Finding a Way Through Cancer: One Man’s Courageous Story

Cancer changes one’s life forever. Such was the case for John Leonard, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic colon cancer. Here, he shares his journey through his cancer diagnosis, treatment, and where he is mentally and spiritually today.

The Initial Stages of Diagnosis and Treatment

John’s cancer diagnosis initially came from an issue with his appendix, at which time his doctor identified a spot on his lung. That surgeon urged John to get himself checked out as soon as possible, but fear overtook and he delayed investigating the potential presence of cancer. About a month later, the surgeon checked in with John.

“He said, ‘Did you go get this taken care of?’ And I said, ‘No, I haven't.’ I dodged it. I came up with every excuse imaginary to not go and get this fixed because fear had me. It gripped me. Finally, he said, ‘I have a doctor, give him a call.’ That led me to Riverside, where I met Dr. Hamden.”

The first round of treatments John underwent involved chemotherapy. Throughout that experience, he leaned heavily on his spirituality and connected well with the chaplain at Riverside. “Every time I see her, we gravitate towards each other. I had been dealing with another disease in my life that brought me to spirituality and so Denise and I clicked very well.”

John also came to realize that his spirituality helped take away the fear he had previously encountered. Even though those around him, his loved ones, were terrified, John experienced a sense of calm. “I look back and I wonder to myself sometimes, why wasn’t I scared? And I believe it's just because the trust I have in my higher power.”

Getting to the Point of Cancer Free

After six months of intense chemotherapy, John was declared cancer free. He was able to get off the extreme type of chemotherapy and start with a less intense variety. He put his trust in his higher power when it came to treatment, but he also put his trust in Dr. Hamden.

“Dr. Hamden really knows how to say the right things, and act the right way, so he took a lot of fear away from me and he was very upfront. If I had a question, he didn't dodge anything. He was truthful and to the point. He said, ‘John, yes, you have stage four cancer. And if you don't treat this, I'll give you six months to live.’ He wasn't bashful about it. He told me straight up. So, I knew I was dealing with somebody I could trust.”

John also leaned on his Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community for support. With seven-plus years of sobriety, he’d learned important strategies for dealing with life’s roadblocks. Plus, the support of AA was invaluable. “My community is my AA group. That is my family. They keep me spiritually fit. They let me know when I get off track.”

Riverside Cancer Institute: A Place and People You Can Trust

Throughout his cancer journey, John so much appreciated the expertise and warm nature of the staff at Riverside. Not just Dr. Hamden, but every single person who helped him navigate treatment and now remission.

“The staff here is absolutely amazing. They kept me on my spiritual beam and I needed to be there. I didn't need the stress because you know what stress can do to you. It can really cause a lot of damage physically. I didn’t have that stress. This Riverside community is just amazing. I send everybody here.”

Today, John continues to take medication and get infusions to keep his cancer at bay. The good news is, his diligence in maintaining his treatment is working.

“I'm more spiritually fit and mentally I feel like I’m 18 years old again. I can't wait to wake up in the mornings. Before, I was scared to face the day. I'm not scared anymore. I got through it. I just did what the doctors told me to do. They took the steering wheel and were the ones that were in charge. They showed me I could trust. I said, ‘Just tell me what to do and I'll do it.’ That's what I've been doing. And now I'm happy, joyous, and free.”

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