Chris Maloney speaks to local Cancer Group in Chinook

Chris Maloney farms and ranches east of Turner. The Maloney's have two children still at home. Last week Maloney spoke at the monthly meeting of the Cancer Group. He's a cancer survivor and told his story of despair and hope to fellow cancer survivors, caregivers and friends and relatives of those touched by cancer. The Cancer Group meets monthly at the Chinook Senior Center.

Chris Maloney's story

Maloney said he was diagnosed with testicular cancer four and a half years ago, just before his 36th birthday. He described hearing the diagnosis as stirring a lot of different emotions. Assured that his was a less aggressive type of cancer, he shortly had surgery which went well. Testicular cancer is generally a disease of young and middle-aged men and when discovered in the localized stage, has a very high survival rate. His cancer was diagnosed early, Maloney felt positive about his prospects.

A few days later, returning to his doctor for a follow-up after surgery, the news was not so good. The cancer had spread to his abdomen with a tumor pushing against the blood vessels going to his heart. Maloney said, "My wife, who was with me, began to swell with tears. She works in the medical field and from her reaction I knew things were not good."

After referral to a young oncologist, Dr. Bryan Martin of the Sletten Cancer Center in Great Falls, Maloney began an aggressive program of chemotherapy-receiving treatments every third week for five days at a time. This regimen lasted for 12 weeks. At first Maloney could return home and still work on the farm, if tasks were not too strenuous. He added, "For me working was therapy."

As the treatments progressed, Maloney began to wear down. Describing that period as one of his lowest points, he said, "I didn't feel well, I didn't look well. All I could do was sleep." He explained the treatments, and his deteriorating condition, were taking a toll on his family life. He added, "At that point my wife was basically a single parent, I couldn't help with the kids and she didn't expect me to. She was my rock through all of the diagnosing, treatment and recovery process." He emphasized the importance of caretakers for cancer victims keeping a positive attitude.

His last treatment was around his daughter's eighth birthday. He had lost his hair and his face was swollen. He said, "My biggest hope at that time was for the tumor to feel as bad as I looked!" The surgery in June, shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, followed by aggressive chemotherapy treatments paid off. In November of the same year a CAT scan confirmed the tumor had shrunk to half its original size. His doctor explained the tumor would continue to shrink as the chemo worked on it.

Even with that positive outcome to his illness, Maloney still takes precautions. He said, "I continue to do routine checkups just as some of you who have survived cancer have done or are doing now. Cancer can appear back in your life at any time, so you have to be proactive. I try to get more rest, eat a well- balanced diet and look for ways to reduce stress in my life."

Some reflections on his experience

Maloney's oncologist was in contact via email with the doctor who treated Lance Armstrong, the famous long distance cyclist who survived a similar type of cancer. Maloney said, "Knowing my doctor was talking to the person who successfully treated Lance Armstrong made me think my treatment might work. I just hoped that I didn't develop a new passion for riding bicycles."

On the point of humor, Maloney said, "Cancer is no laughing matter, but I do think it takes a sense of humor, a lot of courage, positive attitude, faith, an outstanding care giver and strong support from family and friends. When I was sick I was very blessed to have the most awesome family and friends in the world. The entire Big Flat community gave me their support." At one low point during his treatment, a local farmer and close friend brought his combines, trucks and crew to help get Maloney's crop in the bin.

Speaking of the importance of community support of cancer victims, Maloney explained, "In Blaine County we are fortunate to be so close knit. The cancer survival rate has to be higher where we live because people care about you here and they gather around you to lift you up." At several points in his presentation he spoke of the role his faith in God played in his recovery.

Maloney also had some advice for other men. He said, "I had some symptoms that my body was sending me that things were not right. I kept thinking I was young, I was healthy and only old people got cancer. I learned differently through my experience." He felt he might have avoided the tum