A Discussion with John Moorer

For years, John Moorer felt like there was something off with his health. He sought the counsel of multiple doctors, but none of them provided a diagnosis. They didn’t seem to think there was anything he should be worried about. They were wrong. His story points to the importance of being proactive when it comes to your wellbeing. And, it proves the power of a good nap.

Tell us about your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
I have Non Hodgkin’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma. This particular flavor of MCL is treatable but not curable. Luckily for me it has been an indolent cancer so far. I did not start treatment with chemo until December of 2022. I had chemo for two days a month for five months. I now have treatment one day every eight weeks, and my cancer is in remission.

What was your first thought when you heard the diagnosis?
It all began when I noticed two small bumps behind my left ear in the summer of 2017. They were not pimples or moles but two faint bumps barely noticeable on the skin and about the size of a #2 pencil eraser. I didn’t really think much about it for a while until my hair stylist commented on it. Over the course of two years, I asked three different doctors and none were too concerned. Regardless of the doctors’ opinions or lack thereof, I knew it was something. I just didn’t know what.

Over the course of this time period, I was having night sweats periodically and general malaise all the time. When I had my annual checkup with my primary care physician in January 2019 I told him something was not right. He ordered an ultrasound of my neck which really didn’t make sense to me (but what do I know?). After the ultrasound, I was driving home, and the doctor called me and informed me it was not cancer. I was fine.

The news was all well and good, except I continued to have night sweats and was really tired all the time. I decided it must be a sinus infection, which has been the bane of my existence since childhood. These small bumps were getting bigger and now there were three. I made an appointment with my ENT and found out my sinuses were fine. I had no infection. I asked the doctor for a biopsy.

After I had my biopsy, I went back for a follow-up appointment, and he said the results of the test were not back, but he would call me so I wouldn’t have to make an extra trip to his office. I was at market in Atlanta in a showroom on June 4, 2019, when I get the call from my doctor. He said I hate to tell you over the phone, but the results did come back positive for cancer. He sounded more upset than I did. I thought, “I told you all something was wrong!” I finally had an answer. I actually was relieved.

Through your treatment process (and after), what did you want and need from your friends and family?
Throughout the initial treatment process, I needed lots and lots of sleep. It is a kind of tired I cannot explain. I’m still low energy, but I can function. I am not one who likes a lot of fuss or to be a bother, but I have three really great friends who I have known for most of my life. They are readily available if I have a crisis.

SLEEP IS MY REBOOT.

What one thing that you’ve done and/or are doing for yourself that has most helped you cope?
I cope by trying to live my life day by day. There is nothing like your impending demise to bring clarity to your life. You figure out what is important quickly. When I get inside my head on occasion, I go to sleep. Sleep is my reboot.

What advice would you give others on how to approach and help their loved one going through cancer treatment?
I don’t know if I can answer this. Every individual is different. All cancers are not the same. I am not consumed by my cancer. Is it annoying, yes, especially my brittle nails from chemo. It’s like an unwanted house guest that will not leave.

TRUST YOURSELF.

BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND
If there’s one thing John Moorer has learned on his cancer journey, it’s trust yourself and never stop seeking answers when you have questions about your health. Follow his three rules:

Be your own health advocate.
You know your body better than anyone including a doctor. You have been wearing that suit since birth. If something is not right, keep searching until you find a physician who can help you find an answer.

Establish a great relationship with your oncologist.
You are entrusting this person with your life. An open line of communication and mutual respect is paramount.

Stay off the internet.
Keep your research to a minimum. You will self-diagnose yourself into a coffin before you sign off.