Cancer Fighters Stories - March Update
Get to know Terry Alger
Terry Alger, 58, is a small town guy from Elkton, VA who worked most of his life as a rail road engineer and has a genuine love for showing cattle at 4H events. A father of five children, Terry’s life seemed fairly normal until he started having abdominal pains. After a visit to his family doctor and a battery of tests, Terry was given the unfortunate news that he had pancreatic cancer. Being the relentless fighter that he was, Terry was determined to find the best treatment options for his cancer type. During his search Terry discovered that his cancer had spread from his pancreas to his liver and was told by his doctors in Virginia to go home and get his affairs in order.
Terry refused to accept a “go home and die” mentality and began to dig a little deeper in his treatment options search. One morning his sister-in-law was watching television and saw a commercial for Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) and passed the phone number on to Terry, urging him to call. He took her advice, and within ten days of the phone call he began treatment with Dr. Willis at CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center.
Terry began an eight week chemo regimen in June 2009 to shrink his tumor. After his chemo cycle ended Dr. Willis re-evaluated Terry and no signs of cancer were detected or have been detected since. During his treatment Terry lost twenty-one pounds and was often dehydrated. To ensure he was receiving the proper nutrition and supplementation his body needed, Terry met with CTCA nutritionists and naturopathic doctors who gave him tips on how to control nausea, stay hydrated and maintain healthy eating habits. Terry’s ex-wife also supported him through all of his treatments. She listened when Terry needed to talk and was just an overall great caregiver.
Throughout his journey Terry has enjoyed being a Cancer Fighter. He became a member to help other cancer patients fight cancer. Margo, Terry’s OIS representative, inspired him to share his CTCA experience with other cancer patients and he followed her advice. Terry enjoys telling other cancer patients about CTCA. Terry stated, “I hand out CTCA literature in my hometown and give my Cancer Fighter business card to anyone I come across that needs to be pointed in the right direction for patient-centered, whole-person cancer care.”
Terry shares his insights for someone just starting their cancer journey, “Don’t ever give up when things are not looking well with your cancer diagnosis. Keep the faith! Also know that there is a place like Cancer Treatment Centers of America and they treat you like a real person, not just a cancer patient.”
Having pancreatic cancer has been a “stumbling block” for Terry but it also helped him reconnect with his family, especially his children who have responded to their dad with tremendous love and support. Now Terry sees his children and grandchildren on a regular basis and helps his granddaughters show cattle at local 4H events.
When asked about his life lessons, Terry said, “Be yourself, treat everyone equally and don’t be passive when it comes to your health and healthcare – explore your options for the best possible cancer care available.”