The End

Cancer doesn't end with the final treatment. It doesn't leave you like a cold or flu. Cancer stays with you, through follow-ups, stress, worry, waiting. Cancer changes your perspective, it makes you stronger, prouder, tougher, and gives you a little better perspective on life.
I started this blog when I was diagnosed with cancer, 4/11/07, as a way to keep friends and family involved with what I was going through. It evolved into an online diary for me, a way to discuss what I was doing and going through, much of which had nothing to do with cancer - I was fortunate to maintain a fairly normal schedule throughout my chemotherapy and radiation.
I am leaving this blog up - in the hopes that another patient, perhaps a young man or woman, may stumble upon it someday after their own diagnosis and learn something about the process, what it's like. There are innumerable sources for scientific information out there for cancer patients, but a first person account can be hard to come by...this is mine.
My journey with cancer hasn't ended, though my final treatment was 10/2/07. My father's battle continues and my own quest to give back promises to be a life long passion. Since finishing treatment I have gotten married, had a child, and begun to examine the ways I can give back, most notably I raised over $8,000 for the 2008 Pan-Mass Challenge. I traveled to Columbus, OH to attend the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Livestrong Summit, where I connected with innumerable young survivors, learned more about how to make cancer a national priority, and was fortunate to see Lance, an inspiration to athletes and those touched by cancer everywhere.
I have more left to do, and much more to learn...about cancer and life, none of which may have been possible without life saving research or early intervention.
Please use my story - retell it, accentuating the virtue of not leaving bumps and bruises unchecked, about the power of early treatment, and the promise of a better tomorrow for individuals and families touched by this disease.
Now I get ready for the next chapter, fatherhood, and I will throw myself into it with all the energy I have, while also working to keep myself healthy and continuing to raise awareness and money to help fight this disease.
Please feel free to contact me at gsheehan@capemedical.net - if I can talk to you or a loved one about my experience, help calm nerves or ease heartache, I would be happy to do so.

Help Me Raise Money For Cancer Research

I will be riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge this August and appreciate your help in fundraising.

It's been over a year since I was diagnosed and life is going along very well right now - and very normal.

Please CLICK HERE to make a donation and make a difference.

Weekend

Still unwinding from the excitement of the weekend but thought I would post an early picture of my lovely bride and I on the beach following the ceremony.

We are extraordinarily excited to finally be married and looking forward to so many of the things our life has to offer right now.

Married

Kristina and I got married this afternoon - 80 degrees on the beach at Barnstable Harbor.
We had a great time and are so happy to move forward as husband and wife!

DONE

Tuesday morning was my final Radiation appointment, which puts me at 100% complete with my treatment process!  Kristina and I went out to dinner that night and reflected on the physical and emotional roller coaster we’ve been on since she found the lump.  We both agreed the worst part of the process was the time leading up to the diagnosis when we didn’t know what was going on and feared for the worst.  I still feel tremendously lucky to have tolerated everything so well and am blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances – it really made the whole process a lot easier to have that bubble of support around us.

I will spend some more time in the near future wrapping everything up, but I am extremely happy and relieved to be complete and sincerely appreciative for all the kind words of encouragement each of you have offered to me and my family over the last 6 months.

All the best, Gary

 

"Hello Clarice..."

They strapped me in this morning for treatment #13, of 15, so I am nearly complete. As I showed before, they strap me into a mask and onto a board to deliver the treatment, which is very Hannibal Lecter-esque. I still have difficulty swallowing but now have a solution to drink before meals which numbs my mouth and throat, which has helped some.

Kristina's dad is in town from CO for the weekend and we're going to do some relaxing and play tourist a little bit. Going to an Oyster Festival on Sunday to benefit the Cape and Islands United Way, and hope to see another victory by BC tomorrow. Pats will make us wait until Monday night to witness another domination, but it should be a great way to start the week.

As it stands now my final radiation appointment is next Tuesday at 8:50am - which then completes my cancer treatment process. Gives me goose-bumps to write that; it's been a long journey thus far, but I feel very fortunate to have tolerated so much of it so well. I still have a lot of diagnostic follow-ups, but things look very positive for no recurrence and I am excited to move on with life. My hair has begun to grow back, and life is really pretty damn good.

Enjoy your weekends, thanks for coming by and get ready to party next Tuesday - I walk out of the Davenport-Mugar Cancer Center a free man - we won't really party, but I'm sure Kristina and I will have a nice dinner and reflect on the entire experience (food will have to be soft for me to eat, maybe Italian?)

Enjoy the weekend! - Gary

Swallow This

My first side-effects from radiation appear to have arrived; difficulty swallowing. It feels like my throat is about 1/4 of the size it is normally and it makes it very uncomfortable to eat. Foods that are dry or sharp (chips, bread) are particularly difficult, and even a swig of water that's a little too big can cause some pain. In the grand scheme it's a small price to pay to have my cancer cured, but it certainly makes meals interesting.

Weekend was good, with a trip to King Richard's Faire, a win by BC and another thorough stomping by the Pats - plus unseasonable heat in the area - it all added up to a nice break from work. Had my 9th radiation appointment first thing this morning, which only leaves 6 - be done a week from tomorrow.

All else is well, hope you all enjoyed your weekends - Gary