Tom Dempsey, a star young reporter for Kansas City’s 41 Action News, recently went public with news that he’d been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Now, he’s opening up about a really important aspect of the cancer journey — realizing when you need to reach out for help from others, and just how much that help can mean.
In a column published on 41 Action News’ website today, Tom shared his own experience of finding out he had cancer — and how much it meant for his family and co-workers to rally around him. The sentiment is one that many members of the SurvivorNet family share. When you’re facing something as serious as a cancer diagnosis, it’s OK (and important!) to lean on those around you for support.
Read MoreA heartfelt message:
Last Friday, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The adventure ahead brings plenty of uncertainty and terror but I have an amazing medical team on my side and I am ready for the fight.More comments below.
-Tom pic.twitter.com/kjX9Drmw8N
Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) May 17, 2019
Tom is only 31 years old, and a New Jersey native — working a busy schedule as a TV reporter. A cancer diagnosis was definitely not something he expected to appear on his plate. Like so many survivors, his reaction upon first feeling some symptoms was to hope and pray that it wasn’t cancer. He was experiencing some mild discomfort and a few sharp pains in one of his testicles, so Tom decided to see a doctor. Testicular cancer is a very treatable cancer if it’s caught early enough. Lucky for Tom, it was.
Still, the anxiety and fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis is not easy on anybody. When discussing how to handle a diagnosis emotionally, Dr. Susan Parsons, of Tufts Medical Center, told SurvivorNet a few months back that she encourages all of her patients to just be kind to themselves — and take things one day at a time. “As a care team we need to give people permission to be who they are, and to give them the support they need to get through their treatment,” Dr. Parsons said. “And get through their treatment in a way that keeps them as in-tact as possible … not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, spiritually … so that they can actually face a life after cancer that is fulfilling to them.”
For Tom, that meant finding strength in those around him. He described in his column how much it meant for him to get gifts, and cards with well-wishes, and even just kind words from friends and colleagues. He explains that his girlfriend Nicole has been there with him every step of the way — really letting him know that he is not alone in his journey. “Having Nicole by my side on the day of the diagnosis, and all the others to follow, was crucial for me,” he wrote. Nicole even arranged for bracelets with #TomsArmy to be made, along with the message “No one fights alone” for friends and loved ones to wear.
We’re often told by survivors that cancer affects the whole family, and sometimes it can affect a whole community. But there’s something incredibly special about loved ones coming together to rally around a person taking on this battle. Tom’s message is that no one should have to fight the disease alone.
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