Rex Harvey sees signs of improvement amid appendix cancer fight
Games Committee guru Rex at 2013 nationals.
Rex continued:
There are three versions of the cancer I have: a diffuse kind with lots of mucus all over inside the abdominal cavity, a defined kind with localized isolated tumors in there and an intermediate version between the two. That is what I have. The diffuse can only be treated with chemo, and the defined kind only by surgical removal. So, lucky me, I get both.
The CAT-scans that I had in June and then in September, after 4 new chemo treatments, were read in Phoenix as “no change,” which was my last news. Well, the Houston specialist went over the scans side by side with us and showed that there was quite a bit of improvement.
So I am in the process of finishing a full bout of 12 chemo treatments and then they will probably open me up again in Houston and take out any remaining defined tumors and do a Hipec again which is the very effect treatment method of circulating heated chemo fluids through my entire abdominal cavity before they sew me up.
Hopefully that would be in February (leaving me free for most of the Track & Field season).
The current chemos that I am taking are harder on me than the first 12 I had last year as they have added another chemical to what I had before or maybe I am just getting tired of them. But I tolerate them much better than most people, so I can’t complain too much. I’ve got 6 more to go (every two weeks).
I work on my construction project almost every day, and while I can’t work too long and hard, I think the physical activity helps me through the treatments.
Like I said before, I hope this is not more about cancer than you want to know.
Not a problem, Rex. Stay strong and in touch.
14 Responses
No, Rex, this was not more than we needed to know. We’re all interested in you, and many of us (including me) appreciate reading about the experience of people with particular cancers, whether common (like lung cancer) or unusual, such as cancer of the appendix.
I have edited papers on cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer, but they didn’t discuss the personal side, which you have provided in your reports on appendix cancer.
Hard to believe that you work on your construction project every day, but then you are someone with great strength. Keep on being strong, Rex, and know that we are behind you.
Hang in there, Rex! We are thinking of you.
Rex, your story may help someone else who is going through a struggle. Thank you for sharing it and best wishes to you.
Rex: Thanks for your update. We do want to know how you are doing along with all the other masters in the world. Your taking the initiative will avoid many emails from concerned masters, even though it takes a lot of effort and courage for you to post this update. Be patient. Our prayers are for your total recovery in the quickest possible time. Christel and Jerry Donley
Excellent news, Rex! You are a fighter/competitor of the highest order. Your positive attitude is most certainly as strong a medicine as any chemical or knife! I wish you a timely recovery so that we can all see you back soon to your healthy self. We admire you, we care about you, and we need you!
Praying for you daily Rex. I was a lot more fortunate. I am only having to take one pill a day (Hormone reduction) for about 5 more months to reduce the size of the tumor (Desmoid Sarcoma) and then they will be able to remove it surgically. The surgery will be tricky and will take 4 surgeons but I was spared the chemo. My medicine so far has had few side effects. I pray that the chemo is not too hard on you. Hearing what you are going through makes me thank God daily for my situation but at the same time it makes me feel bad for what you are having to endure. Hang in there, I believe prayer has power and there are many people sending prayers your way.
In Lyon where Rex was an official I spoke with briefly about some aspects of the competition. It was only after I inquired did I find out about the current cancer. He was so able to focus on the job at hand that any indicators of illness were not evident. That ability to set aside personal concerns or discomfort and focus on what needs to be accomplished is one of the factors that has made him such a champion.
We are all pulling for you Rex. You are one tough dude.
I first met Rex in 1992 at the Spokane Outdoor Masters Championships and watched him win the M45 Pent. This got me interested in trying multi-events. I’ve always enjoyed “running” into Rex, whether in Boston or Brazil. The world needs more people like Rex and we need to “run” into him at a lot more meets in the future. All the best.
Rex..of course we want to know and respond.. Thinking of you brother,
and praying for you…YOU ARE AMAZING!!
Rex, Delighted to hear that things are improving, stay strong. Best wishes from all your friends in the UK.
We love you Rex and I believe in the power of prayer and I know there are many people praying for your well being and recovery. See you soon
Your doing the right thing to stay healthy with body and mind. My friend, know I have you in my prayers.
Good to here you are feeling better, Rex. We’ll keep praying for you.
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