My name is Arnie Levine, I’m 58 years old and I was a “Closet Cancer Case”, until now! I am the Broker/Owner of County Properties and have been in Real Estate for 25 years. I was afraid to talk about my cancer within my career because I felt it would hinder the business. I decided to take a stand, because cancer affects everyone. I have encountered this outside my career and within! There are many colleagues, friends and family that need me to have a voice!
How my story starts out:
In early 2000 I started feeling low energy and just not right. I started out by going to my GP, who diagnosed me with low testosterone. I started taking supplements for 4 months, not getting any better but. Growing lumps on the side of my neck! This went on for 4 months and my mother stood up and said you need to go see another Doctor! Mothers know best, I took her advice and went to see a ENT on my birthday almost death day 12/28/200. He took one look at my lumps and said I would like to take you across to the hospital and get a biopsy right now.
We did and it came back positive for cancer. Immediately I went to an oncologist who properly diagnosed me with Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma high grade stage 4 and low grade. I wanted a 2nd opinion of course. My oncologist said yes by all means, but we need to start treatment asap, you do not have a lot of time.
I decided to start treatment within that week and that is why I am here today! I was cancer free, so I thought; I had a relapse in 12/2004. The high grade lymphoma was cured however the low grade was not. There is no cure for the low grade as of yet. I did the 4 month chemo regime and went back into remission.
Again I relapsed in 4/2010 and finished chemo 8/24/2010, I am now in remission again. Hopefully we will have a permanent cure with your help, volunteers that fundraise for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (website www.lls.org ), and give funds to researchers.
I am now volunteering and public speaking for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My company website now has a Cancer Survivor blog at www.CountyProperties.net/cancer-survivor which I will keep updating with new information on my activities for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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Hi Arnie & Lisa – I admire your openness and generousity in sharing your story. Thank you and I’m sure your efforts will help others to monitor and be more aware of thier bodies and attention to their health. I know I am! Again, thank you very much.
Thank you Tim. We appreciate your support.