“Gathering information, evaluating
facts and interpreting those facts
are essential functions of my work
as an attorney. But when it came
to learning about my own skin
rash diagnosis, I was unprepared,
unnerved and very scared at first.
After a 2003 biopsy of inflamed
skin samples confirmed mycosis
fungoides, my wife and I naturally
jumped on the Internet. Big
mistake! Random searching can
be the worst way to start. We
found distressing pictures and
alarming stories, but, initially,
not reassurance about a non-fatal
diagnosis that is manageable.
It was a huge relief to see more
even-handed information from
respected medical websites and then the Cutaneous Lymphoma
Foundation when we looked for treatment options. I live a full, active life
that includes spinning and weight workouts at a gym as well as coaching
my daughter’s basketball team and son’s baseball team.
My wife’s tremendous love, support and patience have guided my
personal journey with this disease. Although I am not a strongly spiritual
person, I know that support and prayers from friends and family
members contribute to my positive attitude. My medical outlook remains
promising and my personal perspective is that “every day is the gift of a
new day” - a cliché that I know is a true and guiding mantra. Though I’m
just 46 and expect to be around a long while, we’ve expedited things we
want to do as a family - such as a three-week trip through Europe.”
Joseph Eischens
Kansas City, MO
Patient of 8 years
