John Parker IV

John, a.k.a. Jobu to his beloved grandchildren and extended family, became ill in August with what he thought was a stomach virus. Eventually a CT scan revealed a mass in his liver which was diagnosed as lymphoma. Seeking to improve kidney function in order to begin chemo and fight the disease "full-on," he was admitted to Maine Medical Center in Portland September 30, where another scan showed that the cancer was widespread and rapidly advancing. Chemo was scheduled to begin October 2, but the night of the 1st brought intense abdominal pain, diagnosed as a leak of the digestive tract into his abdomen. Attempting surgery to find and repair the leak would require 4-6 weeks recovery before chemo could begin, giving the cancer that much more time to advance. Surgery and chemo have been aborted, and John was moved into hospice care October 5. Jobu is surrounded by his loving family and is taking occasional calls from those too far away to visit. He is cracking jokes as usual, but says he can only chuckle because it hurts to laugh. We love him so. 


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