Cantonese Cancer

For some reason tonight I found it necessary to look for blogs that talked about Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. What I found is a number of articles (you can read a couple here and here) talking about a new study that has identified a genetic risk to NPC . I also learned that my cancer is also called the Cantonese Cancer. Once again reinforcing the fact that I may be an Asian Man in disguise...

Actually, what these articles really mean to me is the serious consideration of genetic testing. The Tri-Athlete Goddess who works down the hall from me has been going through the testing. I couldn't begin to describe what she has gone through in the past year that lead her to the testing. However, her experience made me consider my options. Until today I didn't feel the need, now I'm wondering if I need to reconsider for Baby Chang's health.

In addition to the articles about the recent genetic links I read about a Tenor living in NYC and a 17 year old girl living in the UK who were also diagnosed with NPC. I feel a weird connection to both the Tenor and the young girl (neither appear to be Asian Men living in China either). I find it odd that someone in the same business I'm in has been diagnosed with this obscure cancer and then my heart breaks for this young girl. At 35 I struggled to understand what was going on and had a few breakdowns when I couldn't take the treatment anymore. I know at 17 I would have been overwhelmed to put it mildly.

When I finished treatment my radiologist had two of his patients call me, both welcomed me to a club that none of us ever wanted any part of. One had just hit his five years, cancer free anniversary. Now that is a club I can't wait to join!

After my post about the new side effects that I'm dealing with, a friend reminded me to look at the bright side and celebrate life. Though some days that is impossible most days I only have to see Baby Chang's smile to be able to see what is good in life.