The Cancer Roller Coaster Ride and Why I Relay

Most of the following was taken from my personal Relay For Life page at https://mobileacs.org/st4kw

Why I Relay

Relay For Life is all about togetherness, and even though we can’t currently be face-to-face, we’ll continue fighting as one supportive community. By working together, we’ll provide crucial information through the American Cancer Societies 24/7 helpline (1-800-227-2345) and cancer.org, advocate for critical health care legislation, and give hope with everything we do. Because cancer won’t stop…and neither will I.

Prior to 2018, I stopped at several Relay events where I had friends walking on teams. I would go walk some laps with them to support their teams. In February 2018, things changed for me. I hadn't been feeling well for a month or so, finally got to see my primary care doctor on February 13, 2018. On February 20, 2018, I was admitted to the hospital as a result of an issue discovered on a CT Scan. On February 24, 2018, I underwent a major colon resection surgery and on February 27, 2018, I was informed I had stage 3C colon cancer. The cancer was removed during surgery and  I was about to undergo an aggressive chemotherapy regiment to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that may remain. I #HaveBelief and #HaveFaith.

As a result, my goal is to promote early screening because early screening results in early detection, and early detection SAVES LIVES.

In the August/September 2018 timeframe, I was told I was cancer-free!  I’ve since learned that is a statement that is almost never true.  Unfortunately, a blood draw on December 13, 2018, indicated results none of us were looking for.  My tumor markers increased by 300% in just over 2 months.  It doesn’t look like the cancer was gone.

Confirmed via CT Scan, MRI, and liver biopsy, I’ve been confirmed that I now have stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to my liver and quite possibly also have a small spot on my lungs. Four more rounds of chemo and then another look at where I stand in March 2019 with new scans.

Had to temporarily stop chemo to prepare for liver surgery. Had the liver surgery in April 2019 and then continued chemo if that’s where I stand ... or just continued chemo if that’s what’s warranted. The fight to survive continues.

In the fall of 2019, the chemo I was on was declared to have failed and was no longer working.  It was decided to switch to a third type of chemo, a pill-based regiment.  Not only did that seem to work as well for me, but my lead oncologist also suffered an accident that has kept her out of work to this day.  For a variety of additional reasons, I moved my treatment to a new oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DF) in Boston.

At DF, after more tests  and scans, we moved to my 4th type of chemo.  Now considered palliative treatment, there is currently no known way to cure my cancer.  I needed a researcher to find a solution that could help me.

So, from January 2020 until August 2020 timeframe, everything was going fantastic.  All my scans looked great, tumors were shrinking, bloodwork and tumor markers were getting close to the normal range ... then came the scan of August 2020. Excuse this phrase, but it was like the shit hit the fan.  This time when the chemo failed to stop working, there were no other chemo treatments available.  The only way to describe the feeling is to say the light at the end of life’s tunnel felt like it was coming into view.  I’m still not ready, there is much more to do.  This journey has had a life course correction like feeling ... those things that are really important are now out shadowing what I thought was important.

So, now In September 2020, I am no longer on any chemo treatments, after 40 total rounds, we’re seeking my miracle drug to continue my life,  I have been accepted into a clinical trial my oncologist found for me, I don’t know any details at this point, I’ll learn more in the coming days and weeks.  Miracles are sometimes discovered in these trials, sometimes not.  I’m praying this one helps me.  If not, it will help others that follow.  God willing, it will help me.

The day following most of the tests my Hemoglobin A1c score posted at 7.4%, the highest it has ever been.  We received a call saying it was too high for the clinical trial, it had to be 7.0% or lower ... do you feel that roller coaster going downhill?  So, I got to ClinicalTrials.gov and find the official trial write up.  There I find the exclusion from the trial happens at 8.5%!  That’s great news, the write up was last updated July 20, 2020... here we go uphill again.  Unfortunately, after questioning the 7.0% vs 8.5%, I was told the current limitation was 7.0% ... headed straight downhill again.  I’m now scheduled for a retest on Friday, October 2, 2020.  I doubt the results will get me into the trial since A1c was a 2-3 month average glucose level, it’s not going to change that much in a week.  So, I press on and look for other options.

Please find a way to support the team, join it so you can come to walk with and for us; make a donation To support the ACS services, or in any other way you can help. I can show you ways that will help with little effort on your part.  Just ask me how.  Cancer has affected so many people I know and love that it’s inspired me to make a difference through Relay For Life and support the American Cancer Society’s mission.

How about if you were to coordinate a dine and earn dinner at Applebee’s, Moe’s, or somewhere similar in your neck of the woods. How about coordinating a bake sale, or hosting a Scentsy fundraiser, a 5K, or any other event, I can help you. Let me know what you enjoy doing, I’ll come up with ideas to get you going.  We're not talking about long hours either!

Please join my team, help me help rid this world of cancer. Using the ACS “FUNdraising” app is an easy way to link directly to a Facebook fundraiser ... you just share.  We can beat this! 

Funds raised support cancer patient programs and groundbreaking research that can help save lives. This event also celebrates over 15.5 million cancer survivors nationwide. 15.5 MILLION. That’s huge. That’s why I’d love your support. Will you walk with me? Join me?  And if you can’t would you be so kind as to make a donation?

With my sincere thanks, get your cancer screening scheduled with your primary doctor, let’s do this!

Dan

The Cancer Roller Coaster Ride

Most of the following was taken from my personal Relay For Life page at https://mobileacs.org/st4kw

Why I Relay

Prior to 2018, I stopped at several Relay events where I had friends walking on teams. I would go walk some laps with them to support their teams. In February 2018, things changed for me. I hadn't been feeling well for a month or so, finally got to see my primary care doctor on February 13, 2018. On February 20, 2018 I was admitted to the hospital as a result of an issue discovered on a CT Scan. On February 24, 2018 I underwent a major colon resection surgery and on February 27, 2018 I was informed I had stage 3C colon cancer. The cancer was removed during surgery and  I was about to undergoing an aggressive chemotherapy regiment to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that may remain. I #HaveBelief and #HaveFaith.

As a result, my goal is to promote early screening because early screening results in early detection and early detection SAVES LIVES.

In the August/September 2018 timeframe, I was told I was cancer free!  I’ve since learned that is a statement that is almost never true.  Unfortunately, a blood draw on December 13, 2018 indicated results none of us were looking for.  My tumor markers increased 300% in just over 2 months.  It doesn’t look like the cancer was gone.

Confirmed via CT Scan, MRI, and liver biopsy, I’ve been confirmed that I am now have stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to my liver and quite possibly also have a small spot on my lungs.

4 rounds of chemo and then another look at where I stand in March 2019 with new scans.

Liver surgery in April 2019 and then continued chemo if that’s where I stand ... or just continued chemo if that’s what’s warranted.

The fight to survive continued.

In the fall of 2019, the chemo I was on was declared to have failed and was no longer working.  It was decided to switch to a third type of chemo, a pill based regiment.  Not only did that seem to work as well for me, my lead oncologist suffered an accident that has kept her out of work to this day.  For a variety of additional reasons, I moved my treatment to a new oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DF) in Boston.

At DF, after more test and scans, we moved to my 4th type of chemo.  Now considered palliative treatment, there is currently no known way to cure my cancer.  I needed a researcher to find a solution that could help me.

So, from January 2020 until August 2020 timeframe, everything was going fantastic.  All my scans looked great, tumors were shrinking, bloodwork and tumor markers were getting close to the normal range ... then came the scan of August 2020. Excuse this phrase, but it was like the shit hit the fan.  This time when the chemo failed to stop working, there were no other chemo treatments available.  The only way to describe the feeling is to say the light at the end of life’s tunnel felt like it was coming into view.  I’m still not ready, there is much more to do.  This journey has had a life course correction like feeling ... those things that are really important are now out shadowing what I thought were important.

So, now In September 2020, I am no longer on any chemo treatments, after 40 total rounds, we’re seeking my miracle drug to continue my life,  I have been accepted into a clinical trial my oncologist found for me, I don’t know any details at this point, I’ll learn more in the coming days and weeks.  Miracles are sometimes discovered in these trials, sometimes not.  I’m praying this one helps me.  If not, it will help others that follow.  God willing, it will help me.

The day following most of the test my Hemoglobin A1c score posted at 7.4%, the highest it has ever been.  We received a call saying it was too high for the clinical trial, it had to be 7.0% or lower ... do you feel that roller coaster going downhill?  So, I got to ClinicalTrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=J1887&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=  and find the official trial write up.  There I find the exclusion from the trial happens at 8.5%!  That’s great news, the write up was last updated July 20, 2020... here we go uphill again.  Unfortunately, after questioning the 7.0% vs 8.5%, I was told the current limitation was 7.0% ... headed straight downhill again.  I’m now scheduled for a retest on Friday, October 2, 2020.  I doubt the results will get me into the trial since A1c was a 2-3 month average glucose level, it’s not going to change that much in a week.  So, I press on and look for other options.

Please find a way to support the team, join it so you can come walk with and for us; make a donation To support the ACS services, or in any other way you can help. I can show you ways that will help with little effort on your part.  Just ask me how.  Cancer has affected so many people I know and love that it’s inspired me to make a difference through Relay For Life. This fundraiser is a community-based event, which means no two Relays are the same, but they all support the American Cancer Society’s mission.

How about if you were to coordinate a dine and earn dinner at Applebee’s, Moe’s, or somewhere similar in your neck of the woods. How about coordinating a bake sale, or hosting a Scentsy fundraiser, a 5K or any other event, I can help you. Let me know, I’ll do the work to get it going.

Please join my team, help me help rid this world of cancer. Using the ACS “FUNdraising” app is an easy way to link directly to a Facebook fundraiser ... you just share.  We can beat this! 

Funds raised support cancer patient programs and groundbreaking research that can help save lives. This event also celebrates over 15.5 million cancer survivors nationwide. 15.5 MILLION. That’s huge. That’s why I’d love your support. Will you walk with me? Join me?  And if you can’t would you be so kind as to make a donation?

With my sincere thanks, get you cancer screening scheduled with your primary doctor, let’s do this!

Dan

Signing Up to Join A Relay For Life Team

This page will help assist you in signing up for a Relay For Life Team.  These directions are specifically written to join my team, Director Dan associated with the Quaboag Valley Relay For Life chapter.  If you are using them for another team, you will have to modify the steps appropriately.  Some of the print on the screen shots look small, just click on the image to see a larger view as necessary.

You can reach my Relay page at: https://bit.ly/MyRelayTeam.  You should see this on the resulting page:

Click on the "Join My Team" link I've highlighted in red.
You'll be taken to the "Log In" page

If you have never had an American Cancer Society (ACS) or Relay For Life (RFL) account before, click the "Create An Account" that I've highlighted in red.

If you have had a previous account, log in the right hand section with your email address and password you previously used.  If you don't remember your password, click on the on the "Forgot password?" link to the right of the  LOG IN  button.

Presuming you are new to ACS and RFL, fill in your name, email address and password.

Click on the  CREATE AN ACCOUNT  button that I've highlighted in red.

You will be taken to a page giving you an option to add your phone number to your profile.  It is not required.  So, either enter your number and click on  ADD PHONE NUMBER ,, or just click on   NO THANKS 

If you entered a phone number, you'll see this screen next:

You have now create your account and will be asked what do you want to do next.  We'll focus on Joining my Relay Team, named "Director Dan".  

Click on the  JOIN A TEAM  my team button.  You'll be taken to a list of teams.  Scroll down the list and find "Director Dan", or type Director Dan in the search bar and select   SEARCH  

 Once you find Director Dan, click on the name so it is highlighted as shown below.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click  NEXT  

The last registration screen collects you mailing address (when ACS cans end you rewards, information or other materials).  After you have entered your information, click   NEXT STEP  

You are now a member of Team Director Dan.  Welcome to the team!

You are first asked what is your relationship to cancer.  

Choose one of the following 3 options on the next screen, partially shown below asking what your relationship with cancer is:

If you have personally had any form of cancer, you should select the  SURVIVOR   button

If you were a caretaker, someone who helped another person who had cancer, select the   CARETAKER  button

If you'd rather not say, select the last option of  OTHER/RATHER NOT SAY 

Next, select a tee-shirt size.  Note, that if you are a cancer survivor, you will receive a free survivors tee-shirt.  If you opt to help with fundraising, you will receive a team tee-shirt.  

Note, when you are done with this process, please let me know by some means (text, email or messenger) of what size shirt you selected...  I'll provide more details on this when we talk.

Lastly on this page, it ask for you to verify whether you are over 18 years old or now, click on the appropriate answer 

Note: when selecting the options on this page, note that the entire button does not turn purple, only the bottom line on the button turns to a "thicker" purple line as you should be able to see in the image below.

You need to check the check box verifying you acknowledge you have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the waiver.  Please read it.

Lastly, click on the   NEXT  button

Note: Once you have clicked the NEXT button, in the previous instruction, you are likely to start seeing this pop up box regarding enabling Facebook Fundraisers.  Facebook fundraiser is integrated in with the ACS FUNrasing app and is absolutely the best and easiest way to do fundraising on your own.  Always initiate a Facebook Fundraiser from within the ACS FUNrasing app or from the upcoming dashboard you will see.  That way, it is hands off to you, you get credited with any funds automatically, there's nothing to do except to thank anyone that donates through your fundraiser.  If you choose to do this, and I encourage you to, I'd set a goal of $100.00.  I've seen several people reach that goal within a few days.

Click on with  CONTINUE WITH FACEBOOK  or Not Now

If you opt to Continue with Facebook, enter your goal then click on   SAVE CHANGES  

You now have your own fundraising dashboard.  On this page, you can update or add more information to your profile.  If you are going to fundraise with Facebook, I encourage you to add your picture, tell why you relay - your story and why working towards a world without cancer is important to you.

This is what your Facebook Fundraising page will look like to others on Facebook.  On this image, recall that "Dipsy" is the bogus name I used to build this profile.  On your page, your first name would be there.

To get to your page, you log into your ACS account with your email and password.  You'll get this resulting page:

The links within the highlighted red are is where you can get the URL (Web page address) and the second is where you can edit the "Why I Relay" text etc.

I hope this helped, thank you so much for joining this amazing human cause.  Did you know that 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime?  Let's work together and eliminate this beast.

My last pitch is get screened.  Early detection through screen leads to early diagnosis, which leads to easier and more successful treatment, which provide us with more birthday.

Thank you so much.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/MyRelayTeam

Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Luminaria Bags Honor Every Life Touched By Cancer

Luminaria bags honor every life touched by cancer 

The lighting of the luminaries is one of the most solemn and emotional parts of a Relay For Life event.  Each luminary can be dedicated to a loved one lost, someone currently battling the beast, or anyone who’s overcome it and has been declared cancer free, our survivors. It’s our way of showing that there’s a light, even in darkness.

When you attend a Relay event, you’ll see small white bags decorated with names and sometimes messages to the people they’re dedicated to. After dark, each Luminaria lit is in remembrance of a life touched by cancer.

Some of our luminaria from an event in 2019

When you make a donation for a Luminaria, it helps fund the American Cancer Society’s patient programs and breakthrough research.  You can purchase a luminaria at me Relay For Life page at: http://bit.ly/RelayTeam2020 or even easier, just connect with me by text message or phone at 413-531-1544 and leave a message, I'll call you back.  I'll need to know the person's name, type of cancer and where they are in their fight.  We'll make the luminary for you and post the pictures of they.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/RelayTeam2020

Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

I Really Need Your Support & Help

Imagine a world without cancer

I'm sure many of you know that since I entered my journey with cancer, my focus, drive, and intent has made a complete turn around from where I once was.  I am now a fighter and advocate to rid the world of cancer and the devastating affects it has on so many people.  Cancer doesn’t care if you are Republican or Democrat, young or old, black, white, Asian, Indian or any other stereotype ... it goes after us all.

I have become a very active part of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life program.

So, what do I need?

I need you!  I need your support to fight this incredibly horrible disease.  I'm almost be willing to wager that you know someone that has fought the fight, and you have a sense of how that affected them, their family and friends, in not a good way.  There is strength in numbers.

Many of you might have already joined my Relay For Life team.  You are so special to me for taking that first decisive step.  You ROCK!  If you haven't taken the step yet, I ask, even plead with you to take it now.  It only takes a minute, cost you nothing, and you will be a part of an amazing group of humans that really care.  You can join me at http://bit.ly/RelayTeam2020.  Please click and join me right now.

Optional Next Step

It cost nothing to join the team, however, as you sign up, you will be asked if you want to make a donation now.  You don't have to, you can select donate later (not that you have to really donate later, there is no requirement for you to actually make a donation.

It should be obvious that one of the purposes of Relay For Life is to raise money for a whole host of services provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS).  We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and donors. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.

The easiest way to fund raise is to download the ACS FUNdraising App from the App Store for your iPhone or get it on Google Play for Android phones.  It to is free of cost.  Once you have it installed, it can be linked to your Facebook account so you can create a fundraiser on your Facebook page and Facebook will handle all the donations for you and register them on your account on the team.  Of course, if you are talking to someone and they want to donate, you can also accept a check made out to the American Cancer Society and upload it via the app and hand the check back to the person.  Credit cards of all kinds are also accepted in the app.

ALWAYS, create the Facebook fundraiser from within the app, NOT directly on Facebook.

You can set the value of your goal you would like to raise, I suggest $100.  IF you make it there, great, if you don't, no harm.  Once you are signed up, send me a PM on Facebook and include your Tee-Shirt size, I hope to get everyone a Relay For Life Tee-shirt for your help.

Last Step

Share this message with someone else you know who's life might have been touched by cancer, or is just a great human being that wants to do the right thing.  Perhaps your spouse, sibling, friend, or just about anyone.  Again, we have strength in numbers.

As of this writing, there are 35 members of the team, my goal is to far exceed 100 members by the end of the month.  I can only do that with your help.  Please join me, and find someone else to join me.

Have them follow the same process to get the app and start a Facebook fundraiser (from within the app, NOT directly on Facebook.

In Closing

Thank you VERY MUCH for helping me, joining me, and helping make a world without cancer.  On a personal note, I need Relay For Life to save my life.  With the cancer I have, there is no known targeted or immunotherapy to help stop it.  I need more research so the doctors and scientist can find the cause for my mutated cells.  Your help helps me live longer.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/RelayTeam2020

Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

I Will Wait For You - We Are Not In This Alone

When I received my cancer diagnosis, it was devastating.  It still is.  It was a death sentence, likely still is.  My life as I knew it came to a halt.  I was frozen, scared, not ready to die, and I'm still not.  Not only was by body under attack, but so was my mindset.  I took a very long time to get past the death sentence thoughts.  I still have countless number of negative thoughts, feelings, and they have been relentless.

However, the overwhelming support, messages, visits, cards, and just support and care from so many ... I can't tell you how much that helps me mentally, physically, and has changed much of my outlook.  My outlook on how we treat each other, how we support each other, and how we help each other.  What really matters in this short life we have.

How does one feel positive when nothing feels positive?  I don't know, I've been trying for nearly 2 years now.  Obviously, some days are easier than others, some days I just want to give up because I am so tired of the fight.  But, then I try to refocus and stand up to the fight.  I try to do what I have always done most all of my work life.  Do a great job, be the best I can be, and most of all, try to lift up others, especially those that worked for me... and it was not always easy, I want to feel normal again.

A while ago, I heard Andy Grammer sing "Don't Give Up On Me" ... it was a shot of adrenaline to my mental health ... it made me feel good, it told me there were many standing by me.  It really rang out to me and made me think "I hope this is how all my supporters feel.  I had never written to anyone like this before, I didn't realize how big Andy was, but, I knew I wanted to tell him what his song did for me, and most likely patients everywhere ...especially those with cancer.

I did some research and located his tour managers and told them my story and what his song had done for me.  I also discovered he would be at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut in December 2019.  I asked if there was anyway I could meet him, shake his hand, and tell him thank you.  She was more than accommodating.  The week before the concert, she connected me with his On the Road Tour Manager, we met him at the casino and he took us in to meet Andy.  It was awesome.

I told him I didn't know if his song was written for those in love or those facing challenges as I had.  I was very impressed how he asked about me, my treatment, and future.  Today, I found a new video of him singing the song which was obviously made for patients.  I wanted to share with you, it means so much.

Want to learn the lyrics, watch this second video, and I'll wait for you!  Same song with lyrics scrolling.  Read them listen to them, and reflect.  This is what is most important in our relationships.

I know I have a ton of support out there and I so much appreciate it!  ❤️  I'd hope you might want to help?  Just “join” my Relay For Life team, donate of few bucks if you can, it’s not required ... I just want to lead a large group of loving and caring people to the aid of cancer patients everywhere, and you joining is critical.  Click the link below and feel free to share, lets make this big, life is too short.

Love you all.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/RelayTeam2020
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: https://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

It's Chemo Time Again

I haven’t been online much and haven’t written much.  I’ve had a very difficult past 2 months, perhaps more so the past 2 weeks ... but that’s my issue to work through.  

Headed to Boston and Dana-Farber for a host of appointments Monday and for what I’ll refer to as my 26th round of chemo (every time they change the cocktail, the docs start counting at 1 again, this is my 4th concoction).  I don’t even feel recovered from the last round yet.

I know I have a ton of support out there and I so much appreciate it!  ❤️  want to help today?  Just “join” my Relay For Life team, donate of few bucks if you can, it’s not required ... I just want to lead a large group of loving and caring people to the aid of cancer patients everywhere, and you joining is critical.  Thank you.  Check out a video I did make earlier this week that shows I’m not totally gone.

Love you all.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/RelayTeam2020
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: https://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!