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Ted Mueller
Family always has been first for Tonawanda native, Ted Mueller. During his retirement, he and his wife, Mary Ann, have the time to visit and help out their grown children and grandchildren, loved to garden, visit the kids in Georgia, and vacation in Florida. And for the holidays, the whole family would get together. Life was just fine.
An annual physical in May 1998 became anything but routine, when Ted’s doctor suspected a problem and ordered a colonoscopy. The result was a diagnosis of colon cancer.
"It was kind of a shock. I seemed perfectly healthy and could not have felt better at the time. I had no idea I had cancer. The diagnosis came as a complete surprise," said Ted
Doctors recommended surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. "My doctors at Roswell Park wanted to be sure that no cancer cells had escaped so I chose to have both radiation and chemotherapy after surgery. I said give me everything you’ve got because I want to beat this disease."
Ted said his experience with cancer treatment was nothing like the horrible stories he had heard. "I didn’t lose my hair and was just a little tired during chemo. So I got through everything alright. I feel very lucky to be alive."
Today, Ted and his wife are helping others to fight the disease. They volunteer every Tuesday in the Roswell Park hospitality room: greeting patients and their families, calming their fears, helping them to find their way to their appointments.
"I was treated so well at Roswell Park, we just wanted to give something back. We wanted to lend a hand to other patients who are coping with difficult times, just as we had been helped. You feel like you are making a difference in the life of these patients by volunteering," Ted added.
Ted and Mary Ann’s message of hope for the holidays: "Always follow your doctor’s advice and get those regular cancer check-ups. And if you are diagnosed with cancer or any serious illness, try not to let it get you down. Optimistic thinking and a positive attitude helps you get through even in the worst of times."
