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A positive attitude

The millions and millions of us battling cancer celebrate good news to the fullest. We’ve also learned not to get totally bummed out by what seems to be the inevitable bad news or setback as we fight the horrible disease tearing through our bodies.

I had one of those low moments last week. After a long process in which the growth on my liver decreased in size from more than 4 centimeters in width down to 1.5 centimeters, a scan last week showed no new changes. I could handle that news. Eventually the devilish cells will become immune to a particular chemotherapy regimen.

But an unexpected development put a small cloud on last week. The scan detected new cancers cells floating around in the fluid surrounding my liver. A simple, pain-free procedure called a paracentesis confirmed the scan. So now the battle intensifies. Dr. Dena Green and I will chart a new chemotherapy course beginning May 27.

Instead of focusing on my condition, I’d like to comment on some news that left me sad. A couple weeks ago, former NBA star Wayman Tisdale died of cancer. Celebrities and sports heroes succumb to the disease all the time.

That isn’t totally shocking. Heck, cancer takes more than a half-million lives every year.

What got me about Tisdale’s death was the positive attitude that he carried with him in his daily life after his diagnosis.

I was also particularly affected by Tisdale’s passing because I remember watching him play several games for the Oklahoma Sooners while I was at Iowa State. Tisdale was a man among the boys. He was the first freshman to be a first-team All-America choice. He completely dominated inside and had a beautiful left-handed shot.

Tisdale’s real legacy is what he did for the Big 12 (at that time the Big Eight). It was not that great a basketball conference. But his arrival forced the other teams to get better in a hurry. The next thing you know, Jeff Grayer is playing for Iowa State. Danny Manning is at Kansas and the league became a national power.

Rest in peace Wayman.

Everybody keep fighting.

We’ll see you soon.