Counting Each Day as a Separate Life: My Cancer Journey

By William F. Scharf

THIS IS ABOUT WILLIAM’S CANCER MEMOIR BOOK
.
The UNSEEN WORLD writes for each of us and may take many turns. No matter where you are on the journey, there is a plan and a purpose to what you experience.

If you are struggling, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. I HOPE you continue to be encouraged in reading about my experiences and have seen the transforming work of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Chicago [Zion], Illinois [CTCA] in my life.

It helps me to think about my life as a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end with a newfound DESIRE.

I cannot stress enough to listen to your care team and follow their recommendations.

Also, remember NO two cases are the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369400906

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 by William F. Scharf.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/31/2023

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

839340

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgments

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Appendix

This book is dedicated to all cancer patients to inspire hope and encourage an optimistic outlook for those battling cancer.

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In memory of the kids

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Janeen and William’s three kids

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Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Tracker of Breezy Ridge, a.k.a. Buddy (June 6, 1998–November 3, 2009)

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Golden Retriever Cinnamon, the mountaineer, a.k.a. Princess (April 2, 2001–June 20, 2015)

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Border collie Shelly, a.k.a. Shelly Girl, who was adopted in December 1993—she was about one year old—and made her birthday on February 14, 1993 (February 14, 1993–June 9, 2008)

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PREFACE

F IGHTING CANCER IS a battle that is not won just by medicines, chemotherapy, radiation, and a great team of doctors.

Becoming cancer-free also requires a constant stream of strong willpower, faith, hope, love, and most importantly, a positive attitude.

As a cancer patient whose cancer is inactive since April 2016 in my body, I have emerged stronger. I’m focusing on making every day of my second chance count.

My survival isn’t just a personal victory. I love it to be a true inspiration to millions of people who are hoping to beat the odds and come out stronger.

I hope my inspirational stories are the stuff miracles are made of. I ask each of you to be a part of my journey by supporting me to live life to the fullest.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

E XPRESSING GRATITUDE TO my cancer care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) Chicago (Zion) that contributed in numerous disciplines to my cancer-free journey: Bruce Gerhenhorn, DO; Dr. Karan Shah, a radiation oncologist; Dr. Carol-Bier-Laning, an otolaryngologist; Cynthia Ingram, BS, RN, HN-BC, COHN-S, an animal therapy coordinator; Tori, a therapy dog; Michael Uhl, LMFT, Mind-Body Medicine; and countless others at CTCA Chicago (Zion).

My friend Steven R. Box took me in as a brother and provided much insight and understanding of CTCA and his fur kid, Ginger.

Janeen, your participation, contributions, and words alone do not offer justice. I’m grateful for you and sharing of your fur kids, Foxy and Grumpy Gus.

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Cancer Treatment Centers of America®

Meaning of Cancer Treatment Centers of America Logo

Affectionately known as tree-boy-dog, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) logo originated with our founder and chairman, Richard J Stephenson’s family crest and motto, Celebrate Life.

To celebrate the energy and hope of youth, Mr. Stephenson commissioned a vibrant painting that includes a young boy playing alongside his faithful puppy. An oak tree towers over the child like a watchful parent.

Mr. Stephenson chose the tree-boy-dog logo to represent the spirit of our patients’ CTCA® experience:

• The tree reminds us of our capacity to deal with the changes and problems that surround us. It reminds us to hold onto hope and persevere when faced with any challenge.

• The boy and his dog convey the optimism of youth and allude to the new beginnings, soaring spirits, years of love, laughter, and loyal friendship—the richness and joy of life and all it offers.

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CTCA plants trees in honor of every CTCA patient who has survived five years. We have already planted hundreds of trees. Our goal is to plant a forest.

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CTCA Chicago first opened its doors in 1988, founded by Richard J. Stephenson, a bereaved son who lost his mother to cancer and dreamed of a hospital that could provide advanced cancer treatments in a caring, compassionate setting. Now, thirty-one years later, CTCA Chicago provides cancer care at three area locations.

Cancer Treatment

Centers of America

(Suburban Chicago)

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1988

American International Hospital

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2019

Cancer Treatment Centers of America® Chicago

CTCA is an organization with opportunities available to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or social class.

I believe as one goes through the darkness, CTCA will guide you to the light by using leading technology to aggressively treat cancer and other therapies.

2015

William F. Scharf of Arizona

My cancer journey from innocence to mature

awareness—what an adventure!

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR CANCER JOURNEY.

WHEN AND HOW DID IT BEGIN?

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I T ALL BEGAN in my local hometown, seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor in the summer of 2015. I just completed my yearly physical, and it showed my thyroid level was in the alert range. The ENT doctor was convinced that the mass on the side of the neck was an overactive thyroid. I asked to have a biopsy performed on the mass. The ENT doctor did not see a reason to perform a biopsy test.

In August 2015, I noticed the mass was growing on my left upper neck, which over time is associated with difficulty in swallowing and a sore throat. In October 2015, the mass continued to grow and symptoms deteriorated with the hoarseness of my voice.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) was located by using the World Wide Web, searching for cancer hospitals and centers near my hometown. CTCA Phoenix was located, which led to a phone call. CTCA Phoenix followed up with a phone call inquiring about diverse medical-related questions. CTCA followed up with medical forms, and CTCA assembled my medical history.

In a few days, I received a call from CTCA Phoenix with good news and some bad news, depending on how one looks at receiving the news. My insurance was approved (good news), but it was under the umbrella of CTCA Chicago (Zion), Illinois, (bad news). If I choose to be evaluated, I will have to travel to Illinois. So plans were made to travel to CTCA Chicago from November 30 to December 10, 2015. At CTCA Chicago and Midwestern Regional Medical Centers, I would receive additional evaluation and management recommendations.

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Where were you when you were told you or your loved one had cancer?

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On December 2, 2015, at CTCA Chicago, I underwent a left neck biopsy. On December 3, 2015, I was seen by Dr. Carol Bier-Laning, an otolaryngologist, and Bruce Gershenhorn, DO, a medical oncologist. Dr. Bier-Laning performed an ENT scope to confirm the mass.

The biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma (metastases) with multiple head and neck Stage IVa malignant tumors. The diagnosis disclosed Stage IVa cancer tumors of the oral cavity, the left side of the neck, and the tongue.

Options were explained to me, such as surgery followed by radiation, chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and definitive chemotherapy.

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What emotions were you experiencing when you heard the diagnosis?

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When upon learning of my diagnosis of having Stage IVa cancer tumors of the oral cavity, the left side of the neck, and the tongue, I felt shocked, disbelief, fear, anxiety, guilt, sadness, grief, and anger.

My first emotion was shock. I was not ready—I should say no one is ever ready—to hear one has cancer. I wondered why it happened to me and why life has treated me unfairly.

I saw cancer as a roadblock to a life full of health and happiness. It was difficult to feel positive and upbeat, especially when the future was uncertain.

It was challenging in the beginning to think about anything but my diagnosis. It was the first thing I thought about each morning. Yet I want patients diagnosed with cancer to understand it does get more acceptable.

Understanding my cancer diagnosis and embodying what cancer will mean in my life is challenging.

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What was the reaction from your friends and family?

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When friends and family learned of my