Testicular Cancer Awareness

Cancer attacks all parts of the body. Even our most intimate parts. Breast and cervical cancer are two of them. One common form of cancer in men is testicular cancer. However its not as common as you'd think. 

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 of every 263 males will develop this type of cancer.It mostly affects young and middle-aged men. The average age is about 33 years old. However about 7% of cases have occurred in children and teens. Its the same percentage in men over 55.

Now even though testicular cancer is not common, this disease has been on the rise in the United States and other countries over the past few decades. So with that in mind, fellas, even though the risk of dying from this type of cancer is low, that doesn't mean that you can just ignore it. Like any type of medical issue, if left untreated, the consequences could be dire.

Any man can be at risk for this form of cancer. Some of the things that make you at risk for it are an undescended testicle, family history of testicular cancer, HIV infection, had cancer before, body size, ethnic origin, and carcinoma in situ of the testicles. There is some good new though. If detected early, this cancer is nearly 100% curable. Sometimes symptoms of testicular cancer can give you a clue that something isn't right. These symptoms include:

• -Painless lump or swelling of the testicle
• A change in how the testicle feels
• A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
• A build-up of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
• A scrotum that feels heavy or swollen
• Bigger or more tender breasts

I will be truthful, some who do develop testicular cancer have no symptoms. Usually this cancer is found during medical testing. Even doing self examinations help to detect this form of cancer. So gentlemen, if you know your body well enough and notice something isn't right with the 'family jewels', I implore you to go to the doctors and get it check out. Even if it turns out to be nothing, its better than the alternative.

If you would like to learn more about testicular cancer check out these websites. 
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
http://www.testicularcancersociety.org/
They are the websites that I found with the information I have given, and even more to offer.

Also as a reminder; The Lewis Support Foundation is still trying to get itself up and running. The dream is to not only help give support to those with cancer, but to help other local organizations such as CHAP and Doernbecher Children's Hospital.. To do that we need to obtain a business license and get our name out there in the Portland community. Even if you could donate a dollar, it gets us a step closer to achieving the dream that Nick had desired. You can donate at:
https://www.gofundme.com/the-lewis-support-foundation

Thank you, and fight the good fight.

CHAP; a charitable program with a creative heart

There are many wonderful local charities in the Portland area that do some excellent work. However, there is one that is personally near and dear to me. That is CHAP (Children's Healing Art Project). A wonderful organization that was started in 2006 by artist Frank Etxaniz. Partnering with philanthropist Charlie Swindells, Frank visited children individually at Doernbecher in hematology and oncology.

This artistic organization has brought many children the healing power of art for over ten years. But not only children, adults too. That's where our story begins...
During Nicks stay at the Kohler Pavilion at OHSU, we would only have two things to do; watch tv or play on our electronic devices. Feeling isolated from the world did not do much to ease either Nick's pain of being stuck in bed hooked up to medical devices and given pain meds, or the pain that his parents and I had of watching  him having to go through it. Even with the never ending cycle of nurses and doctors coming in, it didn't help to raise our spirits or make us feel even remotely human. If anything, it alienated both of us.

One day a young woman came in saying she was from CHAP. I was familiar with CHAP cause it wasn't the first time we were introduced to CHAP. After Nicks first surgery, I believe it was the same young lady who asked if we would like to have any art supplies to give us something to do. Both Nick and I, being artist, jumped at the chance. She told us what was available.  I got beads and

Nick working on his sculpture during his second hospital visit

memory wire, and Nick got a sketch book with pencils. On this second visit, Nick got some clay and a sculpture stand to model his up and coming creation, and I got a bunch of beads and memory wire. It was one of the few days in the hospital that Nick felt the urge to get up and do something other than walk or just sit up. That day he and I started our little creations, complimenting each others work as it came along.  That day, even surrounded by medical devices, hospital air, and illness, we felt like ourselves.

Art is a powerful tool. It allows people, especially with illness to either express their internal struggle, or to escape for a while and create something beautiful. CHAP understands this and thanks to their in-hospital programs, many children and even adults get a chance to forget their worries and create! CHAP doesn't just visit OHSU and Doernbecher. They also have art programs with Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center and the Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic.  They even have an art club outside of the hospitals for children with medical challenges. And its free! If there is ever a local charitable orginization that knew the healing power of art, its CHAP. I hope and pray that they continue with their work, bringing joy and creativity to all who need it.

Nicks sculpture finished

If you would like to learn more about CHAP and help them with their artistic mission, go to their website at:
https://chappdx.org/

Also as a reminder; The Lewis Support Foundation is still trying to get themselves up and running. The dream is to not only help give support to those with cancer, but to help other orginizations like CHAP. To do that we need to obtain a business license and get our name out there in the Portland community. Even if you could donate a dollar, it gets us a step closer to achieving the dream that Nick had desired. You can donate at:
https://www.gofundme.com/the-lewis-support-foundation

Thank you, and fight the good fight.

Deadpool - Gentlemen, Touch Yourself Tonight | 2016

A message to men about testicular cancer

The Bug Out Bag

When your loved one or yourself has been diagnosed with cancer, life takes a turn for unwelcomed surprises. This includes sudden trips to the hospital. After Nick's diagnosis, we not only  had five to seven day stays at the hospital, but also unexpected trips to the ER that sometimes resulted in overnight stays. It was after the third trip that we decided that we had to make a 'bug out bag'. Every time we had to make a trip to the ER, we took our trusty bag with us. Its something that I highly recommend. 

Now some people may wonder what to pack in their 'bug out bag'. Each situation is different, but just to help get ya'll started, here are some things I would recommend. Mind you, this is for both the patient and the family member who will be there with them each time. So make sure you pack for both. So here is a simple list to help you get your bag going.

1. Extra Clothes

If you stay overnight in the ER observation room, you will need fresh trousers. This means socks, underwear, pants and shirt. Especially for the patient. After a night of anguish and uncertainty, the last thing you need is to wonder if you smell of hospital. And if you get some bodily fluids on you, its nice to have a spare pair of, well, everything. 

2. Toiletries

Travel size is your best bet. Toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, deodorant, and personal wipes are pretty standard. If you stay overnight at the ER or even put in the hospital, you will want to keep up with your hygiene. This is especially true for the person going with the patient. Believe me. I've experienced the over night stay and after even just one night of stress you just feel icky. Even though the hospital may offer the patient some of these, its nice to have your own on hand. 

3. Chargers

With today's technology you can keep loved ones in check with whats going on. But between the texting, Facebook updates and so on, that can drain the battery of any device. So to prevent battery death, always have a spare charger in the bug out bag. One emergency is enough.

4. Extra items for patients with special needs

If the patient has special medical devices, for example an ostomy bag, pack extras in the bag. One time when Nick was in the ER, he needed an new ostomy bag. We asked the nurse for one. Come to find out they don't keep them on hand in the ER. She was sweet and got him one (even though it took her nearly an hour to get it) however, we learned the hard way that not all nurses are trained to care for ostomy's. Long story short, take extra supplies. You never know.

5. Paperwork

This means the information on the patient that was given to them by their oncologist. This includes a list of prescriptions, diagnosis, patient information, and oncologists name. When ever we went into the ER, Nick would be asked what prescriptions he was on, and so forth. Sometimes in tense situations we can't remember everything. So the best thing to have is a folder with the paperwork. Even if it seems mundane, it never hurts to have it. 

6. Cash

I know, cash seems so vintage. Especially since we run on plastic cards. But do you really want to use your credit card at the hospital? If its used for emergencies, I can see why. But I suggest cash. If you stay the night, the hospital will provide for the patient. And sometimes they will get you a drink. But if you stay in observation with the patient, you will need some substance. Which means a trip to the cafeteria. And if you stay more than one night, that's more trips to the cafeteria. So yeah, I recommend some cold hard cash, and use the card as a back up. That way you don't drain your account.

All of these suggestions are from our own personal experience. Like I said earlier, each situation is unique. And what worked for us may not work for you. But its good to start with the basics and then work your way towards what you will need for your bag. One thing I forgot to mention; keep the bag in a spot where you can grab it in a pinch. That way your not looking for it and wasting precious time during an emergency. Remember, its best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

-Fight the good fight

Lets make the dream a reality.

As you may know, Nick, the founder of the Lewis Support Foundation, wanted to make the dream a reality. Its my intention to make it so. So the Lewis Support Foundation is starting another fund raiser for itself. Lets make the dream a reality so we can help families who need the extra support for themselves and their loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. Please help by donating or sharing so we can make this happen.
https://www.generosity.com/fundraising/the-lewis-support-foundation--2

Colon Caner awareness month

Not many people know this, but March is Colon Cancer awareness month. As many of you know, colon cancer took the life of the Lewis Support Foundation's founder, Nick Lewis. He was only 34 years old. They may say get screened when you turn 50. But as I learned the hard way, cancer doesn't discriminate. You can be a young individual and it can still happen to you. 
There are signs that you could be diagnosed with colon cancer, however according to the American Cancer Society the symptoms often don't show until the cancer has spread or grown. Because of this, there are no symptoms in the earlier stages. It is suggested though that if there is a history of cancer in your family, its best to speak with your doctor about getting screened just in case. If you have other risk factors, such as a past diagnose of cancer, its better to be safe than sorry, and get a screening. 
We can't live in fear though. The best prevention usually is a healthy lifestyle. That means proper nutrients, exercise, spiritual health and well being. So until a cure can be found, we must be vigilant and supportive of those who are diagnosed with this disease as well as other forms of cancer.
 To help you stay vigilant, the American Cancer Society, as well as other health sites, have created a list of signs and symptoms that can indicate Colon Cancer. Please remember that this doesn't always mean that cancer is what's wrong, BUT, if your instincts are saying otherwise and some of the symptoms don't get any better, it maybe a good idea to get screened.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so

• Rectal bleeding

• Dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal)

• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain

• Weakness and fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

For more information about Colon Cancer signs and symptoms:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/signs-and-symptoms-of-colon-cancer

Fight the good fight.

Pushing forward and what to expect here on the blog

Hello all. It has been a while since anything has been posted. After going through the grief, its time for us all to move forward. Coming soon to this blog will be interviews from others diagnosed with life threatning diseases, loved ones who have become caregivers for loved ones diagnosed as well as tips and newsletters about cancer and other life altering diagnosis. Stay tuned and hopefully we can get this foundation going in the future for those in need.
-Fight the good fight