NED" a condition all cancer victims strive to achieve where all blood tests, scans and x-rays show "No Evidence of Disease".
My initial diagnosis indicated that the cancer cells had not spread from the original tumor site and the prescribed course of treatment was 29 doses of radiation directed towards the tumor followed by one massive dose that produced radiation burns you would not believe. It was bad enough that I had to visit the hospital every day for thirty days but on top of that I had to drop my pants and let various young women and men blast a radiation beam at my privates.
It seems the treatment for cancer is way worse than the actual desease. The radiation did its job an the tumor kept getting smaller and after ten or twelve treatments it was basically gone. This brings me to what is referred to as "Dancing With NED" a condition all cancer victims strive to achieve where all blood tests, scans and x-rays show "No Evidence of Disease".
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