Dale’s Story

Site created on September 18, 2017

I went into hospital with chest pains. They found several tumors, one pressing on the heart which caused the chest pain and the others are in my lungs. Results from a biopsy revealed an incredibly rare (less than 1%) cancer called Thymic Carcinoma. The thymus is a gland that helps the immune system in adolescence and is not supposed to do much in adults. I will start with a Chemo therapy regiment followed, we hope, by a clinical study in Indianapolis. We expect to reduce the size of the tumors. The prognosis with just chemo is not good, with life expectancy of a few years. Since it’s so rare, there is not much information on other treatments like immuno-therapy. Hopefully, these various treatment options will produce great results. Luckily, it's always been in the hands of Jesus.

I’m feeling well so far and the chest pain has subsided to a dull muscle ache. I have been spending a lot of time with my family (Betsy, Kelsey and Andy). Most important, my faith in Jesus keeps me in high spirits with an expectant outlook as He cares for me and those around me. I am certain of an eternity basking in His glory. As you might imagine, I take additional pleasure is everything and everyone around me and that in itself has been priceless. So my request from you is to pray for miraculous healing and for my family to stay encouraged and hopeful in the Lord.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Betsy Martin

Tears fill my eyes as I write to let you know that Dale is cancer free and at peace.  Friday (11/9) morning my daughter Kelsey, sister Amy, hospice nurse Adrianna and I were at Dale's side as he took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven.  We are comforted that his suffering is over and that he is meeting Jesus face to face.
I recently heard that you beat cancer by the way you live.  Dale was diagnosed 14 months ago.  He bravely received harsh chemotherapy with all of its side effects and was willing to try other treatments with unknown benefits.  He endured prostate surgery and recovered from pneumonia as he fought cancer this year.  Even though he had other health issues to deal with, he never missed a scheduled Chemo treatment.  While his body battled, his spirit soared.  Dale would not be kept down.  He didn't have a bucket list to check off things he hadn't yet done or accomplished in his life.  His burning desire was to be with the people he loved and deepen his relationship with Jesus. Loving God,  family and friends, with a positive attitude, no matter the circumstance, is how Dale beat cancer.
During the last two months we are so thankful for the time we had together.  We had many sweet moments and conversations.  We are already feeling the void of his absence.  We miss his warmth, smile, care and deep love for us.  As we move forward, we know that we can trust and rely on God to comfort, provide and strengthen us.   

If you would like to celebrate Dale's life, please join us next weekend:
Visitation Sunday November 18 2:00-6:00 pm at Friedrich-Jones 44 S Mill Street Naperville, IL
Funeral Service Monday November 19 10:30 am at The Compass Church 520 E Roosevelt Rd Wheaton, IL  Lunch, at the church, will follow the service.
We are thankful for the Caring Bridge website.  It has been an awesome way for us to share our journey with you this year, as well as receive so much encouragement from you as you responded to our journal posts.
We are also grateful for the excellent care and treatment we received from the Edward Hospital Cancer Center in Naperville.  
If you would like to honor Dale's memory, we request, in lieu of flowers, please donate to either Caring Bridge (which can be done very easily from this site) or The Edward Foundation Cancer Center 801 S Washington Street Naperville, IL 60504
Dale's obituary can be found online at friedrichjones.com

Many Thanks!
Love,
Betsy

"We are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.  Yes we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
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