LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Dancing isn\u2019t just a hobby for Gene Turnipseed. It\u2019s a part of who he is.<\/p>\n
When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, it changed everything, especially when his cancer spread to his bones.<\/p>\n
\u201cDancing is a big part of my life. So for a while, I wasn\u2019t dancing after the cancer got to my bones. It was really depressing,\u201d Turnipseed said.<\/p>\n
Turnipseed started treatment at Covenant Health, but when his cancer wasn\u2019t responding to the treatment, doctors sought out another plan. It used lasers to destroy cancer cells directly in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n
\u201cCovenant Health, they\u2019re very professional, thoroughly explaining every step. And for me it\u2019s been a positive experience with the hope of further improvement going forward,\u201d Turnipseed said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Gabriel Axelrud is the medical director of Covenant Health Cancer Institute. He said Turnipseed\u2019s response has been encouraging, especially since he hasn\u2019t had any side effects.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of quality of life, you can literally see it in Gene and what he\u2019s able to do. He tells me every time, I feel like I can be longer on the dance floor because the pain is no longer as severe,\u201d Axelrud said.<\/p>\n
Turnipseed can now move, and getting back with his dance community is a much-needed boost.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing active is one of his main goals, and to continue being active with the community, with his dancing community and the involvement in these groups,\u201d Axelrud said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the treatment, I\u2019m feeling better and healthier. I\u2019m really thankful for the dancer\u2019s prayers and the willingness to help me,\u201d Turnipseed said.<\/p>\n
Turnipseed\u2019s last treatment is in a couple weeks. He said other patients should know the options they need may be right here in Lubbock.<\/p>\n
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