Discovering What Truly Matters: Lessons From Surviving NET Cancer
David McBee
Keynote speaker, digital marketing expert, marketing consultant, and NETs cancer survivor
My guest on today's episode is David McBee, who completely transformed his life and relationships when he learned he had a very rare form of cancer.
Neuroendocrine cancer is treatable but recurring.
Neuroendocrine cancer, also known as NET, is a rare form of cancer that can affect various parts of the body, including the colon, lungs, brain, throat, pancreas, and lymph nodes. It is often mistaken for other types of cancers and is known to have taken the lives of notable individuals such as Steve Jobs and Aretha Franklin.
Despite being a rare form of cancer, neuroendocrine cancer is treatable. The primary treatment approach involves surgical removal of the tumors. However, due to its nature, neuroendocrine cancer is an ongoing disease, and recurrence is common. This means that even if the initial tumors are successfully removed, there is a high likelihood of the cancer returning.
In the case of David, he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumor cancer after a routine colonoscopy. Initially, he didn't think much of it, as the doctors assured him that it was a small nodule that could be easily removed. However, further research and the unfortunate passing of an elementary school principal in his neighborhood from the same cancer made the reality sink in.
David's cancer had spread from his colon to his liver, which significantly decreased his survival rate. He underwent a major surgery, which involved removing multiple tumors and parts of his small and large bowels, gallbladder, and 25% of his liver. The surgery was successful in removing the tumors, but a month later, an infection developed in his liver, requiring additional treatment.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, David is grateful that his tumors are currently stable and not growing or spreading. However, his doctor has informed him that the cancer will likely return in the future. This highlights the recurring nature of neuroendocrine cancer and the need for ongoing monitoring and treatment.
The recovery time for Mr. McBee's major surgery was initially estimated to be six weeks. However, he experienced complications due to the infection, which prolonged his recovery. Nonetheless, he was able to resume his normal activities after a few weeks and is now doing much better.
David's journey with NET cancer highlights the challenges and complexities of living with this rare form of cancer. Despite the uncertainties, he remains grateful for the stability of his tumors and continues to live his life to the fullest.
Emotions and stress affect health.
David had a tendency to wear his emotions on his sleeve, often expressing anger and stress openly. However, he also believed in the power of a positive mental attitude and would often hide his negative emotions behind a happy facade. This internal struggle between expressing his true emotions and maintaining a positive outlook may have contributed to the manifestation of his cancer.
David acknowledges that stress and negative emotions can make a person sick. He believes that his previous habit of swallowing his anger and stress instead of working through them may have impacted his body's ability to cope with the stress. This is supported by the fact that he now experiences negative emotions and allows them to pass through his body, leading to a sense of peace and stability in his cancer.
Our conversation also touches on the societal pressure to always be positive and avoid negative emotions. This pressure can be detrimental to one's health as it prevents individuals from working through their emotions and releasing the energy associated with them. Learning how to work through and manage emotions, including anger, is crucial for overall well-being.
It is clear that David's cancer diagnosis has led to a shift in his perspective on life. He now understands the importance of addressing and releasing negative emotions and stresses the need for individuals to learn how to work through their emotions. He suggests that adopting a mentality of "at least it's not cancer" when faced with challenges can help alleviate stress and put things into perspective.
The need for society to re-evaluate its expectations and messages surrounding emotions and stress is emphasized in David's story and this episode. The constant pressure to meet certain expectations and always be busy can contribute to stress and hinder emotional well-being. It is important for individuals to prioritize their own happiness and make choices that align with their values and needs.
This episode is truly a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope. I am grateful to David for sharing his inspiring story and for reminding us all of the importance of embracing life's challenges and finding beauty in the midst of adversity.
If you're curious to hear the full episode and gain even more insights, check it out by clicking the episode in the SmartPlayer below or listen on your favorite podcast app.
Read the transcript here.
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