You know you’re in dire straights when doctors say that your best course of action is amputation.
What started out as a routine Carpal Tunnel surgery for Manish Desai turned into a grave cancer diagnosis in April 2007. Doctors found a tumor in the palm of his left hand, the dominant hand, the one that’s essential to his success as an architect. No one is prepared for a cancer diagnosis, especially one as rare as Epithelioid Sarcoma – a cancer that doesn’t respond well to radiation or chemotherapy and spreads rapidly via the lymphatic system.
Manish was lucky to be alive. But even more shocking than the diagnosis was the recommended treatment – cutting off Manish’s left hand. There was so much to take in, to process, to consider. At 31, Manish was not ready to die. To miss out on his son’s life or more children to come – the vacations, the graduations, the birthdays, holidays, everydays……started to flash before the eyes of he and Emily. They fell to their knees and cried out to the Lord, asking Him to be with them, to give His peace, be with Manish and show the right path. They sought counsel from their pastor and were encouraged by family and friends. Slowly, they began to move through this great unknown.
After many doctor’s visits and consultations, scans, results, and decisions, Manish and Emily learned that his body was likely free of cancer beyond his hand. He decided that he would go ahead with the amputation of his dominant hand, knowing that it would give him the best chance of moving forward without a recurrence of the cancer. After much prayer and with a peace in their hearts, they were hopeful that this surgery would give Manish a full life.
After the successful surgery, Manish is learning to navigate life as a father, husband, architect and woodworker with only one hand. He’s training to write, drive, shave, use the computer – all with his right hand. It’s a daunting task and Manish has done amazingly in all these endeavors. He excels in his physical and occupational therapy, and he is able to do almost everything as well as he did before. And although it may take longer, and is more difficult at times, he never complains. “He is a hero to me,” Emily says. “We are so thankful to the Lord for His guidance and comfort during this time.”
Manish is now being fitted for a prosthetic hand. What a process! Doctors say this is a booming time for prosthetics since the war in Iraq has caused so many injuries. A Scotland-based company makes a “bionic” hand that Manish thinks is just right for him. Unfortunately, it is cutting edge technology that’s been recently introduced, so insurance won’t cover it yet. His prosthetist is excited about the possibilities, though, and is helping us to navigate these waters with great hope. We are going to see it in person soon, and hopefully will be able to find a way to make it a possibility for Manish.
Manish started chemotherapy in mid-September to hopefully prevent a recurrence of his cancer. Although the doctors cannot guarantee any success with it, they do feel, as do they, that it is worth the time and pain to cover all the bases. After chemo is done in January, the couple will know they have done all they could to fight the cancer. Manish will continue to get CT scans to track his recovery and our prayer is that he can move forward without any recurrences of this aggressive disease.
Manish and Emily have been lifted up and encouraged by the support, love, and prayers that they have received from friends and family. The support has enabled them to move ahead in peace. “We know that there is a reason for this - for us right now, we know that nothing is guaranteed, every day is a gift, health is not a given, and life is precious.” Manish said. They encourage everyone to tell your spouse they love them, huge your kids, spend quality time with family and friends. And thank the Lord for his unconditional love and healing power.
For more information:
http://www.ralphmoss.com/html/epithelioid-sarcoma.shtml
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=23508
