Diagnosis Disclosure: Empower Strength by Owning and Managing Weakness

Donny Wise December 2012

Review of the article in process to correct errors in article…

Being weak is a vulnerability to humans with issues that challenge our physical, mental, and spiritual being through sickness or our own actions. Disclosing about having cancer was not easy, but disclosing being sick and symptomatic did not happen. The reality is that I went to the doctor May 2012 with a certain set of symptoms. It was finding the right doctor who could understand my awareness of my body. I almost died in 2004 from a large tumor in my thyroid and throat being misdiagnosed for almost a year, and a number of surgeries since the 2004 event. I have a history of tumors and periods of sickness from these events. I let my sickness dictate life from 2003-2005 as I became reclusive and isolated. It almost happened a second time as silence was a fortress of stress, but I decided to be open about my diagnosis no matter the consequence to be open.

Thursday or May 16 was confirmation or adjustment of the early diagnosis. I was given a scenario four weeks ago that I had a tumor that was possibly inoperable in a certain area that was being impacted by the tumor. They made a statement that 14 months would be survival time on the inoperable part of the tumor even a benign tumor would result in a short survival time of 18-24 months. I have two areas with tumors, and the most dangerous tumor is the one in the remaining part of my thyroid. The impact is my ability to eat and drink as my esophagus is being constricted due to the vicinity of the thyroid. The doctors believed that the esophagus was in direct contact with the tumor, but tests showed the tumor was close to the esophagus but not integrated. I will have a balloon procedure to open the esophagus and provide protection from the presence of the tumor, and they will remove the tumor and remaining thyroid in August. The second is a pulmonary tumor that will be handled in September 2013. It is a concern but small enough to buy 6 months of time to handle the other two challenges including the thyroid tumor as one of the two.

The second issue is the discovery of a precancerous area in my upper GI track and a cancerous area in the prostate area. The short survival time was taken off the table with news of my thyroid tumor was not in direct contact with the esophagus. The treatment of prostate issues have monumentally changed for younger men in the last year due to treatment of issues such as mine with drastic measures to cause more harm than good. In August, I will have up to three surgeries for them to remove all the cancer areas. The surgery is newer and not pleasant for someone going through 3 surgeries in as many weeks. They are risks with the surgery, and my doctor took an hour to explain this complex issue. August will be surgery month with four total surgeries in the same amount of weeks.

I was happy that 14 months of life was taken off the table, and that a chance of a full recovery is feasible. The actual surgeries will be a painful and tedious experience with the end result being cured. The sickness may take my life, but less likely. I am sick from my thyroid and the esophagus constriction. I was weakened by the two years of sickness and surgery in 2003-2005, and I was becoming less effective to live a normal life over the last year. Disclosure did open a Pandora’s box with many people in their support and encouragement to realization that some of the closest cared the least. My family has been solid for me. I have given up enough life once again being sick. Empower strength in owning my weakness or sickness

My abilities will not be ignored because of a medical issue. I will not be a wounded animal. I will be grateful for each day on this Earth. My friend said to me last night. What is life after Donny? I have known you for 16 years, and I have the most fun with you and hate you at the same time. I am sick, and I need people to see around me being sick. It was nice of my friend to say that statement in a different manner to give me a chance of living. I do thank everyone who has contacted or visited. I want to be active in business or personal activities as much as possible. I am open to ideas during times of recovery or down time. I write this today because this journey takes the next step, and I want to be strong in moving forward. This expression in writing has allowed me to share a personal insight to something very private, and discussion makes me stronger to fight and do what is needed to succeed.