Dan’s Cancer Story
I met Dan a couple of years ago. He called me on my cell phone and we shared about his cancer journey. In October 2019 Dan had gone to the doctor for a hip problem but that eventually led to a diagnosis of Ureteral Carcinoma. Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter is cancer that forms in the kidney's pelvis or the tube (ureter) that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Dan's had seriously affected one of his kidneys.
The medical team scheduled a surgery a few months out, but he quickly received a call from the doctor and within days he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys. He was diagnosed with late Stage 4 cancer. In one of his recent follow-up appointments with his urologist, his surgeon commented, “It’s good to see you, Dan,” to which Dan replied, “Good to see you, too, Doc.” The doctor then leaned in and said seriously, “No, you don’t understand. It’s very good to see you.” Evidently Dan’s kidney had been so sick, it wouldn’t have lasted another a day or two. His urologist was saying that though Dan didn’t know it, his life had been hanging in the balance.
Along his cancer journey, Dan, a retired CPA, has had surgery, hospital stays, a pulmonary embolism in the Thoracic cavity, radiation, chemotherapy and 60 immunotherapy infusions when the “normal” is 48 treatments. Evidently Dan was doing so well, the doctor chose to just keep going! At this point, he is without signs of active cancer although he still goes in for regular visits and scans.
Since that original phone call, Dan has been a faithful member of our Bend, Oregon Support Group, meeting twice monthly at a local church. He never misses our meetings and always arrives early, most times with his elderly rescue dog Coco, who has become the support group mascot. Why is the support group so important to Dan? Well, he suffers with some levels of depression and the group is his way of connecting with others who understand his journey. And Dan says, “It’s also a way of reacquainting myself with Jesus and the Church.” Keep coming, Dan – there will always be a place for you there!
Please pray for Dan that he will remain free of active cancer. Pray also that he will find a purpose that will not only fill his time, but fill his heart as well.
In honor of our friend Dan,
Rev. Cathie Young, Founder and Director
To honor someone in your life with cancer, click here at DONATE TODAY! to make a credit card donation and indicate your loved one's name when prompted. Or you may send a check to Cancer with Compassion, at our new address: c/o Rev. Cathie Young at 20373 Chewacan Court in Bend, Oregon 97702. All donations are tax deductible through our non-profit Foundation "Twelve Eleven."