Martin McMillan
"Early detection, along with swift and aggressive action, makes all the difference."
My Name is Martin McMillan.
I am an esophageal cancer survivor. Because my cancer was caught so early, I almost feel like I didn't have cancer, at least compared to other survivors on the GECF Board. Nevertheless, I have been beating it so far. (I have been told I should be the poster child for early detection, but I don't think I'm that cute.)
My family experience with cancer includes my mother's fight with breast cancer and my father's 12 year battle with prostate cancer (He lost that fight and died in December 2007).
In 2002, I was diagnosed with a severe case of Barrett's Esophagus. Fortunately, I had an extremely vigilant gastroenterologist (a.k.a. my gastro doc) who knew this was a serious situation. She made sure I was back for a regular endoscopy every three to six months, depending on the severity of the problem she found each time.
We knew the big offender causing the problems was acid reflux. I had been suffering with it daily for 30 years or more. I didn't think much about it since it seemed a normal part of my everyday life. When the Barrett's was discovered, I was immediately put on a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) and started at two capsules a day. Eventually, that was upped to 4 capsules a day (two over the recommended maximum dosage) plus a stomach coater to be used up to four times a day.
Unfortunately, excluding a couple of short periods of remission, the Barrett's continued to get worse. My gastro doc didn't know why, and the other doctors she consulted weren't sure either. During this period, I was actually being quite good about following the doctor's orders. When diagnosed with Barrett's, I radically changed my diet Ð no soda, alcohol, spicy foods, acidic foods or drinks and all the rest. Yes, it meant dull and unimaginative eating and drinking, but I found it easy to do with the ugly alternative looking me squarely in the face. (I should note that eating and drinking had been my favorite hobby.)
In early 2004, a dysplasia was discovered during an exam. For the uninitiated, it is an area that looks like crumpled paper in what is supposed to be a smooth esophagus. We took one last run at it with a high-powered PPI and hoped for the best.
Finally in September, 2004, I got the bad news. The first dysplasia had turned into High Grade Dysplasia and a second dysplasia had appeared. The second was also High Grade.
My gastro doc biopsied both pretty well and sent the samples off to the pathologist. Unknown to me at the time, the pathologist found what he thought were microscopic cancer cells. He then sent the samples to another pathologist who is well regarded on the national scene. The second opinion confirmed the samples were cancerous. When I was given the news, my stomach fell into my feet and I was scared. Very scared.
My gastro doc and I started talking about various treatments. We decided that because my Barrett's was so advanced, even if we killed the cancer with something like proton therapy, it was very likely the cancer would re-occur. In the end, the only real option was an esophagectomy (surgical removal of the esophagus).
My surgery was October 25, 2004. This date now ranks up there with my birthday and my wedding anniversary. Believe me, it is something you don't forget. For the record, I was 48 years old at the time.
I spent five days in ICU and four in a regular hospital room. Trust me, this surgery is not for wimps. Recovery was a struggle, but became less so as time moved on.
I am now back to what passes for a normal life. However, I am not and may never be, as strong as I was, and I have to really work to not overfill my now much smaller stomach, along with a few other little inconveniences. However, because I am a grant writer, I have been able to get back to my computer and continue helping non-profits and NGOs around the world apply for the funding they need.
The positive side to all this is that I am heading into my fourth year cancer free. So far, it seems all the effort was worth it. Although I have to be monitored for some additional time, the prospects look good.
Because the cancer was found so early, I am thankful I did not have to endure the difficulties of chemotherapy or radiation treatments. I am also thankful I now have the prospect of living to see my now teenage daughter graduate from college and the equally pleasurable prospect of growing old with my wonderful wife. They were the two reasons I elected to have the surgery. Early detection made this scenario possible.
During my ordeal, I found that emailing updates about my situation to a 50 or so friends of mine helped me deal mentally with the situation. I have recently compiled and published them in a book about the whole ordeal. The book is available through Booklocker.com: BALLOON POODLES: A step-by-step chronological guide to not losing your mind over losing your esophagus and other major surgeries.
I have not for one moment regretted my decision to have the surgery. It was the right thing to do in my situation. I encourage anyone who may be suffering serious acid reflux problems to have a gastroenterologist monitor your situation and help you to beat this vicious disease.
Martin McMillan