Finding a Glimmer of Hope
In the Fight Against Lung Cancer:
by Ralph Gouda - Lung Cancer Canada
Copyright © Lung Cancer Canada 2005

The life of Denis Caspar is truly an inspirational story of hope and determination. Denis, at age 53, is an esteemed husband, father and grandfather; as well as an accomplished visual artists, author and aspiring violinist. Denis’ passion for life and adventure has led him to take on many out-going activities, his newest venture- parachuting.
In October 2006 Denis was diagnosed with lung cancer. His symptoms began with intense pain and pressure in his chest, followed by the sudden loss of voice. At first his family doctor prescribed antibiotics which did not help. Denis was then recommended to an ear, nose and throat specialist who requested a CAT scan and x-ray of his neck and lung. The tests results revealed what Denis has suspected all along, he had lung cancer.
Further tests at the Notre Dame clinic in Montreal Quebec confirmed a growth of two tumors on his aorta (large artery leaving the heart) which were inoperable. By December 22nd, two months after his initial diagnosis, the situation appeared to be very serious and untreatable by radiation due to the proximity of the tumor to the aorta. Massive doses of chemotherapy was employed and proved to be very effective. The size of the tumors had reduced by 70% following chemo treatment cycles. His oncologist was very encouraging, impressed and pleased with the outcome of treatment and told Denis that he was possibly in partial remission.
“When I was told about the diagnosis I was not surprise being a smoker and having worked in areas of glass fiber and resin for many years. However I did feel very guilty and I remember wishing I could disappear from the face of the earth”, recalls Denis. Shortly after this brief episode of despair, Denis decided to take a positive and combative attitude to live a full life, one day at a time. Denis thanks his spouse and children who were extremely supportive and encouraged him every step of the way.
Working with his wonderful team of doctors and nurses, Denis took it upon himself to take an active role in maintaining his physical and mental health. He first decided to make the effort to walk everyday. The first day he walked 100 meters, and kept increasing the distance daily. At present he walks between 2 and 8 km a day. Denis also decided to write a book and is considering making an animation film. This spring Denis plans to jump from a parachute, an adventure he has always dreamed of doing; and will continue painting portraits and other art, an interest that he is good at and enjoys immensely. Denis says “I do not believe these projects or my hopes and dreams will cure my illness, however they allow me to accept and live in harmony with my condition”.
When asked for words of wisdom and encouragement to other lung cancer patients, Denis said “Speak about your illness with your family, friends and even your doctor. Find ways to understand your emotions and remember that humor can be a great help in coping with cancer. Also try not to isolate yourself. Instead, go out and meet with friends, family and your neighbors-keep as active as you can. And last but certainly not least, try occasionally to lock your cancer in a drawer. For a few hours each day, try to forget about your cancer as much as you can and liberate yourself.”

Bravo Denis-chapeau!
Interview by Ralph Gouda, LCC past president and LCC Founder.
http://www.lungcancercanada.ca/

Cancer just appeared in my life and, despite its repulsive and frightening aspect, I refused to become overwhelmed by negative emotions such as the fear of death or depression.
The diagnosis was quite serious : stage IIIb and then stage IV ; inoperable due to its position on the aorte artery ; too wide spread for radiotherapy. The aorta was surrounded the tumour at the level of the cross, the glands in the mediatin were infected and there was a small suspicious lesion at the bottom of the left lung, near the back.
There were only two options left open to me: chemotherapy and my own will to confront the problem. Once past the intial shock, depression was quickly replaced by a positive and combative attitude. After first getting used to the idea that I would die of this disease and then accepting this fact, I pursuaded myself that I could get better or, at least, live a few more years with the disease. This new attitude quickly drove away the dark thoughts and I urgently felt that I had to take full advantage of every single day as though each one was a little life itself.
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SALVATION PROJECT: A LIFE BOARD WITH A SAIL

Early on, I gave myself fixed objectives, a kind of contract, a personal way in which to develop a means to continue life with cancer, while at the same time being able to accept the inherent ups and downs. I needed to find a simple image, a constructive and positive metaphor which I could use at any moment, in any circumsatance, no matter how the situation was to evolve.
I chose to approach my journey through this illness by comparing myself to a navigator (not a very good one because I know absolutely nothing about sailing) about to sail across the Atlantic on a wind surfer. It is a nice challenge, but for this type of adventure, one had better be well prepared !
So, it was for this preparation that I started my adventure. All the equipement had to be in top shape ; compasses, star charts, knowledge of the currents, physical training, a means of communication with land : the strict minimun needed to avoid becoming « The Raft of the Medusa ». In my metaphor, the surf board represents the medical team, the onclogist, the pivotal nurse, the psychiatrist, as well as the actual treaments; the sail represents my family and friends who play an essential role in the journey; and the mast, is my wife, the only real solid structure I can hold on to when the going gets really rough. A mental preparation is fundamental for such an expedition.

Out of the many projects, I think two must be given a particular attention: working with videos and painting. My video therapy started from a gift that I received from my spouse for a rather dark Christmas. The goal of this gift was to gather some souvenirs, but the greatest discovery for me was the opportunity to make various videos, something that I never had time to perform. The result of this process was a dozen of films without any other special purpose but therapy, a motive to distract myself, a mean to envision and to communicate with the others of what is going on, a look at my illness, life, the friends to whom we want to open our heart to, the bonds the we want to disengage, finally an astonishing tactic to dispel my anxiety and the dark thoughts, mock this illness and tackle this situation with humour. Video therapy had helped me to change my mind about this illness rather than living in the dark or feeling pity for myself. The greatest thing about it is that it works and it is wonderful!