David Hoon checked in to Our Lady of Lourdes at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, for his 54th chemotherapy treatment, hoping not only to continue to shrink his cancer, but also to set a Guinness world record for the most treatments ever received.
The purpose, says Hoon, isn’t about him, but about trying to connect with other people. “I have a couple of reasons: the first is to find someone on the same track or path that I am,” he says, “[and] the second is to be a resource for those just starting out who don’t know what it’s like.”
Hoon was diagnosed three years ago with colon cancer that had already spread to his liver and lungs. In that first year, he started researching chemotherapy records and trying to find people who had been on long-term chemotherapy tracks. For the most part, he came up empty. “I can go to M.D. Anderson and talk to a dozen cancer patients, but when I’m home it’s hard to connect,” says Hoon.
The treatments are daunting. Starting with an infusion at the hospital, Hoon’s treatment will continue for about a week during which he will be somewhat incoherent. Then he has a week to himself before taking another treatment. This alone has become a full-time job for the former engineer. His new part-time job, he says, has been coordinating the extensive paperwork for Guinness. Because of the time his treatments take, he anticipates sending in the packet in about two weeks, and Guinness should reply within four weeks. In the meantime, Hoon is working on other ways to connect with cancer patients and survivors. He and friend William Bailey have pulled together a website, www.wearecancer.com, that will serve as a Facebook for cancer patients and give them a way to connect and share stories and testimonials.
Hoon says he has survived up to this point by believing 100 percent in his recovery and by trying different methods such as vitamin therapy, which he says cleared the cancer from his colon, though the other organs are still cancerous. “There are a lot of testimonials out there. I find it hard to believe them when they’re just words on a page,” says Hoon. “I want to be something people can see and look at.”
The website isn’t fully functional just yet, but Hoon anticipates having blogs up in the coming weeks.
For now, Hoon is in one big waiting game — waiting on the scans to change and waiting on Guinness.
... written by Clint Reno , December 08, 2010 - 12:38 pm
I wish him the best. He must have great health insurance coverage.
... written by Nathan Harbert , December 08, 2010 - 03:03 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting David over the Thanksgiving holiday. David is an amazing person. He has a great kindness about him, I do believe he deeply cares about other people.
David, it was an honor to meet you and I hope to see you soon. I ask that God continue to bless you and heal you!
... written by Northern Cynic , December 09, 2010 - 09:43 pm
Just a reminder, that if you're over 50, get that colonoscopy! This is a cancer than can usually be cured if caught early!
... written by Lisa Mallia , December 17, 2010 - 12:29 am
Fortunately, there are many patients currently being treated at MD Anderson with Stage IV colorectal cancer that have had this same type of success that David has had. David, who has personally met two of these patients, has a wonderful physician, Dr. Cathy Eng. She has and is currently treating patients that have had even further success than Mr. Hoon. He is keenly aware that 54 treatments is not a world record, but definitely a lucky man who has had wonderful success with his first line chemo treatments!
... written by Kealin Walker , January 06, 2011 - 11:26 pm
Awesome story. What a fighter! I know a man named Bob Eskew from Everett, WA who is currently on his 83rd chemotherapy treatment. I believe god has a reason to keep Mr. Eskew and Mr. Hoon on this earth. :)
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... written by Deirdre LaMotte , February 01, 2011 - 07:28 pm
My family has known David for years and wish him all the best in beating this. If anyone can, David will!!
... written by Jenifer Emley , February 03, 2011 - 12:41 pm
Best wishes, David. I don't know you, but I know your parents and brother Phil. I'm pulling for you!
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The purpose, says Hoon, isn’t about him, but about trying to connect with other people. “I have a couple of reasons: the first is to find someone on the same track or path that I am,” he says, “[and] the second is to be a resource for those just starting out who don’t know what it’s like.” 
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