LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Randy Christian, a former Lubbock city councilman, has entered hospice care after decades of battling multiple cancers linked to Lynch syndrome, a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.
Christian, who has been married to his wife Margaret for 45 years, said he and Margaret made the decision together to stop cancer therapies and focus on managing his pain at home.
A cancer history that began in childhood
The first sign of trouble came when Christian was 8 years old, when he noticed blood in the toilet and told his mother.
“So I told my mother about it and she saw it and she almost started crying,” Christian said.
Cancer runs deep in his family. Christian described what he calls a “cancer family tree” — a legal pad filled with the names of relatives on both sides, beginning with his grandmother, who died of cancer when his mother was 5 years old.
Christian later learned the cause: Lynch syndrome, a genetic mutation that researchers at MD Anderson estimate affects at least one million people in the United States, most of whom are unaware they carry it.
“I had my first colonoscopy at age 15,” Christian said.
He had his colon removed due to cancer in his 30s, while he and Margaret were starting their family. Margaret recalled that their son Peter was 3 years old and their son Philip had just been born and was still in diapers at the time of that diagnosis. Both sons have since tested positive for Lynch syndrome.
From council chambers to advocacy in Austin
Christian was diagnosed with cancer just before he was sworn in as a Lubbock city councilman in 2018.
“And I carried one of those portable pumps to council meetings,” he said. “You just live with it.”
He went on to advocate in Austin for Lynch syndrome awareness, successfully pushing legislators to designate March 22 as Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day. He credited regular cancer screening as the reason he has lived as long as he has.
Two new cancers, a new decision
Christian has now survived cancer three times. He is currently fighting two new diagnoses: stomach cancer and esophageal cancer.
“One of the tumors is right here and the other one is around here,” Christian said, pointing to the locations on his body.
He said he opted against surgery to remove the tumors.
“Un-uh, I have such an abbreviated plumbing system as it is with no colon,” Christian said.
Choosing hospice
Christian and Margaret have chosen to remain at home and receive care from Cindy, their hospice nurse, who visits regularly to manage his pain.
“You’ve got to decide when that point comes,” Christian said. “And it’s not easy. As Cindy says, ‘We’re not here to kill you. We’re here to make every one of your days as good as possible and that involves managing the pain.’”
Margaret said the hospice team has been a source of support for the family.
“They’re compassionate. They’re kind. They’re knowledgeable. And they come in and they help,” Margaret said. “Hospice does not have to be end of life.”
Christian said he continues to pray for healing while accepting his reality.
“I pray for healing every day, but the reality is I still have stomach cancer and esophageal cancer and they’re not going anywhere,” Christian said. “When I die, I know that God will welcome me up with open arms. So, what more could I ask for?”
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