Preparing for Treatment: A Personal Reflection on Cancer

As I prepare for the inevitable — though not death — I find myself on the brink of beginning treatment for my chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This transition brings a cascade of emotions: anger, apprehension and deep reflection on my journey with cancer.

I’ve lived with CLL for three years, heeding the CLL Society’s advice to delay treatment. Research supports this approach: starting treatment too early often means needing it again sooner with no measurable benefit. But as my oncologists at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center and Christus St. Vincent’s Regional Cancer Center have noted, the time for treatment will likely come in 2025.

The knowledge that treatment carries its own burdens — vulnerability to infections, fatigue, bloating and other side effects — has kept me vigilant and thoughtful about this next step.

Facing Fatigue and the Challenges of Aging

Of all the potential side effects, fatigue worries me the most. Running, even at a slower pace since turning 70 (I am now 75 years old), has been my solace. It clears my mind and quiets my anxieties. However, a recent fall while running left me with broken ribs, which sidelined me temporarily. The thought of treatment threatening this cherished part of my life is hard to bear.

Adding to this challenge is the frustration of aging itself. Time chips away at my endurance and strength, which amplifies my concerns as I approach treatment.

This is not my first brush with cancer. Years ago, I faced prostate cancer, now in remission. CLL, a slow-growing blood cancer, is a chronic condition and unlikely to claim my life. Yet it heightens my susceptibility to other cancers — a persistent, if not looming, threat.

Living and Thriving Despite Cancer

Despite these realities, I remain focused on living. Researching my options and understanding my disease has empowered me to embrace the present. I take joy in my family’s milestones.

My wife stays active with yoga, swimming, biking and we often take walks together. My mother, who will turn 97 years old on January 1, 2025, lives nearby in Santa Fe, New Mexico, keeping close ties to our family. My daughter has two young girls, aged one and three, and my son recently welcomed a baby boy. These bright moments are a constant reminder that life’s beauty persists, even in the face of health challenges.

Steps to Reduce Cancer Risk

If there’s one thing cancer has taught me, it’s that while some of us may be predisposed to the disease, we can still take steps to lower our risks. My father, who lived to 100, managed his blood cancer alongside other age-related disabilities. While he followed his doctors’ advice, his lifestyle wasn’t always healthy.

A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding environmental pollutants like dirty air and water can significantly reduce cancer risks. Many in my generation grew up unaware of these connections. Smoking, excessive drinking and exposure to toxins were commonplace.

For younger generations, cancer prevention is less about undoing the past and more about making informed choices today. Balancing career, family and health while prioritizing screenings and preventive care can make a lasting difference.

The American Cancer Society recommends that screenings for colon, breast, cervical, skin and prostate cancers begin at age 45. For those with a family history of cancer, early screenings are especially critical. A healthcare provider can help tailor a screening plan to your needs.

Moving Forward

Cancer may feel inevitable, but it isn’t. By embracing healthier lifestyles and prioritizing early detection, we can fight back. As I prepare for this next phase of my journey with CLL, I remain hopeful, grateful and committed to living fully — one day at a time.

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