Fighting the Fight — Appreciation for dedicated professionals

In one month I’ll be at the five year point. Advanced high volume Stage IV at diagnosis I’m lucky to be alive. And even luckier that I’m not going to die (at least not from PC) for at least several years, maybe longer.

I have taken up the fight with a vengeance. I’ve read extensively and have a very active role in my Treatment. I drag my tired butt to the Gym. I lost weight and two years ago even went Vegan.

But this is about several professionals who have gone so out of their way — above an beyond — for me. It is enormously gratifying. My acupuncturist (aside: Acupuncture really works — with the right practitioner) spends quite a lot of time with me, including going through some exercises from Eastern Medicine that she said would (and blood tests confirm) increase my immune cells. Sometime she comes in just to see me.

I saw a radiation oncologist several years ago. When I took off my shirt to be examined it revealed my favorite T Shirt with a Churchill quote “If you’re going through hell Keep going”. He pointed to it and said enthusiastically “that’s the spirit! It’s guys like you who make it. I’ve seen it.” He spent an unusual amount of time examining my scan [he didn’t just go by the radiology report]. And since then he has gone out of his way and expended time, which he has little of, with me beyond any reasonable expectation.

An eminent research scientist and Professor at a major Cancer Center has, too, taken an interest in me and spent more time with me than I could have expected. There’s an ONC I consult in NYC [he’s not my main ONC] who has also gone the extra mile.

I’ve thought “why are they all doing this for me”. I’m a decent guy but I don’t have a magnetic personality. I think the reason is that they’re dedicated health professionals and when they see someone who is going all out in the fight they are inspired to share their talents to help me. After all, why should they go out of their way for me if I’m not doing everything I can?

The most important thing is to stay positive and take care of yourself. I’m alive! Every morning I open my eyes I have been given a gift.

So, while I was scheduled to be dead by now I am no where near dead. Side effects of meds wear me down but if you saw me you would not know I was sick.

So, I wish to express my thanks to those who have gone out of their way for me. Their dedication is inspiring.

And I wish all of you the best — keep up the fight. Stay positive. You’re alive!

Great post. Got your 75th bday on my calendar. Let's enjoy every day we are blessed to be here.

Thanks. I’m going flat out, meaning I’m doing everything I can.

“The Longer I Live The Longer I live”

Seems obvious and banal, but what I mean is that Medical advances are coming fast and furious. If my efforts can squeeze, say, two years additional survival it could end up being more because in those two years there could be advances that turn 2 into 3 or 4.

I am being chased by the Cancer Bear. I’m running as hard as I can, but the Bear is faster and is predicted to catch me in the end. The Medical Profession is chasing the Bear and keeps slowing it up. That much longer it takes for it to catch me.

FIGHT!!! Attitude alone can improve survival. I’ve taken a VERY active role in my treatment. At this point I quiz different ONCs about their ideas (hard to get Dr’s willing to do that). If I can get them to guess they don’t all guess the same thing. PERFECT. That means I am at the cutting edge. Note: It’s very hard to find Dr’s who will guess. In my case I push that I am a very Well Informed Patient capable of giving Informed Consent. I do note that the more years I put behind me the more cooperative they’ve become.

The final treatment decision is mine. That’s what I want. I will take calculated risks, assessing the risks based on reading and quizzing different oncologists.

Here’s the thing: I could screw it up or I could help myself. But lets say it makes no difference medically. As I told one ONC “I think I’m doing something. Even if I’m not it’s still beneficial because it keeps that fighting spirit alive.”

You CAN live longer if you work at it.

Merry Xmas this year and hopefully many more to all of you my friends.

ANB, sorry, I missed this post earlier. It is a true inspiration to all, especially myself and all newbies coming on. You certainly are not dead and your post reflects that your brain is still running on all cylinders. Keep up the faith and keep us informed on your progress.
Jack