Cancer Complications, Cb Style

Following yesterday’s insight into the emotional side of Cb – and thanks for the many varied bits of feedback I got – I thought we’d delve a bit into the physical today…

I think when most people think of problems post cancer they think of things like recurrence, secondary cancers from treatment, emotional / mental issues, etc.  I get my own form of “fun” now 14+ years down the road in the form of abdominal surgery, and round four is coming up.

Back in November 1996 I chose to have a dramatic surgery called an RPLND (actually the name is much longer but not a need to know).  While the link has the details, you can try performing one at home simply by purchasing a fresh, intact (preferably dead) fish.  Carefully gut it, then once all the insides are out, put it all back together and sew it up nice.  Voila!  RPLND, sans the whole remove lymph nodes off interior back muscle wall, but you’ll get the gist.

All actually went very well for many years post op, but then a few years ago I had a hernia over the incision site.  My doc explained that because the RPLND had required such extensive suturing in the ab muscle walls, over time and effort it had simply failed.  Off to the operating table I went.  Back in September of 2010, another area failed and another hernia op was in the cards.  Only this time, due to so much cutting and pasting, a seroma had formed after, and then happily ruptured and wouldn’t heal completely. 

So in the next week or so, it’s back to the operating table again for a little walk in / limp out, hope you enjoy the pain meds(!) and THIS time we think we’ll finally have it figured out.  It’s not only the physical pain in the gut that’s making me think, it’s thanking my fortunate stars for the medical insurance I have or else I’d be tens of thousands of dollars in debt as well.

At the end of the day / this blog I hope the point that comes across is not “poor Chris” but rather a little more insight into life as a cancer survivor.  We have a closing line in our Manifesto that reads, “Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.”  No lie there – ciao for now – Cb…

PS - if you haven't watched the LIVESTRONG Manifesto video in the link above in a while, check it out below for the new international version.  Yep, I'm the shave your head guy, but also an amazing hand model, too! (grin)  Def one of the best projects I've ever been a part of....

No Terrible Twos at LIVESTRONG HQ

Today is a big day here at LIVESTRONG HQ, it’s our two year anniversary of moving in!  The odd thing about it for the staff is we feel like we’ve been here for much longer.  I think that’s indicative of the thought that went into creating this amazing facility, it never really had that “new car smell” to it, to quote the eminent Goldilocks upon her discovery of the third bed, “..it felt just right.”

The secret of the great vibe here though has more to do with the attitude of “laidback professionalism” among the staff than it does for the excellent facility and furnishings, but they do go hand in hand.  For example, everyone has the same 4 foot high cubicle from the CEO on down.  Not only does this keep everyone on a level playing field from a “has / has not” perspective, but it also facilitates conversation as it’s easy to make eye contact as you’re walking by.

Chris Land 

The lifestyle culture of LIVESTRONG amongst the staff also builds on the amazing, gold LEED certified (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) building.  Lance and other supporters have donated a lot of very cool artwork throughout the place – not a single dollar we’ve raised goes to this at all – but add in things like we don’t have office hours, or a strict dress policy, heck, we don’t even have vacation or sick time… everyone is expected to do their jobs, dress appropriately, and take time off coordinated with your boss when you need it, it’s that simple.

So at the end of the day this great facility creates an atmosphere of creative and entrepreneurial energy that allows us to do our mission of supporting people living with cancer through direct services and creating a platform for advocacy.  Ultimately though we have to thank you – our supporters – because without your support of time, talent, and treasure this Foundation, these people, and of course this incredible HQ wouldn’t exist.  So THANKS – for all you do! – and we’ll talk soon.  Ciao for now – Cb…