In my own words: Foundation board member reflects on cancer journey
By Dennis Bloom
On Oct. 10, a small lump on my neck changed everything.
My cancer diagnosis offered me two competing perspectives: Why has this happened to me? Or why has this happened for me? I chose the latter.
The past eight months have not only given me a firsthand understanding of MultiCare’s unwavering commitment to patients, but they have also transformed my outlook on life.
Care in crisis
As I got home that fall day, my wife Connie, a registered nurse, took one look and recommended I see my doctor, who ordered a CT scan.
When the results came back, he said, “You need to visit an oncologist.”
I wanted to be seen at MultiCare, and fortunately was referred to oncologist Blair Irwin, MD, at the donor-supported MultiCare Cancer Institute (MCI). She scheduled me for a biopsy and scan near our home at MultiCare Capital Medical Center. As we ran more tests, I took the soonest appointments available at any MultiCare hospital — MultiCare Tacoma General, MultiCare Allenmore, MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, you name it. 
During this time, my whole family was caught in the sudden tidal wave of uncertainty.
Would I be around to walk my daughters down the aisle? Would I meet my grandkids? Would Connie and I get to live out our golden years together?
Every week revealed a bit more. We never got the good news, but also never lost hope. It was an agonizing time waiting for answers.
When the results came back, they showed I had stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in lymph nodes and had also formed in my bone marrow.
Patient-centered treatment
From day one, Dr. Irwin put me and my family first and prioritized my healing. I remember her calling in excitement when I was accepted into a clinical trial at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, thanks to her colleague Ajay Gopal, MD. The trial was showing promising results for my cancer.
While I restlessly waited to begin treatment, my lymph nodes continued to swell, triggering a cough that forced me to visit my local emergency department. By now, I could cup my hand around the lump and felt the toll it was taking on my body.
Finally, the day came when we could fight back.
On Nov. 27, I began alternating weeks of injections at MCI – Tacoma General and infusions at Fred Hutch. Friends would cringe as I described these hours-long sessions. Baloney, I’d say, tongue in cheek — these are my spa days! We’re killing the disease.
Every time I walked into a full waiting area at MCI, I was reminded I’m not the only person with cancer. But every interaction I’ve had with staff or doctors makes me feel like I am. I’ve treasured the relationships I’ve made during my constant appointments and blood draws. The compassion, empathy and personalized care I’ve experienced — and watched others experience — across the health system have been remarkable.
Within a few weeks, my cancerous lymph node had shrunk to a nearly undetectable size, which made Dr. Irwin literally jump for joy.
Since then, the journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never doubted my team.
While my cancer isn’t technically curable (yet), I’m now in remission. Dr. Irwin reminds me that I’ll always have someone like her in my life. “That’s OK,” I reply. “I like you.” I’m eternally grateful for the care I’ve received.
Choosing to fight
As a longtime high school baseball coach in Olympia, I’ve approached this journey with the same competitive mindset I try to instill in my players: Give it your all. 
From the beginning, I’ve thought, “If this is the last lesson I can teach my kids, I want them to see that I put every ounce of fight into this.” Most days, you wouldn’t realize I have cancer.
The past eight months have given me a perspective I could only gain from facing mortality and an unprecedented level of uncertainty. The outpouring of love and support from my family, friends and community has been so uplifting and heartwarming. It truly has been one of the richest times of my life.
Today, I know I’m a better husband, father, friend, practitioner and coach. This is all why having cancer happened for me.
As a MultiCare Capital Foundation board member, I also have an entirely new view on high-quality health care. I’m proud to be elevating the level of care in Thurston County as a leader and donor, and I’m more committed to that mission than ever before.
What MCI is doing throughout our region is inspiring. Thank God we have providers who come together and do what’s best for patients. We’re so fortunate that MCI is leading a movement to expand access to lifesaving treatment, clinical trials and cutting-edge technology here in the South Sound. I invite you to join me in supporting this type of exceptional care.
It’s made all the difference for me, and I’m thankful to still have more innings ahead.
