Andy Winnegar

After surviving prostate cancer, Andy Winnegar received a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2021. Catch up on 

Standing up to cancer as a patient can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found a few things that help. Maybe they’ll help you, too. For context, I am a cancer survivor and have had both prostate cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I'm still standing.

You don’t need to be a scientist or a doctor to understand your condition or treatment. Patient-friendly versions of clinical trials, treatment guidelines, and scientific studies are available online. Dig into your family history to see if cancer has affected others; it may reveal patterns or genetic risks that can inform your care or benefit loved ones.

Cancer research has come a long way in detection, treatment, and prevention. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor because, overall, this is your life. You have every single right to know whether a proposed treatment has strong clinical evidence behind it or if it is still considered experimental.

If working brings you purpose, keep working. If you’ve been planning a trip, take it. Don’t wait. Visit friends and family. Spend time doing the things that bring you joy.

And don’t be afraid to talk about your cancer. Sharing your story helps. Some of the best support I’ve found comes from others who are going through it, too. If you can’t find a local support group, look for one online. Ask your oncologist or care team to help connect you.

I’ve also found creative expression (whether it be through writing, painting, or music) to be incredibly healing. There are many ways to share what you’re feeling. Let it out. It helps.

Even with a tough prognosis, keep fighting—but on your terms. That doesn’t mean blindly continuing treatment if it’s no longer working or if the side effects are taking too much from your quality of life.

Talk openly with your doctor and your loved ones. Make your wishes known. Understanding your goals (whether it’s more time, better comfort, or leaving a legacy) will guide your decisions.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying socially connected can make a big difference — not just in prevention, but in helping you stay strong during treatment. There is strong evidence that lifestyle choices impact disease outcomes and overall quality of life.

Start with the activities you enjoy most: yoga, stretching, walking, bike riding, resistance training, running, or hiking, to name a few. Focus on consistency and listening to your body. Keeping a schedule and log may keep you motivated.

Supporting cancer research is more important than ever, especially with declining federal funding. But before donating, take a few minutes to check where your money is going. Not all charities are created equal.

Here are some trusted resources to evaluate organizations:

Charity Navigator: Rates charities on financial health and transparency.

CharityWatch: Offers in-depth reports on how donations are used.

ProPublica and Candid: Provide access to nonprofit tax returns and detailed financials.

Candid’s Foundation Directory: Helps you identify major donors and grant makers.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org): Evaluates charities against 20 standards of accountability.

Fighting cancer takes strength, but it also takes community. Whether you’re in treatment, in remission, or supporting someone else, know that you’re not alone. These strategies have helped me, and I really hope they help you, too.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective as a breast cancer survivor. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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Articles

Cancer patients can benefit from understanding their condition, engaging in activities they love, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers. Researching treatment options and family history can inform care decisions. Pursuing passions and sharing experiences with support groups can provide emotional relief. Patients should prioritize their quality of life and make informed decisions about treatment. A healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can improve outcomes. Supporting cancer research through informed donations is crucial. Community support is vital for those in treatment, remission, or supporting others.

I share practical strategies for living well with cancer, from research and self-care to support, creativity, and wise giving.

How Can We Stand Up to Cancer as Patients? 

I’ve been part of a pilot study for a cancer survivors’ group called Create to Heal, which met at the regional cancer hospital in Santa Fe. We recently finished our final session together, and I’ve been reflecting on how much it has meant to me.

The Create to Heal program is designed to gently guide participants out of their critical minds and into their hearts — a place where the healing process can truly begin. We explored various creative practices — writing, drawing, painting, working with clay, and music — to access deeper emotional healing beyond traditional conversation.

Our Friday afternoon group included seven participants, all women except for me. One member also served as a program evaluator. As a prostate cancer survivor (now in remission) and someone currently undergoing treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, I’ve had experience with cancer support groups, mostly online. This was my first in-person group, and the difference was profound.

From the start, it was an emotional experience. Several group members had endured, or were still facing, cancer and medical conditions much more serious than my own. I was deeply moved and humbled by their resilience. I made a point of telling them how much they inspired me.

By our third session, my emotions spilled over — I cried openly, something I rarely allow myself to do around others. That vulnerability was a turning point. I’ve been working with an existential psychologist for a couple of years, and she introduced me to the philosophy of “here and now” therapy, developed by Dr. Irvin D. Yalom, a Stanford psychiatrist and acclaimed author. His approach emphasizes the importance of authentic interpersonal connection and emotional expression within a group setting.

I’ve read many of Yalom’s works, which explore the human condition and the therapeutic potential of group dynamics. In our Create to Heal group, I began to see exactly what he meant. The atmosphere of shared stories, honest feedback, and creative expression created a safe space where emotional walls came down. It mirrored Yalom’s ideal group experience.

This group helped reduce my feelings of isolation and gave me a much-needed sense of belonging. We often worked through personal issues that had nothing to do with cancer, which was incredibly healing. Cancer may have brought us together, but our human experiences — grief, fear, resilience, hope — were what truly connected us. I felt seen, heard, and accepted.

The creative exercises allowed me to access a part of myself I often keep hidden. Through them, I found the emotional vulnerability and personal growth I didn’t even know I was seeking. I’ve come to recognize just how difficult it is for me to honestly express my emotions — and how relieving and freeing it can be when I do.

Yalom identifies several key principles in group therapy, which I experienced firsthand:

Catharsis: Expressing long-held emotions in a supportive environment can bring powerful emotional release.

Group cohesiveness: The trust and support within a group foster strong emotional bonds and a sense of shared experience.

Existential reflection: Facing illness together naturally leads to confronting deeper questions about life, death, and meaning. These reflections can open doors to greater self-awareness and a renewed sense of purpose.

Our Create to Heal group succeeded in creating exactly this type of space. Through creative expression, it offered us tools to reframe our experience — not just with cancer, but with life itself. It helped us find meaning in places we might not have looked and opened possibilities many of us never imagined.

As I wrap up this chapter, I carry with me the deep emotional insights, personal breakthroughs, and, most importantly, the heartfelt connections I made. Healing doesn’t always come in the form of medicine or treatment. Sometimes, it comes through a paintbrush, a lump of clay, a song — or simply a shared story.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, 

The Create to Heal program, a pilot study for cancer survivors, emphasizes emotional healing through creative practices like writing, drawing, and music. Participants, including the author, found profound emotional release and personal growth by engaging in these activities. The group fostered a sense of belonging and connection, transcending cancer-related issues to address broader human experiences. Inspired by Dr. Irvin D. Yalom's group therapy principles, the program facilitated catharsis, group cohesiveness, and existential reflection, helping participants find meaning and purpose beyond their illness.

After joining a creative survivors’ group, I discovered that emotional expression, art and connection offered a profound kind of healing beyond treatment.

Finding Healing Through Creativity and Human Connection

I’m sitting in a reclining chair in the chemo lounge of Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center, in Santa Fe New Mexico waiting for the pharmacy to deliver the Tylenol and Benadryl I need before one of my four scheduled weekly infusions of Rituxan.

For years, my doctors and I assumed that my mild anemia was due to long-distance running. Maybe it was — but this is something new.

My new family doctor, who specializes in geriatrics, prescribed an antiviral medication used to treat shingles. The seven-day regimen left me nauseated and 10 pounds lighter, but the itching persisted. It wasn’t shingles, as confirmed by two dermatologists.

Eventually, an experienced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) oncologist diagnosed me with CLL — and with it, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a related condition in which the immune system mistakenly destroys red blood cells.

My wife, Judy, accompanies me to the cancer center. The visit begins with an orientation from Joyce, our oncology nurse and educator. Thankfully, Joyce is the parent of a friend of our daughter’s school’s running team, and Paula — another oncology nurse — has a son who played soccer with our son. It’s great comfort to be surrounded by familiar faces.

Still, I’m not well-suited to sitting in the chemo room all day. I struggle with hyperactivity and inattention, which means constant fidgeting, restlessness and difficulty concentrating. I also have degenerative disc disease; sitting too long causes my back to stiffen. So I pace the floor, trying to release pent-up energy without disturbing others. The nurses kindly allow me to wander.

Rituxan works by removing lymphocytes from circulation. It recruits the patient’s own immune cells to attack B-cells. Researchers suggest Rituxan may engage macrophages — a type of white blood cell — to "eat" B-cells through a process called antibody-dependent phagocytosis. It also appears to cause B-cell death through cell lysis.

About 10 minutes after the infusion began, I break into a full-body sweat. I signal Paula and another nurse, and they stop the infusion. I’m given dexamethasone, a steroid commonly paired with Rituxan. The nurses offer a warm towel and washcloth, and I return to normal.

My autoimmune hemolytic anemia may have been lurking for months. For the past weeks, I’ve had relentless nighttime itching that disrupts my sleep. A cold shower offers temporary relief, but it’s maddening. I’ve often been at my wit’s end.

AIHA is a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets red blood cells. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system breaks down these cells prematurely.

By late afternoon, everyone is tired. My infusion bag still has a way to go. Paula sits down across from me, rests her head on her hand, and gives me her full attention.

“I remember you were a fast runner,” she says. That simple sentence opens the door. Running has been my primary recreation since I started marathons in my late 50s. Time passes more easily as we talk. She shares plans for an upcoming trip to Big Bend with her husband. I told her how my brother-in-law loved that region and often took solo wilderness hikes there.

Talking with Paula felt like catching up with an old friend. Though we barely know each other, we share a neighborhood and a history through our children. That brief conversation lifted my spirits. It helped me relax — and prepare for the next visit. I will always be grateful for having such a thoughtful oncology nurse.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.

A patient undergoing treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) shares their experience at a cancer center. Initially misdiagnosed, the patient eventually receives Rituxan infusions, which target B-cells through immune system engagement. Despite challenges like hyperactivity and discomfort, the patient finds solace in familiar faces and supportive oncology nurses. The narrative highlights the importance of personal connections and compassionate care in managing the emotional and physical demands of cancer treatment.

During treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and autoimmune anemia, I found relief and encouragement in a caring conversation with my oncology nurse.

Finding Comfort and Connection in the Chemo Lounge

In 2017, at age 67, I completed the Boston Marathon in under four hours. Despite the achievement, I noticed a shift — my recovery times lengthened, and my running pace slowed. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my fitness journey, one influenced by aging and my diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Aging naturally brings about changes in our bodies, including decreased muscle mass, slower recovery, and reduced immune function. When coupled with CLL — a condition characterized by the overproduction of abnormal lymphocytes — these effects can be magnified. CLL often leads to fatigue, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections, all of which can hinder physical activity and recovery.

Starting treatment at 75 with Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), a second-generation Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has been manageable for me, with minimal side effects. However, the combined impact of aging and CLL has undeniably affected my motivation and ability to maintain an active lifestyle.

Despite these challenges, research suggests that tailored strategies can help older adults, including those with CLL, improve their physical resilience:

Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

Ensure adequate protein intake (1 to 1.2 grams per kg of body weight daily) to preserve muscle mass.

Monitor and address deficiencies in vitamin D, B12 and iron, which are common in older adults and can exacerbate fatigue.

2. Engaging in Strength and Mobility Training

Incorporate resistance training two to three times a week to maintain muscle mass and bone strength.

Practice balance exercises, such as tai chi or yoga, to reduce fall risk and enhance coordination.

Engage in regular aerobic activities like walking to support cardiovascular health and combat fatigue.

3. Prioritizing Restorative Sleep and Managing Fatigue

Maintain consistent sleep-wake cycles and limit stimulants to promote quality sleep.

Pace activities and incorporate rest periods to prevent overexertion, which can worsen fatigue.

Stay up to date with vaccinations, including those for pneumonia, shingles and the flu (non-live vaccines).

Discuss the possibility of immunoglobulin replacement therapy with your healthcare provider if you experience frequent infections.

Practice vigilant hygiene and take precautions in crowded places to minimize infection risks.

Address feelings of depression or anxiety, which are common among older adults, especially those managing chronic illnesses like CLL.

Maintain regular social connections — through family, friends, support groups or community activities — to boost both mental well-being and physical resilience.

Engage in meaningful daily routines, hobbies, volunteer work or spiritual practices to provide a sense of purpose and enhance overall quality of life.

Review medications regularly with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to minimize polypharmacy, avoid duplications and reduce the risk of adverse drug interactions.

Engage in advance care planning by discussing future healthcare goals and preferences, helping to maintain personal control and reduce uncertainty or stress for caregivers and loved ones.

While the path back to exercise may differ from earlier years, it's essential to adapt and find new ways to stay active. By focusing on preserving strength, preventing complications, and personalizing care, we can work with our bodies to maintain resilience and functionality.

Aging and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can significantly impact physical activity and recovery, as seen in the experience of a 67-year-old marathon runner. The combination of aging and CLL exacerbates fatigue, anemia, and infection susceptibility, affecting motivation and activity levels. Strategies to enhance resilience include optimizing nutrition, engaging in strength and mobility training, prioritizing restorative sleep, supporting the immune system, fostering mental health, and coordinating care. Adapting fitness approaches to accommodate these changes can help maintain resilience and functionality in older adults with CLL.

After running the Boston Marathon at 67, I faced new limits from aging and chronic lymphocytic leukemia — but I’ve found ways to stay strong and resilient.

Andy Winnegar

How Can We Stand Up to Cancer as Patients?

Finding Healing Through Creativity and Human Connection

Finding Comfort and Connection in the Chemo Lounge

Rebuilding Resilience: Navigating Aging and Exercise After CLL

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