Stephen - Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin

It was the strangest symptom, one that seemingly made no sense. Starting in November of 2023, when Stephen drank alcohol, he would get a sharp pain in his left arm. “I’m not a heavy drinker,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m definitely not a partier. I’m a farmer.”

In the weeks that followed, Stephen experienced pain behind his left shoulder blade. Between his farm work and his lawn care job, Stephen thought the pain must be related to work. “I would take an ibuprofen once a day,” Stephen said. “But the pain kept lingering.”

While celebrating his brother’s 21st birthday in December, Stephen tried having a drink and got the sharp pain again. “I decided to stick with soda at the bar,” Stephen said.

Throughout the winter, the pain got worse. Stephen wondered if it might be a pinched nerve, so he went to the doctor. “They X-rayed my back, and everything was normal,” Stephen said. “So I started physical therapy, but the pain didn’t improve.”

As the snow melted, and Stephen’s lawn care job began to pick up, he was in severe pain. “I was taking ibuprofen twice a day,” he said. “By the end of May, we wondered if it was heartburn related. The pain had migrated from my upper back to my chest on the same side. But we tried heartburn medication, and it didn’t help.”

Stephen went back to the doctor and was prescribed muscle relaxants. “By the first week of June, I had had enough. I did not feel like myself,” Stephen said. “I’m a hard worker, but I was so tired.”

Finally, an answer

During a visit to urgent care, Stephen got an X-ray on both sides of his body and a spot was detected on the front left of his chest area, near his esophagus. A CT scan confirmed a sizable mass. Following a biopsy, the medical team at the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin (CCWW) in New Richmond told Stephen he had stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the oncologist, they had caught the tumor early, and while it was fast growing, it could likely be eradicated with chemotherapy. Ideally, Stephen would not need radiation. “The tumor was close to my heart, which would make radiation dangerous. I got lucky that it didn’t impact any of my arteries. My heart was pumping like it should.”

On July 5, 2024, Stephen began chemotherapy at the New Richmond clinic. He goes every other week for four hours. “I call my off week my ‘bye week,’” Stephen said with a gentle smile.

“After chemo, I go straight to bed,” Stephen said. “I’m worn out for a few days. I don’t plan anything for the weekend after treatment. I even feel sluggish on Monday.”

Strength and self-care

The oldest of three kids, Stephen is a self-avowed farm boy. “I’ve lived on a farm all my life,” Stephen said. “I’m pretty tough, and I always push myself. But I have learned through this experience that it’s important to listen to your body. If you know something isn’t right, go to the doctor right away. You can’t just work hard and assume your symptoms will go away.”

As Stephen reflects on the past year, he admits cancer was not on his radar. “When I found out, I honestly wasn’t very scared,” he said, adjusting his ball cap. “I’m religious, so I just knew that whatever path I was on was meant to be. I had to accept it. I had to maintain a positive attitude and keep looking forward.”

The power of community

Stephen’s family farm is five miles away from the New Richmond hospital, where Stephen’s dad also works as a nurse. “He’s worked there for more than 30 years,” Stephen said. “He’s a great source of information. My case really kept people guessing.”

Stephen says receiving care from his local clinic has been a big part of his recovery journey. “It was so great to stay in New Richmond,” Stephen smiled. “We try to avoid the city as much as we can! It’s always better to stay local. My family knows everybody here. It’s a big positive. The people who work here make me feel welcome and answer all my questions. I see the same people every week. That makes a big difference.”

Having just returned from western Minnesota where Stephen and his brother helped a family friend harvest grain, Stephen understands the value of community. “My last chemo treatment is scheduled for December 13,” Stephen said. “After that, I’d love to throw a big party for everyone who has stood behind me. I’ve had a crazy amount of support from friends and family, and words can’t express how thankful I am for all of it. All the comments and prayers I receive to stay strong…it means a lot.”

Cheers to a bright future

Stephen feels strongly that it’s important to encourage others who are facing a cancer diagnosis. “People hear the word ‘cancer’ and think they’re going to die. I think our generation especially tends to focus on the negative things,” Stephen affirmed. “You’ve got to think positively. That’s how you get through this.”

Looking ahead, Stephen is eager to return to normal life. “Honestly, it’ll be nice to be able to have a beer with friends and family,” he said. Knowing Stephen is surrounded by such a strong support network, there’s no doubt everyone in his corner will raise a glass to that.