Page 7 - CCC Winter Newsletter.indd

Antacids were not helping and he suspected a hiatal hernia might be the cause. After his examination the doctor returned with a serious expression and Bill realized something more serious was lurking. After a few tests, and a biopsy, Bill was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer.
“When the doctor gave me the news I was blank. Jan, my wife, broke down. My doctor referred us to the Community Cancer for a consultation. The first thing they did was conduct tests to accurately measure the tumor and get a better look at it. Once that was done a feeding tube was installed in my stomach before they began treating the cancer. My cancer treatment began with radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy. We had some rough times” he told us.
The first few chemotherapy treatments caused
the tumor to seize. “I felt like I was having a heart attack. It really made the tumor mad. Dr. Williams adjusted my chemo and the seizing stopped.”
Bill explained. During treatment Bill would get dry heaves and after his last treatment he was really feeling lousy. He thought maybe it was just a chemo side effect. “Luckily, I was going in for a follow up and Dr. Williams told me we’ve got to get you the hospital, right now!” Bill exclaimed. The dry heaves had caused a rupture and internal bleeding. Bill needed blood immediately. “At first they were full, but Dr. Williams arranged for me to check in immediately and I was back home by 9pm. I starting feeling better right away and things are getting better every day” said Bill.
”If you love your job you’re going to do it
right.”
When asked how Bill felt about being treated at the Community Cancer Center he answered,
“A-1. Everybody at the Community Cancer Center appears to love their job and if you love your job you’re going to do it right. I have not had a bad
experience with anybody there, I think it’s because they truly care” Bill answered.
Jan added, “not only do they care for the patient they do the same for the family, including Angel. They told us to bring her in and we did.”
When asked what advice he would offer to others with cancer Bill said, “attitude is the most important thing and you’ve got to have a support group. Jan is my resolve. I can’t say that my experience was pleasant, but it was better than I expected. A whole lot better.”
Now that Bill has completed his cancer treatment his esophagus is scheduled to be removed in early May. Once recovered he, Jan and Angel can starting planning their next adventure. Perhaps it will be after his RV club friends come to visit this summer.
After retiring from telecommunications industry. the Turley’s became members of the Escapees RV club. Through their membership they have made friends in many places across the country. Bill refers to their group as “American Gypsies” who enjoy living on the road and congregating a few times a year to celebrate their special fellowship. On a side panel of the Turley’s RV is the map shown below. The blank states are places offering
new adventures and friends they have yet to meet. Here’s to new friends
and the splendor of new adventures.