Rodger

I am sorry to learn that you've recently joined our tribe of cancer warriors. As to your present situation, you are just in the beginning phase of the fight of your life. You must adopt a warrior's attitude towards fighting your cancer and your other diseases. Take the time to educate yourself and family members about your disease. Also, avoid the "Dr" Google syndrome as it is replete with a lot of bogus misinformation regarding various alternative therapies and treatments. If you do choose to do research on Google, you should use Google Scholar as it contains links to peer reviewed information
and references. There are other literature databases such as Embase, Cochrane, Clinical trials.gov that are reliable sources of useful information. Knowledge is power and helps you to own your disease(s) and not let them own you.

As to having cancer and other pre-existing conditions, I can speak to this issue as I am a 4+ yr survivor of stage 4 squamous cell esophageal carcinoma who has suffered from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, achalasia, GERD, hypertension, pre-diabetes and high cholesterol (collectively called metabolic syndrome) for > 35yrs prior to my cancer diagnosis. My radio/chemo/immuno oncology regimens have caused a few problems, particularly with my blood pressure but also initially improved certain aspects of my MS.

However, I did suffer a catastrophic recurrence and worsening of my MS after my 3rd dose of Keytruda. I spent about 3 months in the hospital and rehab recovering from this. I also developed steroid induced diabetes which was treated with insulin initially but is now managed by metformin. Unfortunately, my oncologist was not very present or helpful during my hopitilization. The hospitalists and my primary care physician managed my care while hospitalized and in rehab. My point here is that it is important that you have your primary care provider actively involved in the management of your cancer as your oncologist is generally not familiar with your prior medical history and management of your existing co-mobidities. Your primary care provider also needs to know about your radio/chemo/immuno-oncology therapy regimens and surgical procedures so that he/she can be on the alert for potential drug-drug interactions with the meds you may be taking to manage your other pre-existind health issues and adverse reactions to your cancer related treatments.

Also, I recommend that you consult with a nutritionist who is experienced with cancer patient management. Exercise by walking or using a stationary bike/peddling/elliptical machine and use of light weights or resistance bands to maintain muscle tone/mass/flexibility. As the saying goes, move it or lose it.

Today, while I am bloodied, I remain unbowed. I try to live each day to the fullest. Some days are better than others but I power through it. As the Stoic philosophers say, let the obstacle become the way. That means you should evaluate your situation, adapt to it or work around it and move on with your life. It is what it is.

Cancer ain't for wusses. You've got to steel yourself for the battle ahead. If you are a person of faith, pray for guidance and assistance. It helps. But remember, that worrying about today, only steals from the promise of tomorrow.

I wish you well on your journey.