2014 Interview Update

1. When where you first diagnosed and what was your diagnosis?In December 2012 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. I knew that I had some issues going on but did not know the severity. While working as an intern at Western Family foods in the graphics department I got a call from Doernbechers Survivor ship program of which I knew nothing about. The department called me out of the blue and made a scheduled appointment for blood testing and other routine exams. My heart cleared as being good, but my blood test came back looking rather offal. It turns out that I was severally-deathly anemic. No wonder I was out of breath and could hardly function. Later testing through a Colonoscopy showed a very large tumor in my rectum. Further testing by MRI and CT Scan showed multiple tumors in my liver. All this took place in a very short time and no sooner then I could remember I was already booked for operations and treatments. It was a very sad-discouraging time (especially when a funeral home leaves a message on my phone wanting to know if I want to make arrangements) Really. Sure I had one foot in the grave but I was not that far gone. Although it seemed that way. At that point my girlfriend Deanne had moved in with me, and along with my parents, which of course put extra stress on my situation.   I spent a better part of that next year trying to maintain myself. While treatments nearly killed me and much of the time I was stuck in bed unable to accomplish anything; it took some nagging from Deanne and finally we both jumped into doing research and gathering anything that might aid me in getting past this cancer and recovering. I started juicing when my aunt shipped a new juicer out to me. It was difficult at first to find the motivation, but everyday I kept pushing myself to drink the carrots and other valuable vegetables. I also started making protein smoothies. It seemed that the main focus that is for hospital staff was to maintain my weight, so while making smoothies I drank ensure and got the necessary protein into my body.    Deanne is a semi-certified message therapies and aromatherapy therapist, which has been a blessing on my part. Message and using the essential oils has allowed me to heal faster and feel better. I also started a course of reiki treatments from our friend Johnny. And of course healing prayer has been another part of my routines.

2. What hospital did you receive your treatments at?I am receiving my chemotherapy treatments at the OHSU Water Front Clinic. Which I must say has been the most up to date treatment center I have been in. I am receiving Avastin.

3. Who is your attending physician?During the last few years my attending physicians been Charles Lopez, but I have meet with some of his other colleagues that have been knowledgeable and supportive just as much as Dr. Lopez.

4. What sort of operations did you undergo since your first diagnosis?I underwent two operations in December of 2012. An operation for a smart port and outfitted with an Ileostomy. Both operations had taken place a few days apart within one week. While I recovered in the hospital I regained some of my strength, but for the few few months of the new year after I also started treatment at the end of December and was the most grueling job I have ever had to undertake. Before these operations I must have weighted around 120 pounds and dropped to about 89 pounds. I could not eat. I needed help getting around the house and even needed help bathing. I looked at myself one day in the mirror and did not recognized myself. I look like I had been or was living in a concentration camp. Every two weeks I would go through treatments, which started out for about four hours each time and then I would come home with a pump for about 48 hours. Eventually after meeting with my surgeon; mentioned that if I did not start eating then I would end up in hospice care. I knew then that no one would think I would make it. I told myself fuck that and the very next day started eating. I pushed myself to get out of bed everyday to keep busy with something that is until I felt tired again and had to go take a nap. I started finally getting outside into the sunshine and even pushed myself to go see a movie at the theater.   Deanne and I never even thought of giving up or preparing for the end. We dove into the wonderful world of the internet and books and started doing our own research. My aunt Connie sent me a brand new juicer and I stalked up on as much vegetables and fruits I could get hold of. I even started making protein shakes. I started eating more and I must admit it took about six months to get used to the ostomy bag. I had to change and clean around the stoma ever three to four days. It was frustrating. Humiliating when it began to leak.    Eventually I was strong enough to drive on my own which I have always enjoyed doing. It gave me back some of my freedom.

5. During your treatments what did you do to keep yourself busy?These days before I got sick I was majoring in graphic design and had just landed my first big internship. Just after a few months I found out about the cancer. I am still pursuing graphic design and fine arts. Writing and taking photography when I feel well enough to do so. During the Summer months Deanne and I help run an art market to raise money for the Milwaukie Masonic Lodge.

6. What goals if any did you have while you where in treatment?My goals during my treatment for the most part is to eat healthy every day. Maintaining a healthy died or nutrition plan has been just the treatment that has kept me going. Other goals of course as I have stated before; always staying focused on my arts. Deanne and I now engaged after nearly five years of dating, so now we have a goal of trying to save money for a wedding, but not until I am in remission.

7. What fun activities where you involved in while undergoing treatments?Much of the time while recovering from treatments I spent much of my time also watching movies and reading. Once I had recovered well enough it has been a blessing to get out and take walks. Keeping my body moving has been a challenge as some days I just sleep, but I've got a lot of projects that I'm working on so I must keep my momentum. I am also apart of the Masonic Order and also have joined the Shriner's. Being apart of a group of like-minded people has been a great way to stay involved in the community and to have support.

8. During the course of treatments how was your family affected? Again like before during my first battle of cancer it has not been easy. My father lost his job this year and moved back from Seattle to Portland. Still the emotional and financial aspects are baring down on my parents and has difficult to watch. Just was it was difficult for them to watch me go through another tribulation. But its rather hard to say as we have gone through an estranged relationship over the years I have had to step back for awhile to focus on my heath.

9. What’s going on Today?I still am going through treatments. Every two weeks I get another dose of chemotherapy. Its hard to say what the future outcome will be, but I have not lost faith in myself and am staying strong not only for myself but for my family.

Photo above: August 14th 2014.