If you are like us, the Kosters, you are probably not aware of what Cancer is all about.   We've had a crash course lesson in the past eight weeks about what this word Cancer means and the effects / impact it has on a patient and family.

What is cancer ?

Cancer is the name given to a large group of diseases, all of which have one thing in common:  cells that are growing out of control.  Normally, the cells that make up all of the parts of our bodies go through a predictable life cycle  -- old cells die, and new cells arise to take their place.  Occasionally, this process goes awry, and cells begin to multiply out of control.  The end result is a tumor, a mass of cells.

A benign tumor is one that will not spread, or mestastasize, to other parts of the body.  It is considered noncancerous.  A malignant tumor, on the other hand can spread throughout the body and is considered cancerous.  When malignant cells break away from the primary tumor and settle into another part of the body, the resulting new tumor is called either a metastasis/or a secondary tumor.

There are several major types of cancers, including;

        Carcinomas, which form in the cells that cover the skin or line of the mouth, throat, lungs and organs
        Sarcomas, which are found in the bones, muscles, tibrous tissues, and some organs
        Leukemias, which arise from white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow
        Lymphomas, which arise in lymphocyte cells in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes

Cancer may take years to develop or can be a rapid process for which some disruption occurs to the DNA of a cell.  Tumors can develop in almost every tissue in the body, and rarely are two alike. Unless the body's own immune system takes care of the wayward cells, a tumor will develop.

Cancer can strike anyone, we have seen in the past several weeks hundreds of children all sizes and age with different forms of the type cancers mentioned.  There are approximately 100 different known cancers.  Annually about 1.22 million people in the U.S. alone will be diagnosed with cancer and approximately 563,000 will die of cancer this year.

It is believed that, half of all males in the U.S. will develop some form of one of the many type cancers during their lifetime.  Also, one third of the female population will also suffer from some form of cancer.

Brad's tumor - !!

This is actually what BRAD's cancer is now called by the Doctors.  This is due to the fact, after two obtained biopsies, the famed Mayo Medical Laboratories' Rochester, MN and MSKCC's own pathology department have not been able to identify specifically what cancer this is other than the Sacroma type.  Sacroma cancer is so uncommon and accounts for only 1% of all cancers. BRAD's tumor is located in his right (flank) side and has mestastasized to his lungs.  The size of the tumor is about the size of your hand.

The Protocal (plan) developed by (MSKCC) to fight his cancer is an aggressive one, because the tumor has rapidly grown / spread in a short period of time.  BRAD has lost approximately 40 lbs. through the first (two) treatment courses.

SUMMARY OF THE TREATMENT PROGRAM

1.) 4 courses of CYTOXAN / ADRIAM / VINCRISTINE (courses #1, #2, #3, & #6)

Courses are started every 3-4 weeks and are as follows:

2.) 3 courses of IFOSFAMIDE/VP-16 (courses #4, #5, & #7)

Courses are started every 3-4 weeks and are as follows:

3.) Surgery to remove tumor, usually after course #3.

4.) Radiation therapy, usually after course #7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH PROCEDURES:

Patient receives 7 courses of chemotherapy, usually within 6-7 months. Courses are started every 3-to-5 weeks (except when there is surgery). All the drugs are given directly into the veins, that is, intravenously (IV). Chemotherapy may be given either in the outpatient clinic or in the hospital, depending on severity of side effects experienced.

Cytoxan, Adriamycin, and Vincristine are given together for 4 courses. In each course, Adriamycin and Vincristine are given non-stop for 72 hours (this will involve all or part of 4 days). On each of the first 2 days, Cytoxan is given over 6 hours and mesna is given for 24 hours (48 hours total) to protect the bladder.

Since his tumor is undifferentiated from others, the Doctors may have to alter the treatment plan as they go. The side effects are numerous and vary quite a bit, so we won't describe them to you here.

why - MSKCC (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) - ?

The Sloan-Kettering Institute is part of a world-renowned biomedical research complex that includes Weill Medical College of Cornell Universty and The Rockefeller University, located in upper eastside Manhattan.

MSKCC's team of experts in soft-tissue Sarcomas has the largest experience with these tumors of any medical group in the world. The team includes specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and psychiatric support. The team members provide state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation to patients, even as they add continually to a database that has been tracking soft-tissue Sarcoma patients since 1982. The more than 5,000 Sarcoma patients seen at MSKCC in that time have made this the largest dedicated database for soft-tissue cancer anywhere and they generate more than half of the world's publications on this disease. Patients from all over the world come to MSKCC seeking their help for the various version of this type cancer.

If there were any one certainty we have about this whole situation, it would be that BRAD is at the best place to receive the best treatment and care!!

The Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. - !!!

For your information, we have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House in N.Y. when there has been a room available. This is a phenomenal concept to help support families as they go through the ordeal of cancer treatment. We have met numerous families there and at the hospital that are benefiting from this program.

One interesting fact is that the hospital does not accept foreign insurance coverage, so many families from abroad have to sell their homes / possessions and come to America to give their child a chance to over come the cancer. Please take a moment to read the attached letter from the Ronald McDonald House and if possible see the brochure at the sign up desk, which spells out what this organization is all about, it will certainly touch your heart! Also, please be aware proceeds from this Golf function will be shared with the Ronald McDonald House and some needy families at MSKCC.

Remember to drop off that loose change when you are @ McDonalds.

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I have been a member at Dogwood - Golf Country Club now for the past 12 years, and when someone asks me which golf course do I belong to, I generally answer "at a little country - Country Club called Dogwood". Dogwood CC has a deceptively challenging course with a small clubhouse, but it certainly has a BIG HEART!!!

We are so appreciative of your support and interest in BRAD for which we will never be able to fully express to all of you!!

The Kosters,

Brad / Elaine / Randy

"CANCER " Awareness - Fact Sheet

This is a handout the Kosters gave to each of the participants at Brad's Golf Benefit at Dogwood Country Club.