Tim Courtney - "A Different Outlook on Life "

Tim Courtney, Rocky Mount, NC

Mr. Tim Courtney of Rocky Mount was diagnosed in 2001 with Crohn's disease. During tests to identify the Crohn's disease, it was discovered that he also had kidney cancer in his right kidney. He underwent surgery at UNC Hospitals in 2001; one procedure removed his right kidney and the other removed twelve inches of his intestines. The doctors believed that the kidney cancer was self-contained and Mr. Courtney was seen for the next three years for screenings. All of these screenings showed him to be cancer free, and he was then released.

In 2006 Mr.Courtney was having pain in his right side. He went back to Chapel Hill for x-rays and later a biopsy, which confirmed that the kidney cancer had metastasized to two ribs and to his lungs. In August of 2006, Mr. Courtney began taking the chemotherapy drug, Sutent. He has been taking this drug for a year and a half and has had very good results. The cancer has not spread anywhere else and in most cases the tumors have shrunk.

Mr.Courtney is very grateful for the help he has received from his doctor, UNC Lineberger's Dr. Kim Rathmell, and GU Program nurse, LuAnne Smith.

Mr.Courtney said "The hardest part of having cancer is the unknown and they have been very helpful in giving me the information that I needed to try to cope with my condition." He also is very grateful to God and his family and friends for being there for him during his illness - without their love, prayers and support things would be much harder.

Mr.Courtney says, "Having cancer gives you a different outlook on life and what is important. You start to notice and appreciate all the beauty which is around you every day, such as the leaves on the trees, the birds singing, the flowers, and people."

In looking toward the future, Mr.Courtney said he is very optimistic about the new drugs that are being developed for kidney cancer and is looking forward to the new North Carolina Cancer Hospital. He chose UNC Lineberger because he believes they are on the cutting edge in the cancer field and the people he has dealt with have all been excellent.