🌠 August 2023 • Jimmy Maxwell In The Spotlight

Take Control!

This special edition of my Summer Insights Newsletter, In The Spotlight, will shine a light on esteemed musician, cancer survivor, and my longtime colleague and friend, Mr. Jimmy Maxwell. Jimmy and I met nearly fifteen years ago while living in New York. Jimmy recently noticed my post on Facebook, referencing my book Just Diagnosed: Breast Cancer. What to Expect. What to Know. What to Do Next. and my Seven Steps to take charge and own your diagnosis. While Jimmy did not have a breast cancer diagnosis, he shared that he took some of those exact steps to get empowered with his diagnosis of renal cancer carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer. We jumped on the phone; I asked if he’d share his story, and below is his incredible journey and outstanding show of resiliency to beat the odds and define his moment!

A few years prior, Jimmy was diagnosed with renal cancer carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer. He discovered it initially by noticing blood in urine one night. Rather than ignoring the problem, Jimmy listened to his body and went straight to the ER. He too did not want to “wait and see”, and he couldn’t imagine going back to bed after noticing that. The doctors informed him of a growth found on his kidney and that his kidney would need to be removed. After the procedure, the surgeon advised him to be vigilant about his check-up and follow-up appointments, as this cancerous growth could have metastasized and spread to other parts of his body. Looking back, Jimmy noted that he was following the seven steps by first, listening to his body, and second, going to the doctor. These steps can be applied to any diagnosis, not just breast cancer.

 

One year later after being vigilant and continued testing, the cancer cells showed up in both his lungs and bones. Jimmy felt completely fine, but the doctor caught it through the continued routine scans. During the same time, Jimmy was a caretaker for his father, Eddie, who was battling prostate cancer. Jimmy became very familiar with his father’s surgeon, world-class prostate cancer expert Dr. Alton Sartor. He always trusted the advice that he gave Eddie over the years. After Jimmy’s diagnosis, Dr. Sartor noticed that Jimmy began to look different and asked him what had happened. Jimmy shared his diagnosis with him. This type of cancer was related to the prostate cancer that Dr. Sartor has expertise in. He instructed Jimmy to make a separate appointment for himself and that he would also treat him.

 

Now under the care of Dr. Sartor, Jimmy began chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments were intense and had troubling side effects. When these treatments weren’t working, Dr. Sartor advised to stop the medication and to add in immunotherapy. Jimmy was given a prognosis of about three to four months. After hearing this, Jimmy went home and slept for nearly ten days straight. When he woke up, his head felt so much clearer, but his body felt so much weaker. Jimmy then went to the gym and began to lift weights. At his next appointment, Dr. Sartor was astonished by how much better Jimmy looked. There was no reasonable explanation that he could give as to why Jimmy was still alive and feeling great. Dr. Sartor said, “I am no longer going to practice the science of medicine. I am going to practice the art of medicine.” Over two years have passed since that prognosis of three to four months.

 

Jimmy attributes his health to both the immunotherapy to his lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Jimmy felt well for a long time and began to understand cancer and verify what doctors have told him. He’s continuing the seven steps by researching, researching, and researching. He encourages others to do the same by reading often and questioning everything.

Jimmy's Recommendations

Be empowered: Listen to Jimmy's interview with Cheryl Buck of CancerTalks

 To read: Outlive,The science & Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia

To read: The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

To read: The Code Breaker - Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson

Finding Peace and Serenity

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Facebook at Arlene Karole

LinkedIn at Arlene Karole

 

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Disclaimer: Neither the publisher nor the author of Just Diagnosed Breast Cancer or Insights Newsletter are engaged in rendering professional and/or medical advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, practices, and suggestions in this book and newsletter are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. If readers are taking prescription medicines, they should consult with their physicians and not take themselves off prescribed drugs without the proper supervision of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health care professional before undertaking any change in your physical regimen. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate information at the time of publication, neither the publisher or the author assumes any responsibility for errors or changes that occur after publication.

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