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A Cancer Patient’s Story
 

 
Subject - A Cancer Patient’s Story

February 9,2006 

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 A Cancer Patient’s Story

 

My wife was cutting my hair in the early summer of 2003. She noticed a strange looking mole at the base of my neck and suggested I have the doctor look at it. I made an appointment with the family doctor and, upon seeing it, he recommended that it be removed. He removed it under local anesthetic and sent it to the lab. The lab results came back as malignant melanoma with a medium depth (light is less than 1mm; heavy is 4mm or greater; medium is in-between… mine was around 1.1 or 1.2mm). I made arrangements with M.D. Anderson in Houston to follow-up on the case. The first surgery, in September of 2003, was to excise a pretty good amount of flesh around where the mole was, in order to see if there was anything cancerous in the surrounding flesh, and to take out four lymph nodes in the area. The lymph nodes seem to be the filters/trash-cans of the body (outside the bloodstream). Fluids and stuff go there first and then, maybe, travel on to the bloodstream for further disposal. Anyway, the doctors found 20 or 30 diseased cells in one of my lymph nodes and so a second surgery was scheduled to investigate further. The second surgery, in November of 2003, removed 27 lymph nodes out of my neck. All these proved to be clear.

 

Because of the diseased cells in the first lymph node, the doctors told me about a treatment that was being tried for Melanoma patients - Interferon. They told me that it was being tried to reduce the chances of recurrence, although it only made a positive change in 15 percent of the trials so far. My wife and I decided to go ahead and try it. Treatments started on February 9, 2004, a date that has been emblazoned forever in my… life. (I started to write “brain,” I then thought of a whole string of other words. I finally settled on “life.” It’s more accurate).

 

Shortly after I finished my treatments, I was asked how I was doing by a good friend. In response, I wrote the following:

 

            Thanks. It's been an interesting journey. Having made it through Death Valley, there is still a road up but the scenery is more pleasant. No more old dead trees reaching their gnarled branches out at me and scratching me as I walk by. No more vultures circling overhead with anticipation of their next meal. No more dry, thirsty wastelands; never knowing if I would make it to the next watering hole. As I rise on the road to re-enter the land of the living, I can now feel the wind in my face and hear the songs of birds. It is good. I'm not yet able to see over the horizon to where the people dwell, but I know that it's there. The old stale air is leaving my lungs as I get higher, as the fresh air starts to replace it.

 

It is a year now since my treatments have ended. It has taken me that long to write this. I started, but then couldn’t continue. The memory of the pain was just too great. I could no longer see the words on the screen through the tears. Even now, it’s hard to continue.

 

Interferon is also used for treatment of Hepatitis-C. The dose for this, however, is one-seventh the dose for Melanoma.

 

Interferon could be considered the antisocial drug of the millennium. I know what it did to me. I have seen a good friend of mine go through similar treatments. He has always been a friendly, jovial, full of life person. Not so on Interferon. The only way I could recognize him was because of my previous relationship with him and what I had gone through myself. I am on the road to recovery now, but it has been an uphill battle. Interferon treatments will quickly determine who your friends are. This revelation can be quite painful. Let me take the time to say how supportive Mike Holt and his staff were during this time. Mike sent me tapes to watch and books to read. Sarina called me and wrote me E-mails. I will always remember their kindness. I wrote some poems during my treatments. Mike asked if he could send them out as a newsletter. Here they are, in the order in which they were written. Thanks again, Mike, for allowing me to share these. Perhaps, if someone is going through these treatments, or knows of someone who is, they might help.

 

I spent the better part of a year in bed. I had very few visitors. We live in a culture that avoids the issue of death. We are uncomfortable with it. When a person has cancer, it makes those around him uncomfortable. They are faced with their own mortality, and they don’t know what to say. Many simply avoid the situation by staying away.

 

 

Where have they gone?

 

I’m taking drugs, they’re supposed to help,

They only cloud my mind.

My cancer’s gone, there’s nothing left,

Friends are hard to find.

 

Where did they go? Where have they gone?

Few are left around.

No one comes to visit now,

Those who’ve fled abound.

 

What did I do, what did I say,

How did I go wrong?

The loneliness is painful,

For friendship I do long.

 

My bed is worn from sitting,

My hands are almost lame;

My legs and arms all hurt,

My body’s racked with pain.

 

I am asked, “how are you?”

My life’s a waking hell.

What am I supposed to say,

“All’s good, I’m doing well?”

 

Don’t ask me how I’m doing,

It only makes me cry.

Tell me it’s good to see me,

Encourage me, come by.

 

The loneliness is whelming,

Floodwaters of despair;

I yearn to hear the words

From anyone - “I care.”

 

 

 

By far, the most difficult question during my treatment was “how are you”? I know that this question is meant well and that people care. The problem was that there was so much pain, that I would try to get out and be around people so that I could be encouraged. About the time that I started feeling good and my mind was focused on other things, someone would ask “how are you” and my thoughts immediately turned to the pain and agony of daily living. This brought me down into the depths of despair again. I didn’t know if this was just me, so I took the opportunity to ask other chemotherapy patients what they thought of this question. I was surprised that all of them said they had difficulties with the question and that it would be better left unasked. Some people asked me, “Then what should I say when I see you”? I responded, “Just tell me ‘Hey Eric, it’s good to see you.’”

 

 

Why ask me how I’m doing,

When the answer’s on my face?

It only takes me to,

A dark and gloomy place.

 

People ask me how I am,

Then they keep on walking.

What’s the point, why answer them,

Why should I keep on talking?

 

Look at my eyes, look at my face,

The answer is right there.

No need to ask the question,

Just look, if you care.

 

The lines of pain and anguish,

Are etched now, on my face;

The tears have flowed so much,

They’ve even left a trace.

 

People seem so hollow,

Like actors playing parts.

The words they say, they wound me,

Like fiery, stinging darts.

 

How do I talk to them? What do I say?

How do I relate?

My inner thoughts and feelings,

Seem to fall off of the plate.

 

People just want comfort,

“I’m fine,” they want to hear.

Why am I discarded,

When I’m honest and sincere?

 

A place of peace and comfort,

Is always on my mind;

A place where I’m accepted,

A place that’s hard to find.

 

A simple place, where people care,

Where people are sincere.

Where there is no double-mindedness,

Where people’s thoughts are clear.

 

For this place I often long,

For this place, I strive.

But is it even possible,

While I’m still alive?

 

Perhaps, I’ve erred, an honest mistake,

Perhaps, I have been wrong.

Perhaps the place I’m looking for,

Has been here all along.

 

Maybe what I’m looking for,

In people, can’t be found;

But maybe, in my own heart,

It’s time to plow the ground.

 

Maybe what I’m looking for,

What I long to see;

Is not about the others,

In fact, it starts with me.

 

 

There is a Website, I forget which one, but it is about getting through Interferon treatments. On it, is the following, paraphrased from memory: “As you go through Interferon treatments, some will be able to support you, some will not. Try not to dwell on those who can’t and why they can’t. Simply lean on those who are able.” The following was written in appreciation of those who were encouragements during this time. I’ll always be grateful to them.

 

 

The Few

 

As I go through chemotherapy,

Just what, should I dwell on?

The ‘friends’ who’ve gone, those who’ve left,

Or those who’re standing strong?

 

The world is full of people who

Are called fair-weather ‘friends.’

There’re really not too many,

Who’ll be there in the end.

 

Say ‘hi’ to people, be polite;

The ‘dance’ you need to learn.

If you don’t, you’ll step on toes,

Some bridges will be burned.

 

Some will support you, some don’t know how;

Some just go away.

Even so, try not to dwell,

On who has left; who’s stayed.

 

I thank God daily, in my prayers

For those who’re still around.

For, in them, lasting friends;

I know that I have found.

 

But what about the larger group,

What about the rest?

How do I relate to them?

I guess I’ll do my best.

 

My flesh says, ‘be gone’; get away from me,

I no longer want to see you.

My spirit says, ‘give them grace.

They deserve compassion, too.’

 

My mind remembers Peter,

Who denied his Lord three times.

He wasn’t damned or shunned,

In keeping with his crimes.

 

Oh Lord, I cry for help;

My Lord, please give me strength.

Show me how to be like you,

Merciful with grace.

 

Forgiving those, who’ve done me wrong;

Grace for those who’ve hurt me.

Let me learn to live my life,

In a pleasing way, to thee.

 

Teach me how to get along,

How to be ‘polite.’

With other peoples’ shallowness,

I shall no longer fight.

 

To everybody I’ll be pleasant,

My lesson, I have learned.

And I’ll deeply cherish those who’ve stayed,

The friendship has been earned.

 

For those who’ve stayed, those very few,

Who’ve weathered the storm adverse.

Who even stayed around,

When ‘bad’ became much worse.

 

For these friends, I’m grateful,

Their love is tried and true.

Is there something I can say?

Yes, I’ll say -

“Thank You!”

 

 

Eric Stromberg

January, 2005

 

In closing, if you know someone going through chemo, consider visiting them. If you don’t know what to say, that’s okay. No words have to be spoken. It’s good enough to just sit there. Try to avoid saying “how are you,” even if you really want to know. Just spend time and listen, you’ll get the answer. You’ll also have a friend for life.

 

Please feel free to contact me, especially if you or someone you know is going through Interferon treatments. It helps to know that someone understands.

 

Eric Stromberg, P.E.

President: Stromberg Engineering, Inc.

eric@strombergengineering.com

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Comments
  • Eric, Mike

    Been receiving your newsletter for only a short time, but there is no doubt this is one I was meant to read. We just received word Friday that my wife Deborah has lung cancer and is set for surgery and chemo in the near future. I have been preparing myself for all aspects of the forthcoming venture. Your sharing of "friends" responses, or lack of them in some cases, will be of great help. The road is unknown but will be driven with love and strength. Thank you both for sharing and being there for each other.

    Ken Rice Cascade, CO

    Ken Rice
    Reply to this comment

  • What does this have to do with electrical education? I resent receiving junk mail. I unsubscibed to your letters because I don't want mail unrelated to my profession.

    sparky_magoo
    Reply to this comment

  • Dear Mike and Eric,

    God bless you, What a great story of courage and strength. I loved the poetry, it speaks of the true feelings one has when faced with a life threatning event in our lives. I too have had to take interferon treatments for Hepetitus C. It was a very challenging time in my life. I'm so glad that our Dear Lord was with me throughout the entire ordeal. I tell everyone I know the greatness of my God was not in curing me of Hep C, (of which I have been clear of for over two years now), but rather the greatness of God was in the comfort, love, and strength He gave me all the while I was in pain. Like I said... God has blessed you and me with such wonderful amounts of love that we will be forever in His debt and in His arms. Thank you for reminding me of these things. They are truly His reminders that He is all this and more to those that seek Him.

    Thank you,

    Mitch Hallim Master Electrician Dayton, OHIO

    Mitch Hallum Master Electrician (Ohio)
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike; That was a very enlightening story about the cancer patient. I've known a few people who went through this. I never knew exactly how they felt. This really turned on a light. Thank You for helping this person to fill us in. Ed Bursott

    Ed Bursott
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike, I really enjoy the articles that are in your newsletter, I think they are enlightning, and sometines inspiring, but it is so difficult to read in it's present format. I will read a line then have to scroll to the left to finish the line, then scroll back to the right to see the next line. Is there something that I can do to rectify this problem, or is it just your format. thanks

    Bill Ditty
    Reply to this comment

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    Michel R. Graycar
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  • I just wanted to respond to Eric's story. It was quite an inspiration. I too am on Chemo drugs, mercaptupurine, prednizone, and Remicaid for Crohn's disease and spent a month in the hospital this last summer. It's been tough to keep up at work. Your story is an inspiration to me to keep trying.

    Thank you and God Bless.

    Valerie Gleason
    Reply to this comment

  • Dear Mike, My husband has been receiving your newsletters for quite some time. The subject of the cancer patient caught my eye, and I just finished reading his story and poetry. Having lost my first husband (project manager for a large electrical contractor) to cancer nearly 10 years ago, this article, especially the second poem, dug deep into my soul. The disease claimed my present husband's (also an electrician)first wife just 2 1/2 months before my husband passed. Although interferon wasn't used for either of them (they didn't even have that option), the feelings were the same during their last months. I am so grateful that our church families were so very near by at that time, but even more, I am thankful to my God and Savior that both of them knew Him personally. God has been so merciful to us. He is our Comforter, and we rejoice knowing that both of them are praising Jesus in heaven at this moment. I am forwarding this to a dear friend who is an administrator for the local office of Gentiva (home care nursing). It could be helpful to her staff, patients and their families. Thank you for sharing it. Sincerely, Gayle Deas Myakka City, FL

    Gayle Deas
    Reply to this comment
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  • wonderful story, congratulations on your recovery.my mother passed away 9 years ago from renal sarcoma, it angered me when certain people could not deal with the fact she was ill, reading this passage from eric has opened my eyes to what is truly important. thanks mike and eric.

    jim carlson
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike, I really appreciate newsletters of this type. We are so blessed by these words of wisdom. I pray that you and Eric continue to find favor in the eyes of our loving God.

    Mark Terra
    Reply to this comment

  • I was very much touched when I read this article. It was saddening, touching, but most of all, very thought provoking. When I read the name at the end, I simply couldn't believe who had written it. Eric, I hope you are doing well. I have always enjoyed our conversations and our e-mails back and forth. When we were working together creating code change proposals for the 2008, I never thought you were anything less than a perfect gentlemen, and that should speak volumes for your character considering your situation. I hope you are feeling better, and I look forward to talking with you again in the near future.

    Take care, Ryan Jackson, Salt Lake City

    Ryan Jackson
    Reply to this comment

  • I HOPE THIS PERSON GOT BETTER. PLEASE E-MAIL ME A TELL TKS

    david klein
    Reply to this comment

  • Eric and Mike, In 1995 at the good old age of 37, 3 days before my 38th birthday, I experienced a major trauma in my life.A healthly man, wife of 12 years at that time,2 beautiful children, just made partner in our firm, the world was finally on my side, I was in control of my destiny... or so I thought. Then at a local 4th of july fireworks display in a crowd of more than 30,000 people, my son on my lap, 6 years old at the time, my wife and daughter on the blanket next to us, a firework backfired, the launching tube exploded and a piece of shrapnel (approximately -4"x8"x3/4" thick) jagged edge went flying approximately 1500 feet in the air at approximately 500mph and found me ... my leg almost taken off, missing my son on my lap by less than an inch! In that crowd of 30,000 people it found ONLY me! Why? Now more than 10 years later and 17 operations later I realize that that was the greatest day of my life. Everyone in my family was safe! the Lord chose me for a reason. I realized that I am not in control of my life He is. I realized who my true friends were through all of this and now more than 10 years later my wife, son and daughter having dealt with this ordeal we are all closer together by this (son now 18 and daughet now 16 and marriage of more than 23 years) and thank the Lord everyday by praying that He is in control and asking for His direction for that day.

    I had a friend who stuck though this with my family from the moment of this injury staying at the hospital with my wife for approximately 36 hours around the clock, his life didnt matter just ours and how we were doing with this, his wife stayed with our children throught this time at the hospital for the trauma stage of the first hospital stay,

    A little short of 2 years ago(feb.23,2003) his life was taken by a massive heart attack at the early age of 58. A very special person whose life was taken away way too early in life.

    Every day i ask for his giudance as I now have a real guardian angel looking over me and my family every day.

    It is with the true belief in the Lord that gets us though every day and when we finally realize that we are not in control of our lives we will live life more fuller.

    I pray every day for people such as you both Eric and Mike, people I don't even know, but care about. For the power of Prayer and positive thinking is a wonderful thing and always remember that the Lord will not give us more than we could handle and when there was one set of footprints in the sand it was when He carried us through at our lowest time. All thinks are possible with the help of the Lord!

    Peace and God Bless you both in all you do, Joe

    Joe Ruffo
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike & Eric, Thank you for sharing your stregth & hope. I myself am in sort of a dilemna, not life threatening but bad enough for myself and those close to me. I have had surgery after surgery-job related and it has been going on almost 2 years. It is true that most friendships are fare weather and nobody likes to see pain, but it is my few close friend and people like you that help me the most. I am sure that with the help of God 1st and those that remain and are able as you say I am able to keep my spirits up. Once again thank you so much for your poems and strength. God Bless.

    Scott Contini
    Reply to this comment


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