Chemo-Savvy

On The Stereo: The Story, Brandi Carlyle

Rutherglen, Scotland. 1946. Sunny. Who would believe it.

I fully realize that I am extremely fortunate. When cancer initially took its first bite out of me, the expectations of survival were less than slim. The more recent discoveries in chemotherapy, immunotherapy and operative procedures have greatly enhanced life expectancy for many - me included. I am also acutely aware that there are certain cancers and situations that offer no solutions, and that outside of prayer and mindset, there is only hope.

I was going to call this blog “Chemo-savvy”, a take-off on the old Lone Ranger television show of my youth. I know there was a newer movie, but I’m ignoring that altogether. My original intent was to discuss in depth the numerous and various types of chemotherapy I have endured over a few decades. I thought the play on “chemo” and Kemo” was clever and cutesy.

For anyone who may have missed the glory days of TV in the 50’s, and I’m guessing that’s most of you, Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels, a Canadian Mohawk, played the Lone Ranger and Tonto, respectively, on a series that ran from 1949 to 1957. It began with an ambush by the Clanton gang of several Texas Rangers in an abandoned silver mine. The gang left, believing the Rangers had all died in the shootout. However, one did survive and was nurtured back to health by Tonto, an Indian who had witnessed the event. The survivor decided to wear a mask to conceal his identity while he hunted down the bad guys who had killed his friends and left him for dead. He made his own bullets out of leftover silver from the mine, instead of lead. You likely have heard the “silver bullet” as a term for a cure. If not, you’re hearing it now. (This is educational stuff you're reading.) Then, as he was almost healed, he realized he would need a new identity. He wanted the element of surprise along with a sense of mystery. He called himself The Lone Ranger. (Get it?) He then began to chase down the evil gang that tried to kill him and successfully, one by one, did just that. It was all very dramatic stuff.

To continue, Tonto always called the Lone Ranger Kemosabe, meaning “trusted friend”. If we have friends like Tonto was to the Lone Ranger, we too can fight back against the disease. The Lone Ranger was nursed back from near death by a stranger, who became his constant companion and best friend.

A plethora of guest actors got their start on that show and went on to long careers in show business. I see them as “friends” of the show. They came on the show at different times and made an impact on that particular episode and contributed to the overall success of the whole series - the “life” of the show. In our lives, we also have had friends come and go at different times. If you are like me, you too might have been particularly affected by someone at a most unexpected moment and perhaps been moved by the kindness of others.

Cancer, when it arrives, is a lot like the Clanton gang. It can precipitate a chaotic and often fatal environment. But, when the dust settles for those of us who survive, it can also incredibly impact our lives, our families, our trusted friends and our faith, often in much more positive ways than we would ever imagine.

And, in my case, after years and years of recurring stage four melanoma, my "silver bullet" was a test drug from Bristol -Myers Squibb. It actually was a miracle cure. I promise to tell you all about that period in my life a little later.

No Clantons in the old neighborhood. They showed up much later.

Over our time together, I hope I can help you to think differently about the disease, how to cope with the illness if you are in treatment and perhaps some hints on helping a friend or loved one living with cancer. I hope to offer some insight as to what has really saved my life, so far. Special people. Trusted friends. You can and may already be someone’s Kemosabe. And perhaps, you might become a little more savvy about the disease and more importantly, our humanity.

I would like to tell you my story, the story of an ordinary man and his extraordinary family and friends - and their 25 year journey of living with stage 4 melanoma. So many of my friends, and especially my daughter, Kristin, have urged me for several years now, to write about my life. Apparently they believe I have something worthwhile to say, so I’ll let you be the judge, if you give me a chance and follow my history, my present and my future, over the next year or so.

I’m going to start with a few stories concerning my life before cancer. These stories will hopefully provide some insight into the people and events that shaped me and helped me to prepare for what was to come.

I hope you might recognize a bit of yourself and those you love in this tribute to the great people that are part of all of our lives. You might well be one of the heroes who has made a difference to a cancer victim. I look forward to hearing from you over the next year or so, and reading your comments and stories - God willing.

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