Life is better lived together
I have hesitated for many years in making public my experience with cancer. So many people have gone through so much more than I have in the diagnosis and treatment of their cancer. My role has always been caregiver: a husband with a heart transplant, a father with prostate cancer, and a mother with a brain tumor. This time God allowed me to see life from a different perspective: from the viewpoint of a patient. When you are diagnosed, there is a certain feeling of helplessness. Your future is uncertain and there is a fear of the unknown. I had to rely on others to help me. My daughter was remarkable in the way that she stayed by my side through the entire ordeal and I know that she will be by my side if the situation ever reoccurs. My son and his wife supported me 100%, but the introduction to Relay for Life was definitely a life changing experience. During the spring of 2005, I discovered a lump behind my left ear. I had always had problems with my ears as a child, so I dismissed the lump as a result of earlier surgeries. It got to the point, however, that other people were noticing so I knew that I had to go for a diagnosis. I was very fortunate to find and make an appointment with Dr. Brian Humphreys. Upon his first examination, he thought I had a benign Worthin tumor. Since only 20 percent of this type tumor is malignant, there did not seem to be any reason for anxiety. We set a date for surgery to remove the tumor, but elected not to do a parotidectomy, which would have been much more invasive. With this type of surgery, there is always a chance that the patient will lose the nerves that control facial expression so the less invasive, the better. The surgery was a success, with Dr. Humphreys removing most of the tissue surrounding the tumor. The scar is barely noticeable. When I went back in for my post-op checkup, however, I was taken into his office instead of the exam room. He informed me that I had a very slow growing cancer, acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland and it was malignant. We made an appointment with MD Anderson for further testing. After their exam, I decided that with the expertise that Dr. Humphreys had, I would let him be my primary doctor. He chose to make sure all cancer was gone by doing a PET scan instead of another surgery. The scan showed no further areas of concern. I did not have to have any type of treatment. The Lord allows us to ask why. He may not allow us to know the answer immediately, but He never allows us to go through things that He is not able to use for our benefit and the good of others. I be- gan to see that He had allowed me a "patient's view" of cancer. I understood the feeling of helplessness, uncertainty, and wondering what tomorrow would bring. My first Relay was a very moving experience where I saw people supporting one another in their battle of this horrible disease. It was a relief to have a place where I could talk about cancer without others becoming uncomfortable and not knowing what to say or do. The survivor walk is a way of empowering you. You feel as if you might have a chance to overcome and win the battle. The caregiver lap is a moving celebration and has helped form a bond within my family that will never be shaken. After losing a husband and both parents, the luminaries provide an avenue for remembrance that truly touches your heart. I do not know of a place where you are more loved and accepted. If you have been recently diagnosed or are going through treatment, please do not do this alone. There are people out there who will help you every step of the way. Medical personnel are good, but your Relay for Life members are truly special. The most important thing that I have learned from my walk with cancer is that "Life is Better Lived Together." I challenge you to live each day as if it were your last, savoring every moment, and touching lives around you through the power of encouragement. If you are not a member of a team, please do not hesitate to call and be welcomed into ours. You may email or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or online at www.cancer.org. Why not join me at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life this year? It will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Lufkin Middle School football field. Remember, life is better lived together. I hope to see you there!
Lessie Boudreaux, seated left, with her children and grandchildren, from left, Tiffany Wojasinski, Maddie Boudreaux, Kevin Boudreaux, and in front, Michael Wojasinski Lessie Boudreaux
