Steve W. is a 56-year-old husband and father of three who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in June 2018. Following his diagnosis, Steve and his wife, Cheryl, began their “search for the cure” tour, visiting three top mesothelioma specialists. They ultimately chose to seek treatment and participation in a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, under the care of Dr. Anne Tsao. Steve kept a journal of his mesothelioma journey – the highs and the lows – which has become his story. Chronicled in three parts, it is a story of hope and a search for the cure.
Read Part 1 by Steve W. | Read Part 2 by Steve W.
Part 3 by Steve W.
January 8, 2020
10:08 PM. Just touched ground in Houston from Rhinelander, WI. It really is an eerie calm now as I look out the plane window. Preparing for a final push to victory. The enemy looms. This battle will be won thorough sheer will.
January 9, 2020
Enjoying simple pleasures of being able to walk or breath. Many here at hospital can do neither.
Been flying more first class lately. F**k it! YOLO, baby!!
February 8, 2020
No entry. Business as usual. F**king winning!!!!
February 25, 2020
The final stretch. Two treatments left. Like a 1,000-mile car race. Staying focused and in the lead the whole race. Can’t push the car too hard on the last few laps but will finish strong. “Stressed vines make the best wines.” Wearing the MAGA hat to hospital for first time. Always makes me nervous when people see it with a needle in their hand!!! Lol.
FINAL ROUND – March 17, 2020
1:06 PM. On board United flight 6065 en route to Houston for final treatment. Two years goes by in a blink. To imagine where I was just 14 months ago fighting for one day and one breathe. It’s not exactly the storybook ending yet with five years of scans still to go, but it’s a huge victory with the war yet to be won…But I was sent an ARMY OF ANGELS!!!!!!!!
Some additional anxiety with the dreaded coronavirus hanging over everyone’s heads. Still not sure if I am more or less susceptible. I’m beating cancer. Seems beating cancer right now is priority. Hard to believe the panic and empty shelves. Makes this last treatment feel very strange. On one hand you want to have a little celebration but that’s almost impossible with the world going to hell. It’s temporary. Like pain!
Now I’ve walked this walk into MD Anderson many, many times over two years. It’s always overpowering and inspiring at the same time. It’s a respectful silence as I walk through the doors knowing this should be my last treatment. Down the hallway towards elevator A. Up the escalator and into “diagnostic center” for blood work. That’s how it starts every time. But this time, this time, is different. Dressed formally to respect the day and the team that saved me. People here are just starting their battle. I am leaving the battlefield scarred, battered, BUT NEVER BROKEN!!!!
March 18, 2020
1:55 PM. As I walk out of the hospital under my own God-given power, I can’t help but think, “A small step for me, a giant leap towards a cure!” Told you it was a story of HOPE!!!!
The views and opinions included in this blog belong to their author and do not necessarily mirror the views and opinions of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
