My story began in the winter of 1997 around February. I began to feel lethargic with mood swings and loss of appetite. I began to have nightmares and sweats every night. My sleeping habits became longer and longer. I would work for 4 or 5 hours and sleep for 18 hours, very frustrating! After having my blood tested, I was referred to an oncologist in Lodi, California, for further testing. With the results of numerous tests, ( i.e. MRI, blood, urine, CT Scan), it was determined that I had renal cell carcinoma, (kidney cancer).
As one would expect, I was shocked that I could have cancer. It seems that everyone views cancer as a death sentence, but out of ignorance or fear I viewed this as a challenge. "Let's get on with it!"
My right kidney was removed in May 1997. Encapsulated in the kidney was a 7 cm. tumor. It appeared to have localized itself and stayed within its host. Further checks of the surrounding lymphnodes and arteries supporting the kidney substantiated my belief.the belief that the cancer had returned after approximately 14 months of remission.
In August 1998 I had been experiencing pain in my right shoulder. My family doctor recommended we keep a close watch on the area. I had an MRI approximately 2 weeks later that confirmed a tumor in my right scapula. The next day I had a CT scan of the abdomen showing numerous tumors on my liver and upper right lobe. By this time I was starting to feel the affects of the suspected cancer. On September 1st, I had a needle biopsy of the right kidney bed area. The test confirmed our worst nightmare; I had matastised! On September 4th, I had appendicitis and was admitted to Lodi Memorial Hospital where it was removed. The doctors also removed a portion of the omentum, having a metastic tumor. They also noticed many nodules in the liver, which coincided with the CT scan showing metastic renal cell carcinoma. I was in the hospital 7 days and then released home.
I
started radiation treatment on my right scapula, 5 days a week for 5 weeks. On November 3rd, I had 3 units of blood administered to me at Sonora Community Hospital, I felt much better.
On November 4th, my wife and I met Dr. Minor for the first time. We left this meeting with hope! Dr. Minor quickly got me into California Pacific Medical Center, (C.P.M.C.), to begin pre-treatment testing. I was given 3 more units of blood. Dr. Minor noticed a small tumor in the left side of my brain. Dr. Minor contacted a neurosurgeon, who removed the tumor on November 12th. At that time, I was given four more units of blood.
On November 30, 1998, I started treatment at CPMC of high dose Interlukin 2 and low dose Alpha Interferon. I also received four more units of blood during this weekly period. I developed a slight case of pneumonia, received antibiotics, rested for three days and was released home. I had a total of eight treatments, from the period of November '98 through June'99. Somewhere around the fourth treatment I started making blood on my own and was responding well to the treatments. In total, I had received 22 units of blood and my cancer was diminishing. Dr. Minor stated I had two tumors left but they were 75% smaller in size. It was this time in one of Dr. Minor's bedside visits, when he stated "boy, Dave, I wasn't sure I could help you at first...but now it looks like we can beat
this." I must say those were very comforting words.
After the sixth treatment, I was cancer free! Dr. Minor suggested we do two more rounds of therapy as a precaution.
On June 14th, 1999, I was released home from my last treatment. I still see Dr. Minor monthly and I can honestly say that these check-ups are alot easier to attend!
I
believe I responded so well to the therapy because of all the support I was given. My family, my wife in
particular, was a pillar during this whole ordeal. I don't know how she put up with all the craziness. She is a real hero in my eyes! My mom was at my side in the hospital and at home... always there for me! My sister Carrie, helping me march one night and staying with me for 24 hours, (strength in numbers). The staff at C.P.M.C. is outstanding; from housekeeping to admissions, all the way to the nurses in the TICU, and the MSICU. I have never met a more caring and professional group of people in my life. Dr. Minor's office staff... well they're something special, friendly, caring, and warm. Last but not least, I owe my life to Dr. Minor. His on time professionalism and extreme knowledge of his profession makes him a pillar of strength among his fellow doctors and everyone who is impacted by his talents!
I
have to say that I'm a believer, "Miracles can happen!" Thank you Dr. Minor!
Update August 2007:
David Manners continues his good health, maintaining a complete remission, now living in Port Townsend, WA. He moved to Washington State about 3 years ago after his divorce; David had lived in the Puget Sound area when he was a child and had wonderful memories of living on the water. He currently manages the paint department at the local hardware store and also does small jobs using his contractor’s experience. David is engaged to a wonderful woman named Kristen and is ‘just living everyday’. David’s phone number has been updated and he welcomes phone calls from anyone reading this who would like to know more about his journey.
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