Suzanne Foster married Jim Foster in 1999, became pregnant in 2002, just ahead of Jim’s being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a second time.  Simultaneously, Suzanne faced two mammoth tasks: going through pregnancy and being chief caregiver for Jim as he battled cancer.  While making her debut as an expectant mom and holding down a job, she crafted a meticulous gameplan, including friends and family, to spearhead Jim’s care.  She gave birth to a healthy daughter, Jessi, while Jim underwent a successful Altologist stem cell transplant and found his way to remission.

In March 2002, Jim felt a lump in his neck.  After seeking medical attention, he underwent a PET scan, which necessitated a biopsy.  It indicated a second diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Suzanne recalls having to attend meetings and classes and learning how to do food prep for Jim.  She recalls a nurse giving her voluminous instructions to how to care for her husband, instructions that were nothing shy of overwhelming. 

While juggling all the challenges of pregnancy, Suzanne devised an organized schedule for Jim’s care.  This included what she had to do and the roles of friends and family.  There were instances in which Jim was too sick or tired to drive himself to his appointments.  Suzanne, while pregnant and part of the workforce, would find a way to provide Jim’s transportation.  At a time when sleep was at a premium, Suzanne would give Jim at IV feed at midnight, 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.  In addition, there were pills she had to give Jim and that required following a schedule.

Suzanne says she was able to stay on top of Jim’s care by writing everything down and putting it in a notebook.

Thanks to a stellar team of doctors, nurses and Suzanne’s care, Jim found his way to remission.  Daughter Jessi enjoyed a healthy childhood and adolescence, competed in sports in high school, before going on to college.  The three of them make numerous trips to their land in Wyoming to be in nature and ride horses.

Additional Resources:

Jim’s website: https://www.cancerinterviews.job

In August 2000, when Bruce Morton went in for his annual physical, he thought it would be a routine visit.  And it was, except for his bloodwork, which revealed a prostate specific antigen (PSA) of 4.1, which got his physician’s attention.  After a subsequent biopsy, he was told in December he had prostate cancer.  His oncologist said Bruce should have his prostate removed, but he was urged to get a second opinion.  He eventually got two second opinions at two separate holidays, a total of four second opinions and all four indicated the same thing: Bruce was a perfect candidate for brachytherapy, also known as ‘the seeds,’ a less invasive procedure in which tiny radioactive needles are placed inside the prostate to kill the cancer.  In February 2001, he underwent the procedure and has been cancer free ever since.

At the time he went in for his physical in 2000, when residing in Hackensack, New Jersey, he had no reason to think anything was wrong with his health.  He was a competitive runner, didn’t smoke, didn’t do drugs and drank in moderation.  So, it came as a surprise when his bloodwork indicated a PSA of 4.1.  He was sent to a nearby oncologist, who said a biopsy was necessary.  It revealed Bruce had prostate cancer.  The oncologist said Bruce should undergo a prostatectomy, the removal of the prostate. 

It was when Bruce discussed his diagnosis with friends that they urged he get a second opinion,  He went to one hospital in New York City, where two cancer doctors said he if wanted, he could undergo brachytherapy, a less invasive procedure.  He went to another New York City hospital and again was told by two doctors he was a prime candidate for brachytherapy, also known as ‘the seeds.’  In February 2001, Bruce underwent the brachytherapy.

In the next few months, Bruce experienced frequent urination, requiring diapers.  He was also alarmed to see his PSA spike.  Doctors told Bruce the spike was not uncommon and with the passage of time, the PSA would come back down, which it did. 

Bruce Morton has been cancer free since 2001.  His PSA is less than 0.1.

By way of advice, Bruce advises anyone diagnosed with cancer to maintain a positive attitude.

Additional Resources:

Cancer Interviews: https://www.cancerinterviews.com

Fans for the Cure: https://www.fansforthecure.org

In this episode, podcast founder, Jim Foster, two-time Hodgkin lymphoma cancer survivor, introduces his co-hosts, Bruce Morton, prostate cancer survivor and Suzanne Foster, patient caregiver.  All three of them explain why it is their passion to be a part of the Cancer Interviews podcast.

Jim Foster, cancer survivor, founder and host of Cancer Interviews provides an overview of what to expect in future episodes, how the podcast was created and who it is dedicated to.