Kuliouou man battles rare type of cancer
By Nancy Arcayna, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Reimel, a 42-year-old
Because it is so rare, little is known about the risk factors and treatment. But unlike other types of melanoma, it is not connected to sun exposure.
Since only a few cases have been reported in the islands, Reimel chose to seek treatment at the
Surgery to remove the growth included a small incision to lift the side of the nose so doctors could take a peek inside, he said. Once the procedure was done, Reimel wore a special mask that limited his movement and endured 30 sessions of radiation therapy.
"I went five days a week for six weeks. My energy was completely drained," he said.
Reimel finished the treatments in July and continued to have PET (positron emission tomography) scans every few months to check if the cancer had spread. During a
"Most mucosal melanomas arise from the nasal cavity and the oral cavity. They can be pigmented lesions that grow progressively," said
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and Reimel and his family are hoping to spread awareness about the rare melanoma. They're hosting a Marcus Cancervive Fundraiser Birthday Bash on
Reimel and his wife Noreen, 40, communications manager at Ulupono Initiative, have a blended family that includes three sons,
"When I returned home from our visit to
As a result of Reimel's medical challenges, the entire family has made lifestyle changes including adopting a vegan diet.
"We stopped eating animal products. We're not strict vegans and slide once in a while," he said. "Noreen and I aren't the greatest cooks, but we've been cooking together. I've lost 40 pounds, going from 225 to 185 since starting this diet. I don't get bloated after meals."
The family goes on regular hikes and enjoys the outdoors. Reimel wants to maintain as much normalcy as possible despite a grim prognosis that there is only a 25 percent chance he'll be alive in five years.
"Right now I'm not in treatment, so life feels normal," he said.
He works as a videographer for the
Reimel hopes to continue working full time as he goes through treatment to boost his immune system. He was scheduled to take part in a clinical trial at
Yervoy, another intravenous drug, is his next option but the treatment is
While taking the treatment, he will be monitored for stomach pain, headaches, skin rashes, dehydration, fever and infection. It's not an easy road ahead, but Reimel is hoping to beat the odds.
"I don't want to sit still and not fight. I still feel like a whole person," he said. "I've never been a negative person and don't see myself as a victim. I need to live life, enjoy life."
___
(c)2014 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 778 |
Dawn Mirand of Mount Morris to be next superintendent of Ken-Ton schools
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News