A Profile of Hope - Scott’s Story

In Scott's own words . . .

In April 2003 I was experiencing severe back and stomach pain. This had been an ongoing problem for about eight years. I had seen a few doctors, but no one could figure out what was wrong. I then went to Metrohealth Medical Center where they did CT scans, an MRI and a biopsy. On May 5 of that year (my 40th birthday) I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

I received R-CHOP, lost my hair, had a lot of bed rest, and was in isolation four times due to low blood counts and fevers. It was a tough time dealing with treatments, trying to work as a police officer, and being a husband and father during that time.

I have learned to take life with a different outlook, eat right, live a much healthier life-style, have more compassion towards people, and understand that being diagnosed with lymphoma is not a death sentence.

I am feeling GREAT ever since my doctor said, "Congratulations, you are now in remission." This was 6 months after being diagnosed. I still have anxieties about the NHL, and I have learned to cope with it.

It has changed me in many ways. Since I work for a hospital Police Department, I visit the cancer floor to talk with any cancer patient that needs to talk about any type of cancer. It gives me satisfaction that I can ease some anxieties that the patients may have. I have also attempted to set a world record by collecting donated service patches from various Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Security Departments from around the world to raise awareness of cancer towards civil safety personnel. Once reached, the collection will be auctioned off and proceeds will go towards research on cancer and lymphoma. I also am in many cancer support groups for awareness of cancer for Public Safety services.