James’ Cancer Journey
James faced cancer after a heart transplant. His story of survival and gratitude illuminates the power of support for a cancer survivor’s journey.
James // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Oral Cancer Awareness
As a young man I spent many summers either at the beach or caddying at the local golf course. However, I would just step outside and inevitably burn, as wearing hats just wasn’t a common practice. Then, in 2013, a heart transplant changed my life, introducing me to a regimen of medications, including drugs to suppress my immune system, and the long-term consequences thereof.
Given these factors, especially being on immunosuppressants, doctors might consider me a prime candidate for cancer. Thanks to Donate Life and a young US marine from Ecuador, I received a heart transplant, profoundly impacting my approach to health and wellness.
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The most recent battle involved an aggressive cancer on my scalp and forehead, requiring specialists and free flap surgery.
Indeed, I ended up undergoing three different MOHS surgeries, ranging from my hands to my face, including a particularly challenging one on my cheek that necessitated adjunctive chemotherapy and radiotherapy over 13 weeks. The most recent battle involved an aggressive cancer on my scalp and forehead, requiring specialists in New York City and free flap surgery from my thigh for forehead reconstruction.
Returning to the office post-surgery, despite the significant blood loss, the medical team cleaned and preserved my scalp effectively, allowing me to walk out with a full head of hair.
The most daunting part… was having to hold my head still during radiation, a struggle exacerbated by my claustrophobia.
The most daunting part of this ordeal was having to hold my head still while going through radiation, a struggle exacerbated by my claustrophobia. Adding insult to injury, many physicians explained that recurrence of cancer is a likely possibility, marking it as a persistent reality in my life. In hindsight, having a heart transplant felt like the simplest part of my health journey.
I have always felt squeamish about blood tests, hospitals, and doctors, even to the point of fainting at the prospect of donating blood. Yet, blood tests became an unavoidable part of every treatment session. At first I would dissociate during the blood drawing. However, this was something I had gotten used to as this was part of my new reality.
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I am deeply grateful for my care team’s unwavering support, from being there every step of the way during my surgery and answering all of my questions.
This journey has been especially tough and frightening for my two daughters and my wife. I remember a time my daughter once assured us that surgery would lead to improvement. Her perspective—informed by her career as an equine surgeon—infused me and my family with optimism and renewed hope. Despite the concerns of many, including myself, we recalled her assurance that things can improve.
My youngest daughter and my wife have been pillars of emotional and moral support, standing by me throughout. I am deeply grateful for my care team’s unwavering support, from being there every step of the way during my surgery and answering all of my questions.
My advice to anyone facing a similar situation—promptly consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek care.
Seeing the whole clinical team and their incredible support and reassurance, standing by my side, filled me with awe. I trusted the professionals. It warmed my heart to witness the clinical team’s solidarity and support, which reinforced my trust in their expertise to guide me through. My advice to anyone facing a similar situation—promptly consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek care.
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For someone recently diagnosed with cancer, reading the stories of other caregivers and survivors can inspire.
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