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I am so appreciative of the opinion piece in today’s NYT, “What My Cancer Surgery Taught Me About Immigration” (NYT, 06/19/2024). I am reading it as I sit at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where I have been often since 2019. At that time I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was treated by a brilliant female surgeon from Ethiopia, a wonderful oncologist from Colombia, and a delightful radiation oncologist from Chicago (coincidentally an old friend). Dr. Chang performed the reconstruction of my breast. The cancer was small but against the chest wall. The surgery was tricky and a less skilled physician might have left vestiges of the malignancy behind. In fact, my hospital in Atlanta had missed even spotting the cancer through three mammograms. Instead, I believe I am fully cured.
In 2022 I was diagnosed with a different, unrelated cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma, acquired through the lifelong use of asbestos contaminated talcum powder. (Yes, J & J, I’m looking at you.) At the time, such a diagnosis was a death sentence with a four to eighteen month life expectancy. Of course, I came back to MD Anderson for treatment. I was presented with options from chemotherapy to a radical surgery that would have required months of recovery and left me in life-long chronic pain. But I was also told of immunotherapy, a new advancement in cancer treatment to which some people seemed to respond. I chose the option behind door number three, but also prepared to die. Again. I have been cared for with expertise and compassion by a team of people from every continent except Australia and Antarctica. I did respond to immunotherapy robustly, but not without side effects.
Yesterday I learned that my cancer is in remission, an unheard of occurrence three years ago. My primary oncologist thinks I can live another 30 years and die of something else. (At my age that’s a bit too long. My money is on falling on my head, actually, as the cause of death.)
But during this time we’ve learned that immunotherapy used to treat malignancies often creates some troubling autoimmune attacks on non-malignant organs. It certainly has done so with my body: three systems so far. Lest any organ or body part be the next victim, it will no longer be a treatment option for me.
It is my good fortune that a brilliant Chinese doctor here is the world’s expert on autoimmune reactions to immunotherapy. Whatever the obstacle, I am convinced that Dr. Wang, Drs. Patel (I have two of those), Dr. Fossella, and Dr. Liao will fix it.
I counted up my doctors today after reflecting on the Times’ Op Ed. I realized that through two cancers, over a span of seven years, I’ve been treated by immigrants, a scion of immigrants, and two North American gay guys. But wait, there’s more: Dr. Wang’s compassionate PA, Krishna, has provided moral support throughout my treatment. Teddy, Manny, and Billy, the Ethiopian porters at Anderson’s attached hotel, greet me with open arms whenever I return.
We need immigrants for so many reasons, and for so many positions up and down the socio-economic scale, from low level “essential workers” to the most highly paid occupations. We need working-age people to contribute to Social Security while our own birth rate is declining and the population is aging. We need people with the energy and ambition that characterizes immigrants and their first generation offspring. And we need the intellectual input that the scientists, artists, spelling bee competitors, physicians and entrepreneurs from around the world provide. If one assumes that people walking hundreds of miles in hopes of being granted asylum are lazy, I’d say “think again.”
And if you are in need of expert medical care, be very grateful that in the 1960’s, Lyndon Johnson opened up immigration requirements to allow people of all skin tones to grace our shores and to become significant contributors to our healthcare community. I’m thankful for them daily.
Love this so much. I wish everyone would see your drawing and photos and read these words to appreciate how much all of these kind and educated and hardworking people have contributed to your care. How important they all are to so many of us who need healthcare and support in so many ways. And how important you and your writing are!!!
Dearest Christie - Your heartfelt tribute to your many medical professionals from all parts of the globe is extremely touching. Indeed, you are a blessed woman who has also witnessed the power of prayer.
Here's to our Little Flower!
Much Love Always,
Cammie