He is thinner than he has ever been and more tired than he has ever been but Geraldo, 64, smiles and says he is grateful for each day. His voice is gravelly and sometimes weak, yet he says he does not worry about having cancer. "Once in a while I have a bad day -- too tired and achy to get up -- but 80 percent are good days," he says.
Geraldo had knee surgery in 1972 and the pre-operative chest x-ray showed a shadow of something. But,the shadow never changed, and no one was concerned about it at the time. Several years ago, after losing his voice a few times, his wife Darcel insisted he go to the doctor.
Darcel knew about H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, and after a number of doctors in the community did not have answers or treatment ideas,she made a phone call to Moffitt. Geraldo has participated in two clinical studies since starting treatment at the cancer center. Being in a clinical trial never gave him pause for reflection. He knew the treatment might not make a difference in his health, as was the case in the first trial he was in, but he also knew that it might have a positive effect, as in the study he is in now. "The doctors, they explained everything," he said, and that made him feel very secure. Together, he and his wife read all the paperwork about the study. They came to the conclusion that it was right for him. "It is a good decision," he said nodding his head.
He wants to help people and that is why he wanted to be a part of the studies. Geraldo never asked the question "Why me?" He also does not let cancer interfere with the way he lives his life. "I live my life the way I want to. I am not bedridden, I go out."
His goal is to see his grandchildren (now toddlers and teens) grow up and go to college. He doesn't want people to get depressed about cancer. Geraldo wants people to educate themselves and investigate every avenue for treatment. Having worked hard all his life, he appreciates each day he has now. His advice for all of us: "Live one day at a time. Don't feel down on your luck. Live, live!"
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