Family history
Wow!
That’s about all I can say to the response generated by my first blog entry.
A few of us in the newsroom had a hunch that an attempt to share the ups and downs of my fight against cancer might draw a few more people to www.gazettextra.com and serve to create a lively on-line discussion.
I never expected so many people to comment on so many aspects of my illness and the battles they have faced with their families. As I said last week, this blog is not about me seeking sympathy or pity. My goal is to turn this into a support group without a meeting room.
I have a lot to talk about this week, so please hang in there.
First, you need to know my family’s cancer history. If you read all of last week’s comments, my brother in Waterloo, Iowa, gave away some of the details, but I will quickly fill you in.
If your last name is McPoland and you grew up as a North Ender on Jackson Street in Dubuque, Iowa, you will get cancer.
It’s not like our house was located under giant power lines and across the street from a nuclear power plant. The only thing on our block that might have contributed to bad health was the tiny ice cream store across the street, a place where I worked during the summer and packed on a few pounds.
Anyhow, I have three brothers and a sister. All four have or had cancer. My father had two separate cancers simultaneously. My mother is the only one to avoid the C Club.
Our family’s long and winding association with cancer dates back 20 years.
I have a 41-year-old brother who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease in 1989 at age 21. A U.S. Marine, he was on the operating table at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif., when the San Francisco earthquake hit.
The same brother, after being cancer-free for many years, was diagnosed in July with large B Cell Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. After rigorous chemo regimen, he has been cleared to return to work.
A second brother, 34, was diagnosed with Hodgkins in 1996 at age 21. He won the fight and has been cancer-free for about 10 years.
A third brother, 42, had a small cancerous growth removed from the side of his face about 10 years ago.
My sister, 45, was diagnosed last month with thyroid cancer. She had surgery Wednesday and walked out of the hospital Thursday morning. Her doctors expect a full recovery within a couple months.
A quick side note: My sister works at the hospital where her surgery was performed, but nobody would admit that her assigned room had anything to do with her status. After surgery, they moved her to a huge room that had a padded sofa, a padded recliner, a giant cloth chair and marble tables. The desk nurse told me the room is used by VIPs, including the archbishop for the Diocese of Dubuque. I knew my sister had some stroke at the hospital, but not that much.
Finally, my 74-year-old father was diagnosed in December 2006 with two cancers, esophageal and lung cancer. The two cancers had different cell structures, which meant one hadn't spread to cause the second. He had an esophagectomy and also had a chunk of his right lung removed. He has been declared cancer free. He was a smoker.
The quick recap: six people, two esophageal cancers, one lung cancer, one thyroid cancer, two Hodgkins, one skin cancer, and one Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
My father, my sister and I all got our news right before Christmas. Without a doubt, the holiday season has been thrown off-kilter each of the last three years.
Let me end this with one funny anecdote, at least it’s funny after the fact.
I was feeling whipped last Saturday night after another round of chemotherapy. I hate to be gross or crude, but a nasty bout of what I call “chemo-rhea” caused me to become dehydrated. My blood pressure took a tumble and, unfortunately, so did I.
I hit the floor of my living room fairly hard. After a minute to regain my senses, I got up, got some water and hit the sofa.
I suddenly seemed bothered by blurred vision in my left eye. You can only imagine the thoughts that went through my mind. Was this another chemotherapy side effect? Should I go to the emergency room?
I opted for bed and hoped for a better day Sunday. The next morning, as I walked into the living room a flash on the floor caught my eye. It was the left lens from my eyeglasses. D’oh!
If you think that’s funny, you should have seen the look on the face of my oncologist, Dr. Dena Green, as I regaled her and the nursing staff in the chemotherapy room with the story on Monday. She was about ready to have me sent out for a cat scan until I got to the end of the story.
Everybody keep fighting.
We’ll see you all soon.
Feb 4, 2009 at 2:10 p.m.
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John~
Keep up the fight. I am heading down to Houston this Sat. for some treatment on my leg. Probably stay a couple of weeks. Going to get rid of this recurrent Melanoma. I will keep with your progress through Josh and this blog. Chin up.
Feb 2, 2009 at 4:34 p.m.
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John, keep the laughs coming. That, along with your strength and faith, will get you through.
Jan 29, 2009 at 2:44 p.m.
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John,
YOU and your entire family are one of the strongest families I have ever met. Everyone is always positive about what is thrown to them in life. Keep up the smiling face and attitude, John. You all are on my prayer list. Great hearing from you!!
Just a neighbor----Janet S.
Jan 28, 2009 at 2:25 p.m.
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John ,
Question .. have you always been able to laugh at yourself or is this a new thing for you ? I was just wondering because it seems like a great time to do it , if you can ! It seems to be a special talent . Good for you ! Keep the smiles and the laughs . Take the good of everyday along with you to the next sunrise , soon enought things will be looking up and in no time with your lens popped back in you will be able to see it ! Wishing you the best sight and dreams !
Jan 25, 2009 at 6:56 p.m.
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Hi Johnny,
Kim (Pregler) Boxleiter here. Just want to tell you I enjoy your blog, it is a great way for everyone to stay informed. Your family is truly amazing on your outlook on life. We know what you are going thru, and pray your good days out number the bad ones. Take care and keep writing!!!
Kim and Family
Jan 25, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
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Keep up the good fight with your humor John! Great update!
Jan 25, 2009 at 12:12 p.m.
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John, D.Howes again. Read your article about your lens and I had a good laugh because it happened to me also. I too went to bed afraid of what would happened when I woke up but I reached for my glass case with the glasses in it and there was my lens laying there . What a relief. I enjoy reading your blog. Great Job! Have a good day! Doris
Jan 25, 2009 at 7:46 a.m.
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Blessing to you and your family!
Jan 24, 2009 at 5:36 p.m.
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i also just had a biopsy on my vocal cord friday will find out wed the results.
Jan 24, 2009 at 5:34 p.m.
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Both my parents died of cancer and it runs on both sides Thank you for sharing John. I just lost a sister-in-law 2 weeks ago to cancer also and my heart is with all people who deal with this. I applaud your courage to share.
Jan 23, 2009 at 9:49 p.m.
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John--I am Shel's best friend. Every time there is news of more cancer in your family, she updates me. Sad updates, for sure. I have prayed for you and your family since all of this nastiness has happened. You all are tough cookies--and this "C" won't break you!! I was in awe when Shel told me about Shelley. I love your blog--you write very well. I have linked it up to my blog, so my readers know about you too. I have mentioned your family a couple of times in my blog as prayer requests--the more people praying the better, right?? Take care--Amy
Jan 23, 2009 at 6:38 p.m.
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I definitely agree that CaringBridge is an excellent site for families and loved ones that have cancer.
When my cousin's wife, Holly, was diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer, Michael (my cousin) started sharing with everyone there. With everything that they were doing, in addition to raising two young and beautiful girls, stating things once at Caring Bridge made a less stressful time in their lives.
When Holly died from the pancreatic cancer (after three LONG months) the Friday before Christmas 2008, Michael posted the information for everyone.
John, thank you soo much for sharing about your family's battle as well as your own. I cannot imagine what a source of healing it is for you to write of your experiences. I know that I write to release emotions, etc. So, I'm hoping that it is helping you share your story and release your emotions!
Jan 23, 2009 at 1:13 p.m.
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Something I would like to recommend to other Cancer patients out there. There is a free website builder available to anyone facing any type of medical ordeal. It is an awesome way to let your family and friends know how your treatments are going without having to call everyone individually or a way to let them know when you are in need of support. There is room to write a journal, places to post pictures and your friends can leave messages in your guestbook. You don’t have to be a computer geek to use this as it is so simple and is private to only those you invite to the site. Also, there are inspiring examples of others journals that are amazing to read. Go to CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness. http://www.caringbridge.org/
Jan 23, 2009 at 1:01 p.m.
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John,
Your caregivers must look forward to your visits as your ability to find the humor in cancer is inspiring. Like you I come from a family that has been overwhelmed with cancer the last 12 years. My sister, my father and my brother all have had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Another brother had colon cancer and I had breast cancer. But, for the first time in 12 years, none of us is in treatment. Hallelujah!!
It has been 3 years since the start of my treatments and yesterday I had my quarterly oncology appointment. What a thrill it was to be told that. I didn't have to come back for 6 months and didn't need blood work for my next visit. To the “cancer free” that may not sound like a big deal, but after all those weekly appointments, chemo, surgery and tons of lab work, I feel as though I have just emerged from behind a huge prison door.
The doctors told my brothers family 3 times that they didn’t think he’d make out of the hospital, but finally after under going a high risk stem-cell transplant, he is cancer free and has been back to work for over a year.
I’ll be watching to see you come out from behind that door!! Thanks for taking us along on your journey.
Jan 23, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.
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John, I am going in for a FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) of my Thyroid on wednesday this nest week,(to see if it is cancerous)... I have a list of health issues that may (or may not ) complicate things, I am worried about the findings that this may reveal, I too have the big "C" run in my family (not as much as yours), I lost my brother to cancer in 1975 and my mom to it in 1987. Along with the heart decease that I have . they are hoping to treat this issue with my thyroid by meds.. after reading your blogs (over and over the last week -with tears in my eyes) I am certain that you have the strength (to give somebody hope and courage) push on and not let this "Crappy" thing bring you (or us) down... Thank you, you are an inspiration us to all
Jan 23, 2009 at 8:26 a.m.
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John - You're my hero!
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