Living with cancer and celebrating

written by: Kim Christiansen

2 years ago

DENVER - Living and surviving cancer is something to celebrate. This week, cancer survivors are telling their stories and celebrating life.

Richard Dickerman and his wife Lois have an incredible story to share.

Richard, who prefers the name Dick, was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer in November of 2004. He was given three months to live.

Dick and Lois were stunned by his diagnosis, mostly because he was in great physical shape and they had just returned from a challenging hiking trip to Machu Picchu.

Esophageal cancer is the second deadliest behind pancreatic cancer. Dick and Lois realized his chances of survival were less than 1 percent.

Still, they chose to fight for every day of life, even if it was just three months.

Dick found a team of physicians at the University of Colorado Cancer Center with an aggressive plan. He would undergo chemotherapy and radiation and take part in two clinical trials; one using three kinds of chemo drugs and the other using speres or beads placed directly in the tumor in his liver.

Almost 4 years later Dick is considered cancer free, and a living example of determination, strength and survival.

Former university professors, Lois and Dick were frustrated by the lack of information online about esophageal cancer and the lack of a network for support.

As a result, Lois has made many contacts through chat rooms and is now the president of the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (www.ecaware.org ), an online support group. The online group has monthly teleconferences and Lois is online daily offering support and information to newly diagnosed patients and their families.

Since his cancer diagnosis, Dick and Lois have enjoyed many trips to Greece and to visit their grandchildren in Texas and Ohio. Like every cancer survivor they realize how important it is to live in the moment, and appreciate every simple pleasure.

For more information on Esophageal Cancer, you can call the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association at 1-866-370-3222 or go to www.ECAware.org.