Sandy Roberts Interviews Kin Guest: Scott!

I am so happy to introduce a delightful gentleman, Scott, as a welcomed guest to the Kin Wellness and Support Center.  I had the pleasure to sit in Kin’s warm, inviting, and comfy living room to ask him some questions about his cancer journey and his experiences at Kin. 

I met Scott for the first time at our chair Yoga class where we both were there to begin our time of strengthening-both physically and mentally.  He was a wonderful participant who worked intensely in class, and I felt he would be a great person to interview for the newsletter.

­Scott’s cancer journey-  Scott was experiencing pain in his upper abdomen early in the year.  The pain continued to intensify and in January he sought medical attention where he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s-B lymphoma.  At Fox Chase he was offered two viable treatment plans.  Having a very fast-growing cancer, he chose the more aggressive treatment.  Scott is receiving chemotherapy, as an in-patient at Fox Chase Hospital, for five consecutive days followed by one day of outpatient treatment.  He began his first of six treatments in February and will continue through to Memorial Day.  You can imagine the wearing effects of this treatment on his body, yet he continued to work in the hospital and at home as a salesperson in the technology field.  He worked through his nausea and fatigue and other side effects as best as he could.  Scott has fantastic support from the nurses and visitors at the hospital which has helped him to get through these tough treatments.  His steadfastness and determination have proved to be beneficial.  Currently, following a few treatments, Scott’s recent PET scan shows he is clear of tumors! 

Scott’s personal life-  Scott has been involved with the Knights of Columbus in their connection with Best Buddies, Special Olympics, and Our Lady of Confidence, a group that helps people with special needs.  It was quite evident that Scott is a caring gentleman who loves to give back!  He is so looking forward to returning to some of his favorite hobbies like golfing and fishing as he regains his strength and stamina from his treatments.  He is finding out that as his treatments go on it is getting tougher to keep his energy up while the chemo is building up in his system.  His wonderful wife, Joanne has been right alongside of Scott to support and care for him.  Joanne has become quite protective of Scott as she lovingly establishes healthy routines to keep him as strong and safe as possible.   As with any couple going through this devastating disease together, they anxiously await the result of each blood test and scan.  They are quite optimistic and are taking one day at a time.  They are both looking forward to the end of his treatments so they can return to some normalcy in their family.  Scott has two children, a daughter, and a son as well as two sweet grandchildren.  His son recently got married in Texas and Scott was so saddened when he had to miss the wedding because of his treatments.  That is a tough side effect to handle!  The days are getting warmer and both Scott and Joanne are getting excited for opportunities to be outside, to see more people, and looking forward to trying new things that Kin has to offer. 

 Scott’s time with Kin-  Scott told me even though his treatments are harsh and quite grueling on him, he is beginning to have more joy in his life.  It was through Scott’s wife’s job and connections that she heard of Kin and shared it with him.  His care team suggested Yoga as a core body strengthening activity that he’s really enjoyed at Kin.  Scott says, “Kin came just at the right time to help me in managing my cancer.”  He is looking forward, with excitement, to be involved in more of the classes at Kin and has set a goal for himself to giving back to Kin in the future.  He says, “I am looking toward finding more joys in the months to  come and gaining strength while I rebuild myself.”  He is so happy his wife encouraged him to take on the challenge of working out and getting fit at Kin.  Scott sees Kin as a cancer wellness environment where he can feel comfortable and welcomed while at the same time strengthening his body and enhancing his life.   He loves talking with the other guests at Kin and is so grateful to connect with other people like himself going through their cancer journeys.  “It is better to do it together.” he said.  “It’s a common journey and really helps to lighten the load.”

I can tell you that just sitting and chatting with Scott allowed me to join in on his journey and doing it together is by far the best way!  He made me feel so comfortable in our time together and through our conversation I discovered that he is such a caring man and has found joy in his journey because of his loving family, caring supporters, wonderful care team, and a “kinship” with others here at Kin.  Welcome to Kin Scott, we need you!