Rep. Bell battles cancer amidst state budget crunch
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| Iowa Rep. Paul Bell (D-Newon) was diagnosed with cancer in November. Despite undergoing treatments, Bell has been able to continue working at the State Capitol representing the people of the 41st District. Bell (far right) is seen with students from the Newton FFA Chapter and friend and colleague Iowa State Senator Dennis Black. (Submitted Photo) |
It has been a busy time at the Capitol in Des Moines for Rep. Paul Bell (D-Newton). The state is facing major revenue shortfalls, major bills are in committee hearings, the budget needs to be balanced and the Legislature has shortened its session to save money.
While the challenges of being a representative are many, one challenge Bell is facing right now is one he wishes no one would ever have to face again — cancer.
“Anytime there is a medical situation when you get scared for your life, you put a different perspective on your life,” said Bell, who was diagnosed with cancer in November 2009.
Bell could write a book about what has happened to him in the last three months. He was traveling in Turkey on a diplomatic tour with Niki, his wife of 38 years, when he became extremely ill and was admitted to a Turkish hospital. While in Turkey, he learned he had a massive tumor in his stomach and received four units of blood because the tumor in his stomach was bleeding extensively.
“I guess I’m part Turkish now,” the representative said.
Although Bell can joke about his experiences overseas, he said his health was no laughing matter and the Turkish doctors wanted to perform emergency surgery. The Bells insisted he be transported back to Iowa.
“I wanted to be home with my family and friends. That was very important for me to get through this,” he said. “The doctor even had me prepped for surgery and my wife said ‘I thought about stealing a wheelchair and getting you out of there pushing you down the streets of Turkey but I wouldn’t know where to go.’”
Luckily, the couple convinced the doctors to hold off on surgery and they arranged for an air ambulance to transport Bell to Iowa. After a bumpy and long flight, the Newton man arrived in Iowa and received treatment and underwent surgery at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines.
The representative is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for the cancer and has lost 70 pounds due to his illness. Bell said he has received a great deal of support to help him get through the first three months of his treatment.
“Family, friends and so many people called to say ‘You’re in our prayers’ to those people thank you, I appreciate it. You have no idea what that means.”
Throughout his cancer treatments, Bell has been able to work every day at the State Capitol. Although he said he takes more naps between committee meetings, he has been able to continue to represent the people of the 41st District.
“I’m tired, but I’m there,” he said.
Despite being tired, cancer has not impacted Bell’s sense of duty. He said he is keenly aware of the hardships Iowans are facing due to the recession and is working with colleagues to soften the blow until things can turn around.
“We are busy and working at a good pace,” he said of work at the Capitol. “We are working to get more revenue to help create jobs, balance the budget and protect programming such as public safety and education.
“We know we are in a difficult time and people of Iowa are having difficult times. We are working to not raise taxes so it won’t further impact Iowans’ budgets.”
Amid working on the major issues, Bell also has been supporting legislation that will help Iowans receive better medical care. While the representative said he’s always supported bills that could increase and ensure Iowans receive the medical care they need, going through cancer treatment has made him more aware of the urgency of the issue.
“I’ve always backed medical issues because I have two diabetic children,” he said. “We need to work to find treatments and cures for as many diseases as we can.”
During the 2010 Legislative session, Bell has been working with House File 2075, which will make it easier for cancer patients to enroll in clinical trials by assuring them their insurance provider will cover routine care.
“So many people are going through the same or worse than me,” he said. “I feel a lot for people going through this because I’m there. I hope I was never unfeeling or uncaring before but now it’s different when you are going through these things. It’s important we make sure people get the care necessary for them to be well.”
Bell is not only working to make sure his fellow Iowans can live healthy long lives, he also is taking every precaution to stay healthy, finish treatments and receive a clean bill of health in 2010.
“My goal is to get cancer free. I just pray and hope at the days end, Lord wiling, I will have a cancer free body, but that’s for the Lord to decide,” he said. “Right now it’s one step at a time.”
Jessica Lowe can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 426 or via e-mail at jlowe@newtondailynews.com.
