Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group

Husband Frank: Multiple Myeloma

As Frank’s wife and caregiver, I don’t know exactly where to begin. In October 2005, Frank was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer that has no cure. His diagnosis was purely coincidental, because he had no symptoms. We were simply updating our life insurance policy, which required Frank to submit to a physical examination and before we knew it, Frank was in the hospital diagnosed with Myeloma and fighting near kidney failure caused by the cancer.

The first oncologist who spoke with us told us he had five to eight years to live. She had the bedside manner of a toad, not very comforting at all. Frank’s sister Cruz, who also happens to be a doctor, recommended we get a second opinion and assisted us in getting a transfer to the City of Hope. We found that this hospital really lives up to its name. We noticed a difference in attitude right away. Frank was accepted into one of many trial studies the City of Hope has for his type of cancer. He went through several rounds of chemotherapy and had two stem cell transplants within a one-year period. We were on the cutting edge of accessing new drugs that have come out or will be available soon just for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. These drugs are designed to control the disease and keep people in remission for longer periods of time, some as long as fifteen years. Frank’s doctors at the City of Hope were very optimistic and really cared about Frank’s physical and mental well being, which lends itself to the one very important matter…Get a second opinion! Your life may depend on it.

Well, that is the story of how cancer crept into our lives. In some ways, it is the beginning of how our life together has started all over again. As a couple, we don’t dwell on it. I’m sure Frank probably thinks about it all the time, but it doesn’t dictate to us what we will or will not do in life. We continue to move forward. Frank’s attitude and positive nature has carried us both through some very dark times as he took on his cancer. Sure there were tears, and rightfully so, he was entitled to them, we both were. Frank always felt I deserved an apology for his “moments.” Which never occurred to me. Frank’s nature is to place others first, especially me. I feel like I’m the luckiest woman in the world. During his sickest moments, when he couldn’t get out of bed or lift his head off his pillow, he would feel guilty as though somehow he was the cause for everything going on with him and in the next moment; he would be cracking jokes and laughing at himself. People have asked me how I have been able to deal with all of this. They comment about how strong I am. Well, I’m only as strong as Frank. We are a team. As a caregiver, I have a lot to do and a lot to think about. I always try to think ahead and to prepare for the “what ifs.” But what I have ultimately learned from this, is that I can prepare all I want, but I am not in control of the future. I have a strong belief in commitment. It goes back to those words…in sickness and in health. Frank is the most important person in my life and I would only be half the person I am now, if not for him. I want to see to it that he is not just taken care of, but that he does not have to worry about anything other than getting better and feeling healthy.

Frank is now in complete remission and he is back to work driving a truck. This has changed us in many ways that I can’t explain or find words for. Frank is much more outgoing, even speaking in public now, which is something, he never would have done in the past. He is eager to share his experience with others and to educate them the importance of early detection. Our time with the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group has been invaluable. We have developed life long friendships with some very special people.

Frank always tells me that he is a lover, not a fighter. Well, I will tell you differently. Frank is a fighter too, because he’ll never allow this disease to overrun him or our life together. He has an incredible will to get better and to live. He is my hero.

Robbery Homicide Division

As a child I received radical surgery and massive radiation treatment for cancer of the left parotid gland. I came on the job and I lived cancer free for 43 years.

Four years ago I had a sore throat isolated to my left side. From my initial doctor visit, biopsy, diagnoses, multiple consultations and the decision to have major re-constructive surgery and radiation again was less than 60 days. My unique surgery is a story in itself.

Which brings us to the Los Angeles Cancer Support Group (LAPCSG).

What can we offer diagnosed officers, employees, their family members or their your care givers?

There is someone in this group that has your particular cancer. Has been treated at your hospital. Received your treatments. Asked your questions. Have your concerns. It only takes a telephone call, an e-mail, a stop in the hallway or on the street to reach us.

Call us,
Chuck

one of Chuck’s favorite web sites www.spohnc.org
Cancerresources.mednet.ucla.edu
Surgery.ucla.edu/headandweck/doctors
Kevinsdeadcat

(Kevinsdeaccat is a blog journey written by Laura during her battle with cancer. This may not be for everyone but Laura and I shared the same doctor, surgery and attitude.)

Sergeant II

Prior to being diagnosed with prostate cancer, I was a Sergeant II, Jail Division Watch Commander with over 31 years of service. My career intentions were to complete a few more years in the DROP program and then call it quits. After a routine annual physical which included PSA blood testing, I was told that I had prostate cancer. This news literally changed my life, career plans and my future with my wife and family. After much contemplation, I elected to have my prostate removed by my urologist/surgeon. Six months later, my cancer returned and I elected to start treatment at the City of Hope. There, I underwent six weeks of radiation therapy, followed by two years of hormonal treatment (lupron). Currently my cancer is in remission and I have a blood test every 4 months.

Upon retiring in November 2005, I was contacted by the Los Angeles Police Department Wellness coordinator and asked to be a founding member of a cancer support group. This evolved into the formation of the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group (LAPCSG). Our goal is to educate the Police community about cancer awareness, the importance of getting annual physicals and also to be there for other cancer survivors. There is a tremendous amount of love, courage and hope within the LAPCSG. I’ve learned a lot about cancer and how to live with it. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten a second opinion and started my treatment at the City of Hope.

My request to all those who read this testimonial is to be aware of any physical changes you may be experiencing as you grow older. Get your annual physical and ask your doctor to test your blood for cancer related indicators.

What has helped me on my journey is the love, care and concern of my family and friends. Also my deep spiritual belief and practices and being a member of the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group. Anyone can contact me through our web site, www.lapcsg.org which will includes my email address and phone number.

Recommended reading: Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin and the Bible.

Police Officer Ret. #17311

In January 2007, I was diagnosed with “Pancreatic Cancer”. My Doctors discovered a cancerous tumor located on the head of my pancreas along with other cancer markers. I was referred to USC/Norris Cancer Center downtown Los Angeles and assigned to Dr. Dilip Parekh, Surgeon, USC/ Keck School of Medicine, Department of Surgery.

Dr Pareka recommended surgery so a you can imagine my wife and i were really scared and uncertain what lie ahead. I underwent surgery at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena in February 2007 and because of complications I remained in the hospital for the entire month of
February 2007.

Prior to my hospitalization and surgery, my Wife, Jackie, became my Care Taker during this crisis. Jackie and Lily Ruff, (LAPCSG Board Member), were friends in high school and Lily invited me to attend the LAPCSG’s monthly meeting at the Police Academy. I attended for the first time in January 2007. I retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in 1992 but have always considered LAPD as my second Family and the Cancer Support Group has offered me and my Family the Hope and Understanding of this terrible disease called “Cancer”.

This sounds so simple, however, when I was at a very venerable time in my Chemotherapy treatment Lily sent me a card of encouragement, it is called “Face of a Lion”. This is one of the things I have learned from the Cancer Support Group is that you do not need to be a doctor to help others. Family and friendship is what life is about. Lily I will never forget your kindness and thoughts, you are a special lady.

After my medical release from Huntington Hospital, I returned to my home where I completed six months of “Chemotherapy Treatments” at Cancer Care Associates, Redondo Beach. I still attended the monthly meetings for moral support and to receive information on this disease and treatment from others.

I know I am one of the lucky ones because on October 10, 2007, I received news from my Oncology Doctor that my Blood Tests along with my C/T Scans indicated that my Cancer is in remission for now I now think back only ten months ago I had very little hope and thought the end was near thank God I along with others was wrong.

I strongly urge those who have been diagnosed with this terrible disease to join us in our journey as we may be able to reduce the burdens of you and your caregiver as you live with and fight cancer. So, come and take part in the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group. I can assure you that you will not only gain knowledge to help yourself but you have knowledge from your cancer experience to help others as well.

I would also like to thank my loving Wife and Care Taker, my Family, Sergeant Michael Apodaca, Mrs. Lily Ruff and Father Frank Hicks for being there, with encouragement, for me during my illness.

For the remainder of my journey I hope I can give to others, that have given to me, so that their “Journey” will be filled with “Hope and Understanding”.

In 1990 I, along with Cliff, my husband of sixteen years, were raising our thirteen year old son, Travis. I had a career as a successful investment banker. We had a house in the hills, filled with dogs, cats, and all the good things that life had given us. Life was good.

One morning, while getting dressed, I had an itch on a small area of my breast. It was then that I noticed a small lump on my breast. I went to the doctor for an examination. He told me it was just a cyst and to come back in 6 months. I called my doctor one week later. I felt something was just not right. After all, I lived in my body. I knew it better than anyone and I was concerned. I was concerned enough to speak up and request further attention. One week later, I had a surgical biopsy which revealed that it was indeed breast cancer. The doctor told me I had cancer when in his office. There I was, alone. My first thought was that there was a mistake, some sort of miss up. My next feeling was like I had been punched in the stomach. I got in the car and drove myself home. I was in shock and disbelief.

I had a lumpectomy and three months of radiation. At the time, I was told my cancer was small, caught early and everything would be fine. I felt lucky. I got back to my life, being a mother and wife, until 2002, when a routine blood test showed that my markers were high, which was a red flag. I got scanned and the diagnosis was that the cancer had spread to my lungs and liver. All I could think about was that I could live without breasts, but I couldn’t live without my vital organs! I had six months of chemotherapy, which put them both in remission.

In 2005, during a routine scan showed a new tumor in what was left of my breast, this time a totally different type of tumor. I was back on chemo. However, after six months, I had a mastectomy. Two months after that, my liver fell out of remission. My fear was overwhelming, but I’m a fighter and I’m not ready to go. I am now on chemo for the third time. I guess though all of this I can say it has made me a stronger. What sustains me day to day is my faith in God, my amazing friend’s and family and my loving dogs.

One message I feel important to share is that often people fall into a false sense of security that they are in the clear after being in remission for a certain timeframe, usually five years, but that wasn’t my experience. I feel we should always be proactive when it comes to our health. If you have never had cancer, I encourage you to get a yearly physical and if you are in remission, be diligent in maintaining consistent medical follow ups.

D-III (retired ’89) LAPD

Treatments to date: radical prostatectomy (surgery), radiation, hormone therapy
I was diagnosed in 2000 at the age of 56 through a routine PSA blood test. No symptoms were previously experienced. My initial PSA was 9.3 and the post surgical Gleason score was 4+3. These markers indicate a relatively advanced stage of the cancer.

My primary cancer care physician is a urologist/surgeon, formerly on staff at Mayo Clinic, with many years of experience in his field. He came highly recommended and has turned out to be a skilled and caring doctor with a wonderfully humorous bedside manner. He is extremely thorough and spends a lot of time during my regular visits to his office. I note these attributes as a guideline for selecting your physician when you are diagnosed. It does make a difference!

After my diagnosis I conducted extensive research on prostate cancer and became involved in several online groups to assist others during their treatment for prostate cancer. Having been exposed to Agent Orange during a tour in Vietnam, I also became aware of the correlation between the defoliant and several cancers including that of the prostate. Members should be aware that the Veterans Administration provides assistance and benefits to any veteran exposed to Agent Orange during periods of active treatment for these cancers.

I am available anytime through email at marlinmstr@aol.com or by my cell phone at (213) 509-3778 to assist anyone who would like to discuss my experiences dealing with the disease.

Recommended reading:

Report to the Nation on Prostate Cancer, A Guide for Men and Their Families. A copy can be obtained by contacting the Prostate Cancer Foundation at (310) 570-4700 or via email at info@prostatecancerfoundation.org . Their website is: www.prostatecancerfoundation.org

Motorcycle Officer
35yrs on Dept.

I’m in my 2nd round with colon cancer, however it is no longer in the colon. I had a cancerous tumor removed from the colon in 1998 and was cancer free for over 7 years. I was in a preventative chemotherapy regimen for a year afterward, with no evidence of recurrence. However, last year, it reared it’s ugly head again, but this time, it matastisized to the liver and lower left lung. I do not have liver or lung cancer, it is colon cancer in the liver and lower left lung! I’m now on the second chemo regimen (which started so horrendously), if it wasn’t for my wife and children, I would have just told the oncologist to let me go! Things got better, and I’ve been back working since the first month of chemo over a year ago. It’s been great therapy for me, but most important is a family support group, and I’ve found that the LA Police Support Group is a wonderful backup organization for police officers and their families that are afflicted with this disease. I’m looking forward to assisting with roll call training regarding Cancer Prevention, as I have much to offer through my personal experience.

Thanks,
Pat

Brother: Martin Franco (Colon Rectal Cancer)

I will never forget the Saturday morning in 2003 that changed my life forever. My brother Martin, the baby in our family, called and told me he was diagnosed with cancer (colon rectal cancer). My first reaction was total shock. In the phone conversation with him I tried to stay positive. I reassured him that I would be there for him. But when I hung up the phone, all my emotions took over and I cried. I couldn’t believe that my brother, who was in his early thirties, had cancer! I was scared. I wanted to just scream out loud, because he’s a good guy and these things shouldn’t happen to good guys! At first, I felt helpless, but I knew I had to be strong for him if I was going to help him with his illness.

We come from a big family, which is helpful and I am one of five caregivers for Martin. I have learned over the years that each of us deals with the cancer in different ways. In the beginning, I would get very angry because some family members were going along with their lives like everything was okay and I didn’t understand at the time, that each of us deals with crisis differently. It didn’t mean that they loved Martin any less; it meant that we each have different coping skills. I have a better understanding of that now, which helps me a great deal.

My brother is a tough fighter. He has had two reoccurrences and four surgeries so far and we don’t know what lies ahead. What I do know is that we are never alone, which is one of the wonderful aspects about belonging to a Police family. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Cancer Support Group has treated all of us like family. During one critical incident, when Martin was in the hospital, he was in desperate need of blood. The LAPD immediately set up a blood drive and invited other local agencies to donate and recently, they held a bbq fundraiser at Martin’s assigned division, Rampart.

Being a caregiver for a loved one with cancer can be emotionally hard, at some point you just feel numb, because you don’t know what to do or what to expect. It’s like you’ve entered a different world and have to learn a whole new language. It’s surprising how quickly I learned all the medical terminology related to Martin’s cancer (Chemo, CEA levels, CT, etc…). During treatments, days can often feel long, some are good and some are bad. I have seen my brother at his best and I have seen him at his worst. As a caregiver, although I want to desperately take my brothers pain away, sometimes my only option is to sit with him and comfort him as best I can. I do know that I am on a journey with my brother Martin, his wife and children and I will continue to pray and continue to have hope. If you are a caregiver, I will say listen with your heart, love and care for them as best you can.

I Survived – I’m Alive – I Feel and Look Beautiful.

October 2002, I survived a lumpectomy, 4 series of chemotherapy and 5 1/2 weeks of radiation (everyday). May 2005, I experienced recurring breast cancer, but fortunately

had educated myself and when I was told that I would have to go through treatment again that was when I put my foot down and told the doctor to remove my breasts stating that I am going to kill them first before they kill me.

On May 9, 2005, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and a latissimus dorsi flap (left side) — moves muscle and skin from your back when extra tissue is needed. The flap is made up of skin, fat, muscle and blood vessels. It is tunneled under the skin to the front of the chest. This creates a pocket for an implant.

December 2006 was when I underwent a latissimus dorsi flap for the right side. I have had over 10 major surgeries since October 2002 (actually I lost count), with the next surgery–breast reconstructive plastic surgery–scheduled for May 1, 2007 at 3:00 PM at Huntington Memorial Hospital. A few months later, after being examined by Dr. Leif Rogers, he stated “Debbie, I will see in one year.” I was shocked and excited asking the doctor to repeat what he just said. Again, he stated, “Debbie I will see you in one year.” I became very emotional and started to cry, because it was finally over. When I actually reached my vehicle, I was so happy that I started to jump up with excitement.

I never lost faith and was determined to kill the cancer before it killed me. I have many scars on my back and on my chest, but I am not embarrassed of them. I am grateful to be alive, and do not look or feel deformed in any way. You would never know that I had a bilateral mastectomy or missing both my latissimus muscles unless I told you. I owe my life to Dr. Lauren Kim (Primary Medical Doctor), Dr. James Recabaren (Cancer Surgeon-USC), and, more importantly, to Dr. Brian Cox and Dr. Leif Rogers for giving me back the beauty and the confidence of being a woman. I no longer live in fear and I am sohappy to be alive. I truly feel like a beautiful woman thanks to Dr. Brian Cox and Dr. Leif Rogers (Plastic Surgeons).

Brother: Martin Franco (Colon Rectal Cancer)

I have been involved with the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group since mid 2006. When I found out that my brother, Martin had colon rectal cancer, I was in shock. I felt overwhelmed, because I knew how serious cancer was. The first two years of Martin’s treatments, I felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotions, which, in part, was caused by a fear of the unknown. One day Martin asked me to go to the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group meeting with him. He knew that cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but affects the whole family. After going to the cancer support group meeting, I realized what a great need there was to help people who were recovering from cancer. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I offered to provide the cancer support group members with haircuts and manicures. At one of the meetings, a speaker from the American Cancer Society told us about a service they have called “Look Good Feel Good” program, which is set up to assist people who have lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy, with how to wear wigs and scarves and to use makeup so that they will maintain a sense of beauty and esteem while going through their treatments. I have since gone through that training. read more…

What I have learned along the way is how important it is bring a sense of normalness to the life of those you love who have cancer.

Conniefranco64@yahoo.com