By Tyler Noesen
It was July 5, 2006, I was 25 when I received the news. My life had been very full up to this point. I had recently been promoted at work, was looking forward to marrying the love of my life, Eva, I was playing sports and travelling when time allowed. Then one day I felt like I had tweaked muscle from playing soccer, but the hardness on the left side of my stomach did not resolve. I went to the family doctor. After scans and an ultrasound with a fine needle aspiration, they found stage IV adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Because there was a lesion on my liver, I was not a surgical candidate. I began chemotherapy almost immediately. Today I am a four year survivor! While riding through the ups and downs I have had some pretty amazing moments like going back to work, hiking from the south rim to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spending a night at Phantom Ranch and hiking back out the next day, and finishing up my private pilot’s license and passing my check ride.
I participated in my first LA Cancer Challenge after my diagnosis in 2006. Each year friends and family walk by my side as I participate in the 5K. Their positive energy is what carries me through. Last year we had quite a showing… seriously, everywhere you looked, you would see someone in a purple Team Tyler shirt. I started along the 5K route. It sure did feel like a long 3.1 miles. Not only did I finish, but my time was seven minutes faster than in 2009. We took the 5K Team title for the 4th year in a row! My friend Shannon came through fabulously with some awesome jerseys and Big Dennis and my dad made adorable kiddie Team Tyler shirts. Actually, I am pretty sure our edge was the few small children that were a part of the team – essential ingredients for any feel good story. I think it is safe to say that we were the most stylish team out there. We raised over $8,000 which I found particularly impressive considering the current economic climate. This will certainly help in pushing research forward. Past donations that have come from the Hirshberg Foundation have led to UCLA being designated as a comprehensive pancreatic cancer center and have also funded a study performed by my endocrinologist which was published earlier this year. I think the highlight of the day for me was seeing so many old and new friends and getting to talk a bit with so many people. I also had the honor of starting the 10K shot gun. It was a fun day. I treasure every fun day I get.
A lot has happened since the last race – foot drop, AFOs, strength improvement, extensive neuropathy, walker, wheelchair, walker, gradual improvement, a couple minor surgeries, more strength, and finally a cane- and I really didn’t know if it was going to happen. My family and friends have helped to get me through my emotional and physical rollercoaster that I have been on. I would like to take a moment to truly thank all of you that have been a part of my life. I have been given an opportunity to fight this disease and spread awareness in the community. Please join me in that fight!