Art’s Story

Site created on December 29, 2018

Art is a grandfather who has been diagnosed with  a squamous cell carcinoma of the sinus. An Air Force veteran, he served in Vietnam and afterwards quietly built a life in Ames Iowa. 


In the 1980s he built a pool in the family’s back yard, ensuring many years of poolside fun. In addition to swimming in the summer he enjoyed golf and camping. One of his favorite places to visit was Custer State park in South Dakota and the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.  As his children grew he traveled to Missouri and Minnesota to see his oldest daughter graduate with her MSW.  When  he visited his son in California his favorite part of visiting was experiencing all of the different restaurants and walking along the beach. Whenever he traveled to Kansas City, he would search for the perfect Wizard of Oz keepsake for his youngest daughter.


Active even into his 70s, he  began experiencing headaches and blurred vision in November of 2018. After an MRI revealed a growth, he has been traveling to Iowa City for treatment.  In February 2019, he had a 14 hour surgery to removed the tumor from the sinus.  In order to removed the tumor, Art's entire orbital contents (including the eye) had to be removed, as well as part of his upper palate.  A large flap of tissue and muscle was taken from his thigh to rebuild his face.  Art was to have 4-6 weeks to heal from surgery and then launch in to curative radiation and chemo therapy.  Unfortunately, the cancer had other plans.  Art had a few bumps in his healing which took him in and out of the hospital and which delayed the start of the curative treatment. In that short time, the cancer grew back with a vengeance, putting Art back in the hospital in April.   While in the hospital, the treating team determined his cancer too aggressive and likely not to respond to curative measures.  They gave Art options to do nothing, or to begin palliative care with the goal to reduce symptoms and give him comfort in the time he has left.  The doctors say the time left will be measured in months, not years. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Shannon Snyder

You showed up at Dad's celebration last week.  In numbers more than we counted on.  We heard stories of you driving the extra distance to go to Doc Stop, bypassing other stations, just so you could talk to Dad each day.  We heard that he spotted you money when you were short on gas or food, or for a car repair.  You told us that Dad's grandchildren were all he talked about, his fierce pride for his children, and that you gave him advice to stop giving his grandchildren such loud toys as gifts. You talked about his drive to keep moving, never stopping, and your ignored directive to him that he slow down. You said he taught you to just roll with it (he taught me the same) and we learned of the many fatherless souls whom he mentored.  You said over and over he was such a kind and good man, how sorry you were, how he'll never be forgotten.  You came from times long ago and distances far away.

You said he mattered. 

We are sorry for your loss, too.  And we thank you for coming -- during just about the only bit of sunshine and warmth there had been all week-- (thanks Dad)-- to comfort us with your stories and your presence. 

I think this will be the last post here...  

If ever you wish to reach out I can be reached at mytwinsjuly06@yahoo.com. 

Thank you for sharing Dad's journey over these last six months.  His life here in the physical world ended with him knowing how much everyone cared. 
 
Take care,
Shannon
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