Better Health - May 2020

Page 1

Pet Project 2020: Animals available for adoption in Massachusetts, see masslive.com/living

Better Health D

TRAVEL: Beach towns, will there be summer?, D3 ROCK ’N’ ROLL: 10 great non-guitar solos, D7 BOOK REVIEW: ‘Ghosts of Harvard,’ D10

| SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

|

Journey of

hope

Longmeadow resident Allen H. Grosnick is an 18-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, one of the hardest cancers to treat. (PHOTO BY ANNE-GERARD FLYNN, SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN)

Eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the toughest malignancies to treat. By Allen H. Grosnick I am fortune to be a longterm survivor of such a difficult-to-beat cancer, but I am also proof that where there is life, there is hope. Poor odds do not automatically mean your cancer is unbeatable. There are steps you can take to better your outcome. I was filled with fear at the time of my diagnosis, but also with a desire to live as treatment neared and I had not fulfilled my life goals. Going to your primary care physician at the first sign of an abnormality is key. It will help you get referred to a specialist if needed to determine whether there is a malignancy and what course of treatment may be recommended. Getting a second opinion is also advisable if there is a question as to exactly what course of treatment is best or if the problem itself is not well-defined. Also, make sure your

medical insurance covers the providers and the facilities you want to use for your treatment. If there is a situation where they are not “in network,” ask for an exception for coverage. Out-of-network care can be very costly to pay out-of-pocket. Dr. Andrew Warshaw, surgeon-in-chief and chairman emeritus of the department of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, was my doctor at the time I was diagnosed. He suggested that I elect to have an aggressive operation called a Whipple procedure where part of the pancreas is removed and other organs are re-routed. The hope was that this procedure would improve my chances toward a five-year survival. Was I scared? Yes, of course, not wanting my life to be cut short, wanting to have the opportunity to see my children grow and to possibly see them get married and have families. It helped that I did not feel sick at the time and I decided, despite my difficult diagnosis and my fears around it, that I was going to dwell on living not dying. I was ready mentally when it was time for surgery. Just before the anesthesiologist put me “under” I silently yelled to myself the word “LIVE” and vowed to myself to do everything possible to get through my cancer treatment with a positive attitude. The surgery was a success in terms of what it needed to accomplish and after nine

days I was discharged from hospital and sent home with a few drains still in me. My son, Scott, served as my mentor and hero, as he had survived a life-threatening sarcoma of his lung about 10 years earlier. He had put one foot in front of the other and had made it, so why couldn’t I do that too? I was in some pain, but I could see a future for myself. It was summer at the time and I was able to stay active by riding my mountain bike at night when it was cool. In the very beginning I set short-time horizons for myself: First an event that was one month ahead and then maybe another two months ahead. As I made it past two months, I then thought of something to look forward to that was three or four months into the future. After six weeks I started both chemotherapy and radiation. I had a good support system to get me through that rather challenging period because of the side effects that usually occur. By winter 2003 I was thinking again of my passion, skiing. I decided that I would go skiing every month for the next year someplace where there was good snow. So, I skied in Vermont, Utah, British Columbia, and even Chile. I was known on occasion to report for an appointment at Mass General in my ski clothes – fresh from that “last run” on the slopes. Several personal supports have helped in my “medical misadventure” with cancer.

Having a positive attitude has been important and having a loving family has been incredibly essential. I would watch TV reruns early in my recovery of Coach Jim Valvano (“Jimmy V”), who established his own foundation for cancer research before his death, giving his legendary acceptance speech for the ESPY award in 1993 where he kept repeating, “Don’t ever give up, don’t ever give up.”

five-year period of time. I feel that getting as much exercise as possible is important to staying healthy as is being hydrated and eating good food. Even if food isn’t that appetizing after cancer treatment, it’s important to try to eat well to keep one’s energy level up. I consumed a lot of nutritional energy drinks post treatment. Going to a cancer support group can help, too, as can seeing a therapist.

for friends and acquaintances of cancer survivors. It can be tough to know what to say to someone with cancer in terms of caution or hope, and the temptation might be to avoid an encounter. Don’t. I suggest that you just ask the person, “How are you doing today?” and see where the conversation takes you. I am aware every day of having beat the odds against

It can be tough to know what to say to someone with cancer in terms of caution or hope, and the temptation might be to avoid an encounter. Don’t. I suggest that you just ask the person, “How are you doing today?” and see where the conversation takes you. I would also watch reruns of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team win against Russia in the last seconds of the semifinals that put them on track for the gold medal with announcer Al Michaels saying, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” I wanted to be that miracle! I will never forget how happy my medical oncologist at Mass General, Dr. David Ryan, was when I got past the

In 2015, I spoke at a symposium for doctors and survivors at Mass General Hospital that dealt with pancreatic cancer. I have also done a short video as a thank you to my surgeon and my wife and enjoy communicating with, and offering support to, other survivors of pancreatic cancer as well as being interviewed about my survival to inform others. I also have a little “advice”

long-term survival with pancreatic cancer. It is my hope continued research will result in earlier detection and better treatment for this and other cancers so more patients will have longer survival rates as well. Allen H. Grosnick lives in Longmeadow with his family. His most recent ski trip was to Chile.


%%SATFOL-%%3MONTH%%2DATE

D2 | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

How to be

safe What causes sun cancer? in the

Cancer affects millions of people across the globe, changing the lives not only of those diagnosed with the disease, but also those of their friends and families. Questions often arise when individuals or loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, and one of the more common questions is, “How did this happen?” Many people who feel perfectly healthy are diagnosed with cancer every day, and that can create a sense of hopelessness among patients while also prompting them to wonder what they might have been able to do differently to avoid their disease. The World Health Organization notes that cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells. That transformation is a multi-stage process that typically progresses from a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumor. Cancer researchers have long since determined that genetic factors play a role in the development of cancer. For example, the nonprofit organization BreastCancer.org notes that women with one first-degree relative, which includes sisters, mothers and daughters, who has had breast

cancer are at twice the risk of developing breast cancer as women with no such connection. The risk for women with two first-degree relatives who have had breast cancer is five times higher than those with no such family history. But the WHO notes that genetics are not the only contributing factor to cancer. In fact, the WHO says the interaction between genetic factors and these three categories of external agents can pave the way for the transformation of normal cells into tumorous ones. · Physical carcinogens: Physical carcinogens include ultraviolet and ionizing radiation. The

components of tobacco smoke, the food contaminant aflatoxin, and arsenic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that arsenic can enter the water supply from natural deposits in the earth or from industrial or agricultural pollution. The CDC urges people who get their water from a private well and suspect it might be tainted by arsenic to contact their local government to have their water tested. · Biological carcinogens: Biological carcinogens include infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites. The virus

The World Health Organization notes that cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells. That transformation is a multi-stage process that typically progresses from a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumor. WHO notes that many people are exposed to natural sources of ionizing radiation such as soil, water and vegetation. But there are human-made sources, such as X-rays and medical devices, of ionizing radiation as well. · Chemical carcinogens: Chemical carcinogens include asbestos, certain

hepatitis B, for example, has been shown to cause liver cancer. Doctors may not be able to point to a single factor to determine the specific cause of an individual case of cancer. However, they are aware of various cancer-causing agents that greatly increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with this disease.

A relaxing day outdoors soaking up some of the sun’s rays is how many people prefer to spend their free time when the weather allows. While the very vision of a warm summer afternoon spent outdoors can invoke positive feelings, it’s important that people take protective measures before going outside and continue to do so while they’re out there. According to the American Cancer Society, most skin cancers are the result of exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight. UV rays are a type of radiation that do not have enough energy to penetrate deeply into the body. As a result, they primarily affect the skin. Overexposure to these rays can lead to skin cancer.

Protection from UV rays The ACS notes that there are no safe UV rays, so it’s imperative that people take UV protection seriously. The following are some of the many ways to protect yourself while still enjoying sunny days outdoors. · Go out at the right times of day. The ACS notes that UV rays are at their strongest in the middle of

the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so staying inside during these hours can protect your skin. This is especially important in the spring and summer, as the ACS says UV rays are stronger during these seasons than other times of year. · Employ the shadow test when going outside. It may not seem especially scientific, but the shadow test is a simple way for anyone to gauge how strong UV rays from the sun are at any given moment. According to the ACS, if your shadow

ing a sunscreen, choose one with a minimum sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30. Understanding SPF can help people recognize the importance of reapplication. When an SPF 30 product is applied correctly, a person gets the equivalent of one minute of UVB ray exposure for each 30 minutes he or she spends in the sun. So one hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending two minutes totally unprotected. Reapplying SPF 30 sunscreen often can ensure you are protected at all times.

One hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending two minutes totally unprotected. is shorter than you, that means the sun’s rays are at their strongest. This simple test can help people immediately determine how strong the sun’s rays are, compelling them to be extra cautious if necessary.

· Wear a hat. Hats with a brim that is at least two to three inches all around protects vulnerable areas such as the eyes, forehead, nose, ears, and scalp. Choose a hat with a dark, non-reflective underside, as such a hat can lower the amount of UV rays that reach the face from reflective surfaces such as water.

· Apply sunscreen early and reapply often. The ACS recommends using sunscreens with broad spectrum protection that Sun protection is important protect the skin from both year-round, and especially so UVA and UVB rays, and during spring and summer. applying them before leaving the house and reapplying often while outdoors. When choos-


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.