I recently wrote an article for an insert about cancer in Midtown Magazine this month. They wanted to have the view points of some local individuals who had experienced cancer first hand. Here is my edited version of the article which was condensed slightly for their magazine. The picture is the one they used as well. Of the two people they asked to write articles, one of us didn't make it to see theirs published. August 12 is my three year check up. Hope all is well out there with everyone!
In May of 2006, I was diagnosed with a rare form of Sarcoma called a Triton Tumor. Since then, I’ve had dozens of surgeries, experienced radiation therapy, and gone through a tough regime of chemotherapy. I wanted to be aggressive. I wanted to do what I thought would give me the best chance of survival. My cancer was also aggressive. Within 18 months of my diagnosis, it recurred at the original site in my arm and metastasized to my lung. I feel like my attitude and actions, the support I had, my faith, and the treatments I received not only saved my life, but also kept my outlook positive during a tough journey.
For those who might find themselves in a similar situation, the following points could both help your chances and make the experience as tolerable as possible:
Act fast. The faster you see doctors and start treatments, the better chance you have. Don’t let fear delay the process.
Get a second opinion. Don’t “shop around” for a favorable diagnosis/prognosis; instead a second opinion will help you understand your options more completely and can either confirm what you’ve heard or bring new insight to the table.
Start a blog, journal or email chain. I posted regularly on my blog (www.cph3.blogspot.com) to inform friends and family and vent my fears and frustrations.
Don’t let statistics scare you. Statistics are based on the past, not the future. They also refer to groups, not individuals. You are not a statistic. I’ve had some frightening ones thrown at me, but have proved most of them wrong.
Cancer is just a cluster of abnormal cells, that's it. These cells can be (and are normally) removed by the body itself or if need be by modern medicine.
Think outside the box. Check out nutritionists, acupuncturists, herbalists, etc. Acupuncture helped me stay well mentally and physically and eased the nausea and pain of chemo.
Try to live your life as normal as possible. Push yourself to do the things you enjoy. Don’t let the diagnosis and treatments consume you.
Plan a trip. My wife and I planned a trip a month after I finished chemo. Although I was completely hairless and a neon shade of green, it was something to look forward to.
Have support. Surround yourself with friends, family and faith, if possible. If not, look into support groups, counselors or online networks. Don’t do this alone.
I have lost a lot to cancer. I’ve lost the use of my hand, I’ve lost time, and most recently, I lost my mother to leukemia last year. Significant chronic pain and memories of horrors seen and experienced during treatment will probably haunt me for life. I am the type of person who tries to find silver linings and solutions to problems and am always thankful for what I have. I am a realist who knows I could be dead or still fighting what could seem like an endless or even hopeless battle. As of now, I’ve come out on the other side. It was a war and I have scars, but I survived it. Cancer is an obstacle that can be overcome. Survivors and others that have weathered the storm have a fortitude that can only come from this type of personal struggle. Being a survivor is an accomplishment of which to be both proud and thankful. I am both.
Thanks to my wife, Ashley, my mother, family, friends, doctors, nurses, and everyone who has helped me in so many different ways through my journey, and best of luck to those who have found themselves on one of their own.
