GRAVETTE -- We can't always control what life throws our way, but we can control how we choose to react to it. Gravette resident Darrin Carnahan believes this and it helps him cope with his current bout with illness.
Carnahan has been diagnosed with lung and brain cancer, but he says he believes God has cures for everything and that helps him maintain a positive outlook.
Carnahan began feeling sick about eight months ago but continued to work at his printing job until his health took a downward spiral. He went to the hospital and met with his local doctor. He was given a PET scan, a CAT scan and a chest x-ray. They revealed a large mass, about the size of a grapefruit, pressing on his trachea. His doctor then referred him to Mercy Hospital in Rogers for an appointment with a pulmonary specialist there. Additional tests revealed the mass was malignant and the diagnosis Carnahan received was that he had stage 4 small cell carcinoma in his lymph nodes. As if that wasn't bad enough, he was also told the cancer had spread to his brain. It is common for this type of cancer to metastasize, or spread. To complicate matters further, the cancer was so deep in his brain that doctors can't operate and it was pressing on his optic nerve.
Steroids were prescribed and Carnahan began taking them to keep his brain from swelling. However, the steroids themselves caused unpleasant side effects. They were affecting his eyesight, causing extreme dizziness and making walking difficult. He was told that he might live 30 to 60 days without brain radiation treatment; six to nine months, maybe up to a year, with it.
With no health insurance, no income since his wife Kimberly had recently lost her job and medical bills exceeding $40,000, the situation would naturally be worrisome, but Carnahan says he believes God has cures for medical issues and for finances as well.
"Breaking the news to our young sons was probably the hardest part," he said.
Levi, 10, is a student at Glenn Duffy Elementary and Mark, 11, is in Upper Elementary. The Carnahans have three older children living in Arizona with their families. Another son, David, is currently serving at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Darrin received a large single dose of radiation on his brain tumor on Jan. 12. Normal side effects included partial loss of vision, partial loss of movement in his legs and feet and partial hearing loss. In the next couple of weeks he had to practically learn to walk again.
"I had to think about every step," he said.
His hearing and eyesight have improved.
Carnahan has had his ups and downs and he suffered an especially low period early this year. In fact, his wife Kimberly said, "I didn't know if he'd make it through January." Now he's feeling better again and, after an MRI on Feb. 8, doctors confirmed that the tumor in his brain is shrinking.
In other good news, Darrin has recently been accepted to participate in a clinical trial of a new cancer drug. Only 135 candidates from across the country have qualified. Fifty percent of the patients will receive chemo alone and 50 percent will be given both chemo and the trial drug. His treatment will take place at the Highlands Oncology Group in Rogers and last for several months.
Prior to scheduling chemo treatment, Carnahan visited his older children and family in Arizona. He wanted to tell them about his diagnosis in person and didn't know if he would have the chance again.
The Carnahans have done extensive research online and have discovered there are several homeopathic treatments for cancer. They are trying some of them. Darrin attributes much of his improvement to a complete change in his diet. He has cut out all processed foods and uses no added salt or sugar. Most of his family in Arizona are eating a vegan diet, so eating healthy came naturally while he was there.
When Darrin returned to Arkansas, there was good news. Mercy Hospital notified the Carnahans that it forgave the nearly $10,000 medical debt owed. The couple were also able to get health insurance coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield which took effect Feb. 1. They are unsure how much the insurance will cover, and they must meet a deductible before it begins to pay, but it should help with future medical expenses.
Despite the setbacks, the Carnahans have remained optimistic. Darrin believes that God will continue to protect and bless his family. It's the $30,000 in old debt that is constantly looming over their heads. For this reason, Darrin made up and placed flyers around town telling of his plight and posted notices online. In response, people have contributed funds, from small amounts all the way up to $1,000.
"God continues to bless us daily in the midst of the storm," he said.
The Carnahans say they are truly grateful for any help and support they get from others in the community. "Every little bit helps," reads their poster. Those wishing to donate to help with Darrin's medical expenses may contribute to account #1229826 which has been set up at the Bank of Gravett, 211 Main Street S.E., in Gravette. They may also go online to GoFundMe.Com/DarrinCarnahan or mail donations to Darrin or Kimberly Carnahan, P.O. Box 277, Gravette, AR 72736.
General News on 02/24/2016