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Eugene “Boo” Bonner
(58 years-old)35 years as a communications salesman in the oilfield industry
After loosing my job of 17 years as a communications salesman to the oilfield in October of 2003, I was unemployed for approximately six months. During that time, I did not feel very well but thought nothing of it. I finally found a job in March of 2004 with a company managed by a very good friend, and once I became eligible for insurance went to see a doctor. After blood work and a few tests he scheduled me for a colonoscopy.
April 20, 2004, is the day my journey began. It was the first time the word “cancer” had been used in reference to me. It took a while for me to realize that it was actually me who had this. Like all of us, I had recently had friends who had been diagnosed or was receiving treatment or died of cancer, but it was hard to believe that now it was my turn to battle this awful disease. Fortunately, I had a great relationship with my pastor and we spent a lot of time together discussing my situation. He explained that he felt that I was chosen to have cancer and not stricken with cancer. He felt that, because of my faith and determination that many people could and would benefit through my journey.
On May 7, 2004, I had surgery for colon cancer in Houston and was going in the belief was that the tumor was contained within the colon and I probably wouldn't’t even need any Chemotherapy. The fine doctor informed family and myself that the cancer had penetrated the wall and was found in 8 of 12 lymph nodes tested, and was now metastatic, which in our terms means is traveling. It was decided that chemotherapy would be necessary. On June 2,2004, I had minor surgery to implant a “Mediport” in my chest for the infusion of chemotherapy. I began chemotherapy on June 15, 2004.
We have all heard the horror stories of chemotherapy, and believe me those stories are not exaggerated. It did make me very ill and tired. My treatments were from Monday through Wednesday every other week, when my blood count allowed it. It could best be described as having the flu constantly in varying degrees of severity. The experience of meeting other people in treatment and seeing how severe the side effects were to them made me realize that what my Pastor had said was true. Compared to some of these people, I was fortunate enough to be strong enough in body and spirit to face this demon head on and beat it.
Unfortunately, I was not able to travel and make enough sales calls to generate enough income for my employer to keep me. I lost my job in October of 2004. So, I found myself unemployed with an $1100/mo. insurance payment to Cobra, which I am fortunate to have. However, it does not come close to covering all of the expenses associated with my treatment. We made it through the holidays. I was not sure how, but have learned that through all of this we have no more savings or retirement or any of the cushions that my wife and I had put in place for our retirement.
I went to work in January 2005 for a friend on a contract basis with no benefits, but it was income and we could just about pay our bills. Help from family and friends have gotten us through some tough times. In March of 2005, before being released by my Oncologist, a few more tests were run and it was found that there were spots on my lung and liver as well. I went back to Houston for more tests where it was confirmed that I did have four spots of cancer on my liver. On May 5, 2005, I had surgery to remove one third of my liver and a new procedure to burn the three smaller spots. Recuperation, more testing and chemo began again on July 26, 2005. Same routine, just larger doses and a new medicine added to my “cocktail.”
I fully intend to beat this disease and get on with my life. I have the support of my wife, mother, brothers and sisters, four daughters, seven grandsons, four granddaughters and one great-grandson. I have been brought to realize how many of you, many whom I have never met, are out there supporting me and people in like positions.
This whole ordeal has been a very humbling experience and I know that someday I will be able to work with The Bright Light Foundation again in helping to raise money to assist needy people who find themselves in my position.
GOD willing on September 23, 2005, I hope to see you all and thank you for deeming me worthy of your hard work and support.
Thank You All and GOD Bless…………
Eugene “Boo” Bonner
