At the beginning of March this year, I began the fight with my Goliath. My Goliath is a rare form of bladder cancer. When I received the diagnosis, I started down the road to treatment.
If you have spent much time navigating the mysterious world of medicine, you know how confusing that can be. Language and terms are tossed around, and soon one’s brain begins to cloud. Wife Cindy and I were bewildered, but then my first cousin David stepped in.
David worked for 30 years at CDC, conducting clinical research all over the world. He has kept abreast of changes in treatment and genetic research and is currently studying genetics in order to help people improve their lives.
Upon hearing of my diagnosis, David became my patient advocate. He knows doctor speak. The physicians pick up on that and take his questions and suggestions seriously.
Even though he lives in Atlanta and is very busy attending genetic classes while raising his son, David makes time to accompany Cindy and me to our many appointments with the respective specialists. When he can’t go, he still participates in meetings via a group call or by listening to the recordings Cindy makes of the visit, which she then forwards to him.
David set me up with Emory in Atlanta for a possible clinical trial. He has now directed me to a specialist at Dana-Farber in Boston for a second opinion. He may accompany us for that as well.
David does research constantly on my type of cancer. He is always there when I need someone to hold my hand. He shoots straight with me.
I do not wish to diminish the support I receive from family and friends. Cindy is my strength. Sons Seth and Jesse have come twice for two-week periods from their homes in California. I am surrounded by earthly angels.
In these times of diminished healthcare and cutbacks of essential research projects and exploration, I wish everyone could have a David. Supportive family, hordes of earthly angels, and advocate David; please, Lord, let it be.
I am blessed.
Daniel Arp is a KnoxTNToday contributor.
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