Community Cancer Center -- Let's grab opportunity

I had been out of the nest for several years before my mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma. It started as a small lump on the side of her neck and then masses were found throughout her body. The diagnosis was not good and, with aggressive treatments, the doctors predicted a life expectancy of two to five years. Obviously, the news stunned our family. My mother was a very strong-willed woman, but how could she possibly fight this angry invader?

I can only imagine how difficult this would be to deal with if I had been a child still needing a mother to direct my life. I recall the day my best friend's mother died from bone cancer when he was just 16 years of age. The trauma he experienced probably played a role in the direction his life took, which was not the path many of us would willingly choose. I was lucky because my mother had already stamped my character with her own vision. I was grown and on my own with an ingrained moral compass to guide my way.

My mother chose to fight as aggressively as the doctors would let her. The unfortunate side to this story is that the treatments would have to be administered in a city about 60 miles away. That was her only option. Fortunately, a cast of many would assist in her travels to and from the distant location. My sister was the lead chauffer, but friends, church members, and many other acquaintances pitched in to help when needed. The network of Samaritans was unbelievable and because we lived so far away, my personal role was that of giving moral support. I was so very blessed, as was my mother.

The chemotherapy treatments began immediately and instant results were achieved. The growth was slowed. During the next 12 years (that's right -- 12 years) my mother went through many different types of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I don't remember a period of longer than three months when she wasn't taking some type of therapy.

Her physical and spiritual strength were so powerful that the poison being administered to her body rarely made her sick. This was a huge burden lifted from an already bad situation. For the last few years of her life, some form of treatment was administered almost every week. She was able to deal with the burden, which gave her a high quality of life.

Fortunately, about halfway through the battle, the local hospital began an effort to build its own treatment facility. The project got off the ground without any hitches and soon the center was able to provide both radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

What a major relief this was to my mother. This enabled her to drive to the center on her own. Her quality of life was further enhanced with the simple addition of the local treatment facility. Her travel time was reduced from a little over an hour one way to a mere couple of minutes. I believe she even asked to "amp up" the treatments, as she felt stronger than ever. During this period of time, my mother never slowed down. Even during a decade-plus of chemotherapy treatments, she enjoyed life immensely. It made a strong woman even stronger.

My mother's name is Marilyn Keller. She lived in Great Bend, Kansas. This community is almost a flatland twin of Marshall. The people are good and caring people. The population is very similar as well.

It is a cold, hard fact that all of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime. Someone very dear to you will be cursed with this disease. How many friends and family members can you think of at this very moment who are fighting their own battle against cancer?

As you all know, it a battle worth fighting. It becomes very important, however, that the battle be fought with all the weapons and tools available. A victim of cancer need not be handcuffed with difficulties which can be easily remedied with the help of the entire community.

Modern research has brought wonderful new medications and treatment practices which have lengthened life expectancy and, in some cases, beaten the disease. The medical community has made fantastic headway in this war. We need to continue this march with our own personal support of the new cancer treatment center in Marshall. I personally know that it will most certainly improve the quality of life for many who are fighting the fight.

Please find it in your heart to assist those in need. You never know who you may help in the long run.

The one lesson I've learned is that you can't hide from cancer. It will find its way into your life in some fashion.

We have a golden opportunity to bring cancer treatment close to home, and I appreciate those with the foresight to dream this dream.

I encourage everyone to consider and do what they can to make this a reality.

We cannot let it slip away.

Keller is from Marshall. These columns on the Fitzgibbon Hospital Community Cancer Center appear every other Monday.