I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR
by Bob Branco
March 29, 2024
For those of you who are not aware of this, I am now a cancer survivor. In September of 2023, I was diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma in the stomach. Upon hearing this news, I suddenly realized that I was faced with challenges that I never thought I would experience. How serious was the lymphoma? What kind of treatment would I need? Would my medical insurance pay for these treatments completely? Would I have to be treated at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute?
After my diagnosis, I found out what my initial treatment plan was going to be. I was scheduled for several rounds of chemotherapy at a local oncology clinic. The chemotherapy that was prescribed is specifically designed to treat my type of lymphoma. I was pleased to hear that my medical insurance would completely pay for the chemotherapy. I was also able to get free transportation to and from the oncology clinic. A social worker at the clinic arranged for this transportation through Mass Health, which is the Massachusetts version of Medicaid.
Many chemotherapy patients need a port inserted in the upper chest to help the medical team with the intravenous injections. In my case, a port was not necessary because I have noticeable veins.
While waiting for treatment, I spent a lot of time on the computer looking for information about chemotherapy and lymphoma. Many of us go online to research medical information when we are anxious about what we don’t know. Eleven days before my first chemotherapy session, I met with Donna, a nurse navigator at the oncology clinic. She wanted to go over the treatment plan. She called it a teaching session. I call it an orientation. My wife went with me to the teaching session, and we learned a lot from Donna. Aside from what we learned, Donna said two words to me that still resonate in my brain. These words were, “Don’t google.” It’s not what she said but how she said it. She did not raise her voice, and it’s hard to explain how she conveyed the message. When she told me not to google, she had no idea that I was already spending time on the computer trying to find information. Whenever I research medical information now, I often tell my wife that I broke Donna’s commandment. Speaking of my wife, I want to thank her very much for her encouragement, strength, love, and support throughout this entire process.
On October 2, I had my first round of chemotherapy. I had my remaining treatments on October 23, November 15, December 6, December 27, and January 17. The only major side effect throughout this process was hair loss. I had to wear a knitted cap much of the time because I was chilly on top. While I was out in public, I had to wear a mask most of the time in case chemotherapy affected my immune system. Although I don’t like wearing a mask over my face, I had to do it in order to protect myself and my good health. Chemotherapy never made me sick. That was reassuring.
Halfway through the treatment schedule, I had a PET scan so that my doctor would be informed of my progress. He was very encouraged.
When chemotherapy was finally over, my doctor scheduled another PET scan in two months. I asked him why I couldn’t have it sooner, and he reminded me that there were no new concerns. If there were, I would have the scan immediately. On Wednesday, March 20, I had the PET scan, and on March 27, my doctor told me what he concluded. There was no residual evidence of lymphoma, and as far as he was concerned, I am in remission. I go back to him in June for lab work and a follow-up visit because he wants to be on top of the situation. I don’t blame him. This is what a professional doctor should be doing.
On that note, I am very pleased with the care I received throughout this entire process. The doctor, nurses, technicians, and radiologists were fabulous, and I owe them a lot of thanks and gratitude. I know people, particularly those who are blind, who seem to have issues with the medical care they receive. I don’t want to question their opinions because it’s their own personal experience, and I’m in no position to challenge what they’re going through. With that said, I’m grateful for the care I’ve received and proud of the medical people who provided it. I recommend Doctor Elliott Anderson and his staff to anyone who happens to be in my situation.
My hair is starting to grow back. As a result, I decided to remove my knitted cap for good. You might say that I took my hat off for two reasons. I took my hat off because of my hair growing back, and I also take my hat off to my wonderful medical team for their professionalism, care, and compassion.
