Cancer just found a new enemy.HomeAbout Code 3Our MissionMeet the 2008 CrewNon-ProfitsSutphen Corporation,Code 3 Sponsor 2008 Host Fire Depts.John McKnightContact UsCelebrity Encouragement

Some graphics designed by:
2008 Mission Journal2009 Mission SupportersHow It All BeganPeggy Abundiz

Website Design by:
Let's extinguish cancer, EVERYONE'S enemy.Cancer just found a new enemy.

The Code 3 Crew salutes the brave

men & women of the U.S. armed forces.

This site is best viewed using Internet Explorer.

We added this hit counter to our site on May 6, 2008. Thanks for visiting and we hope you will find the site informative in describing our mission. If you have any questions or comments, please contact our webmaster at code3foracure@hotmail.com. Wishing you good health and peace,            - The Code 3 Crew -
Remember to get your cancer screenings...it could save your life!
website hit counter

CODE 3 FOR A CURE is an annual mission of honor and hope against cancer that began this year (2008), when a crew of firefighters departed from Los Angeles on June 13 and drove a fire engine across America, returning on July 15. Read more about the mission. As we all realize, cancer has become an epidemic in today’s society. But in addition to the toll it has taken on the average citizen, it particularly affects Firefighters in a big way due to the cancer-causing chemicals to which they are exposed throughout the course of their careers. There are countless Firefighters,  Police Officers, and other first responders who are currently suffering from cancer.

 

CANCER AND ITS SHOCKING CONNECTION TO THE 9/11 TRAGEDY

The tragic deaths resulting from 9/11 didn’t just take place on 9/11/2001 or soon thereafter. Emergency responders to Ground Zero are still suffering from its aftermath. Read more at www.fealgoodfoundation.com.

The Code 3 Crew will never forget.

CODE 3 UPDATE

Code 3 President and Founder, retired Firefighter Lorenzo Abundiz, underwent surgery on Monday, September 8, 2008, consisting of a systoscopy (to check for any more cancerous tumors in his bladder) and prostate needle biopsy (to address his rising PSA level, a warning sign of possible prostate cancer).  We received good news immediately following his surgery: there was no cancer found in his bladder, thus ending a 5-year battle. However, on  Thursday, September 11, we received the results of his prostate biopsy, and were informed that Lorenzo has prostate cancer.

 

We met with the urologist on Monday, September 22, to go over options, and we learned a great deal. First, although prostate cancer is considered to be a slow-growing one, and although a large number of men are diagnosed with it but a much smaller number actually die from it, the problem is this: prostate cancer is unpredictable. It is unknown how it will act in any particular case.

 

According to the doctor, the prostate is about the size of a plum. When a biopsy is taken, the pathology indicates what the “gleason” score is, and it ranges from 2 to 10. The lower the number, the less aggressive the cancer is and the less likely it will spread. Lorenzo’s score is  6, which is really the best number you can get, according to the doctor, because nowadays 2 to 5 is almost not even considered cancer.

 

Lorenzo was looking forward to having some options to consider for how to address the cancer. However, to his surprise, that didn’t really happen. The doctor said that, although the final decision rests with Lorenzo, he is not a good candidate for radiation, cryosurgery, or other alternative therapies due to his chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). These procedures would make the inflammation worse.

 

The next step is a bone scan to make sure the

 

cancer has not spread to his bones, which he will undergo on the morning of Friday, September 26. The doctor ordered the bone scan as a precautionary measure because Lorenzo’s free-PSA is over 10.  However, the doctor is confident that the cancer has not spread. Twelve core samples were taken from his prostate. Only one had a cancer tumor, and that only covered 50% of that one core. The doctor also feels  Lorenzo’s high free-PSA reading (13.5) is due mainly to his enlarged prostate, not because the cancer has spread.

 

You may be thinking, “Why are they telling us all of this?” Lorenzo hopes that by sharing his own personal experiences someone else might be helped. Of course, none of this can replace medical advice.  However, sometimes hearing firsthand information teaches you things the doctors cannot.

 

Says Lorenzo, “I feel scared at times, sad too. I’ve fought cancer two other times before, but this third one, once again a whole different kind of cancer, is tough. I will be getting a second opinion before I make a treatment decision. I would welcome information from anyone who has had firsthand experience dealing with prostate cancer. What really helps me is to try to keep laughter in my heart. I know that I have a difficult road ahead of me, but I won’t let this cancer stop me from next year’s Code 3 mission. I have my wife and one big family of firefighters that I know will be there for me. That and my faith in God will see me through. If/when you are ever diagnosed  with cancer, remember this: YOU are the general in the fight. Your body is the battlefield, and the doctors are your foot soldiers. They can give you information, but only YOU can make the final battle plan to save your life. And my case is just another example of why it is so important to get your cancer screenings.”

 

Your prayers would be greatly appreciated during yet another challenging battle in this hero’s life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Google “Code 3 for a Cure” to view news articles on the 2008 mission.