Diagnosis
I found out I had cancer two weeks ago on my 51st birthday. That was Monday the 17th. About a week before that I had surgery at Tulane Hospital and my doctor took samples of several sections at the base of my tongue. The diagnosis was a squamous cell tumor. Treatable. The surgery was tougher than I thought it would be. And I actually dropped about five pounds.
The next morning I met with an oncologist at Tulane and he confirmed the diagnosis, told me it was indeed treatable and recommended a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. He said that over a period of time I had an excellent chance for a complete cure. Both doctors suggested I receive a second opinion and they started processing the paperwork to refer me to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I was very inpressed with the radiation oncologist at Tulane but recognized that a second opinion was necessary. I was told in no uncertain terms that I would lose significant weight during treatment and everyone suggested I eat as much as possible to put on some pounds.
My buddy Richard Tenenbown was celebrating his 60th birthday with a party in Houston and I went directly to the airport after my various medical appointments. I realized I hadn't eaten anything and remembered the advice to put on weight. I went to one of the concessions on the Southwest concourse and started shopping. I found a yogurt & fruit smoothy with about 500 calories.
I bought two.
The cashier asked if I knew that the smoothies were $4.40 a piece. I told her that was fine that I had to get on the plane and could drink the smoothies on the flight. She protested, noting that I could buy yogurt for much less. Failing to convince me to change my order, she demanded to know why I would get two smoothies. I told her that the doctor told me to put on ten pounds. She said "Honey, you can have ten pounds from me. What kind of doctor tells you to gain ten pounds?"
I answered that I had just seen a cancer doctor and the treatment would make me lose weight. She interrupted-"What's your name?" I replied Steve and this wonderful woman said "Mr. Steve, don't you worry about a thing. Me and the Lord gonna take care of your cancer."
So as Carl Speckler (Bill Murray) said in Caddyshack, I got that going for me, which is nice...
Steve - Best of luck to you. I don't know you, but Ernie is a good friend and I can already tell your site will be a regular stop for me. Keep up the updates, and best of luck with your treatment.
And a few months down the road, here's hoping you'll quote another Speckler gem: "It's a Cinderella story..."
Posted by: Rick Klau | January 31, 2005 at 08:30 PM
Steve --
I'll stand behind the point of view of the cashier. My expectation is that she's right, because finding out one day after your engagement, this is about binding you two together and putting your focus upward.
Posted by: Ron Arp | January 31, 2005 at 09:13 PM
I sure hope all will go well with the treatment. And welcome to the blog society. Luc.
PS, I found a link at Ernie's blog.
Posted by: Luc Geurts | February 01, 2005 at 02:44 AM
Hi Steve,
Laughter boost the immune system! :)
May I suggest a movie?
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thelostskeletonofcadavra/
Rent it.
Also a good blog on using humor to beat cancer.
http://www.personalmd.com/news/n1019012400.shtml
Take care, Steve. I will catch some beads for you and send you good healing vibes.
eq
Posted by: eileen | February 01, 2005 at 09:09 AM
You have MUCH going for you. Great medical advice, great friends, the love of your life nearby, and you're motivated... It doesn't get better than that. Keep laughing and eating. Great results are sure to come! But, as someone said somewhere (was it you?): I like you, but I wouldn't want to see you in charge of subatomic particles. Godspeed, Copman. You're in my prayers.
Posted by: Shawn | February 01, 2005 at 10:08 AM
Smoothies are okay, but the best thing right now would be some pot roasted ducks, good red wine, fresh fried specs for appetizer, cherry cheesecake and some smart whiskey to top it off. And I think I know just where you can get that bill of fare.....
Let me know when you are ready to place your order... Tim.
Posted by: Judge | February 01, 2005 at 10:10 AM
You have heard words from a medical doctor that most of us long to hear: "Gain some weight. You're too thin." May I suggest oatmeal full of butter and heavy cream. Grits loaded with butter and cheese. Mashed taters. All the guacamole you can stand. Bacon.
God bless ya! I'm getting fat just writing it.
Posted by: Liz | February 01, 2005 at 10:47 AM
Steve is sticking to his goal of gaining pounds... I saw him yesterday with a sack full of Krystal burgers with an extra large fry. The only time I have ever eaten there is at 4AM on Bourbon, but, hey.... if you need to pack on the pounds that is the place to go.
Posted by: Phil | February 01, 2005 at 11:02 AM
What a bizarre way to find out that a friend has cancer and got engaged. I'm glad I happened to check Ernie's blog. Good luck to you, Steve--I'm thinking about you.
Posted by: Kathy | February 01, 2005 at 11:13 AM
Steve...all the best to you...you're in our thoughts and prayers...and, how can you go wrong when you have insightful comments from Caddyshack on your mind!?!?! Chris
Posted by: Chris Talley | February 01, 2005 at 11:37 AM
Steve -- Jamie has often promised that we meet. Now, I feel that we have. I'm not much of a blogger but am already seeing the benefit. That you found Jamie shows me that you are a lucky man. I expect the luck to continue. Take care. Kelly
Posted by: Kelly O'Malley | February 01, 2005 at 02:15 PM
Copley, you make me smile. Keep that positive attitude going.
g
Posted by: Glenda | February 01, 2005 at 02:51 PM
SWC: As you might say, "Copley against cancer just ain't a fair fight...."
As I told you, I will escort you on one of the next jaunts to MDA. Call to schedule.
P.S. Since your cashier appears to be wired in pretty good, do you think she can handle finding out whose gonna win the double at the Fair Grounds this weekend?
Posted by: TOK | February 01, 2005 at 11:30 PM
steve you are in our thoughts and prayers.A priest friend of mine once thanked me for my prayers because God listens more closely to prayers from sinners.So he should be listening.
Keep the great attitude.
Posted by: tony marabella | February 02, 2005 at 12:05 PM
Great web site! You and Jamie are in my thoughts and prayers. And I'm going to send you some of my extra pounds that I'm trying to lose!!
Posted by: Paula | February 02, 2005 at 12:15 PM
Steve and Jamie,
Wishing you all the best and we love you!
Chris and Becky
Posted by: Chris and Becky Wnuk | February 07, 2005 at 04:46 PM
Steve,
Mike Clegg, my husband, asked me to send you my cancer cookbook, Eating Well Through Cancer, coauthored with Dr. Gerald Miletello, MD here in Baton Rouge. It sells unbeliveably nationwide and people say it makes a huge difference. Please let me know what address to send it to...our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Holly and Mike Clegg
Posted by: Holly Clegg | February 11, 2005 at 02:17 PM
Hi Steve: Heard the news from Joan, so decided to get your web site address from her. Talked to your Uncle John Sunday & he said he is still planning on coming down your way. Hope things will go well for you. Have a bridge partner who was sucessfully treated in Houston & has nothing but great things to say about it. Good Luck & I'll keep hitting your web site. Aunt Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte O'Hara | February 18, 2005 at 01:53 PM