We're still here reading your updates - it's much appreciated, keep it up :)
Love ya both
G
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visits since Feb 2009
2010 Syracuse Heart Walk
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! I will be using this blog as a place to document and share with others my experience with a very rare form of heart cancer. My name is Will McCaffrey and on October 12th, 2008, at age 29, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Cardiac Angiosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive type of heart cancer. I had a primary tumor in my right atrium (one of the chambers of my heart) and at diagnosis they found that the cancer spread to one of my T4 vertebrae and my sternum. They have since found other metastasis in my L2 vertebrae and on one of my lower ribs.
Since this cancer is so rare my primary treatment center is MD Anderson in Houston(I live in Syracuse, NY), but I am also receiving treatment from Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY. Initially I got my treatment at Dana Farber in Boston. Since my treatment is being coordinated between multiple different centers, I can say I am very lucky because I have two EXCELLENT oncologists (Dr. Scalzo in Syracuse, who manages my care locally and Dr. Ravi in Houston who specializes in my specific type of cancer).
I am currently on a chemo regimen consisting of Gemzar and Taxotiere, that I get weekly in Syracuse (started in March 2010). When I was diagnosed I spent about eight months on Taxol, which was very effective in shrinking my primary tumor. When that stopped working I started a nasty regimen called AIM (Adriamycin, Ifosfomide and Mesna) that consisted of a week in the hospital every three weeks (I had six of these treatments from July-November 2009). Once the AIM was done and the tumor stopped shrinking I was given an opportunity to have surgery and on December 22nd, 2009 I had the tumor removed by Dr. Michael Reardon at Methodist Hospital in Houston. The surgery was successful as they removed 100% of the tumor from my heart with clean margins. You can see the surgery here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgPl-z6V68o.
I love all of the comments that people have been leaving. I read everyone of them and I wish this site gave me the ability to respond, but it doesn't. If you want to email me directly use wmccaffr@gmail.com. One of the positive things that has come out of this has been catching up with all of the great friends I have made over the last 30 years, some that I haven't talked to in a long time. I have really enjoyed that and all the well wishes and prayers keep me going!
Since this cancer is so rare my primary treatment center is MD Anderson in Houston(I live in Syracuse, NY), but I am also receiving treatment from Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY. Initially I got my treatment at Dana Farber in Boston. Since my treatment is being coordinated between multiple different centers, I can say I am very lucky because I have two EXCELLENT oncologists (Dr. Scalzo in Syracuse, who manages my care locally and Dr. Ravi in Houston who specializes in my specific type of cancer).
I am currently on a chemo regimen consisting of Gemzar and Taxotiere, that I get weekly in Syracuse (started in March 2010). When I was diagnosed I spent about eight months on Taxol, which was very effective in shrinking my primary tumor. When that stopped working I started a nasty regimen called AIM (Adriamycin, Ifosfomide and Mesna) that consisted of a week in the hospital every three weeks (I had six of these treatments from July-November 2009). Once the AIM was done and the tumor stopped shrinking I was given an opportunity to have surgery and on December 22nd, 2009 I had the tumor removed by Dr. Michael Reardon at Methodist Hospital in Houston. The surgery was successful as they removed 100% of the tumor from my heart with clean margins. You can see the surgery here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgPl-z6V68o.
I love all of the comments that people have been leaving. I read everyone of them and I wish this site gave me the ability to respond, but it doesn't. If you want to email me directly use wmccaffr@gmail.com. One of the positive things that has come out of this has been catching up with all of the great friends I have made over the last 30 years, some that I haven't talked to in a long time. I have really enjoyed that and all the well wishes and prayers keep me going!
Posts
8 comments:
Dear Will and Shana,
I have been praying for both of you and my thoughts are with you. Very happy to hear you are home. There truly is "No place like home." It has been interesting to read about your progress and your own personal thoughts about what you are experiencing. Your are so very right about what people will expect when they see you. It was so true when my daughter was ill. People were surprised to see such a young healthy looking girl. I believe that is actually a blessing. It helped Nicole to keep a positive attitude and her family and friends not to treat her differentely. They only loved her and cared for her more.
Keep up the great work and the positive thoughts. They can and will be your best medicine when paired together with your family, friends, and medical interventions.
May God Bless You and keep you
Bernadette
Staff nurse on 6 south
We check back to the blog every day Will to see how you are doing! We think of you alot throughout the day and continue to send positive energy your way!
Keep going! You will win!
with heart,
Kim and Don
Will and Shana,
Sending love and encouragement from your AHA family in New England. Remember to keep humor as it will help during those moments. I know you have it in you to beat this thing. Who else can I rely on for fun antics like pretending to be his own voicemail recording when staff issues get crazy (RI finest). Ha ha!
My prayers are with you!
Susan Sarro
Will stay strong man you can fight this! Red Sox nation is praying for you.
Keep going! You will win!
Rich Proulx
Will and Shana
Welcome back home. Shaun and Brooke continue to keep us updated on your.....venture into the medical world so to speak. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up the fight and stay strong.
Jon(Shaun's dad) and Amy
Will and Shana,
You're in my, and countless others, thoughts every day and always with big smiles on our faces because it usually makes us think of some kind of funny encounter we've had with you, Will. If your ears ring every time we talk about you, I atleast hope the ring is a pleasant tone because it must be almost constant. Its great that you're back home and getting started tomorrow with treatments here which means those nasty cells better pack a lunch - the big guns are on their way. On those days when you might not feel the greatest from the chemo, try to remember the good work its doing and hopefully that will help to carry you through. I'll keep checking your blog every day and praying for you both.
Liz Campbell
Will-
A post from one of your favorite past AHA staffers! Are you surprised to hear from me?
The ladies in the office shared your news with me. While I was upset to learn all that you have been going through I know that you are so very strong. Your wonderful sense of humor and constant smile will carry you through some tough days ahead. But you have thousands of people who care about you and wish you the very best, and of course a return to your normal, healthy self.
I am sure you have missed me harrassing you about my love of Siebel and other special AHA programs. I will continue to read your updates. Am happy you are home in Syracuse now and have the love of so many people to cheer you on. I promise to keep you in my prayers.
Take good care Will!
XO
Meg Sullivan
Dear Will,Shana,and Family,
We're glad your home sweet home! Best of luck tomrrow at 2nd Chemo treatment! Words of experience from 5 years ago, chemo has even come further now with anti-nausea medicines. You'll be a little tried but by Sunday/Monday you'll start to come back to yourself.
Stick with like, white rice or bland foods! If you need anything please let us know.
***Keep strong! I beat it and you will too!!
Love, Cousin Karen, Tom, Cain & Cole xo
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