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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!
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5 comments:
Shana, thanks for the update. Will keep the good thoughts and prayers coming your way. Chip
Go WILL POWER!!!
I love you guys so much and want you to know that you are all in my prayers. Good luck!
In this season of miracles my thoughts have been with Will & Shana & family all week & will continue. Your positive outlook is an inspiration to all of us waiting to hear the good news. Margaret Bigness
Good Luck, when will you get the results?
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