Today we’d like to introduce you to Trent Twaddle.
Hi Trent, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The story of Middle Finger To Cancer started in the summer of 2015, I was a seemingly healthy thirty-two-year-old financial analyst living with my new wife in Houston, Texas. Following my wedding in May, I was seen by an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate a small lump in the palm of my right hand.
The lump was first thought to be a common fibroma – a non-cancerous mass. After several weeks of physical therapy with no improvement, an MRI indicated suspicion of cancer. A core needle biopsy was performed at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The Division of Pathology studied the tissue specimen and the results were returned soon after. I was informed that the lump in my hand was a sarcoma. More specifically, a Myxoinflammatory Fibroblastic Sarcoma. The doctors informed me that surgery to remove the sarcoma would likely destroy my hand and almost all of its function.
After the initial shock, thoughts turned towards getting a second opinion. Soon after, I saw Dr. Edward Athanasian, MD at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. Dr. Athanasian confirmed the diagnosis but suggested a possible alternative to immediate amputation – Isolated Limb Perfusion (ILP) with Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), a cancer treatment that is not available in the United States.
By this time I had lost most of the normal function of my right hand.
Since the preferred treatment was not approved in the United States, My next stop was Paris, France where I was hospitalized at Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus. I endured a 7-hour procedure, where a mixture of TNF-a and melphalan (Alkeran) was delivered to his tumor via ILP.
I then returned to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York for six weeks of radiation therapy. In the spring, a follow-up MRI revealed remarkable shrinkage of the cancerous tumor. I had also regained most of the function and dexterity in my right hand.
On March 16, 2016, Dr. Athanasian performed a meticulous surgery to remove what remained of the sarcoma. The life-changing procedure was an overwhelming success but cost me my middle finger. After 9 months of trials and procedures, the worst was behind me.
I was finally cancer free! I literally gave the “Middle Finger to Cancer.”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were definitely challenges as I was on the path to giving my middle finger to cancer.
I made it through chemo burns in a French hospital, radiation burns, and many rounds of physical therapy prior to and after surgeries but I was very lucky to be surrounded by great support.
That support led me to find the very best surgeons and doctors to treat my particular cancer. If someone is going through any type of cancer, my best advice is to find the very best doctors to treat your unique cancer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Middle Finger to Cancer?
Middle Finger To Cancer stands with patients seeking treatment for sarcomas of the limb, providing benevolent assistance to lessen their burden and help them fight their battle.
Additionally, MF2C encourages the pursuit of alternative medical opinions and treatments in order to defeat sarcomas of the limb. Middle Finger to Cancer primarily raises money through annual golf tournaments hosted in Kansas City, MO, and Rochester, NY.
The Rochester tournament this year will be hosted on August 22 and the Kansas City tournament this year will be October 3 at The Deuce at the National Golf Club. This will be the 5th annual tournament in Kansas City and 2nd tournament in Rochester.
Through these tournaments, Middle Finger to Cancer was able to donate $50k to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Social Work Patient Fund, while retaining funds to support patients in need of Isolated Limb Perfusion.
What matters most to you? Why?
The reason for Middle Finger to Cancer is to provide the same type of support that I received to others. I was so lucky to be pointed in the direction of Memorial Sloan Kettering and Dr. Edward Athanasian.
If I am able to refer someone to Dr. Athanasian and that patient is able to pursue an outcome similar to mine all of the work to build Middle Finger to Cancer will be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: MF2C.org
