James Wojcik

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Early in June 2020, around the time of his birthday, Jim began feeling unwell and was concerned that he had somehow been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.  In fact, he was feeling so unwell that he called emergency services and was transported to the local hospital in Oak Park and placed in a COVID ICU room.  After numerous tests over several days, it was determined that while he did not have the virus, a more serious diagnosis, coming out of the blue, of Stage-4 lung cancer was made.  Additional testing revealed that the cancer had metastasized to both bone and brain.  Jim was eventually released to home, but after a very short time there he became too weak to care for himself so his sister, Laura, and her family took him in to their home for caregiving.

During the past couple of months since his diagnosis, Jim has had his ups and downs. In addition to losing more than 70 lbs during the pandemic and since his diagnosis, one of the metastatic brain tumors was located on his frontal lobe and the pressure from this tumor caused intense cognitive and emotional dysfunction, with very noticeable personality changes.  Jim's incredible oncologist prescribed a single 90-minute radiation treatment to attempt to reduce the tumor, and this successful procedure brought back the "old" Jim -- less anxious,  more lucid.  Jim initially opted for palliative care while options for potential treatment were explored.  Eventually a "single pill per day" treatment was identified and at that point Jim decided to give this a try.  As his physical condition continued to deteriorate (loss of appetite, general weakness, increased lung and bone pain) he made the additional decision not to continue to pursue that identified treatment and has now opted for in-home  hospice care.  While still at his sister Laura's home, he has been connected with a hospice care team and is being cared for and kept comfortable during this period.

Jim appreciates your positive thoughts and prayers on his behalf, but at this time is too debilitated to tolerate any visitors, except for family members.