PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Sharing stories of personal journeys with cancer to inspire others and providing valuable information on local resources to help those in their fight against the disease were key themes at the County Cancer Conference held May 9 at TAMC.
U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) delivered the keynote address at the event, which was co-sponsored by TAMC and C-A-N-C-E-R (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery). He shared his personal cancer survivorship story and spoke about the importance of affordable health insurance for early detection.
At the age of 29, King battled a serious and aggressive form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma, which was discovered during a routine check-up that he otherwise would not have gone to had he not had health insurance. That experience undergirds King’s support of the Affordable Care Act and its goal to make quality health care more accessible.
“Forty years ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, but I’m still here today because — thanks to health insurance — I went to the doctor when I otherwise wouldn’t have, they caught the cancer early and were able to treat it. But not everyone is as fortunate as I am,” he said. “Today, millions of people continue to face cancer, and they do so with determination, power of will, and remarkable optimism.
“That strength is supported by the unshakable love of family and friends, and by caregivers, like those here at TAMC, who dedicate their lives to helping others,” said King. “And today, we stand together — as family, as friends, as a community — to remember those we lost and to renew our commitment to fighting this terrible disease, and one day, finding a cure.”
A key message King wanted conference attendees to take away: “Cancer is still a terrible disease, and we still need to stay on cures and treatments, but it is not the end.”
That message was one that was echoed by Betty Dumond of Portage, a cancer survivor who was among those who served on the survivor and caregiver panel during one of the conference sessions. Dumond has battled cancer four times over the past 14 years and is currently undergoing maintenance treatment.
“My journey was very difficult, like all cancer survivors, but I am here. I want people to know that there is hope at the end of the rainbow,” said Dumond. “If I can help just one person, I hope to do that.”
Dumond stressed the importance of those fighting cancer to have a positive outlook.
“You have to work on your mental state as much as the disease. You need to try to live ‘normal’ and not let the cancer take over,” she said. “The staff here [Aroostook Cancer Care] does a great job to build spirits and help you live normally.”
A resource panel was also held as part of the conference, with panelists from a variety of organizations that support cancer patients and their families. Among those serving as panelists was Sue Nickerson, a founding member of C-A-N-C-E-R, a central Aroostook County non-profit organization that offers programs to support individuals and families dealing with the disease.
“I lost a dear friend and then my father to cancer, but the real impetus for starting this group came after my 4-year-old grandson was diagnosed with cancer,” explained Nickerson. Thankfully, her grandson fully recovered. He graduated with honors from college and has now started his career. Nickerson herself is a breast cancer survivor, and her husband lost his battle with cancer in 2010. Her son is now battling the disease.
“It’s very traumatic to hear the word cancer — even today, and I’ve heard a lot of it,” said Nickerson. “You need to do the best you can do to get through it.”
Friends and family, and organizations like C-A-N-C-E-R, make a big difference, according to Nickerson. “We all need that little extra support, and I don’t just mean monetary. Let them know you are there for them. Pick up some groceries, make a phone call, stop by to visit, make them laugh.”
Speaking to attendees as part of a provider panel were Dr. Arjun Sood, TAMC hematology oncology provider, and Dr. John Mullen, TAMC radiation oncology provider. Both provided insight into the services provided for cancer patients in Aroostook County and answered audience members’ questions.
The event concluded with preview tours of the new Aroostook Cancer Care Center at TAMC, which is undergoing a significant renovation to improve and expand treatment.
