Introduction
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Steve Wilkins, Masters in Public Health, Cancer Advocate and Caregiver
So what do I know about cancer?
Well for starters, I understand:
- How hard it is to have someone you love told that they have cancer. How, in a few seconds, your life and that of a loved one can be changed forever by the words “you have cancer.” I also know that many people who have survived the journey are better people for it.
- That how you respond to the diagnosis of cancer makes a big difference in the outcome. I have seen people get so depressed that they see no point in going on…and they succumb to their disease. I have seen others, faced with the very same situation, find the strength, courage and support to soldier on through the depression to fight and beat back their cancer.
- Cancer does not have to be the death sentence that everyone thinks it is. People with even the most difficult types of cancer are living longer than ever before. Take my wife for example. She was diagnosed in November of 2003 with Stage IV Non Small Cell Lung Cancer and today is in complete remission. According to the statistics, she should not have survived much beyond three months following her diagnosis. But with the right doctors and the right treatment, people like my wife can and do beat cancer every day in this country.
- That every newly diagnosed cancer patient should “run not walk” to get a second opinion. But don't settle for getting a second opinion from just anyone. Get a second opinion from an expert. That means finding a physician that specializes in your type of cancer. Experts are out there…you just need to know how to find them and hopefully I can help you find them.
- How hard it is to navigate your way around the healthcare system to get what you need. Who are the best doctors? Which are the best hospitals? What should I ask my doctor? What about my health insurance? I hope to be able to guide you through these and a myriad of other perplexing questions based upon my years of experience working in hospital administration and patient advocate for my wife and others.
I hope my first posting here gives you a sense of who I am and how I believe I can help my readers. My experience with cancer has given me reason to be optimistic and hopeful and I want to share that with you.
To use a cliché from the TV show the X-files, the answers are out there. My job is to help you find them Let me know what you think.
9 Comments:
At Wed Jul 04, 02:02:00 PM 2007,
leota said…
Just wonderful to hear your comments re your wife and her courageous fight!! Cancer does need to be attacked!! My husband was recently diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. First surgery they removed the top right lobe, the second surgery they removed his adrenal glands, stage 4. He is so fatigued every day, any comments? Thanks,
At Thu Jul 05, 11:33:00 AM 2007,
Elizabeth said…
Many consumers and physicians have turned a more curious eye to complementary medicines an preventative measures for cancer in recent years, as many natural products may offer the same benefit as standard medications without as many side effects. Recent studies have shown advancements towards what could possibly prevent breast, prostate, and colon cancer. However, more clinical evidence based information is needed in these areas.
Elizabeth Henry
Natural Standard Research Collaboration
www.naturalstandard.com
At Thu Jul 05, 01:59:00 PM 2007,
fabiola said…
my mother is 49 years old and recently diagnosed with liver bilateral tract cancer. the doctor said, it can't be treated but only chemotherapy to make her feel better. she has a lot of pain, any suggestions? thanks,
At Fri Jul 06, 07:53:00 PM 2007,
JC Jones MA RN said…
Welcome Steve, from fellow Healthline Blogger JC RN (at Observances & Connects). Today is my father's birhday and I had one of those sweet coincidences. He died 3 years ago of prostate cancer at age 68 - way too young. Anyway. I was checking out at Safeway and was asked to make a donation to Prostate Cancer Research. So of course I did & felt like Dad was saying Hi! Even when we lose people, they are still with us.
At Mon Jul 09, 11:05:00 AM 2007,
Steve said…
Leota, I am sorry to hear about your husband. Believe me, I know what you both are going through. Unfortunately, fatigue is a very common side effect. Major surgery of the kind your husband experienced is hard. If he had chemo it is even harder.
With regards the fatigue, start by asking your husband's doctor what he/she recommends. Since nutrition is so important, I would also suggest consulting with a clinical dietitian/nutritionist for some suggestions. If your doctor can't recommend a nutritionist...contact the hospital where he was treated.
Finally, keep the faith! Find things you both enjoy doing that doesn't require a lot of physical effort. I know it's hard to believe but you can have cancer still find ways to enjoy life if you try.
Don't forget to take care of yourself too!
At Mon Jul 09, 11:18:00 AM 2007,
Steve said…
Elizabeth,
When it comes to cancer treatment you really need to get it right the first time. That means that whatever treatment option a patient chooses should be back by a reasonable body of clinical evidence. By all means, if a cancer patient is interested in including alternative therapies in their treatment, please tell your physician. My wife and I discovered for example that certain nutritional supplements actually could interfere with her traditional medications.
It is worth noting that MD Anderson, as well as other leading Cancer Treatment hospitals; offer alternative therapies on campus along with the more traditional therapies.
Keep the faith!
At Mon Jul 09, 11:28:00 AM 2007,
Steve said…
Fabiola,
I am sorry to hear about your mom. Here's what I tell everybody regarding a new/recent cancer diagnosis - please get a second opinion from a physician that is an expert in the particular cancer type.
If you need help with finding who to talk to about a second opinion you might try the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation in Kansas City. Here's their web address: www.blochcancer.org/.
Keep the faith!
At Mon Jul 09, 11:31:00 AM 2007,
Steve said…
JC,
Thanks for the sentiment. I couldn't agree more!
Keep the faith!
At Thu Jul 12, 05:57:00 AM 2007,
Anonymous said…
I did not fully understand cancer until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast, Stage II just in the past year. I chose a lumpectomy and also had 3 lymph nodes removed. The extensive tests and then undergoing chemo and radiation treatments taught me only to realize how precious life is. All the doctors and nurses and other medical personnel were the best in helping me believe that things will be okay. I found the strength to go on and with my faith, family and friends I have achieved that. It makes you realize to not worry about the small stuff anymore and to value each day. My life will never be the same as I will always have doctors visits for annual checkups but I am thankful to move on with my life.Thanks,Barbara Simmermon Gibbstown, NJ
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