A doctor advised a Thai massage for the pain in Jeff McAdam's neck and back.
He instinctively felt it was something more, but his busy life as a TV news reporter, spouse, and dad of two little ones made just getting a massage the easier choice.
Unable to ignore it any longer, two years later he drove himself to the ER, bringing his laptop to get work done while he waited for a quick diagnosis and perhaps a prescription to make the pain go away.
Test results hit his inbox before the doctor could deliver the news.
A one-in-a-million tumor lodged in a precarious place in his neck.
Though Jeff might have preferred time to consider the news and plan a path forward, checking himself out of the hospital would have had negative implications for insurance coverage. He followed the advice given and was immediately admitted.
He and his wife, both journalists, approached each step of this journey with their investigative hats on. Through their diligence, they discovered The Chordoma Foundation (www.thechordomafoundation.org).
A chordoma tumor grows slowly and may cause symptoms for years before doctors can find it. Chordoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the bones of the skull base and spine.
Much happens in Jeff's story before the ringing of the bell (which occurred less than two weeks before this interview was recorded.) You'll find yourself inspired by how he navigates life.
