Sean Cassidy, a 72-year-old retired professor from Lewis-Clark State College, is seizing the day following his battle with cancer. This week, he visited the active lava flows of the Kīlauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island. In a selfie taken during his visit, Cassidy beams as plumes of molten lava erupt in the backdrop. He emphasizes a newfound urgency in his life: “If I want to do something, I need to go do it.”
Over the past few years, Cassidy has embarked on numerous adventures. In 2021, he completed his second global tour, visiting countries such as Australia, Thailand, and Iceland. Last year, he traveled to Japan and Mexico. Reflecting on his journey, Cassidy notes, “I’ve been reminded of my mortality. That’s what cancer did for me.”
Four years ago, Cassidy faced a life-altering diagnosis during a routine procedure to remove a kidney stone. The unexpected discovery of cancerous tumors in his kidney changed his outlook on life. “When I came out of the anesthetic, I’m looking at my doctor, and he goes, ‘No. We didn’t get it. Your kidney is riddled with cancer tumors,’” Cassidy recalls. Following a biopsy, he made the difficult decision to remove the affected kidney.
Despite his tumors being classified as “low-grade,” Cassidy continues to face challenges, with multiple surgeries over the years. Last summer, he had three tumors removed, following the previous year’s eight. “I can’t remember how many they took out before that,” he shared. Fortunately, Cassidy’s prognosis remains stable, but he has adopted a cautious approach to planning his future. He lives on an annual cycle of surgery, biopsy, and the anxiety of awaiting results, which he describes as the most challenging aspect of his experience.
“The thing about cancer — I sort of describe it as living in a house full of snakes,” he explains. “Some of the snakes are poisonous, but you don’t know which ones are the poisonous ones.” This metaphor captures the uncertainty and fear accompanying his diagnosis.
Cassidy’s understanding of cancer extends beyond his own experience. He witnessed his mother, two sisters, and grandparents succumb to the disease, which has shaped his perspective. His grandmother’s painful treatment for cancer serves as a stark reminder of the illness’s devastating impact. “I’ve seen how devastating it is,” he said, recalling the moment after his surgery when he feared his life was over.
For patients navigating similar challenges, Cassidy emphasizes the importance of trust in medical professionals and thorough research. He recalls asking his doctor pointed questions that helped him weigh his treatment options. “What would you do if it was you?” he asked his doctor, leading to a more personalized approach to his care.
Strengthening connections with others has become vital for Cassidy. While not particularly religious, volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul, a local charity, has become the highlight of his week. “I meet people who are struggling with so many things I take for granted,” he remarked. “Being able to directly assist them … is as gratifying as seeing a volcanic eruption.”
Friendship and family support also play a crucial role in his life. Initially reluctant, Cassidy grew to appreciate the meals his friends organized after his first surgery. Today, regular meetings and walks with friends enrich his weekly routine, covering topics from psychology to music, often infused with humor. “A lot of them are really silly,” he chuckles.
Photography, a passion since childhood, serves as an outlet for Cassidy. He finds creativity to be a vital tool in combatting feelings of anxiety and despair. “Nothing makes me smile and happier for about three minutes,” he said of his photography. Those moments of joy, no matter how brief, are invaluable to him.
Despite a profound appreciation for life, Cassidy identifies as a “cheerful fatalist” rather than an optimist. He acknowledges the limitations of his control over his health. “Every doctor’s visit is a new possibility that they’re gonna tell me this is the end,” he reflects. “I hope if they do, I have a sly smile on my face and that I can still make some jokes.”
For now, Cassidy remains grateful for each day. “Before, I would’ve probably been moaning about, ‘Oh, I’m old, and my feet hurt.’ Now it’s like, OK, it hurts. But man — I’m still here to hurt.” His journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, encouraging others to embrace life fully.
