March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month!Mark Pohl shares his miraculous journey with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. "One day after playing golf I was complaining about a pain in my shoulder and thought I tore my rotator cuff. One week later I was diagnosed with stage IV clear cell renal carcinoma with sarcomatoid traits. The biggest loss to me was the inability to babysit my granddaughter and play golf with my friends. Of course I was worried about my future. But with the support of my family and friends, I was not going to pity myself. I was going to do whatever was necessary to beat cancer. I had always been an active person. I was a teacher, certified basketball referee, and certified baseball umpire. I would go upstate to babysit my granddaughter a couple of days a week and when possible play golf with my friends.During my immunotherapy I did everything possible to lead my life in a normal way. I went on a cruise; I became involved in a community organization helping children and other charitable causes. When I did feel a little low, my family and friends did not let me stay there.After almost two years of treatment and the removal of my kidney, I am my old self again. The doctor believes I am now cancer free. This allows me to not only babysit my granddaughter but also my two grandsons born since my diagnosis. I am back on the golf course with one limitation: no driving off the tee, only approach shots and putting. But considering I couldn’t even lift my golf club, I will take it.Going forward I plan on taking more cruises, seeing the world and, of course, babysitting for my grandchildren. I mentioned my family and friends. But you never realize how much love there is in a relationship until hard times hit. My wife was my rock. Her patience when I was difficult, her affection and caring when I was in pain, but most of all her letting me know she is there every step of the way with me through this process was my driving force. How could you not win the battle with support like that?Finally, I cannot come close to appreciating all the caregivers I have met throughout my treatment, and I cannot find the words to tell them how much I appreciate them giving me a cancer-free life again. Maybe one day I will find the words or do some small deed so they know how much I admire, respect, and appreciate all they did for me and do for others.#marchiskidneycancerawarenessmonth#kidneycancer#metastatickidneycancer #metastaticmatters #ifcancerspreads#immunotherapy#biomarkers#AwarenessMatters #patienteducation #SayYEStoHope... See MoreSee Less
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!Today, Brandy Thibault shares her story, "In 2015, at just 42 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. I was a dedicated runner, never smoked, never drank, and lived a healthy life. Yet, cancer doesn't discriminate by age or lifestyle. My journey has been one of unexpected challenges, but also profound gratitude for every step forward, every breath, and every day."#marchiscolorectalcancerawarenessmonth #colorectalcancer #MetastaticCRC #metastaticmatters #ifcancerspreads#multidisciplinary #sayyestohope ... See MoreSee Less
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