Upon first entering the palliative care room at the Drumheller Health Centre (DHC), where 57 year-old Dwayne Marshman now spends most of his days, it was not a sight of tears and sadness.
    Instead, he was surrounded by loved ones, including his wife Mary, his daughter and son-in-law Kim and Ben Salt and Roxy, a black and white Pitbull. They were sharing a laugh just as the doctor was leaving from his routine check-up with Marshman.

Mary Marshman said Dwayne’s positive attitude has helped his loved ones through the journey of cancer with him. (l-r) Ben and Kim Salt, Dwayne’s son-in-law and daughter, Dwayne and Mary Marshman.
mailphoto by Donella Swan

    “It’s been 2 1/2 years since I was diagnosed and it has been one heck of a battle,” said Dwayne Marshman.
    It was on a skiing trip, prior to being diagnosed, Marshman began not feeling so well. He said even then, he knew something was wrong.
    After initial blood tests and a biopsy, Marshman was diagnosed on June 14, 2010 with a rare form of mantel cell lymphoma cancer. One of the biggest problems with this type of cancer, is in order to be treated the cancer cells need to be active. However, with mantle cell lymphoma, the cancerous cells can remain dormant for long periods of time. But when flare ups happen, it can be a very aggressive type of cancer.
    “He has worked extremely hard and his positive outlook has helped us through the battle too,” said Mary Marshman, as she looked at her husband of 37 years and held his hand tightly.
    Receiving chemo treatment first, in the summer of 2010, it proved to be unsuccessful. By fall, doctors were hoping a stem-cell transplant would help fight the disease.
    “Chemo was hard on me but I was thankfully still able to work most days. I’m a farmer and that’s what I do. I just keep farming,” said Dwayne.
    In March of 2011, the cancer had come back and Dwayne had to undergo another round of chemo. These treatments were ongoing until October of 2011, when he was hopeful to receive a donor stem-cell transplant. However, for him to be eligible, the cancer had to be under control prior to the transplant.

    “It was pretty disappointing not to receive that second stem-cell transplant, but it was just another obstacle to overcome,” said Dwayne.
    “Cancer follows no rules and you have to learn to take it one day at a time,” said Mary.
    By November of 2011, doctors switched Dwayne to radiation, as the chemo was no longer working. It was up until February 2012 that Dwayne received this treatment when the doctors decided he couldn’t handle anymore radiation.
    Extremely happy with the care they have received from the DHC, the Marshmans said they are blessed to live where they do.
    “I don’t think I could have been treated any better. It’s not the typical hospital atmosphere,” said Dwayne.
    “Where else could you bring your pets?” said Mary.
    During family visits, Dwayne said being in a smaller community hospital has been especially nice for his grandchildren.
    “One of our granddaughters [Josie Herriot, 7] came in to visit, and on that day grandpa was sitting in his chair beside the window. She’s just starting to ride her bike really well, so she brought it over to show grandpa. The parking lot was empty so round and round she went and grandpa was cheering her on,” said Mary.
    After visiting grandpa in the hospital a few times, Mary said Josie looked at her and said, “you know granny, when I grow up I think I’d like to work in a hospital.”
    “I think that’s pretty amazing,” said Mary.
    It is moments such as these, Dwayne said, he is gracious for each and every day he is blessed with. Dwayne is a loving father of three, Kathy, Craig and Kim who have all been there for their dad through the battle.
    “We are very blessed to have our children here through this journey,” said Mary.
    Dwayne said many of his friends and family have been asking if there is anything they could do for him since being diagnosed.
    “The one thing I could ask anyone to do for someone in my situation is to donate blood. I never realized how much blood cancer patients use,” said Dwayne.
    Since this call to action, many friends of the Marshman’s from Rockyford have became involved with the blood donor clinic in Strathmore to donate the life giving substance.
    “It’s a gift that not everybody  can donate. If you have it, boy try not to waste it. It’s given me a lot of life,” said Dwayne.
    “I’ve exceeded the doctor’s expectations. I was camping just three weeks ago. You just don’t know sometimes.”