Verden Harms shares experience with cancer
Staff writer
After being approached by members of the Hillsboro Lions Club, Marion Christian Church, and friends about their sponsoring a benefit hamburger fry for him, Verden Harms said, "I was overwhelmed by the thought of somebody wanting to help in such a way."
Harms was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in August 2003.
According to Harms, the melanoma was found on the base of his neck and shoulders which is common in men.
A recent article printed in the July 14, 2004, Marion County Outdoors special supplement to the Marion County Record and Hillsboro Star-Journal, talked about the rise of melanoma cases and how people can protect themselves.
It stated that melanoma was commonly found in the head and neck area in men as well as the area between the shoulders and head.
According to the article, the chance of developing melanoma increases with age. Harms is 74.
"My melanoma was about 4.2 millimeters in size and was in the stage where it was as bad as it could get," Harms said.
Harms had the cancer and the area around it (about six inches in diameter) removed and underwent chemotherapy.
In March of 2004, the doctors found two new places on his neck where the cancer appeared. They were removed.
"I had a CAT scan and everything was good, there appeared to be no more cancer," Harms said.
But two months later, his lymph nodes were checked and cancer cells were found in them. The lymph nodes were then removed and Harms underwent radiation treatment.
"That's why they say melanoma is the worst cancer, because it is so unpredictable," he said.
As a result of the chemotherapy treatments, Harms has suffered some hearing and short-term memory loss.
The radiation treatments have definitely affected his energy level.
"When I step outside, I feel like I've been working a half day," Harms said.
The Harmses traveled on July 18 back to the M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Verden will undergo a checkup and a series of tests to evaluate his condition and will see one of the doctors on July 19-20.
"They want to see if things are dormant," he said. "But I'm not going to be negative; I really can't be. I'm being positive."
According to Harms, he is not sure if doctors will have all the tests results when he leaves Houston. Some of the tests may not come in until three months later.
His experience at the Houston hospital has been a positive one. He praised the hospital staff for its support system and also the other cancer patients for their encouragement.
"It's like we're one big family," Harms said. "Everyone is supporting and pulling for you — it's just amazing."
Harms is grateful for the fund-raising benefit because it will help with the trips he and his wife Pauline have made since August of last year.
The Harmses returned home Wednesday from Houston and will attend the benefit. Verden has been active in the Lions Club for more than 30 years.
The fund-raiser to help Harms battle his cancer will be from 5-8 p.m. July 23 at the Hillsboro Scout House in Memorial Park.
The hamburger fry will include hamburgers and all the trimmings, potato salad, baked beans, homemade pie, and ice cream.
The meal will be by donation. If residents can not attend the benefit, donations may be sent to the Marion Christian Church, 140 Elm Street, Marion, KS 66861.
"I was asked by Elaine Jantzen if I would be willing to be interviewed as one of the cancer survivors," Harms said. "But I couldn't say yes because I don't know yet, there are too many variables right now."
