This was a week with a lot of long days. I had a work-related dinner on Monday evening (a recruitment). Then it was off to Union Station for an 8 am train to New York, where I serve on the Advisory Board of the Israeli Cancer Research Fund, which distributes money to Israeli grantees.
From there I went to Hackensack University Medical Center to be introduced at the HUMC annual meeting. I then was whisked off to Newark for an 8 pm flight to Boston – which left promptly at 12:30 am, when the crew finally arrived from San Francisco. There is not a lot to do in that airport other than to eat in an airport facsimile of a New Jersey diner (I have a more than passing familiarity with such establishments from my high school years), but at least I got some work done.
After getting into my hotel at 2 am and catching a bit of sleep followed by a brief workout, my meeting started at 8 am and ran all day. I got home later that evening.
Thursday was only slightly less hectic. My first meeting started at 8 am, where Miriam Markowitz briefed the Medical Center leadership about plans to improve security. The plans are quite comprehensive, and clearly reflect a close collaboration between the Medical Center and the University’s Department of Public Safety. I had a busy afternoon clinic, and then hustled off to attend the Hope Connections for Cancer Support (formerly the Wellness Community) annual gala at the World Bank. Liza Marshall, one of the program’s co-chairs, presented an award to Lombardi for our contributions to the mission of their wonderful organization, which offers a wide variety of complementary services to cancer patients and their families. I was honored to accept the award on behalf of Lombardi. The beautiful vase we received will be displayed prominently in the Lombardi clinic lobby.
On Sunday morning Harriet and I attended the Scope it Out 5K, sponsored by Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, to raise awareness about colon cancer screening. Mike Sapienza, who leads Chris4Life, has done a remarkable job – the 5K walk attracted about 3,500 runners and walkers.
Lombardi and its team had a great representation, including Mike Pishvaian (who fielded questions from people about screening and other colon health issues) and Patrick Jackson (who came out to run in the event). I should note that this foundation has committed more than $1 million to support the Ruesch Center’s work, and we are incredibly grateful for that support.
Christian Conant did a great job of organizing Lombardi’s efforts, ably assisted by Carol Pribulka and Lauren Wolkoff – and they arranged for the availability of nifty little pedometers for interested participants. Harriet and I walked the 5K route, and finished the 3.3 miles in 56 minutes. I then was asked to make a few remarks at the event following the race. I noted that this is one of the cancers that is easily curable because it usually can be prevented by screening studies such as colonoscopy, using approved guidelines based on age and risk. This is one disease where prevention is possible, and thus every advanced cancer is a particular tragedy.
As the program unfolded, I was struck that it highlighted a large number of young people who had been diagnosed with colon cancer, which typically occurs in people who are older. This made me think of a 20-year-old college student I first saw about eight years ago, when she was diagnosed with a colon cancer and a synchronous, solitary liver metastasis. Genetic testing showed no predisposing conditions such as HNPCC, and there was no family history. She had appropriate surgeries to remove her primary tumor and the metastatic disease, and then I administered six months of adjuvant chemotherapy. She finished college and went to work in her father’s business, and resumed her habit of being the life of every party, any party. She was incredibly sweet and vivacious.
Two years went by, and then a CT scan of the chest showed two tiny nodules in the right lung. The nodules grew, and I arranged for her to undergo thoracoscopic resection of the areas of concern. They showed adenocarcinoma, consistent with a colonic primary. I recommended additional chemotherapy. Engaged at that point, she and her fiancee’ wanted to know about issues such as the impact of treatment on fertility; I was worried about her survival, and actually met with her fiancee’ at his request and with her permission to give him candid information about her prognosis – which was not good. We determined that she was likely to retain her fertility, and he was determined to see it through with her. So, she received an additional six months of chemotherapy. Then we began watching her, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Our fears were not realized. They got married, and she is now five years out following the completion of her second round of chemotherapy. And, at the end of last year I received a message, with a picture of their beautiful new baby. I still get goose bumps when I think about it.
This is such a great story. Using all the tools at our disposal, a young woman with a terrible cancer was cured, and now has a chance to live a full and long life. Moreover, by curing her we have enabled the creation of a new life, with perhaps more to come. Now, think about future generations of this growing family, and about how many new lives will be created and impacted just because we did not give up on this young woman with a bad disease. Now, think about what might happen if we prevent such cancers, and develop better treatments for those who are afflicted. And then, do the math.
Now you know why I walked on a cool, misty Sunday morning to help raise awareness of colon cancer. because every saved life means so much, not only for today, but for the future.
Have a good week.