16 – DEE & WILLARD

South Carolina, USA

 

JUNE 25, 2007

 

2001 - husband first diagnosed April with stage 4 RCC and two days later had emergency operation and complete removal of left kidney. Back to work in 6 wks and good as new.  No treatments given at this time and given a clean bill of health.  Although we had been exposed to "cancer", it only seemed like major surgery this time.  Continues to have regular scans, MRI's and Dr visits for the next five years and one month before his final visit he begins feeling ill.  2006 - April - feeling extremely tired with yellow appearance and had urgent blood work.  Liver count at all time high.  Admitted immediately to hospital, stent inserted in liver and diagnosed with terminal cancer in liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenal gland, stomach.  Chemo and radiation not an option and sent home with a three month longevity diagnosis.  2006 - May-August - searched diligently for any type of treatment, but none available.  Visited a doctor of "natural" medicine and we did not disclose any of his medical history because we wanted them to determine his condition.

 

Willard was told he DID NOT have any cancer!  Needless to say, we did not accept this Dr's prescription for natural products.  2006 - Sept - Miraculously, a friend advised about reading of a new drug, Sutent, available for RCC in early testing stages. Willard started it mid-month with very few side effects at the time, other than harsh stomach pains and discomfort.  Scan after 4th cycle did show a slight decrease in adrenal gland tumor.  2006 - April - Scan after 5th cycle showed additional mets in back muscle and told Sutent would probably be discontinued after next as now Willard is becoming immune to drug.  High blood pressure continues to dominate his side effects and is taking three types of B/P meds.  He continues to give it his best foot forward, and despite challenging days and restless nights, he continues to get up each morning and go to work, and return with a smiling face.  I have come to realize the true meaning of the word "courage" as I watch him each day. A positive attitude is half the battle and a determination to keep going and never give up!  2006 - June - Willard had scan after 6th cycle and is presently awaiting his report on the 29th.  It is uncertain what will happen at that time with regards to continuation of Sutent or begin Interferon (as suggested by his oncologist) or Torisel (which I have researched and found on the web).  I will keep you posted on what happens.

 

This past year has been challenging for my husband as well as for myself and two daughters.  I have discovered the true value of our friends and the support that they bring to our lives during this time.  Miraculously, I have connected with Mazzy and Joe who have given us inspiration, encouragement and the bonds of friendship.  Although we have never personally met, it seems as though we have been friends all of our lives by sharing our good times and trials through our common thread of cancer.  I know personally how important it is to converse with others who are going through similar experiences with cancer as either patients or caregivers.  I have learned this past year as well, that until you walk in these shoes, you have no idea of what a family encounters along the way.  God bless all of you along this journey for which we have been given that special privilege to share our personal experiences and receive support and hope from others who are traveling with us.