Local man plans bicycle ride for cancer
Posted Sep 4, 2009 By Rosalyn Stevens
Email
Print
Tweet This
Click to Enlarge
EMC Events Since October 2004, Morley Dore's
life has been turned upside down, as he took on the care-giving role
for his wife, Barb. 
Rosalyn Stevens, Ottawa West EMC
West end resident Morley Dore will be riding his bicycle to Maine next
month, in a fundraising event for CNETS Canada. The funds will be used
for research into early detection and possible cures of a rare form of
cancer.
It was then that doctors diagnosed the carcinoid-neuroendocrine tumour. The rare form of cancer, affecting about 15,000 Canadians this year, targets the neuroendocrine cells found in the digestive and respiratory tract. The tumours can appear anywhere within that system, delivering different side effects and symptoms to each patient. In addition, Mr. Dore said, the tumour affects the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones into the blood stream.
"She said she thought she was going through menopause, it was that bad," the Carlingwood resident said.
On Sept. 10, Mr. Dore will set off on a journey to clear his head and raise much needed research funds to enable enhanced learning about the cancer. He will ride from the Elmvale Shopping Centre, through New York State, Vermont, New Hampshire to Kennebunkport, Maine.
The 630-kilometre ride is not new to Mr. Dore, he's made time to complete the ride every year. It's a way to have a good time and let go of the stress of his daily life for the moment.
"I thought why not do something for the cause, for the cure, and do something I enjoy," he said.
Unfortunately, it's been a tough ride over the past few years as his wife's cancer has metastasized and has spread from the original finding in her lungs to her liver, brain, and spine. It's been a careful balance of pain management, Mr. Dore said, and it's important to ensure she does not over exert herself.
"It's been draining on her, but she's a fighter," he said, though adding, "Over the last long weekend, she had another seizure, and now she's back in the hospital."
While it's been determined that the latest seizure was not the result of a new tumour, Mr. Dore said many basic functions like eating have been lost and his wife could end up requiring rehabilitation.
As of last week, Mr. Dore said he was not sure when Barb would be released from the hospital and he'd been spending much of his time at her bedside.
"I think with Barb and I, it's made us stronger," he said of the roller-coaster experience.
"It's one hell of a strain. I find just waking up this morning, I just feel (that) I'm tired."
Despite the pain and worry about the disease's progression, Mr. Dore said him and his wife have maintained a sense of humour to get through the hard times.
"As Barb says, this is not what I had planned for our retirement," he said, laughing.
Jim Kormos, vice president of the Carcinoid-NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society Canada (CNETS Canada), said the disease is so rare that many doctors are never given specialized training to identify it. He said several individuals with this form of cancer are misdiagnosed, as the symptoms resulting from the tumour's location can mimic other illnesses.
"People aren't really trained to look for it in the medical profession," Mr. Kormos said, "because it is so low instance."
Generally, patients will live with the disease for seven to eight years before an accurate diagnosis is made. Mr. Dore said he believes his wife lived with her tumour for about 15 years before it was discovered.
Mr. Kormos said there is no known cure for the cancer, aside from surgical removal of the tumours. However, as cells metastasize, they can move into inoperable locations. Such was the case in for Mrs. Dore, as her initial tumour was discovered within her lungs.
"They're very opportunistic cancer cells," Mr. Kormos said. "They love a good home, and a good home seems to be the liver."
CNETS Canada is counting on initiatives like Mr. Dore's bicycle ride to raise funds for research. Under a deal with the Cancer Research Society, the current goal is to raise $60,000, which will be matched for a total of $120,000. The research will focus on early detection methods, and continuing the quest for a cure. As the cancer is not as well known as other forms of the disease, Mr. Kormos said individuals and organizations do not often make donations to the organization.
"Because we're a low incidence cancer group ... it's very difficult for people to say 'OK, we're going to go out and spend money on this group,'" he said.
Mr. Dore said he is about one-quarter of the way to his goal and welcomes any and all donations. Contributions can be made at www.cnetscanada.org.
Further information about the ride can be obtained from Mr. Dore, who can be contacted at r.m.dore@rogers.com.
